1
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Pozzobon M, Bean C. Mitochondria replacement from transplanted amniotic fluid stem cells: a promising therapy for non-neuronal defects in spinal muscular atrophy. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:971-972. [PMID: 37862193 PMCID: PMC10749600 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.385304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michela Pozzobon
- Women’s and Children’s Health Department, University of Padova; Foundation Institute of Pediatric Research Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| | - Camilla Bean
- Women’s and Children’s Health Department, University of Padova; Foundation Institute of Pediatric Research Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy
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2
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Dithmar S, Zare A, Salehi S, Briese M, Sendtner M. hnRNP R regulates mitochondrial movement and membrane potential in axons of motoneurons. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 193:106454. [PMID: 38408684 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Axonal mitochondria defects are early events in the pathogenesis of motoneuron disorders such as spinal muscular atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The RNA-binding protein hnRNP R interacts with different motoneuron disease-related proteins such as SMN and TDP-43 and has important roles in axons of motoneurons, including axonal mRNA transport. However, whether hnRNP R also modulates axonal mitochondria is currently unknown. Here, we show that axonal mitochondria exhibit altered function and motility in hnRNP R-deficient motoneurons. Motoneurons lacking hnRNP R show decreased anterograde and increased retrograde transport of mitochondria in axons. Furthermore, hnRNP R-deficiency leads to mitochondrial hyperpolarization, caused by decreased complex I and reversed complex V activity within the respiratory chain. Taken together, our data indicate a role for hnRNP R in regulating transport and maintaining functionality of axonal mitochondria in motoneurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Dithmar
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Abdolhossein Zare
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Saeede Salehi
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Michael Briese
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany.
| | - Michael Sendtner
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany.
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3
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Cascajo-Almenara MV, Juliá-Palacios N, Urreizti R, Sánchez-Cuesta A, Fernández-Ayala DM, García-Díaz E, Oliva C, O Callaghan MDM, Paredes-Fuentes AJ, Moreno-Lozano PJ, Muchart J, Nascimento A, Ortez CI, Natera-de Benito D, Pineda M, Rivera N, Fortuna TR, Rajan DS, Navas P, Salviati L, Palau F, Yubero D, García-Cazorla A, Pandey UB, Santos-Ocaña C, Artuch R. Mutations of GEMIN5 are associated with coenzyme Q 10 deficiency: long-term follow-up after treatment. Eur J Hum Genet 2024; 32:426-434. [PMID: 38316953 PMCID: PMC10999423 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-023-01526-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
GEMIN5 exerts key biological functions regulating pre-mRNAs intron removal to generate mature mRNAs. A series of patients were reported harboring mutations in GEMIN5. No treatments are currently available for this disease. We treated two of these patients with oral Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which resulted in neurological improvements, although MRI abnormalities remained. Whole Exome Sequencing demonstrated compound heterozygosity at the GEMIN5 gene in both cases: Case one: p.Lys742* and p.Arg1016Cys; Case two: p.Arg1016Cys and p.Ser411Hisfs*6. Functional studies in fibroblasts revealed a decrease in CoQ10 biosynthesis compared to controls. Supplementation with exogenous CoQ10 restored it to control intracellular CoQ10 levels. Mitochondrial function was compromised, as indicated by the decrease in oxygen consumption, restored by CoQ10 supplementation. Transcriptomic analysis of GEMIN5 patients compared with controls showed general repression of genes involved in CoQ10 biosynthesis. In the rigor mortis defective flies, CoQ10 levels were decreased, and CoQ10 supplementation led to an improvement in the adult climbing assay performance, a reduction in the number of motionless flies, and partial restoration of survival. Overall, we report the association between GEMIN5 dysfunction and CoQ10 deficiency for the first time. This association opens the possibility of oral CoQ10 therapy, which is safe and has no observed side effects after long-term therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marivi V Cascajo-Almenara
- Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Natalia Juliá-Palacios
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu. Clinical Biochemistry, Paediatric Neurology, Radiology and Genetics Departments, 08950, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roser Urreizti
- Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu. Clinical Biochemistry, Paediatric Neurology, Radiology and Genetics Departments, 08950, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Sánchez-Cuesta
- Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel M Fernández-Ayala
- Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena García-Díaz
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Clara Oliva
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu. Clinical Biochemistry, Paediatric Neurology, Radiology and Genetics Departments, 08950, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Del Mar O Callaghan
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu. Clinical Biochemistry, Paediatric Neurology, Radiology and Genetics Departments, 08950, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Abraham J Paredes-Fuentes
- Division of Inborn Errors of Metabolism-IBC, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pedro J Moreno-Lozano
- Internal Medicine Department, Clinic Hospital and University of Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Muchart
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu. Clinical Biochemistry, Paediatric Neurology, Radiology and Genetics Departments, 08950, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andres Nascimento
- Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu. Clinical Biochemistry, Paediatric Neurology, Radiology and Genetics Departments, 08950, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos I Ortez
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu. Clinical Biochemistry, Paediatric Neurology, Radiology and Genetics Departments, 08950, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Natera-de Benito
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu. Clinical Biochemistry, Paediatric Neurology, Radiology and Genetics Departments, 08950, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercedes Pineda
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu. Clinical Biochemistry, Paediatric Neurology, Radiology and Genetics Departments, 08950, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Noelia Rivera
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu. Clinical Biochemistry, Paediatric Neurology, Radiology and Genetics Departments, 08950, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tyler R Fortuna
- Department of Pediatrics, Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh and Children's Neuroscience Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 15224, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Deepa S Rajan
- Department of Pediatrics, Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh and Children's Neuroscience Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 15224, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Plácido Navas
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Leonardo Salviati
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Women and Children's Health, Padua University, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesc Palau
- Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu. Clinical Biochemistry, Paediatric Neurology, Radiology and Genetics Departments, 08950, Barcelona, Spain
- Division of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Delia Yubero
- Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu. Clinical Biochemistry, Paediatric Neurology, Radiology and Genetics Departments, 08950, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angels García-Cazorla
- Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu. Clinical Biochemistry, Paediatric Neurology, Radiology and Genetics Departments, 08950, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Udai Bhan Pandey
- Department of Pediatrics, Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh and Children's Neuroscience Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 15224, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Carlos Santos-Ocaña
- Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013, Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Rafael Artuch
- Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu. Clinical Biochemistry, Paediatric Neurology, Radiology and Genetics Departments, 08950, Barcelona, Spain.
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4
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Rashid S, Dimitriadi M. Autophagy in spinal muscular atrophy: from pathogenic mechanisms to therapeutic approaches. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 17:1307636. [PMID: 38259504 PMCID: PMC10801191 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1307636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a devastating neuromuscular disorder caused by the depletion of the ubiquitously expressed survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. While the genetic cause of SMA has been well documented, the exact mechanism(s) by which SMN depletion results in disease progression remain elusive. A wide body of evidence has highlighted the involvement and dysregulation of autophagy in SMA. Autophagy is a highly conserved lysosomal degradation process which is necessary for cellular homeostasis; defects in the autophagic machinery have been linked with a wide range of neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. The pathway is particularly known to prevent neurodegeneration and has been suggested to act as a neuroprotective factor, thus presenting an attractive target for novel therapies for SMA patients. In this review, (a) we provide for the first time a comprehensive summary of the perturbations in the autophagic networks that characterize SMA development, (b) highlight the autophagic regulators which may play a key role in SMA pathogenesis and (c) propose decreased autophagic flux as the causative agent underlying the autophagic dysregulation observed in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Dimitriadi
- School of Life and Medical Science, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
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5
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Cadile F, Recchia D, Ansaldo M, Rossi P, Rastelli G, Boncompagni S, Brocca L, Pellegrino MA, Canepari M. Diaphragm Fatigue in SMNΔ7 Mice and Its Molecular Determinants: An Underestimated Issue. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14953. [PMID: 37834400 PMCID: PMC10574014 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914953] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disorder characterized by the loss of spinal motor neurons leading to muscle weakness and respiratory failure. Mitochondrial dysfunctions are found in the skeletal muscle of patients with SMA. For obvious ethical reasons, the diaphragm muscle is poorly studied, notwithstanding the very important role that respiratory involvement plays in SMA mortality. The main goal of this study was to investigate diaphragm functionality and the underlying molecular adaptations in SMNΔ7 mice, a mouse model that exhibits symptoms similar to that of patients with intermediate type II SMA. Functional, biochemical, and molecular analyses on isolated diaphragm were performed. The obtained results suggest the presence of an intrinsic energetic imbalance associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and a significant accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In turn, ROS accumulation can affect muscle fatigue, cause diaphragm wasting, and, in the long run, respiratory failure in SMNΔ7 mice. Exposure to the antioxidant molecule ergothioneine leads to the functional recovery of the diaphragm, confirming the presence of mitochondrial impairment and redox imbalance. These findings suggest the possibility of carrying out a dietary supplementation in SMNΔ7 mice to preserve their diaphragm function and increase their lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Cadile
- Department of Molecular Medicine, via Forlanini 6, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.C.); (M.A.); (L.B.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Deborah Recchia
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (D.R.); (P.R.)
| | - Massimiliano Ansaldo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, via Forlanini 6, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.C.); (M.A.); (L.B.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Paola Rossi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (D.R.); (P.R.)
| | - Giorgia Rastelli
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.R.); (S.B.)
| | - Simona Boncompagni
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.R.); (S.B.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Lorenza Brocca
- Department of Molecular Medicine, via Forlanini 6, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.C.); (M.A.); (L.B.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Maria Antonietta Pellegrino
- Department of Molecular Medicine, via Forlanini 6, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.C.); (M.A.); (L.B.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Monica Canepari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, via Forlanini 6, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.C.); (M.A.); (L.B.); (M.A.P.)
