1
|
Chaudhary R, Rehman M, Agarwal V, Kumar A, Kaushik AS, Srivastava S, Srivastava S, Verma R, Rajinikanth PS, Mishra V. Terra incognita of glial cell dynamics in the etiology of leukodystrophies: Broadening disease and therapeutic perspectives. Life Sci 2024; 354:122953. [PMID: 39122110 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122953] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Neuroglial cells, also known as glia, are primarily characterized as auxiliary cells within the central nervous system (CNS). The recent findings have shed light on their significance in numerous physiological processes and their involvement in various neurological disorders. Leukodystrophies encompass an array of rare and hereditary neurodegenerative conditions that were initially characterized by the deficiency, aberration, or degradation of myelin sheath within CNS. The primary cellular populations that experience significant alterations are astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia. These glial cells are either structurally or metabolically impaired due to inherent cellular dysfunction. Alternatively, they may fall victim to the accumulation of harmful by-products resulting from metabolic disturbances. In either situation, the possible replacement of glial cells through the utilization of implanted tissue or stem cell-derived human neural or glial progenitor cells hold great promise as a therapeutic strategy for both the restoration of structural integrity through remyelination and the amelioration of metabolic deficiencies. Various emerging treatment strategies like stem cell therapy, ex-vivo gene therapy, infusion of adeno-associated virus vectors, emerging RNA-based therapies as well as long-term therapies have demonstrated success in pre-clinical studies and show promise for rapid clinical translation. Here, we addressed various leukodystrophies in a comprehensive and detailed manner as well as provide prospective therapeutic interventions that are being considered for clinical trials. Further, we aim to emphasize the crucial role of different glial cells in the pathogenesis of leukodystrophies. By doing so, we hope to advance our understanding of the disease, elucidate underlying mechanisms, and facilitate the development of potential treatment interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rishabh Chaudhary
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India
| | - Mujeeba Rehman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India
| | - Vipul Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India
| | - Anand Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India
| | - Arjun Singh Kaushik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India
| | - Siddhi Srivastava
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India
| | - Sukriti Srivastava
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India
| | - Rajkumar Verma
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 200 Academic Way, Farmington, CT 06032, USA
| | - P S Rajinikanth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India
| | - Vikas Mishra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Grønbæk-Thygesen M, Hartmann-Petersen R. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of aspartoacylase and its role in Canavan disease. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:45. [PMID: 38582917 PMCID: PMC10998430 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-024-01224-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Canavan disease is an autosomal recessive and lethal neurological disorder, characterized by the spongy degeneration of the white matter in the brain. The disease is caused by a deficiency of the cytosolic aspartoacylase (ASPA) enzyme, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), an abundant brain metabolite, into aspartate and acetate. On the physiological level, the mechanism of pathogenicity remains somewhat obscure, with multiple, not mutually exclusive, suggested hypotheses. At the molecular level, recent studies have shown that most disease linked ASPA gene variants lead to a structural destabilization and subsequent proteasomal degradation of the ASPA protein variants, and accordingly Canavan disease should in general be considered a protein misfolding disorder. Here, we comprehensively summarize the molecular and cell biology of ASPA, with a particular focus on disease-linked gene variants and the pathophysiology of Canavan disease. We highlight the importance of high-throughput technologies and computational prediction tools for making genotype-phenotype predictions as we await the results of ongoing trials with gene therapy for Canavan disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Grønbæk-Thygesen
- The Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200N, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Rasmus Hartmann-Petersen
- The Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200N, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Krause N, Wegner A. N-acetyl-aspartate metabolism at the interface of cancer, immunity, and neurodegeneration. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 85:103051. [PMID: 38103520 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.103051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
N-acetyl-L-aspartic acid (NAA) is a prominent amino acid derivative primarily associated with vertebrate brain metabolism. This review delineates the critical role of NAA across various cell types and its significance in pathophysiological contexts, including Canavan disease and cancer metabolism. Although traditionally linked with myelination and aspartoacylase-driven carbon donation, its significance as a carbon source for myelination remains debated. Evidence suggests that intact NAA might substantially impact cellular signaling, particularly processes such as histone acetylation. Beyond the brain, NAA metabolism's relevance is evident in diverse tissues, such as adipocytes, immune cells, and notably, cancer cells. In several cancer types, there is an observed upregulation of NAA synthesis accompanied by a simultaneous downregulation of its degradation. This pattern highlights the potential signaling role of intact NAA in disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nils Krause
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biochemistry, Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Andre Wegner