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6
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Brown SJ, Šoltić D, Synowsky SA, Shirran SL, Chilcott E, Shorrock HK, Gillingwater TH, Yáñez-Muñoz RJ, Schneider B, Bowerman M, Fuller HR. AAV9-mediated SMN gene therapy rescues cardiac desmin but not lamin A/C and elastin dysregulation in Smn2B/- spinal muscular atrophy mice. Hum Mol Genet 2023; 32:2950-2965. [PMID: 37498175 PMCID: PMC10549791 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddad121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Structural, functional and molecular cardiac defects have been reported in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients and mouse models. Previous quantitative proteomics analyses demonstrated widespread molecular defects in the severe Taiwanese SMA mouse model. Whether such changes are conserved across different mouse models, including less severe forms of the disease, has yet to be established. Here, using the same high-resolution proteomics approach in the less-severe Smn2B/- SMA mouse model, 277 proteins were found to be differentially abundant at a symptomatic timepoint (post-natal day (P) 18), 50 of which were similarly dysregulated in severe Taiwanese SMA mice. Bioinformatics analysis linked many of the differentially abundant proteins to cardiovascular development and function, with intermediate filaments highlighted as an enriched cellular compartment in both datasets. Lamin A/C was increased in the cardiac tissue, whereas another intermediate filament protein, desmin, was reduced. The extracellular matrix (ECM) protein, elastin, was also robustly decreased in the heart of Smn2B/- mice. AAV9-SMN1-mediated gene therapy rectified low levels of survival motor neuron protein and restored desmin levels in heart tissues of Smn2B/- mice. In contrast, AAV9-SMN1 therapy failed to correct lamin A/C or elastin levels. Intermediate filament proteins and the ECM have key roles in cardiac function and their dysregulation may explain cardiac impairment in SMA, especially since mutations in genes encoding these proteins cause other diseases with cardiac aberration. Cardiac pathology may need to be considered in the long-term care of SMA patients, as it is unclear whether currently available treatments can fully rescue peripheral pathology in SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon J Brown
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, TORCH Building, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry SY10 7AG, UK
| | - Darija Šoltić
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, TORCH Building, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry SY10 7AG, UK
| | - Silvia A Synowsky
- BSRC Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Sally L Shirran
- BSRC Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Ellie Chilcott
- AGCTlab.org, Centre of Gene and Cell Therapy, Centre for Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham Hill, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Hannah K Shorrock
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Thomas H Gillingwater
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Rafael J Yáñez-Muñoz
- AGCTlab.org, Centre of Gene and Cell Therapy, Centre for Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham Hill, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Bernard Schneider
- Bertarelli Platform for Gene Therapy, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
- Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Melissa Bowerman
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, TORCH Building, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry SY10 7AG, UK
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Heidi R Fuller
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, TORCH Building, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry SY10 7AG, UK
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7
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Rey F, Berardo C, Maghraby E, Mauri A, Messa L, Esposito L, Casili G, Ottolenghi S, Bonaventura E, Cuzzocrea S, Zuccotti G, Tonduti D, Esposito E, Paterniti I, Cereda C, Carelli S. Redox Imbalance in Neurological Disorders in Adults and Children. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12040965. [PMID: 37107340 PMCID: PMC10135575 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12040965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxygen is a central molecule for numerous metabolic and cytophysiological processes, and, indeed, its imbalance can lead to numerous pathological consequences. In the human body, the brain is an aerobic organ and for this reason, it is very sensitive to oxygen equilibrium. The consequences of oxygen imbalance are especially devastating when occurring in this organ. Indeed, oxygen imbalance can lead to hypoxia, hyperoxia, protein misfolding, mitochondria dysfunction, alterations in heme metabolism and neuroinflammation. Consequently, these dysfunctions can cause numerous neurological alterations, both in the pediatric life and in the adult ages. These disorders share numerous common pathways, most of which are consequent to redox imbalance. In this review, we will focus on the dysfunctions present in neurodegenerative disorders (specifically Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and pediatric neurological disorders (X-adrenoleukodystrophies, spinal muscular atrophy, mucopolysaccharidoses and Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease), highlighting their underlining dysfunction in redox and identifying potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Rey
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Clarissa Berardo
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Erika Maghraby
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessia Mauri
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Letizia Messa
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering (DEIB), Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Letizia Esposito
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Giovanna Casili
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Sara Ottolenghi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Eleonora Bonaventura
- Child Neurology Unit, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
- Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Leukodystrophies and Genetic Leukoencephalopathies (COALA), Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Davide Tonduti
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Child Neurology Unit, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
- Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Leukodystrophies and Genetic Leukoencephalopathies (COALA), Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Emanuela Esposito
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Irene Paterniti
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Cristina Cereda
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Stephana Carelli
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
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8
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Mikhail AI, Ng SY, Mattina SR, Ljubicic V. AMPK is mitochondrial medicine for neuromuscular disorders. Trends Mol Med 2023:S1471-4914(23)00070-9. [PMID: 37080889 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) are the most prevalent neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) in children and adults. Central to a healthy neuromuscular system are the processes that govern mitochondrial turnover and dynamics, which are regulated by AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Here, we survey mitochondrial stresses that are common between, as well as unique to, DMD, DM1, and SMA, and which may serve as potential therapeutic targets to mitigate neuromuscular disease. We also highlight recent advances that leverage a mutation-agnostic strategy featuring physiological or pharmacological AMPK activation to enhance mitochondrial health in these conditions, as well as identify outstanding questions and opportunities for future pursuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew I Mikhail
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Sean Y Ng
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Stephanie R Mattina
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Vladimir Ljubicic
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
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9
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Pathophysiology and Management of Fatigue in Neuromuscular Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24055005. [PMID: 36902435 PMCID: PMC10003182 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24055005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Fatigue is a major determinant of quality of life and motor function in patients affected by several neuromuscular diseases, each of them characterized by a peculiar physiopathology and the involvement of numerous interplaying factors. This narrative review aims to provide an overview on the pathophysiology of fatigue at a biochemical and molecular level with regard to muscular dystrophies, metabolic myopathies, and primary mitochondrial disorders with a focus on mitochondrial myopathies and spinal muscular atrophy, which, although fulfilling the definition of rare diseases, as a group represent a representative ensemble of neuromuscular disorders that the neurologist may encounter in clinical practice. The current use of clinical and instrumental tools for fatigue assessment, and their significance, is discussed. A summary of therapeutic approaches to address fatigue, encompassing pharmacological treatment and physical exercise, is also overviewed.
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10
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Adami R, Bottai D. NSC Physiological Features in Spinal Muscular Atrophy: SMN Deficiency Effects on Neurogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315209. [PMID: 36499528 PMCID: PMC9736802 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022] Open
Abstract
While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Evaluation Agency have recently approved new drugs to treat spinal muscular atrophy 1 (SMA1) in young patients, they are mostly ineffective in older patients since many motor neurons have already been lost. Therefore, understanding nervous system (NS) physiology in SMA patients is essential. Consequently, studying neural stem cells (NSCs) from SMA patients is of significant interest in searching for new treatment targets that will enable researchers to identify new pharmacological approaches. However, studying NSCs in these patients is challenging since their isolation damages the NS, making it impossible with living patients. Nevertheless, it is possible to study NSCs from animal models or create them by differentiating induced pluripotent stem cells obtained from SMA patient peripheral tissues. On the other hand, therapeutic interventions such as NSCs transplantation could ameliorate SMA condition. This review summarizes current knowledge on the physiological properties of NSCs from animals and human cellular models with an SMA background converging on the molecular and neuronal circuit formation alterations of SMA fetuses and is not focused on the treatment of SMA. By understanding how SMA alters NSC physiology, we can identify new and promising interventions that could help support affected patients.
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11
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Zilio E, Piano V, Wirth B. Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810878. [PMID: 36142791 PMCID: PMC9503857 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a devastating neuromuscular disorder caused by recessive mutations in the SMN1 gene, globally affecting ~8-14 newborns per 100,000. The severity of the disease depends on the residual levels of functional survival of motor neuron protein, SMN. SMN is a ubiquitously expressed RNA binding protein involved in a plethora of cellular processes. In this review, we discuss the effects of SMN loss on mitochondrial functions in the neuronal and muscular systems that are the most affected in patients with spinal muscular atrophy. Our aim is to highlight how mitochondrial defects may contribute to disease progression and how restoring mitochondrial functionality may be a promising approach to develop new therapies. We also collected from previous studies a list of transcripts encoding mitochondrial proteins affected in various SMA models. Moreover, we speculate that in adulthood, when motor neurons require only very low SMN levels, the natural deterioration of mitochondria associated with aging may be a crucial triggering factor for adult spinal muscular atrophy, and this requires particular attention for therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Zilio
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Valentina Piano
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases, University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Correspondence: (V.P.); (B.W.)
| | - Brunhilde Wirth
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases, University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Correspondence: (V.P.); (B.W.)
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12
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Brown SJ, Kline RA, Synowsky SA, Shirran SL, Holt I, Sillence KA, Claus P, Wirth B, Wishart TM, Fuller HR. The Proteome Signatures of Fibroblasts from Patients with Severe, Intermediate and Mild Spinal Muscular Atrophy Show Limited Overlap. Cells 2022; 11:cells11172624. [PMID: 36078032 PMCID: PMC9454632 DOI: 10.3390/cells11172624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Most research to characterise the molecular consequences of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has focused on SMA I. Here, proteomic profiling of skin fibroblasts from severe (SMA I), intermediate (SMA II), and mild (SMA III) patients, alongside age-matched controls, was conducted using SWATH mass spectrometry analysis. Differentially expressed proteomic profiles showed limited overlap across each SMA type, and variability was greatest within SMA II fibroblasts, which was not explained by SMN2 copy number. Despite limited proteomic overlap, enriched canonical pathways common to two of three SMA severities with at least one differentially expressed protein from the third included mTOR signalling, regulation of eIF2 and eIF4 signalling, and protein ubiquitination. Network expression clustering analysis identified protein profiles that may discriminate or correlate with SMA severity. From these clusters, the differential expression of PYGB (SMA I), RAB3B (SMA II), and IMP1 and STAT1 (SMA III) was verified by Western blot. All SMA fibroblasts were transfected with an SMN-enhanced construct, but only RAB3B expression in SMA II fibroblasts demonstrated an SMN-dependent response. The diverse proteomic profiles and pathways identified here pave the way for studies to determine their utility as biomarkers for patient stratification or monitoring treatment efficacy and for the identification of severity-specific treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon J. Brown
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering (PhaB), Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry SY10 7AG, UK
| | - Rachel A. Kline
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Silvia A. Synowsky
- BSRC Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Sally L. Shirran
- BSRC Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Ian Holt
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry SY10 7AG, UK
| | | | - Peter Claus
- SMATHERIA gGmbH—Non-Profit Biomedical Research Institute, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Brunhilde Wirth
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases, University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas M. Wishart
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Heidi R. Fuller
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering (PhaB), Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry SY10 7AG, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-(0)1-782-734546
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13
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Meijboom KE, Sutton ER, McCallion E, McFall E, Anthony D, Edwards B, Kubinski S, Tapken I, Bünermann I, Hazell G, Ahlskog N, Claus P, Davies KE, Kothary R, Wood MJA, Bowerman M. Dysregulation of Tweak and Fn14 in skeletal muscle of spinal muscular atrophy mice. Skelet Muscle 2022; 12:18. [PMID: 35902978 PMCID: PMC9331072 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-022-00301-z] [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: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a childhood neuromuscular disorder caused by depletion of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. SMA is characterized by the selective death of spinal cord motor neurons, leading to progressive muscle wasting. Loss of skeletal muscle in SMA is a combination of denervation-induced muscle atrophy and intrinsic muscle pathologies. Elucidation of the pathways involved is essential to identify the key molecules that contribute to and sustain muscle pathology. The tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK)/TNF receptor superfamily member fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14) pathway has been shown to play a critical role in the regulation of denervation-induced muscle atrophy as well as muscle proliferation, differentiation, and metabolism in adults. However, it is not clear whether this pathway would be important in highly dynamic and developing muscle. METHODS We thus investigated the potential role of the TWEAK/Fn14 pathway in SMA muscle pathology, using the severe Taiwanese Smn-/-; SMN2 and the less severe Smn2B/- SMA mice, which undergo a progressive neuromuscular decline in the first three post-natal weeks. We also used experimental models of denervation and muscle injury in pre-weaned wild-type (WT) animals and siRNA-mediated knockdown in C2C12 muscle cells to conduct additional mechanistic investigations. RESULTS Here, we report significantly dysregulated expression of Tweak, Fn14, and previously proposed downstream effectors during disease progression in skeletal muscle of the two SMA mouse models. In addition, siRNA-mediated Smn knockdown in C2C12 myoblasts suggests a genetic interaction between Smn and the TWEAK/Fn14 pathway. Further analyses of SMA, Tweak-/-, and Fn14-/- mice revealed dysregulated myopathy, myogenesis, and glucose metabolism pathways as a common skeletal muscle feature, providing further evidence in support of a relationship between the TWEAK/Fn14 pathway and Smn. Finally, administration of the TWEAK/Fn14 agonist Fc-TWEAK improved disease phenotypes in the two SMA mouse models. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides mechanistic insights into potential molecular players that contribute to muscle pathology in SMA and into likely differential responses of the TWEAK/Fn14 pathway in developing muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina E Meijboom
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Gene Therapy Center, UMass Medical School, Worcester, USA
| | - Emma R Sutton
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK
| | - Eve McCallion
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK
| | - Emily McFall
- Regenerative Medicine Program and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Daniel Anthony
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Benjamin Edwards
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sabrina Kubinski
- Center for Systems Neuroscience and Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ines Tapken
- Center for Systems Neuroscience and Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,SMATHERIA - Non-Profit Biomedical Research Institute, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ines Bünermann
- SMATHERIA - Non-Profit Biomedical Research Institute, Hannover, Germany
| | - Gareth Hazell
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nina Ahlskog
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Peter Claus
- Center for Systems Neuroscience and Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,SMATHERIA - Non-Profit Biomedical Research Institute, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kay E Davies
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rashmi Kothary
- Regenerative Medicine Program and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Matthew J A Wood
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Melissa Bowerman
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. .,School of Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK. .,Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, UK.