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biochemistry, Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lotun A, Li D, Xu H, Su Q, Tuncer S, Sanmiguel J, Mooney M, Baer CE, Ulbrich R, Eyles SJ, Strittmatter L, Hayward LJ, Gessler DJ, Gao G. Renewal of oligodendrocyte lineage reverses dysmyelination and CNS neurodegeneration through corrected N-acetylaspartate metabolism. Prog Neurobiol 2023; 226:102460. [PMID: 37149081 PMCID: PMC10330635 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2023.102460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Myelinating oligodendrocytes are essential for neuronal communication and homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). One of the most abundant molecules in the mammalian CNS is N-acetylaspartate (NAA), which is catabolized into L-aspartate and acetate by the enzyme aspartoacylase (ASPA) in oligodendrocytes. The resulting acetate moiety is thought to contribute to myelin lipid synthesis. In addition, affected NAA metabolism has been implicated in several neurological disorders, including leukodystrophies and demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Genetic disruption of ASPA function causes Canavan disease, which is hallmarked by increased NAA levels, myelin and neuronal loss, large vacuole formation in the CNS, and early death in childhood. Although NAA's direct role in the CNS is inconclusive, in peripheral adipose tissue, NAA-derived acetate has been found to modify histones, a mechanism known to be involved in epigenetic regulation of cell differentiation. We hypothesize that a lack of cellular differentiation in the brain contributes to the disruption of myelination and neurodegeneration in diseases with altered NAA metabolism, such as Canavan disease. Our study demonstrates that loss of functional Aspa in mice disrupts myelination and shifts the transcriptional expression of neuronal and oligodendrocyte markers towards less differentiated stages in a spatiotemporal manner. Upon re-expression of ASPA, these oligodendrocyte and neuronal lineage markers are either improved or normalized, suggesting that NAA breakdown by Aspa plays an essential role in the maturation of neurons and oligodendrocytes. Also, this effect of ASPA re-expression is blunted in old mice, potentially due to limited ability of neuronal, rather than oligodendrocyte, recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anoushka Lotun
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Danning Li
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Hongxia Xu
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; University of Science and Technology of Kunming, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin Su
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | - Julio Sanmiguel
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Morgan Mooney
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Christina E Baer
- Sanderson Center for Optical Experimentation, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Russell Ulbrich
- ScientiaLux LLC, Tissue-Gnostics USA-East, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Stephen J Eyles
- Mass Spectrometry Core, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Lara Strittmatter
- Electron Microscopy Core, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, MA, USA
| | - Lawrence J Hayward
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, MA, USA
| | - Dominic J Gessler
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Department of Microbiology & Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Han Y, Wang X, Xu M, Teng Z, Qin R, Tan G, Li P, Sun P, Liu H, Chen L, Jia B. Aspartoacylase promotes the process of tumour development and is associated with immune infiltrates in gastric cancer. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:604. [PMID: 37391709 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11088-7] [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: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aspartoacylase (ASPA) is a gene that plays an important role in the metabolic reprogramming of cancer. However, the clinical relevance of ASPA in gastric cancer (GC) has not been demonstrated. METHODS The link between ASPA and the clinical features of GC was determined using two public genomic databases. The multivariate Cox proportional hazard model and generalised linear regression model were applied to examine whether the ASPA level is associated with the prognosis and other pathological factors. In addition, the role of specific genes in the infiltration of immune cells in the setting of GC was investigated using a further immunological database. The expression level of various proteins was detected using a western blotting assay. Transwell and methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium tests were applied for the detection of cellular invasion and proliferation, with small hairpin ribonucleic acid used to knockdown ASPA. RESULTS According to the multivariate Cox regression results, the down-regulated ASPA expression is a distinct prognostic factor. Furthermore, ASPA has significant positive correlations with the infiltration of immune cells in GC lesions. Compared to the non-cancer tissues, the GC tissues had a significantly lower level of ASPA expression (p < 0.05). Using knockdown and overexpression techniques, it was demonstrated that ASPA affects the capacity of cell lines for GC to both proliferate and invade. CONCLUSION Overall, ASPA could promote the occurrence and development of GC and presents a promising predictive biomarker for the disease since it is favourably connected with immune infiltrates and negatively correlated with prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yalin Han
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28, Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
- Department of Oncology, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Centre, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Xuning Wang
- The Air Force Hospital of Northern Theater PLA, Shenyang, 110042, China
| | - Maolin Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28, Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Zhipeng Teng
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28, Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Rui Qin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The 305 Hospital of PLA, Beijing, 100017, China
| | - Guodong Tan
- Air force medical center of PLA, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28, Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28, Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Hongyi Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28, Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Oncology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100071, China.