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14
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Salucci S, Bartoletti Stella A, Battistelli M, Burattini S, Bavelloni A, Cocco LI, Gobbi P, Faenza I. How Inflammation Pathways Contribute to Cell Death in Neuro-Muscular Disorders. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1109. [PMID: 34439778 PMCID: PMC8391499 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuro-muscular disorders include a variety of diseases induced by genetic mutations resulting in muscle weakness and waste, swallowing and breathing difficulties. However, muscle alterations and nerve depletions involve specific molecular and cellular mechanisms which lead to the loss of motor-nerve or skeletal-muscle function, often due to an excessive cell death. Morphological and molecular studies demonstrated that a high number of these disorders seem characterized by an upregulated apoptosis which significantly contributes to the pathology. Cell death involvement is the consequence of some cellular processes that occur during diseases, including mitochondrial dysfunction, protein aggregation, free radical generation, excitotoxicity and inflammation. The latter represents an important mediator of disease progression, which, in the central nervous system, is known as neuroinflammation, characterized by reactive microglia and astroglia, as well the infiltration of peripheral monocytes and lymphocytes. Some of the mechanisms underlying inflammation have been linked to reactive oxygen species accumulation, which trigger mitochondrial genomic and respiratory chain instability, autophagy impairment and finally neuron or muscle cell death. This review discusses the main inflammatory pathways contributing to cell death in neuro-muscular disorders by highlighting the main mechanisms, the knowledge of which appears essential in developing therapeutic strategies to prevent the consequent neuron loss and muscle wasting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Salucci
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DiSB), Urbino University Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (M.B.); (S.B.); (P.G.)
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.I.C.); (I.F.)
| | - Anna Bartoletti Stella
- Department of Diagnostic Experimental and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Michela Battistelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DiSB), Urbino University Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (M.B.); (S.B.); (P.G.)
| | - Sabrina Burattini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DiSB), Urbino University Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (M.B.); (S.B.); (P.G.)
| | - Alberto Bavelloni
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Lucio Ildebrando Cocco
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.I.C.); (I.F.)
| | - Pietro Gobbi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DiSB), Urbino University Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (M.B.); (S.B.); (P.G.)
| | - Irene Faenza
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.I.C.); (I.F.)
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15
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Fulceri F, Biagioni F, Limanaqi F, Busceti CL, Ryskalin L, Lenzi P, Fornai F. Ultrastructural characterization of peripheral denervation in a mouse model of Type III spinal muscular atrophy. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2021; 128:771-791. [PMID: 33999256 PMCID: PMC8205903 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-021-02353-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a heritable, autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder characterized by a loss of the survival of motor neurons (SMN) protein, which leads to degeneration of lower motor neurons, and muscle atrophy. Despite SMA being nosographically classified as a motor neuron disease, recent advances indicate that peripheral alterations at the level of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), involving the muscle, and axons of the sensory-motor system, occur early, and may even precede motor neuron loss. In the present study, we used a mouse model of slow progressive (type III) SMA, whereby the absence of the mouse SMN protein is compensated by the expression of two human genes (heterozygous SMN1A2G, and SMN2). This leads to late disease onset and prolonged survival, which allows for dissecting slow degenerative steps operating early in SMA pathogenesis. In this purely morphological study carried out at transmission electron microscopy, we extend the examination of motor neurons and proximal axons towards peripheral components, including distal axons, muscle fibers, and also muscle spindles. We document remarkable ultrastructural alterations being consistent with early peripheral denervation in SMA, which may shift the ultimate anatomical target in neuromuscular disease from the spinal cord towards the muscle. This concerns mostly mitochondrial alterations within distal axons and muscle, which are quantified here through ultrastructural morphometry. The present study is expected to provide a deeper knowledge of early pathogenic mechanisms in SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Fulceri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Fiona Limanaqi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Carla L Busceti
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077, Pozzilli, IS, Italy
| | - Larisa Ryskalin
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Lenzi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Fornai
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077, Pozzilli, IS, Italy. .,Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
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16
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Walter LM, Rademacher S, Pich A, Claus P. Profilin2 regulates actin rod assembly in neuronal cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10287. [PMID: 33986363 PMCID: PMC8119500 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89397-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear and cytoplasmic actin-cofilin rods are formed transiently under stress conditions to reduce actin filament turnover and ATP hydrolysis. The persistence of these structures has been implicated in disease pathology of several neurological disorders. Recently, the presence of actin rods has been discovered in Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a neurodegenerative disease affecting predominantly motoneurons leading to muscle weakness and atrophy. This finding underlined the importance of dysregulated actin dynamics in motoneuron loss in SMA. In this study, we characterized actin rods formed in a SMA cell culture model analyzing their composition by LC–MS-based proteomics. Besides actin and cofilin, we identified proteins involved in processes such as ubiquitination, translation or protein folding to be bound to actin rods. This suggests their sequestration to actin rods, thus impairing important cellular functions. Moreover, we showed the involvement of the cytoskeletal protein profilin2 and its upstream effectors RhoA/ROCK in actin rod assembly in SMA. These findings implicate that the formation of actin rods exerts detrimental effects on motoneuron homeostasis by affecting actin dynamics and disturbing essential cellular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Marie Walter
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sebastian Rademacher
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany.,Institute of Biochemistry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Pich
- Institute of Toxicology and Core Unit Proteomics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Claus
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany. .,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany.
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17
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James R, Chaytow H, Ledahawsky LM, Gillingwater TH. Revisiting the role of mitochondria in spinal muscular atrophy. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:4785-4804. [PMID: 33821292 PMCID: PMC8195803 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03819-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive motor neuron disease of variable clinical severity that is caused by mutations in the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. Despite its name, SMN is a ubiquitous protein that functions within and outside the nervous system and has multiple cellular roles in transcription, translation, and proteostatic mechanisms. Encouragingly, several SMN-directed therapies have recently reached the clinic, albeit this has highlighted the increasing need to develop combinatorial therapies for SMA to achieve full clinical efficacy. As a subcellular site of dysfunction in SMA, mitochondria represents a relevant target for a combinatorial therapy. Accordingly, we will discuss our current understanding of mitochondrial dysfunction in SMA, highlighting mitochondrial-based pathways that offer further mechanistic insights into the involvement of mitochondria in SMA. This may ultimately facilitate translational development of targeted mitochondrial therapies for SMA. Due to clinical and mechanistic overlaps, such strategies may also benefit other motor neuron diseases and related neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel James
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Helena Chaytow
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Leire M Ledahawsky
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Thomas H Gillingwater
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK.
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18
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Montes J, Goodwin AM, McDermott MP, Uher D, Hernandez FM, Coutts K, Cocchi J, Hauschildt M, Cornett KM, Rao AK, Monani UR, Ewing Garber C, De Vivo DC. Diminished muscle oxygen uptake and fatigue in spinal muscular atrophy. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2021; 8:1086-1095. [PMID: 33788421 PMCID: PMC8108417 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate muscle oxygen uptake and quantify fatigue during exercise in ambulatory individuals with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and healthy controls. METHODS Peak aerobic capacity (VO2peak ) and workload (Wpeak ) were measured by cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) in 19 ambulatory SMA patients and 16 healthy controls. Submaximal exercise (SME) at 40% Wpeak was performed for 10 minutes. Change in vastus lateralis deoxygenated hemoglobin, measured by near-infrared spectroscopy, determined muscle oxygen uptake (ΔHHb) at rest and during CPET and SME. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry assessed fat-free mass (FFM%). Fatigue was determined by percent change in workload or distance in the first compared to the last minute of SME (FatigueSME ) and six-minute walk test (Fatigue6MWT ), respectively. RESULTS ΔHHb-PEAK, ΔHHb-SME, VO2peak , Wpeak , FFM%, and 6MWT distance were lower (P < 0.001), and Fatigue6MWT and FatigueSME were higher (P < 0.001) in SMA compared to controls. ΔHHb-PEAK correlated with FFM% (r = 0.50) and VO2peak (r = 0.41) only in controls. Only in SMA, Fatigue6MWT was inversely correlated with Wpeak (r = -0.69), and FatigueSME was inversely correlated with FFM% (r = -0.55) and VO2peak (r = -0.69). INTERPRETATION This study provides further support for muscle mitochondrial dysfunction in SMA patients. During exercise, we observed diminished muscle oxygen uptake but no correlation with aerobic capacity or body composition. We also observed increased fatigue which correlated with decreased aerobic capacity, workload, and body composition. Understanding the mechanisms underlying diminished muscle oxygen uptake and increased fatigue during exercise in SMA may identify additional therapeutic targets that rescue symptomatic patients and mitigate their residual disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Montes
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ashley M Goodwin
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Michael P McDermott
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - David Uher
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Feliz Marie Hernandez
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kayla Coutts
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Julia Cocchi
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Margarethe Hauschildt
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kayla M Cornett
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ashwini K Rao
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Umrao R Monani
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.,Center for Motor Neuron Biology & Disease, New York, New York, USA
| | - Carol Ewing Garber
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Darryl C De Vivo
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.,Center for Motor Neuron Biology & Disease, New York, New York, USA
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19
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Lopez-Manzaneda M, Franco-Espin J, Tejero R, Cano R, Tabares L. Calcium is reduced in presynaptic mitochondria of motor nerve terminals during neurotransmission in SMA mice. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 30:629-643. [PMID: 33693569 PMCID: PMC8127408 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive degenerative motor neuron disease characterized by symmetrical muscle weakness and atrophy of limb and trunk muscles being the most severe genetic disease in children. In SMA mouse models, motor nerve terminals display neurotransmitter release reduction, endocytosis decrease and mitochondria alterations. The relationship between these changes is, however, not well understood. In the present study, we investigated whether the endocytosis impairment could be related to the functional alteration of the presynaptic mitochondria during action potential (AP) firing. To this aim, we generated a Synaptophysin-pHluorin (SypHy) transgenic mouse, crossed it with Taiwanese SMA mice, and recorded exo- and endocytosis and mitochondria Ca2+ signaling in real-time at ex vivo motor nerve terminals of Taiwanese-SypHy mice. The experiments were performed at the beginning of the motor symptoms to get an integrated view of the nerve terminal’s functional state before degeneration. Our electrophysiological and live imaging results demonstrated that the mitochondria’s capacity to increase matrix-free Ca2+ in SMA mice was significantly limited during nerve AP firing, except when the rate of Ca2+ entry to the cytosol was considerably reduced. These results indicate that both the mitochondrial Ca2+ signaling alterations and the secretion machinery defects are significant players in the dysfunction of the presynaptic terminal in SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Lopez-Manzaneda
- Department of Medical Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Julio Franco-Espin
- Department of Medical Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Rocio Tejero
- Department of Medical Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Raquel Cano
- Department of Medical Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Lucia Tabares
- Department of Medical Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
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20
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Keller N, Paketci C, Altmueller J, Fuhrmann N, Wunderlich G, Schrank B, Unver O, Yilmaz S, Boostani R, Karimiani EG, Motameny S, Thiele H, Nürnberg P, Maroofian R, Yis U, Wirth B, Karakaya M. Genomic variants causing mitochondrial dysfunction are common in hereditary lower motor neuron disease. Hum Mutat 2021; 42:460-472. [PMID: 33600046 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Hereditary lower motor neuron diseases (LMND) other than 5q-spinal muscular atrophy (5q-SMA) can be classified according to affected muscle groups. Proximal and distal forms of non-5q-SMA represent a clinically and genetically heterogeneous spectrum characterized by significant overlaps with axonal forms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. A consensus for the best approach to molecular diagnosis needs to be reached, especially in light of continuous novel gene discovery and falling costs of next-generation sequencing (NGS). We performed exome sequencing (ES) in 41 families presenting with non-5q-SMA or axonal CMT, 25 of which had undergone a previous negative neuromuscular disease (NMD) gene panel analysis. The total diagnostic yield of ES was 41%. Diagnostic success in the cohort with a previous NMD-panel analysis was significantly extended by ES, primarily due to novel gene associated-phenotypes and uncharacteristic phenotypic presentations. We recommend early ES for individuals with hereditary LMND presenting uncharacteristic or significantly overlapping features. As mitochondrial dysfunction was the underlying pathomechanism in 47% of the solved individuals, we highlight the sensitivity of the anterior horn cell and peripheral nerve to mitochondrial imbalance as well as the necessity to screen for mitochondrial disorders in individuals presenting predominant lower motor neuron symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Keller
- Institute of Human Genetics and Institute of Genetics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Cem Paketci
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Janine Altmueller
- Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nico Fuhrmann
- Institute of Human Genetics and Institute of Genetics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Gilbert Wunderlich
- Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Bertold Schrank
- Department of Neurology, DKD HELIOS Kliniken, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Olcay Unver
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sanem Yilmaz
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Reza Boostani
- Department of Neurology, Ghaem Hospital, Medical School, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ehsan Ghayoor Karimiani
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St. George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, UK
| | - Susanne Motameny
- Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Holger Thiele
- Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Peter Nürnberg
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Reza Maroofian
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St. George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, UK
| | - Uluc Yis
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Brunhilde Wirth
- Institute of Human Genetics and Institute of Genetics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mert Karakaya
- Institute of Human Genetics and Institute of Genetics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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21
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Deguise MO, Pileggi C, De Repentigny Y, Beauvais A, Tierney A, Chehade L, Michaud J, Llavero-Hurtado M, Lamont D, Atrih A, Wishart TM, Gillingwater TH, Schneider BL, Harper ME, Parson SH, Kothary R. SMN Depleted Mice Offer a Robust and Rapid Onset Model of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 12:354-377.e3. [PMID: 33545428 PMCID: PMC8257458 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2021.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered a health epidemic with potential devastating effects on the patients and the healthcare systems. Current preclinical models of NAFLD are invariably imperfect and generally take a long time to develop. A mouse model of survival motor neuron (SMN) depletion (Smn2B/- mice) was recently shown to develop significant hepatic steatosis in less than 2 weeks from birth. The rapid onset of fatty liver in Smn2B/- mice provides an opportunity to identify molecular markers of NAFLD. Here, we investigated whether Smn2B/- mice display typical features of NAFLD/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). METHODS Biochemical, histologic, electron microscopy, proteomic, and high-resolution respirometry were used. RESULTS The Smn2B/- mice develop microvesicular steatohepatitis within 2 weeks, a feature prevented by AAV9-SMN gene therapy. Although fibrosis is not overtly apparent in histologic sections of the liver, there is molecular evidence of fibrogenesis and presence of stellate cell activation. The consequent liver damage arises from mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production and results in hepatic dysfunction in protein output, complement, coagulation, iron homeostasis, and insulin-like growth factor-1 metabolism. The NAFLD phenotype is likely due to non-esterified fatty acid overload from peripheral lipolysis subsequent to hyperglucagonemia compounded by reduced muscle use and insulin resistance. Despite the low hepatic mitochondrial content, isolated mitochondria show enhanced β-oxidation, likely as a compensatory response, resulting in the production of reactive oxygen species. In contrast to typical NAFLD/NASH, the Smn2B/- mice lose weight because of their associated neurological condition (spinal muscular atrophy) and develop hypoglycemia. CONCLUSIONS The Smn2B/- mice represent a good model of microvesicular steatohepatitis. Like other models, it is not representative of the complete NAFLD/NASH spectrum. Nevertheless, it offers a reliable, low-cost, early-onset model that is not dependent on diet to identify molecular players in NAFLD pathogenesis and can serve as one of the very few models of microvesicular steatohepatitis for both adult and pediatric populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc-Olivier Deguise
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada,Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chantal Pileggi
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yves De Repentigny
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ariane Beauvais
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexandra Tierney
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lucia Chehade
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada,Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jean Michaud
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maica Llavero-Hurtado
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom,The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Douglas Lamont
- FingerPrints Proteomics Facility, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Abdelmadjid Atrih
- FingerPrints Proteomics Facility, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas M. Wishart
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom,The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas H. Gillingwater
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom,College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Bernard L. Schneider
- Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland,Bertarelli Foundation Gene Therapy Platform, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mary-Ellen Harper
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Simon H. Parson
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Rashmi Kothary
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada,Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada,Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Rashmi Kothary, PhD, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1H 8L6. fax: (613) 737-8803.
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22
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Thelen MP, Wirth B, Kye MJ. Mitochondrial defects in the respiratory complex I contribute to impaired translational initiation via ROS and energy homeostasis in SMA motor neurons. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2020; 8:223. [PMID: 33353564 PMCID: PMC7754598 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-020-01101-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disease characterized by loss of lower motor neurons, which leads to proximal muscle weakness and atrophy. SMA is caused by reduced survival motor neuron (SMN) protein levels due to biallelic deletions or mutations in the SMN1 gene. When SMN levels fall under a certain threshold, a plethora of cellular pathways are disturbed, including RNA processing, protein synthesis, metabolic defects, and mitochondrial function. Dysfunctional mitochondria can harm cells by decreased ATP production and increased oxidative stress due to elevated cellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Since neurons mainly produce energy via mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, restoring metabolic/oxidative homeostasis might rescue SMA pathology. Here, we report, based on proteome analysis, that SMA motor neurons show disturbed energy homeostasis due to dysfunction of mitochondrial complex I. This results in a lower basal ATP concentration and higher ROS production that causes an increase of protein carbonylation and impaired protein synthesis in SMA motor neurons. Counteracting these cellular impairments with pyruvate reduces elevated ROS levels, increases ATP and SMN protein levels in SMA motor neurons. Furthermore, we found that pyruvate-mediated SMN protein synthesis is mTOR-dependent. Most importantly, we showed that ROS regulates protein synthesis at the translational initiation step, which is impaired in SMA. As many neuropathies share pathological phenotypes such as dysfunctional mitochondria, excessive ROS, and impaired protein synthesis, our findings suggest new molecular interactions among these pathways. Additionally, counteracting these impairments by reducing ROS and increasing ATP might be beneficial for motor neuron survival in SMA patients.
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23
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Rouzier C, Chaussenot A, Paquis-Flucklinger V. Molecular diagnosis and genetic counseling for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Arch Pediatr 2020; 27:7S9-7S14. [DOI: 10.1016/s0929-693x(20)30270-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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24
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Muntoni F, Bertini E, Comi G, Kirschner J, Lusakowska A, Mercuri E, Scoto M, van der Pol WL, Vuillerot C, Burdeska A, El-Khairi M, Fontoura P, Ives J, Gorni K, Reid C, Fuerst-Recktenwald S. Long-term follow-up of patients with type 2 and non-ambulant type 3 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) treated with olesoxime in the OLEOS trial. Neuromuscul Disord 2020; 30:959-969. [PMID: 33246887 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2020.10.008] [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: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In a previous Phase 2 study, olesoxime had a favorable safety profile. Although the primary endpoint was not met, analyses suggested that olesoxime might help in the maintenance of motor function in patients with Types 2/3 SMA. This open-label extension study (OLEOS) further characterizes the safety, tolerability and efficacy of olesoxime over longer therapy durations. In OLEOS, no new safety risks were identified. Compared to matched natural history data, patients treated with olesoxime demonstrated small, non-significant changes in motor function over 52 weeks. Motor function scores were stable for 52 weeks but declined over the remainder of the study. The greatest decline in motor function was seen in patients ≤15 years old, and those with Type 2 SMA had faster motor function decline versus those with Type 3 SMA. Previous treatment with olesoxime in the Phase 2 study was not protective of motor function in OLEOS. Respiratory outcomes were stable in patients with Type 3 SMA >15 years old but declined in patients with Type 2 SMA and in patients with Type 3 SMA ≤15 years old. Overall, with no stabilization of functional measures observed over 130 weeks, OLEOS did not support significant benefit of olesoxime in patients with SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Muntoni
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK.
| | - Enrico Bertini
- Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Bambino Gesù Children's Research Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Comi
- Dino Ferrari Center, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Neurology Unit, I.R.C.C.S. Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Janbernd Kirschner
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Department of Neuropediatrics, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Anna Lusakowska
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Eugenio Mercuri
- Paediatric Neurology and Nemo Center, Catholic University and Policlinico Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariacristina Scoto
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - W Ludo van der Pol
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Carole Vuillerot
- Department of Paediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lyon, France; NeuroMyogene Institute, CNRS UMR 5310, INSERM U1217, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Alexander Burdeska
- Pharma Development, Safety, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Paulo Fontoura
- Neuroscience Product Development, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jane Ives
- Roche Products Limited, Welwyn Garden City, UK
| | - Ksenija Gorni
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Carol Reid
- Roche Products Limited, Welwyn Garden City, UK
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25
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Ando S, Osanai D, Takahashi K, Nakamura S, Shimazawa M, Hara H. Survival motor neuron protein regulates oxidative stress and inflammatory response in microglia of the spinal cord in spinal muscular atrophy. J Pharmacol Sci 2020; 144:204-211. [PMID: 33070839 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The deficiency of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein can result in the onset of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a progressive loss of motor neurons and skeletal muscle atrophy. The mechanism underlying SMA pathology remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that SMN protein regulates oxidative stress and inflammatory response in microglia. Antisense oligonucleotide, which increases SMN protein expression (SMN-ASO), attenuated SMA model mice phenotypes and suppressed the activation of microglia in the spinal cord. The expression of oxidative stress marker in microglia was decreased by SMN-ASO injection in SMA model mice. Increased reactive oxygen species production and subsequent antioxidative stress reaction was observed in SMN protein-depleted RAW264.7. Furthermore, nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) and c-Jun amino terminal kinase (JNK) signaling, which mainly mediate the inflammatory response, are activated in SMN protein-depleted RAW264.7. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production is also increased in SMN protein-depleted RAW264.7. These findings suggest that SMN protein regulates oxidative stress and inflammatory response in microglia, supporting current claims that microglia can be an effective target for SMA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiori Ando
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Daiki Osanai
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Kei Takahashi
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Nakamura
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan.