| | - Baoqing Jia
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28, Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nowacki JC, Fields AM, Fu MM. Emerging cellular themes in leukodystrophies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:902261. [PMID: 36003149 PMCID: PMC9393611 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.902261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukodystrophies are a broad spectrum of neurological disorders that are characterized primarily by deficiencies in myelin formation. Clinical manifestations of leukodystrophies usually appear during childhood and common symptoms include lack of motor coordination, difficulty with or loss of ambulation, issues with vision and/or hearing, cognitive decline, regression in speech skills, and even seizures. Many cases of leukodystrophy can be attributed to genetic mutations, but they have diverse inheritance patterns (e.g., autosomal recessive, autosomal dominant, or X-linked) and some arise from de novo mutations. In this review, we provide an updated overview of 35 types of leukodystrophies and focus on cellular mechanisms that may underlie these disorders. We find common themes in specialized functions in oligodendrocytes, which are specialized producers of membranes and myelin lipids. These mechanisms include myelin protein defects, lipid processing and peroxisome dysfunction, transcriptional and translational dysregulation, disruptions in cytoskeletal organization, and cell junction defects. In addition, non-cell-autonomous factors in astrocytes and microglia, such as autoimmune reactivity, and intercellular communication, may also play a role in leukodystrophy onset. We hope that highlighting these themes in cellular dysfunction in leukodystrophies may yield conceptual insights on future therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
|
7
|
Wei H, Moffett JR, Amanat M, Fatemi A, Tsukamoto T, Namboodiri AM, Slusher BS. The pathogenesis of, and pharmacological treatment for, Canavan disease. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:2467-2483. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
8
|
Moffett JR, Puthillathu N, Vengilote R, Jaworski DM, Namboodiri AM. Acetate Revisited: A Key Biomolecule at the Nexus of Metabolism, Epigenetics, and Oncogenesis - Part 2: Acetate and ACSS2 in Health and Disease. Front Physiol 2020; 11:580171. [PMID: 33304273 PMCID: PMC7693462 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.580171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Acetate, the shortest chain fatty acid, has been implicated in providing health benefits whether it is derived from the diet or is generated from microbial fermentation of fiber in the gut. These health benefits range widely from improved cardiac function to enhanced red blood cell generation and memory formation. Understanding how acetate could influence so many disparate biological functions is now an area of intensive research. Protein acetylation is one of the most common post-translational modifications and increased systemic acetate strongly drives protein acetylation. By virtue of acetylation impacting the activity of virtually every class of protein, acetate driven alterations in signaling and gene transcription have been associated with several common human diseases, including cancer. In part 2 of this review, we will focus on some of the roles that acetate plays in health and human disease. The acetate-activating enzyme acyl-CoA short-chain synthetase family member 2 (ACSS2) will be a major part of that focus due to its role in targeted protein acetylation reactions that can regulate central metabolism and stress responses. ACSS2 is the only known enzyme that can recycle acetate derived from deacetylation reactions in the cytoplasm and nucleus of cells, including both protein and metabolite deacetylation reactions. As such, ACSS2 can recycle acetate derived from histone deacetylase reactions as well as protein deacetylation reactions mediated by sirtuins, among many others. Notably, ACSS2 can activate acetate released from acetylated metabolites including N-acetylaspartate (NAA), the most concentrated acetylated metabolite in the human brain. NAA has been associated with the metabolic reprograming of cancer cells, where ACSS2 also plays a role. Here, we discuss the context-specific roles that acetate can play in health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John R. Moffett
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Narayanan Puthillathu
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Ranjini Vengilote
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Diane M. Jaworski
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Aryan M. Namboodiri
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
The Role of CDKs and CDKIs in Murine Development. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155343. [PMID: 32731332 PMCID: PMC7432401 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and their inhibitors (CDKIs) play pivotal roles in the regulation of the cell cycle. As a result of these functions, it may be extrapolated that they are essential for appropriate embryonic development. The twenty known mouse CDKs and eight CDKIs have been studied to varying degrees in the developing mouse, but only a handful of CDKs and a single CDKI have been shown to be absolutely required for murine embryonic development. What has become apparent, as more studies have shone light on these family members, is that in addition to their primary functional role in regulating the cell cycle, many of these genes are also controlling specific cell fates by directing differentiation in various tissues. Here we review the extensive mouse models that have been generated to study the functions of CDKs and CDKIs, and discuss their varying roles in murine embryonic development, with a particular focus on the brain, pancreas and fertility.
Collapse
|
10
|
mRNA Profiling for miR-124-mediated Repair in Spinal Cord Injury. Neuroscience 2020; 438:158-168. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
11
|
Uncoupling N-acetylaspartate from brain pathology: implications for Canavan disease gene therapy. Acta Neuropathol 2018; 135:95-113. [PMID: 29116375 PMCID: PMC5756261 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-017-1784-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
N-Acetylaspartate (NAA) is the second most abundant organic metabolite in the brain, but its physiological significance remains enigmatic. Toxic NAA accumulation appears to be the key factor for neurological decline in Canavan disease—a fatal neurometabolic disorder caused by deficiency in the NAA-degrading enzyme aspartoacylase. To date clinical outcome of gene replacement therapy for this spongiform leukodystrophy has not met expectations. To identify the target tissue and cells for maximum anticipated treatment benefit, we employed comprehensive phenotyping of novel mouse models to assess cell type-specific consequences of NAA depletion or elevation. We show that NAA-deficiency causes neurological deficits affecting unconscious defensive reactions aimed at protecting the body from external threat. This finding suggests, while NAA reduction is pivotal to treat Canavan disease, abrogating NAA synthesis should be avoided. At the other end of the spectrum, while predicting pathological severity in Canavan disease mice, increased brain NAA levels are not neurotoxic per se. In fact, in transgenic mice overexpressing the NAA synthesising enzyme Nat8l in neurons, supra-physiological NAA levels were uncoupled from neurological deficits. In contrast, elimination of aspartoacylase expression exclusively in oligodendrocytes elicited Canavan disease like pathology. Although conditional aspartoacylase deletion in oligodendrocytes abolished expression in the entire CNS, the remaining aspartoacylase in peripheral organs was sufficient to lower NAA levels, delay disease onset and ameliorate histopathology. However, comparable endpoints of the conditional and complete aspartoacylase knockout indicate that optimal Canavan disease gene replacement therapies should restore aspartoacylase expression in oligodendrocytes. On the basis of these findings we executed an ASPA gene replacement therapy targeting oligodendrocytes in Canavan disease mice resulting in reversal of pre-existing CNS pathology and lasting neurological benefits. This finding signifies the first successful post-symptomatic treatment of a white matter disorder using an adeno-associated virus vector tailored towards oligodendroglial-restricted transgene expression.