| | - Masamitsu Shimazawa
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hideaki Hara
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
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26
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Hernandez-Gerez E, Dall'Angelo S, Collinson JM, Fleming IN, Parson SH. Widespread tissue hypoxia dysregulates cell and metabolic pathways in SMA. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2020; 7:1580-1593. [PMID: 32790171 PMCID: PMC7480929 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of the study was to determine the extent and role of systemic hypoxia in the pathogenesis of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). METHODS Hypoxia was assayed in vivo in early-symptomatic (postnatal day 5) SMA-model mice by pimonidazole and [18 F]-Fluoroazomycin arabinoside injections, which accumulate in hypoxic cells, followed by immunohistochemistry and tracer biodistribution evaluation. Glucose uptake in hypoxic cells was assayed by [18 F]-Fluorodeoxyglucose labeling. In vitro knockdown of Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) was performed on motor neurons and lactate metabolism measured biochemically, whereas cell cycle progression and cell death were assayed by flow cytometry. RESULTS All assays found significant levels of hypoxia in multiple organ systems in early symptomatic SMA mouse pups, except aerated tissues such as skin and lungs. This was accompanied by significantly increased glucose uptake in many affected organs, consistent with a metabolic hypoxia response. SMN protein levels were shown to vary widely between motor neuron precursors in vitro, and those with lower levels were most susceptible to cell death. In addition, SMA-model motor neurons were particularly sensitive to hypoxia, with reduced ability to transport lactate out of the cell in hypoxic culture, and a failure in normal cell cycle progression. INTERPRETATION Not only is there widespread tissue hypoxia and multi-organ cellular hypoxic response in SMA model mice, but SMA-model motor neurons are especially susceptible to that hypoxia. The data support the hypothesis that vascular defects leading to hypoxia are a significant contributor to disease progression in SMA, and offer a route for combinatorial, non-SMN related therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Hernandez-Gerez
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK.,Euan Macdonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Sergio Dall'Angelo
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK.,John Mallard Scottish PET Centre, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Jon M Collinson
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Ian N Fleming
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Simon H Parson
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK.,Euan Macdonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
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27
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Zhong X, Song Z, Song X. Survival motor neuron protein protects H9c2 cardiomyocytes from hypoxia-induced cell injury by reducing apoptosis. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2020; 47:1808-1815. [PMID: 32603518 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypoxia induces cell injury in cardiomyocytes and leads to the development of cardiovascular diseases. The survival motor neuron protein (SMN) is a crucial ubiquitous protein whose functional deficiency causes motor neuron loss seen in spinal muscular atrophy. SMN has shown protective effects on the cardiovascular system and the aim of the present study was to investigate the cardioprotective effects of SMN on hypoxia-induced cell injury. METHODS Cobalt chloride (CoCl2 ) was used to induce chemical hypoxia in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Cell proliferation was determined by the MTT assay and the mRNA levels of SMN were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The protein expression levels of SMN, hypoxia-inducible transcription factor 1α (HIF-1α), and apoptosis-related proteins, such as cytochrome c (Cyt c), B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), and cleaved caspase-3 were evaluated by western blot analysis. Cell apoptosis was analysed using annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining. RESULTS Treatment with CoCl2 significantly reduced H9c2 cell viability; the level of HIF-1α, which is a hypoxia-related indicator increased whereas the expression of SMN protein decreased. Hypoxia also induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, indicated by reduced Bcl-2 expression and elevated cleaved caspase-3, Bax, and cytochrome c levels. Interestingly, SMN, which is a neuron protection factor, ameliorated CoCl2 -induced cell damage by reducing cardiomyocyte apoptosis through upregulation of Bcl-2 and inhibition of cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-3, and Bax expression. CONCLUSION Survival motor neuron prevents hypoxia-induced cell apoptosis through inhibition of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, and thereby exerts a protective effect on H9c2 cardiomyocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhong
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ziguang Song
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiang Song
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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28
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Mitochondrial Dysfunctions: A Red Thread across Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103719. [PMID: 32466216 PMCID: PMC7279270 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria play a central role in a plethora of processes related to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and genomic integrity. They contribute to preserving the optimal functioning of cells and protecting them from potential DNA damage which could result in mutations and disease. However, perturbations of the system due to senescence or environmental factors induce alterations of the physiological balance and lead to the impairment of mitochondrial functions. After the description of the crucial roles of mitochondria for cell survival and activity, the core of this review focuses on the "mitochondrial switch" which occurs at the onset of neuronal degeneration. We dissect the pathways related to mitochondrial dysfunctions which are shared among the most frequent or disabling neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Can mitochondrial dysfunctions (affecting their morphology and activities) represent the early event eliciting the shift towards pathological neurobiological processes? Can mitochondria represent a common target against neurodegeneration? We also review here the drugs that target mitochondria in neurodegenerative diseases.
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29
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Wirth B, Karakaya M, Kye MJ, Mendoza-Ferreira N. Twenty-Five Years of Spinal Muscular Atrophy Research: From Phenotype to Genotype to Therapy, and What Comes Next. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet 2020; 21:231-261. [PMID: 32004094 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genom-102319-103602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Twenty-five years ago, the underlying genetic cause for one of the most common and devastating inherited diseases in humans, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), was identified. Homozygous deletions or, rarely, subtle mutations of SMN1 cause SMA, and the copy number of the nearly identical copy gene SMN2 inversely correlates with disease severity. SMA has become a paradigm and a prime example of a monogenic neurological disorder that can be efficiently ameliorated or nearly cured by novel therapeutic strategies, such as antisense oligonucleotide or gene replacement therapy. These therapies enable infants to survive who might otherwise have died before the age of two and allow individuals who have never been able to sit or walk to do both. The major milestones on the road to these therapies were to understand the genetic cause and splice regulation of SMN genes, the disease's phenotype-genotype variability, the function of the protein and the main affected cellular pathways and tissues, the disease's pathophysiology through research on animal models, the windows of opportunity for efficient treatment, and how and when to treat patients most effectively.This review aims to bridge our knowledge from phenotype to genotype to therapy, not only highlighting the significant advances so far but also speculating about the future of SMA screening and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brunhilde Wirth
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne and Center for Rare Diseases, University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany;
| | - Mert Karakaya
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne and Center for Rare Diseases, University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany;
| | - Min Jeong Kye
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne and Center for Rare Diseases, University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany;
| | - Natalia Mendoza-Ferreira
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne and Center for Rare Diseases, University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany;
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Valsecchi V, Anzilotti S, Serani A, Laudati G, Brancaccio P, Guida N, Cuomo O, Pignataro G, Annunziato L. miR-206 Reduces the Severity of Motor Neuron Degeneration in the Facial Nuclei of the Brainstem in a Mouse Model of SMA. Mol Ther 2020; 28:1154-1166. [PMID: 32075715 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a severe neuromuscular disease affecting infants caused by alterations of the survival motor neuron gene, which results in progressive degeneration of motor neurons (MNs). Although an effective treatment for SMA patients has been recently developed, the molecular pathway involved in selective MN degeneration has not been yet elucidated. In particular, miR-206 has been demonstrated to play a relevant role in the regeneration of neuromuscular junction in several MN diseases, and particularly it is upregulated in the quadriceps, tibialis anterior, spinal cord, and serum of SMA mice. In the present paper, we demonstrated that miR-206 was transiently upregulated also in the brainstem of the mouse model of SMA, SMAΔ7, in the early phase of the disease paralleling MN degeneration and was down-regulated in the late symptomatic phase. To prevent this downregulation, we intracerebroventricularly injected miR-206 in SMA pups, demonstrating that miR-206 reduced the severity of SMA pathology, slowing down disease progression, increasing survival rate, and improving behavioral performance of mice. Interestingly, exogenous miRNA-206-induced upregulation caused a reduction of the predicted target sodium calcium exchanger isoform 2, NCX2, one of the main regulators of intracellular [Ca2+] and [Na+]. Therefore, we hypothesized that miR-206 might exert part of its neuroprotective effect modulating NCX2 expression in SMA disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Valsecchi
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | | | - Angelo Serani
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giusy Laudati
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Brancaccio
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Ornella Cuomo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pignataro
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
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Deguise M, Baranello G, Mastella C, Beauvais A, Michaud J, Leone A, De Amicis R, Battezzati A, Dunham C, Selby K, Warman Chardon J, McMillan HJ, Huang Y, Courtney NL, Mole AJ, Kubinski S, Claus P, Murray LM, Bowerman M, Gillingwater TH, Bertoli S, Parson SH, Kothary R. Abnormal fatty acid metabolism is a core component of spinal muscular atrophy. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2019; 6:1519-1532. [PMID: 31402618 PMCID: PMC6689695 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.50855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an inherited neuromuscular disorder leading to paralysis and subsequent death in young children. Initially considered a motor neuron disease, extra-neuronal involvement is increasingly recognized. The primary goal of this study was to investigate alterations in lipid metabolism in SMA patients and mouse models of the disease. METHODS We analyzed clinical data collected from a large cohort of pediatric SMA type I-III patients as well as SMA type I liver necropsy data. In parallel, we performed histology, lipid analysis, and transcript profiling in mouse models of SMA. RESULTS We identify an increased susceptibility to developing dyslipidemia in a cohort of 72 SMA patients and liver steatosis in pathological samples. Similarly, fatty acid metabolic abnormalities were present in all SMA mouse models studied. Specifically, Smn2B/- mice displayed elevated hepatic triglycerides and dyslipidemia, resembling non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Interestingly, this phenotype appeared prior to denervation. INTERPRETATION This work highlights metabolic abnormalities as an important feature of SMA, suggesting implementation of nutritional and screening guidelines in patients, as such defects are likely to increase metabolic distress and cardiovascular risk. This study emphasizes the need for a systemic therapeutic approach to ensure maximal benefits for all SMA patients throughout their life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc‐Olivier Deguise
- Regenerative Medicine ProgramOttawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaOntarioCanada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
- Centre for Neuromuscular DiseaseUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanadaK1H 8M5
| | - Giovanni Baranello
- UO Neurologia dello SviluppoFondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaMilanItaly
- The Dubowitz Neuromuscular CentreNIHR BRC University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health & Great Ormond Street HospitalLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Chiara Mastella
- SAPRE‐UONPIA, Fondazione IRCCS Cà' Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly
| | - Ariane Beauvais
- Regenerative Medicine ProgramOttawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Jean Michaud
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Alessandro Leone
- International Center for the Assessment of Nutritional Status (ICANS), Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS)University of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Ramona De Amicis
- International Center for the Assessment of Nutritional Status (ICANS), Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS)University of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Alberto Battezzati
- International Center for the Assessment of Nutritional Status (ICANS), Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS)University of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Christopher Dunham
- Division of Anatomic PathologyChildren's and Women's Health Centre of B.CVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Kathryn Selby
- Division of Neurology, Department of PediatricsBC Children's HospitalVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Jodi Warman Chardon
- Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
- Centre for Neuromuscular DiseaseUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanadaK1H 8M5
- Neuroscience Program, Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaOntarioCanada
- Department of PediatricsChildren's Hospital of Eastern OntarioOttawaOntarioCanada
- Department of MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Hugh J. McMillan
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research InstituteUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Yu‐Ting Huang
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease ResearchUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- College of Medicine & Veterinary MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Natalie L. Courtney
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease ResearchUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- College of Medicine & Veterinary MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain ScienceUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Alannah J. Mole
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease ResearchUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- College of Medicine & Veterinary MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain ScienceUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Sabrina Kubinski
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell BiologyHannover Medical SchoolHannoverGermany
- Center of Systems NeuroscienceHannoverGermany
| | - Peter Claus
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell BiologyHannover Medical SchoolHannoverGermany
- Center of Systems NeuroscienceHannoverGermany
| | - Lyndsay M. Murray
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease ResearchUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- College of Medicine & Veterinary MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain ScienceUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Melissa Bowerman
- School of MedicineKeele UniversityStaffordshireUnited Kingdom
- Institute for Science and Technology in MedicineStoke‐on‐TrentUnited Kingdom
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular DiseaseRJAH Orthopaedic HospitalOswestryUnited Kingdom
| | - Thomas H. Gillingwater
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease ResearchUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- College of Medicine & Veterinary MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Simona Bertoli
- International Center for the Assessment of Nutritional Status (ICANS), Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS)University of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Simon H. Parson
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease ResearchUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- Institute of Medical SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUnited Kingdom
| | - Rashmi Kothary
- Regenerative Medicine ProgramOttawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaOntarioCanada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
- Centre for Neuromuscular DiseaseUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanadaK1H 8M5
- Department of MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
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Ando S, Funato M, Ohuchi K, Inagaki S, Sato A, Seki J, Kawase C, Saito T, Nishio H, Nakamura S, Shimazawa M, Kaneko H, Hara H. The Protective Effects of Levetiracetam on a Human iPSCs-Derived Spinal Muscular Atrophy Model. Neurochem Res 2019; 44:1773-1779. [PMID: 31102025 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-019-02814-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an inherited disease characterized by progressive motor neuron death and subsequent muscle weakness and is caused by deletion or mutation of survival motor neuron (SMN) 1 gene. Protecting spinal motor neuron is an effective clinical strategy for SMA. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential effect of an anti-epileptic drug levetiracetam on SMA. In the present study, we used differentiated spinal motor neurons (MNs) from SMA patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (SMA-iPSCs) to investigate the effect of levetiracetam. Levetiracetam promoted neurite elongation in SMA-iPSCs-MNs. TUNEL-positive spinal motor neurons were significantly reduced by levetiracetam in SMA-iPSCs-MNs. In addition, the expression level of cleaved-caspase 3 was decreased by levetiracetam in SMA-iPSCs-MNs. Furthermore, levetiracetam improved impaired mitochondrial function in SMA-iPSCs-MNs. On the other hand, levetiracetam did not affect the expression level of SMN protein in SMA-iPSCs-MNs. These findings indicate that levetiracetam has a neuroprotective effect for SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiori Ando
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan
- Department of Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization, Nagara Medical Center, Gifu, Japan
| | - Michinori Funato
- Department of Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization, Nagara Medical Center, Gifu, Japan
| | - Kazuki Ohuchi
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan
- Department of Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization, Nagara Medical Center, Gifu, Japan
| | - Satoshi Inagaki
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan
- Department of Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization, Nagara Medical Center, Gifu, Japan
| | - Arisu Sato
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan
- Department of Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization, Nagara Medical Center, Gifu, Japan
| | - Junko Seki
- Department of Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization, Nagara Medical Center, Gifu, Japan
| | - Chizuru Kawase
- Department of Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization, Nagara Medical Center, Gifu, Japan
| | - Toshio Saito
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization, Toneyama National Hospital, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hisahide Nishio
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Nakamura
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan
| | - Masamitsu Shimazawa
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan
| | - Hideo Kaneko
- Department of Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization, Nagara Medical Center, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hideaki Hara
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan.
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Wang Y, Xu C, Ma L, Mou Y, Zhang B, Zhou S, Tian Y, Trinh J, Zhang X, Li XJ. Drug screening with human SMN2 reporter identifies SMN protein stabilizers to correct SMA pathology. Life Sci Alliance 2019; 2:2/2/e201800268. [PMID: 30910806 PMCID: PMC6435041 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.201800268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the leading genetic cause of infant mortality, is caused by reduced levels of functional survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. To identify therapeutic agents for SMA, we established a versatile SMN2-GFP reporter line by targeting the human SMN2 gene. We then screened a compound library and identified Z-FA-FMK as a potent candidate. Z-FA-FMK, a cysteine protease inhibitor, increased functional SMN through inhibiting the protease-mediated degradation of both full-length and exon 7-deleted forms of SMN. Further studies reveal that CAPN1, CAPN7, CTSB, and CTSL mediate the degradation of SMN proteins, providing novel targets for SMA. Notably, Z-FA-FMK mitigated mitochondriopathy and neuropathy in SMA patient-derived motor neurons and showed protective effects in SMA animal model after intracerebroventricular injection. E64d, another cysteine protease inhibitor which can pass through the blood-brain barrier, showed even more potent therapeutic effects after subcutaneous delivery to SMA mice. Taken together, we have successfully established a human SMN2 reporter for future drug discovery and identified the potential therapeutic value of cysteine protease inhibitors in treating SMA via stabilizing SMN proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Wang
- Brain and Spinal Cord Innovative Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chongchong Xu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, Rockford, IL, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lin Ma
- Brain and Spinal Cord Innovative Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Reconstruction and Regeneration of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Shanghai Universities, Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongchao Mou
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, Rockford, IL, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bowen Zhang
- Brain and Spinal Cord Innovative Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shanshan Zhou
- Brain and Spinal Cord Innovative Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Tian
- Brain and Spinal Cord Innovative Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jessica Trinh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, Rockford, IL, USA
| | - Xiaoqing Zhang
- Brain and Spinal Cord Innovative Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China .,Key Laboratory of Reconstruction and Regeneration of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Shanghai Universities, Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Tsingtao Advanced Research Institute, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Shanghai, China.,Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue-Jun Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, Rockford, IL, USA .,Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Son YS, Choi K, Lee H, Kwon O, Jung KB, Cho S, Baek J, Son B, Kang SM, Kang M, Yoon J, Shen H, Lee S, Oh JH, Lee HA, Lee MO, Cho HS, Jung CR, Kim J, Cho S, Son MY. A SMN2 Splicing Modifier Rescues the Disease Phenotypes in an In Vitro Human Spinal Muscular Atrophy Model. Stem Cells Dev 2019; 28:438-453. [PMID: 30667343 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2018.0181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by the mutation or deletion of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. Only ∼10% of the products of SMN2, a paralogue of SMN1, are functional full-length SMN (SMN-FL) proteins, whereas SMN2 primarily produces alternatively spliced transcripts lacking exon 7. Reduced SMN protein levels in SMA patients lead to progressive degeneration of spinal motor neurons (MNs). In this study, we report an advanced platform based on an SMN2 splicing-targeting approach for SMA drug screening and validation using an SMN2 splicing reporter cell line and an in vitro human SMA model through induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology. Through drug screening using a robust cell-based luciferase assay to quantitatively measure SMN2 splicing, the small-molecule candidate compound rigosertib was identified as an SMN2 splicing modulator that led to enhanced SMN protein expression. The therapeutic potential of the candidate compound was validated in MN progenitors differentiated from SMA patient-derived iPSCs (SMA iPSC-pMNs) as an in vitro human SMA model, which recapitulated the biochemical and molecular phenotypes of SMA, including lower levels of SMN-FL transcripts and protein, enhanced cell death, and reduced neurite length. The candidate compound exerted strong splicing correction activity for SMN2 and potently alleviated the disease-related phenotypes of SMA iPSC-pMNs by modulating various cellular and molecular abnormalities. Our combined screening platform representing a pMN model of human SMA provides an efficient and reliable drug screening system and is a promising resource for drug evaluation and the exploration of drug modes of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Seul Son
- 1 Stem Cell Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,2 Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwangman Choi
- 3 Natural Medicine Research Center, KRIBB, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Hana Lee
- 1 Stem Cell Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,2 Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ohman Kwon
- 1 Stem Cell Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Bo Jung
- 1 Stem Cell Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,2 Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunwha Cho
- 1 Stem Cell Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyeon Baek
- 3 Natural Medicine Research Center, KRIBB, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Bora Son
- 3 Natural Medicine Research Center, KRIBB, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Min Kang
- 1 Stem Cell Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Mingu Kang
- 3 Natural Medicine Research Center, KRIBB, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea.,4 Department of Biomolecular Science, KRIBB School of Bioscience, UST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihee Yoon
- 1 Stem Cell Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,3 Natural Medicine Research Center, KRIBB, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Haihong Shen
- 5 School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangku Lee
- 3 Natural Medicine Research Center, KRIBB, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hwa Oh
- 6 Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyang-Ae Lee
- 6 Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Ok Lee
- 1 Stem Cell Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Soo Cho
- 1 Stem Cell Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,2 Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Cho-Rok Jung
- 1 Stem Cell Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,2 Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Janghwan Kim
- 1 Stem Cell Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,2 Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungchan Cho
- 3 Natural Medicine Research Center, KRIBB, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea.,4 Department of Biomolecular Science, KRIBB School of Bioscience, UST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Young Son
- 1 Stem Cell Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,2 Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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Chaytow H, Huang YT, Gillingwater TH, Faller KME. The role of survival motor neuron protein (SMN) in protein homeostasis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:3877-3894. [PMID: 29872871 PMCID: PMC6182345 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2849-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ever since loss of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein was identified as the direct cause of the childhood inherited neurodegenerative disorder spinal muscular atrophy, significant efforts have been made to reveal the molecular functions of this ubiquitously expressed protein. Resulting research demonstrated that SMN plays important roles in multiple fundamental cellular homeostatic pathways, including a well-characterised role in the assembly of the spliceosome and biogenesis of ribonucleoproteins. More recent studies have shown that SMN is also involved in other housekeeping processes, including mRNA trafficking and local translation, cytoskeletal dynamics, endocytosis and autophagy. Moreover, SMN has been shown to influence mitochondria and bioenergetic pathways as well as regulate function of the ubiquitin-proteasome system. In this review, we summarise these diverse functions of SMN, confirming its key role in maintenance of the homeostatic environment of the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Chaytow
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Yu-Ting Huang
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Thomas H Gillingwater
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Kiterie M E Faller
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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36
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Hao YH, Zhang J, Wang H, Wang HY, Dong J, Xu XP, Yao BW, Wang LF, Zhou HM, Zhao L, Peng RY. HIF-1α regulates COXIV subunits, a potential mechanism of self-protective response to microwave induced mitochondrial damages in neurons. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10403. [PMID: 29991768 PMCID: PMC6039499 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28427-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety and speculation about potential health hazards of microwaves exposure are spreading in the past decades. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), which can be activated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), played pivotal roles in protective responses against microwave in neuron-like cells. In this study, we established 30 mW/cm2 microwave exposed animal model, which could result in revisable injuries of neuronal mitochondria, including ultrastructure and functions, such as ROS generation and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity. We found that the ratio of COXIV-1/COXIV-2, two isoforms of COXIV, decreased at 1 d and increased from 3 d to 14 d. Similar expression changes of HIF-1α suggested that COXIV-1 and COXIV-2 might be regulated by HIF-1α. In neuron-like cells, 30 mW/cm2 microwave down-regulated COX activity from 30 min to 6 h, and then started to recover. And, both HIF-1α transcriptional activity and COXIV-1/COXIV-2 ratio were up-regulated at 6 h and 9 h after exposure. Moreover, HIF-1α inhibition down-regulated COXIV-1 expression, promoted ROS generation, impaired mitochondrial membrane potentials (MMP), as well as abolished microwave induced ATP production. In conclusion, microwave induced mitochondrial ROS production activated HIF-1α and regulated COXIV-1 expression to restore mitochondria functions. Therefore, HIF-1α might be a potential target to impair microwave induced injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Hui Hao
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, P.R. China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, P.R. China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, P.R. China
| | - Hao-Yu Wang
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, P.R. China
| | - Ji Dong
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, P.R. China
| | - Xin-Ping Xu
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, P.R. China
| | - Bin-Wei Yao
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, P.R. China
| | - Li-Feng Wang
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Mei Zhou
- Department of Radiation Protection and Health Physics, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, P.R. China
| | - Li Zhao
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, P.R. China.
| | - Rui-Yun Peng
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, P.R. China.