Collapse
|
12
|
Appu AP, Moffett JR, Arun P, Moran S, Nambiar V, Krishnan JKS, Puthillathu N, Namboodiri AMA. Increasing N-acetylaspartate in the Brain during Postnatal Myelination Does Not Cause the CNS Pathologies of Canavan Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:161. [PMID: 28626388 PMCID: PMC5454052 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Canavan disease is caused by mutations in the gene encoding aspartoacylase (ASPA), a deacetylase that catabolizes N-acetylaspartate (NAA). The precise involvement of elevated NAA in the pathogenesis of Canavan disease is an ongoing debate. In the present study, we tested the effects of elevated NAA in the brain during postnatal development. Mice were administered high doses of the hydrophobic methyl ester of NAA (M-NAA) twice daily starting on day 7 after birth. This treatment increased NAA levels in the brain to those observed in the brains of Nur7 mice, an established model of Canavan disease. We evaluated various serological parameters, oxidative stress, inflammatory and neurodegeneration markers and the results showed that there were no pathological alterations in any measure with increased brain NAA levels. We examined oxidative stress markers, malondialdehyde content (indicator of lipid peroxidation), expression of NADPH oxidase and nuclear translocation of the stress-responsive transcription factor nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF-2) in brain. We also examined additional pathological markers by immunohistochemistry and the expression of activated caspase-3 and interleukin-6 by Western blot. None of the markers were increased in the brains of M-NAA treated mice, and no vacuoles were observed in any brain region. These results show that ASPA expression prevents the pathologies associated with excessive NAA concentrations in the brain during postnatal myelination. We hypothesize that the pathogenesis of Canavan disease involves not only disrupted NAA metabolism, but also excessive NAA related signaling processes in oligodendrocytes that have not been fully determined and we discuss some of the potential mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abhilash P. Appu
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, United States
| | - John R. Moffett
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, United States
| | - Peethambaran Arun
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sean Moran
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, United States
| | - Vikram Nambiar
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jishnu K. S. Krishnan
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, United States
| | - Narayanan Puthillathu
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, United States
| | - Aryan M. A. Namboodiri
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Singhal NK, Huang H, Li S, Clements R, Gadd J, Daniels A, Kooijman EE, Bannerman P, Burns T, Guo F, Pleasure D, Freeman E, Shriver L, McDonough J. The neuronal metabolite NAA regulates histone H3 methylation in oligodendrocytes and myelin lipid composition. Exp Brain Res 2016; 235:279-292. [PMID: 27709268 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-016-4789-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The neuronal mitochondrial metabolite N-acetylaspartate (NAA) is decreased in the multiple sclerosis (MS) brain. NAA is synthesized in neurons by the enzyme N-acetyltransferase-8-like (NAT8L) and broken down in oligodendrocytes by aspartoacylase (ASPA) into acetate and aspartate. We have hypothesized that NAA links the metabolism of axons with oligodendrocytes to support myelination. To test this hypothesis, we performed lipidomic analyses using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) to identify changes in myelin lipid composition in postmortem MS brains and in NAT8L knockout (NAT8L-/-) mice which do not synthesize NAA. We found reduced levels of sphingomyelin in MS normal appearing white matter that mirrored decreased levels of NAA. We also discovered decreases in the amounts of sphingomyelin and sulfatide lipids in the brains of NAT8L-/- mice compared to controls. Metabolomic analysis of primary cultures of oligodendrocytes treated with NAA revealed increased levels of α-ketoglutarate, which has been reported to regulate histone demethylase activity. Consistent with this, NAA treatment resulted in alterations in the levels of histone H3 methylation, including H3K4me3, H3K9me2, and H3K9me3. The H3K4me3 histone mark regulates cellular energetics, metabolism, and growth, while H3K9me3 has been linked to alterations in transcriptional repression in developing oligodendrocytes. We also noted the NAA treatment was associated with increases in the expression of genes involved in sulfatide and sphingomyelin synthesis in cultured oligodendrocytes. This is the first report demonstrating that neuronal-derived NAA can signal to the oligodendrocyte nucleus. These data suggest that neuronal-derived NAA signals through epigenetic mechanisms in oligodendrocytes to support or maintain myelination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N K Singhal