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Maxwell GK, Szunyogova E, Shorrock HK, Gillingwater TH, Parson SH. Developmental and degenerative cardiac defects in the Taiwanese mouse model of severe spinal muscular atrophy. J Anat 2018; 232:965-978. [PMID: 29473159 PMCID: PMC5978979 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), an autosomal recessive disease caused by a decrease in levels of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein, is the most common genetic cause of infant mortality. Although neuromuscular pathology is the most severe feature of SMA, other organs and tissues, including the heart, are also known to be affected in both patients and animal models. Here, we provide new insights into changes occurring in the heart, predominantly at pre- and early symptomatic ages, in the Taiwanese mouse model of severe SMA. Thinning of the interventricular septum and dilation of the ventricles occurred at pre- and early symptomatic ages. However, the left ventricular wall was significantly thinner in SMA mice from birth, occurring prior to any overt neuromuscular symptoms. Alterations in collagen IV protein from birth indicated changes to the basement membrane and contributed to the abnormal arrangement of cardiomyocytes in SMA hearts. This raises the possibility that developmental defects, occurring prenatally, may contribute to cardiac pathology in SMA. In addition, cardiomyocytes in SMA hearts exhibited oxidative stress at pre-symptomatic ages and increased apoptosis during early symptomatic stages of disease. Heart microvasculature was similarly decreased at an early symptomatic age, likely contributing to the oxidative stress and apoptosis phenotypes observed. Finally, an increased incidence of blood retention in SMA hearts post-fixation suggests the likelihood of functional defects, resulting in blood pooling. These pathologies mirror dilated cardiomyopathy, with clear consequences for heart function that would likely contribute to potential heart failure. Our findings add significant additional experimental evidence in support of the requirement to develop systemic therapies for SMA capable of treating non-neuromuscular pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva Szunyogova
- Institute for Medical ScienceUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease ResearchUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Hannah K. Shorrock
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease ResearchUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical SciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Thomas H. Gillingwater
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease ResearchUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical SciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Simon H. Parson
- Institute for Medical ScienceUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease ResearchUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
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38
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Groen EJN, Talbot K, Gillingwater TH. Advances in therapy for spinal muscular atrophy: promises and challenges. Nat Rev Neurol 2018; 14:214-224. [PMID: 29422644 DOI: 10.1038/nrneurol.2018.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a devastating motor neuron disease that predominantly affects children and represents the most common cause of hereditary infant mortality. The condition results from deleterious variants in SMN1, which lead to depletion of the survival motor neuron protein (SMN). Now, 20 years after the discovery of this genetic defect, a major milestone in SMA and motor neuron disease research has been reached with the approval of the first disease-modifying therapy for SMA by US and European authorities - the antisense oligonucleotide nusinersen. At the same time, promising data from early-stage clinical trials of SMN1 gene therapy have indicated that additional therapeutic options are likely to emerge for patients with SMA in the near future. However, the approval of nusinersen has generated a number of immediate and substantial medical, ethical and financial implications that have the potential to resonate beyond the specific treatment of SMA. Here, we provide an overview of the rapidly evolving therapeutic landscape for SMA, highlighting current achievements and future opportunities. We also discuss how these developments are providing important lessons for the emerging second generation of combinatorial ('SMN-plus') therapies that are likely to be required to generate robust treatments that are effective across a patient's lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewout J N Groen
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kevin Talbot
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Thomas H Gillingwater
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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39
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Panneman DM, Smeitink JA, Rodenburg RJ. Mining for mitochondrial mechanisms: Linking known syndromes to mitochondrial function. Clin Genet 2017; 93:943-951. [PMID: 28686290 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial disorders (MDs) are caused by defects in 1 or multiple complexes of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) machinery. MDs are associated with a broad range of clinical signs and symptoms, and have considerable clinical overlap with other neuromuscular syndromes. This overlap might be due to involvement of mitochondrial pathways in some of these non-mitochondrial syndromes. Here, we give an overview of around 25 non-mitochondrial syndromes, diagnosed in patients who were initially suspected to have a MD on the basis of clinical and biochemical parameters. In addition, we highlight the mitochondrial connections of 6 of these non-mitochondrial syndromes (eg, Rett syndrome and Dravet syndrome) diagnosed in multiple patients. Further research to unravel the interplay between these genes and mitochondria may help to increase knowledge on these syndromes. Additionally, it may open new avenues for research on pathways interacting with mitochondrial function in order to find new targets for therapeutics to treat MDs. The data presented in this review underline the importance of careful assessment of clinical, genetic, and biochemical data in all patients suspected of a neuromuscular syndrome, and highlights the importance of the role of clinical geneticists, physicians, and clinical biochemists in recognizing the possible mitochondrial connection of non-mitochondrial syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Panneman
- Department of Pediatrics, Radboud Center for Mitochondrial Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - J A Smeitink
- Department of Pediatrics, Radboud Center for Mitochondrial Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - R J Rodenburg
- Department of Pediatrics, Radboud Center for Mitochondrial Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Diagnosis and management of spinal muscular atrophy: Part 2: Pulmonary and acute care; medications, supplements and immunizations; other organ systems; and ethics. Neuromuscul Disord 2017; 28:197-207. [PMID: 29305137 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 335] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
This is the second half of a two-part document updating the standard of care recommendations for spinal muscular atrophy published in 2007. This part includes updated recommendations on pulmonary management and acute care issues, and topics that have emerged in the last few years such as other organ involvement in the severe forms of spinal muscular atrophy and the role of medications. Ethical issues and the choice of palliative versus supportive care are also addressed. These recommendations are becoming increasingly relevant given recent clinical trials and the prospect that commercially available therapies will likely change the survival and natural history of this disease.
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41
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Li GZ, Tao HL, Zhou C, Wang DD, Peng CB. Midazolam prevents motor neuronal death from oxidative stress attack mediated by JNK-ERK pathway. Hum Cell 2017; 31:64-71. [PMID: 29022274 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-017-0184-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Midazolam is a sedative used by patients with mechanical ventilation. However, the potential clinical value is not fully explored. In this report, we made use of a neuroblastoma-spinal cord hybrid motor neuron-like cell line NSC34, and elucidated the potential role of Midazolam on these cells under the insult of oxidative stress. We found the protective effect of Midazolam on motor neurons against cytotoxicity induced by the combination of oligomycin A and rotenone (O/R) or phenylarsine oxide. The characteristics of apoptosis, such as the ratio of TUNEL+ cells or the expression level of cleaved Caspase-3, was decreased by 22 or 45% in the presence of Midazolam. Furthermore, this effect was correlated with the JNK-ERK signaling pathway. Either phosphorylation of ERK or JNK was positively or negatively modulated with the treatment of Midazolam in NSC34 cells attacked by reactive oxygen species. Meanwhile, inhibition or activation of the JNK-ERK pathway regulated the protective effect of Midazolam on NSC34 cells with oxidative stress insult. Collectively, this study elucidated a previously unidentified clinical effect of Midazolam, and put forward the great promise that Midazolam may be considered as a potential candidate to the treatment of motor neuron disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Zheng Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, 234 Gucui Road, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hong-Lei Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, 234 Gucui Road, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, China
| | - Cheng Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, 234 Gucui Road, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dong-Dong Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, 234 Gucui Road, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, China
| | - Cong-Bin Peng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, 234 Gucui Road, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, China.
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42
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Dominguez CE, Cunningham D, Chandler DS. SMN regulation in SMA and in response to stress: new paradigms and therapeutic possibilities. Hum Genet 2017; 136:1173-1191. [PMID: 28852871 PMCID: PMC6201753 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-017-1835-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Low levels of the survival of motor neuron (SMN) protein cause the neurodegenerative disease spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). SMA is a pediatric disease characterized by spinal motor neuron degeneration. SMA exhibits several levels of severity ranging from early antenatal fatality to only mild muscular weakness, and disease prognosis is related directly to the amount of functional SMN protein that a patient is able to express. Current therapies are being developed to increase the production of functional SMN protein; however, understanding the effect that natural stresses have on the production and function of SMN is of critical importance to ensuring that these therapies will have the greatest possible effect for patients. Research has shown that SMN, both on the mRNA and protein level, is highly affected by cellular stress. In this review we will summarize the research that highlights the roles of SMN in the disease process and the response of SMN to various environmental stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E Dominguez
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program and The Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - David Cunningham
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Dawn S Chandler
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program and The Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.
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43
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Edaravone is a candidate agent for spinal muscular atrophy: In vitro analysis using a human induced pluripotent stem cells-derived disease model. Eur J Pharmacol 2017; 814:161-168. [PMID: 28826912 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an intractable disease characterized by a progressive loss of spinal motor neurons, which leads to skeletal muscle weakness and atrophy. Currently, there are no curative agents for SMA, although it is understood to be caused by reduced levels of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. Additionally, why reduced SMN protein level results in selective apoptosis in spinal motor neurons is still not understood. Our purpose in this study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of edaravone, a free radical scavenger, by using induced pluripotent stem cells from an SMA patient (SMA-iPSCs) and to address oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in spinal motor neurons. We first found that edaravone could improve impaired neural development of SMA-iPSCs-derived spinal motor neurons with limited effect on nuclear SMN protein expression. Furthermore, edaravone inhibited the generation of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species upregulated in SMA-iPSCs-derived spinal motor neurons, and reversed oxidative-stress induced apoptosis. In this study, we suggest that oxidative stress might be partly the reason for selective apoptosis in spinal motor neurons in SMA pathology, and that oxidative stress-induced apoptosis might be the therapeutic target of SMA.
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Hosseinibarkooie S, Schneider S, Wirth B. Advances in understanding the role of disease-associated proteins in spinal muscular atrophy. Expert Rev Proteomics 2017. [PMID: 28635376 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2017.1345631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by alpha motor neuron loss in the spinal cord due to reduced survival motor neuron (SMN) protein level. While the genetic basis of SMA is well described, the specific molecular pathway underlying SMA is still not fully understood. Areas covered: This review discusses the recent advancements in understanding the molecular pathways in SMA using different omics approaches and genetic modifiers identified in both vertebrate and invertebrate systems. The findings that are summarized in this article were deduced from original articles and reviews with a particular focus on the latest advancements in the field. Expert commentary: The identification of genetic modifiers such as PLS3 and NCALD in humans or of SMA modulators such as Elavl4 (HuD), Copa, Uba1, Mapk10 (Jnk3), Nrxn2 and Tmem41b (Stasimon) in various SMA animal models improved our knowledge of impaired cellular pathways in SMA. Inspiration from modifier genes and their functions in motor neuron and neuromuscular junctions may open a new avenue for future SMA combinatorial therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyyedmohsen Hosseinibarkooie
- a Institute of Human Genetics , University of Cologne , Cologne , Germany.,b Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne , University of Cologne , Cologne , Germany.,c Institute for Genetics , University of Cologne , Cologne , Germany
| | - Svenja Schneider
- a Institute of Human Genetics , University of Cologne , Cologne , Germany.,b Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne , University of Cologne , Cologne , Germany.,c Institute for Genetics , University of Cologne , Cologne , Germany
| | - Brunhilde Wirth
- a Institute of Human Genetics , University of Cologne , Cologne , Germany.,b Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne , University of Cologne , Cologne , Germany.,c Institute for Genetics , University of Cologne , Cologne , Germany.,d Center for Rare Diseases Cologne , University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne , Cologne , Germany
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45
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Bertini E, Dessaud E, Mercuri E, Muntoni F, Kirschner J, Reid C, Lusakowska A, Comi GP, Cuisset JM, Abitbol JL, Scherrer B, Ducray PS, Buchbjerg J, Vianna E, van der Pol WL, Vuillerot C, Blaettler T, Fontoura P. Safety and efficacy of olesoxime in patients with type 2 or non-ambulatory type 3 spinal muscular atrophy: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial. Lancet Neurol 2017; 16:513-522. [PMID: 28460889 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(17)30085-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Revised: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive motor neuron disease causing loss of motor function and reduced life expectancy, for which limited treatment is available. We investigated the safety and efficacy of olesoxime in patients with type 2 or non-ambulatory type 3 SMA. METHODS This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 study was done in 22 neuromuscular care centres in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, and the UK. Safety and efficacy of olesoxime were assessed in patients aged 3-25 years with genetically confirmed type 2 or non-ambulatory type 3 SMA. A centralised, computerised randomisation process allocated patients (2:1 with stratification by SMA type and centre) to receive olesoxime (10 mg/kg per day) in an oral liquid suspension or placebo for 24 months. Patients, investigators assessing outcomes, and sponsor study personnel were masked to treatment assignment. The primary outcome measure was change from baseline compared with 24 months between the two treatment groups in functional domains 1 and 2 of the Motor Function Measure (MFM D1 + D2) assessed in the full analysis population. A shorter, 20-item version of the MFM, which was specifically adapted for young children, was used to assess patients younger than 6 years. Safety was assessed in all patients who received one or more doses of the study drug. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01302600. FINDINGS The trial was done between Nov 18, 2010, and Oct 9, 2013. Of 198 patients screened, 165 were randomly assigned to olesoxime (n=108) or placebo (n=57). Five patients in the olesoxime group were not included in the primary outcome analysis because of an absence of post-baseline assessments. The change from baseline to month 24 on the primary outcome measure was 0·18 for olesoxime and -1·82 for placebo (treatment difference 2·00 points, 96% CI -0·25 to 4·25, p=0·0676). Olesoxime seemed to be safe and generally well tolerated, with an adverse event profile similar to placebo. The most frequent adverse events in the olesoxime group were pyrexia (n=34), cough (n=32), nasopharyngitis (n=25), and vomiting (n=25). There were two patient deaths (one in each group), but these were not deemed to be related to the study treatment. INTERPRETATION Olesoxime was safe at the doses studied, for the duration of the trial. Although the primary endpoint was not met, secondary endpoints and sensitivity analyses suggest that olesoxime might maintain motor function in patients with type 2 or type 3 SMA over a period of 24 months. Based on these results, olesoxime might provide meaningful clinical benefits for patients with SMA and, given its mode of action, might be used in combination with other drugs targeting other mechanisms of disease, although additional evidence is needed. FUNDING AFM Téléthon and Trophos SA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Bertini
- Department of Neurosciences and Neurorehabilitation, Bambino Gesù Children's Research Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Eugenio Mercuri
- Paediatric Neurology and Nemo Center, Catholic University and Policlinico Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Janbernd Kirschner
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Carol Reid
- Biostatistics, Roche Products Limited, Welwyn Garden City, UK
| | - Anna Lusakowska
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Giacomo P Comi
- Dino Ferrari Center, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Jean-Marie Cuisset
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Neuromuscular Disease Reference Centre, Roger-Salengro Hospital, Regional University Teaching Hospital, Lille, France
| | | | - Bruno Scherrer
- Bruno Scherrer Conseil, Saint-Arnoult-en-Yvelines, France
| | - Patricia Sanwald Ducray
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Clinical Pharmacology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jeppe Buchbjerg
- Neuroscience Product Development, F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eduardo Vianna
- Neuroscience Product Development, F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - W Ludo van der Pol
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Carole Vuillerot
- Department of Paediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lyon, France
| | - Thomas Blaettler
- Neuroscience Product Development, F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Paulo Fontoura
- Neuroscience Product Development, F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
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Boyd PJ, Tu WY, Shorrock HK, Groen EJN, Carter RN, Powis RA, Thomson SR, Thomson D, Graham LC, Motyl AAL, Wishart TM, Highley JR, Morton NM, Becker T, Becker CG, Heath PR, Gillingwater TH. Bioenergetic status modulates motor neuron vulnerability and pathogenesis in a zebrafish model of spinal muscular atrophy. PLoS Genet 2017; 13:e1006744. [PMID: 28426667 PMCID: PMC5417717 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Degeneration and loss of lower motor neurons is the major pathological hallmark of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), resulting from low levels of ubiquitously-expressed survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. One remarkable, yet unresolved, feature of SMA is that not all motor neurons are equally affected, with some populations displaying a robust resistance to the disease. Here, we demonstrate that selective vulnerability of distinct motor neuron pools arises from fundamental modifications to their basal molecular profiles. Comparative gene expression profiling of motor neurons innervating the extensor digitorum longus (disease-resistant), gastrocnemius (intermediate vulnerability), and tibialis anterior (vulnerable) muscles in mice revealed that disease susceptibility correlates strongly with a modified bioenergetic profile. Targeting of identified bioenergetic pathways by enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis rescued motor axon defects in SMA zebrafish. Moreover, targeting of a single bioenergetic protein, phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (Pgk1), was found to modulate motor neuron vulnerability in vivo. Knockdown of pgk1 alone was sufficient to partially mimic the SMA phenotype in wild-type zebrafish. Conversely, Pgk1 overexpression, or treatment with terazosin (an FDA-approved small molecule that binds and activates Pgk1), rescued motor axon phenotypes in SMA zebrafish. We conclude that global bioenergetics pathways can be therapeutically manipulated to ameliorate SMA motor neuron phenotypes in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope J. Boyd
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Wen-Yo Tu
- Sheffield Institute for Translation Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah K. Shorrock
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ewout J. N. Groen
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Roderick N. Carter
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Queens Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rachael A. Powis
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie R. Thomson
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Derek Thomson
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Laura C. Graham
- Division of Neurobiology, Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Anna A. L. Motyl
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas M. Wishart
- Division of Neurobiology, Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - J. Robin Highley
- Sheffield Institute for Translation Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas M. Morton
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Queens Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Becker
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Neuroregeneration, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Catherina G. Becker
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Neuroregeneration, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Paul R. Heath
- Sheffield Institute for Translation Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas H. Gillingwater
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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47
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Szunyogova E, Zhou H, Maxwell GK, Powis RA, Francesco M, Gillingwater TH, Parson SH. Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein is required for normal mouse liver development. Sci Rep 2016; 6:34635. [PMID: 27698380 PMCID: PMC5048144 DOI: 10.1038/srep34635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is caused by mutation or deletion of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. Decreased levels of, cell-ubiquitous, SMN protein is associated with a range of systemic pathologies reported in severe patients. Despite high levels of SMN protein in normal liver, there is no comprehensive study of liver pathology in SMA. We describe failed liver development in response to reduced SMN levels, in a mouse model of severe SMA. The SMA liver is dark red, small and has: iron deposition; immature sinusoids congested with blood; persistent erythropoietic elements and increased immature red blood cells; increased and persistent megakaryocytes which release high levels of platelets found as clot-like accumulations in the heart. Myelopoiesis in contrast, was unaffected. Further analysis revealed significant molecular changes in SMA liver, consistent with the morphological findings. Antisense treatment from birth with PMO25, increased lifespan and ameliorated all morphological defects in liver by postnatal day 21. Defects in the liver are evident at birth, prior to motor system pathology, and impair essential liver function in SMA. Liver is a key recipient of SMA therapies, and systemically delivered antisense treatment, completely rescued liver pathology. Liver therefore, represents an important therapeutic target in SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Szunyogova
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- Euan MacDonald Center for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Haiyan Zhou
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gillian K. Maxwell
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Rachael A. Powis
- Euan MacDonald Center for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Center for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Muntoni Francesco
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas H. Gillingwater
- Euan MacDonald Center for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Center for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Simon H. Parson
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- Euan MacDonald Center for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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48
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Miller N, Shi H, Zelikovich AS, Ma YC. Motor neuron mitochondrial dysfunction in spinal muscular atrophy. Hum Mol Genet 2016; 25:3395-3406. [PMID: 27488123 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the leading genetic cause of infant mortality, predominantly affects high metabolic tissues including motor neurons, skeletal muscles and the heart. Although the genetic cause of SMA has been identified, mechanisms underlying tissue-specific vulnerability are not well understood. To study these mechanisms, we carried out a deep sequencing analysis of the transcriptome of spinal motor neurons in an SMA mouse model, in which we unexpectedly found changes in many genes associated with mitochondrial bioenergetics. Importantly, functional measurement of mitochondrial activities showed decreased basal and maximal mitochondrial respiration in motor neurons from SMA mice. Using a reduction-oxidation sensitive GFP and fluorescence sensors specifically targeted to mitochondria, we found increased oxidative stress level and impaired mitochondrial membrane potential in motor neurons affected by SMA. In addition, mitochondrial mobility was impaired in SMA disease conditions, with decreased retrograde transport but no effect on anterograde transport. We also found significantly increased fragmentation of the mitochondrial network in primary motor neurons from SMA mice, with no change in mitochondria density. Electron microscopy study of SMA mouse spinal cord revealed mitochondria fragmentation, edema and concentric lamellar inclusions in motor neurons affected by the disease. Intriguingly, these functional and structural deficiencies in the SMA mouse model occur during the presymptomatic stage of disease, suggesting a role in initiating SMA. Altogether, our findings reveal a critical role for mitochondrial defects in SMA pathogenesis and suggest a novel target for improving tissue health in the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nimrod Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Han Shi
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Aaron S Zelikovich
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yong-Chao Ma
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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49
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Parker GC, Carruthers NJ, Gratsch T, Caruso JA, Stemmer PM. Proteomic profile of embryonic stem cells with low survival motor neuron protein is consistent with developmental dysfunction. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2016; 124:13-23. [PMID: 27145767 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-016-1520-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy is an autosomal recessive motor neuron disease caused by a genetic defect carried by as many as one in 75 people. Unlike most neurological disorders, we know exactly what the genetic basis is of the disorder, but in spite of this, have little understanding of why the low levels of one protein, survival motor neuron protein, results in the specific progressive die back of only one cell type in the body, the motor neuron. Given the fact that all cells in the body of a patient with spinal muscular atrophy share the same low abundance of the protein throughout development, an appropriate approach is to ask how lower levels of survival motor neuron protein affects the proteome of embryonic stem cells prior to development. Convergent biostatistical analyses of a discovery proteomic analysis of these cells provide results that are consistent with the pathomechanistic fate of the developed motor neuron.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham C Parker
- Carman and Ann Adam Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University, Detroit, USA.
- iBio, 6135 Woodward Ave., Suite 2128 CURES H208, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA.
| | - Nicholas J Carruthers
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Theresa Gratsch
- Carman and Ann Adam Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University, Detroit, USA
| | - Joseph A Caruso
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Paul M Stemmer
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
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50
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Xu CC, Denton KR, Wang ZB, Zhang X, Li XJ. Abnormal mitochondrial transport and morphology as early pathological changes in human models of spinal muscular atrophy. Dis Model Mech 2016; 9:39-49. [PMID: 26586529 PMCID: PMC4728333 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.021766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), characterized by specific degeneration of spinal motor neurons, is caused by mutations in the survival of motor neuron 1, telomeric (SMN1) gene and subsequent decreased levels of functional SMN. How the deficiency of SMN, a ubiquitously expressed protein, leads to spinal motor neuron-specific degeneration in individuals affected by SMA remains unknown. In this study, we examined the role of SMN in mitochondrial axonal transport and morphology in human motor neurons by generating SMA type 1 patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and differentiating these cells into spinal motor neurons. The initial specification of spinal motor neurons was not affected, but these SMA spinal motor neurons specifically degenerated following long-term culture. Moreover, at an early stage in SMA spinal motor neurons, but not in SMA forebrain neurons, the number of mitochondria, mitochondrial area and mitochondrial transport were significantly reduced in axons. Knocking down of SMN expression led to similar mitochondrial defects in spinal motor neurons derived from human embryonic stem cells, confirming that SMN deficiency results in impaired mitochondrial dynamics. Finally, the application of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) mitigated the impairment in mitochondrial transport and morphology and rescued motor neuron degeneration in SMA long-term cultures. Furthermore, NAC ameliorated the reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential in SMA spinal motor neurons, suggesting that NAC might rescue apoptosis and motor neuron degeneration by improving mitochondrial health. Overall, our data demonstrate that SMN deficiency results in abnormal mitochondrial transport and morphology and a subsequent reduction in mitochondrial health, which are implicated in the specific degeneration of spinal motor neurons in SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong-Chong Xu
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Kyle R Denton
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Zhi-Bo Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Xiaoqing Zhang
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xue-Jun Li
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA Stem Cell Institute, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
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