- Department of Biological Sciences and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - H Huang
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325, USA
| | - S Li
- Department of Biological Sciences and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - R Clements
- Department of Biological Sciences and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - J Gadd
- Department of Biological Sciences and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - A Daniels
- Department of Biological Sciences and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - E E Kooijman
- Department of Biological Sciences and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - P Bannerman
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - T Burns
- Department of Neurology, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - F Guo
- Department of Neurology, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - D Pleasure
- Department of Neurology, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - E Freeman
- Department of Biological Sciences and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - L Shriver
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325, USA
| | - J McDonough
- Department of Biological Sciences and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Prokesch A, Pelzmann HJ, Pessentheiner AR, Huber K, Madreiter-Sokolowski CT, Drougard A, Schittmayer M, Kolb D, Magnes C, Trausinger G, Graier WF, Birner-Gruenberger R, Pospisilik JA, Bogner-Strauss JG. N-acetylaspartate catabolism determines cytosolic acetyl-CoA levels and histone acetylation in brown adipocytes. Sci Rep 2016; 6:23723. [PMID: 27045997 PMCID: PMC4820693 DOI: 10.1038/srep23723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone acetylation depends on the abundance of nucleo-cytoplasmic acetyl-CoA. Here, we present a novel route for cytoplasmic acetyl-CoA production in brown adipocytes. N-acetylaspartate (NAA) is a highly abundant brain metabolite catabolized by aspartoacylase yielding aspartate and acetate. The latter can be further used for acetyl-CoA production. Prior to this work, the presence of NAA has not been described in adipocytes. Here, we show that accumulation of NAA decreases the brown adipocyte phenotype. We increased intracellular NAA concentrations in brown adipocytes via media supplementation or knock-down of aspartoacylase and measured reduced lipolysis, thermogenic gene expression, and oxygen consumption. Combinations of approaches to increase intracellular NAA levels showed additive effects on lipolysis and gene repression, nearly abolishing the expression of Ucp1, Cidea, Prdm16, and Ppara. Transcriptome analyses of aspartoacylase knock-down cells indicate deficiencies in acetyl-CoA and lipid metabolism. Concordantly, cytoplasmic acetyl-CoA levels and global histone H3 acetylation were decreased. Further, activating histone marks (H3K27ac and H3K9ac) in promoters/enhancers of brown marker genes showed reduced acetylation status. Taken together, we present a novel route for cytoplasmic acetyl-CoA production in brown adipocytes. Thereby, we mechanistically connect the NAA pathway to the epigenomic regulation of gene expression, modulating the phenotype of brown adipocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A. Prokesch
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Austria,Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Graz, Austria,
| | - H. J. Pelzmann
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Austria
| | | | - K. Huber
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Austria
| | | | - A. Drougard
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
| | - M. Schittmayer
- Research Unit Functional Proteomics and Metabolic Pathways, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz and Omics Center Graz, BioTechMed-Graz, Austria
| | - D. Kolb
- Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Graz, Austria,ZMF, Center for Medical Research, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - C. Magnes
- HEALTH Insitute for Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Joanneum Research, Graz, Austria
| | - G. Trausinger
- HEALTH Insitute for Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Joanneum Research, Graz, Austria
| | - W. F. Graier
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - R. Birner-Gruenberger
- Research Unit Functional Proteomics and Metabolic Pathways, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz and Omics Center Graz, BioTechMed-Graz, Austria
| | - J. A. Pospisilik
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Krityakiarana W, Zhao PM, Nguyen K, Gomez-Pinilla F, Kotchabhakdi N, de Vellis J, Espinosa-Jeffrey A. Proof-of Concept that an Acute Trophic Factors Intervention After Spinal Cord Injury Provides an Adequate Niche for Neuroprotection, Recruitment of Nestin-Expressing Progenitors and Regeneration. Neurochem Res 2016; 41:431-49. [PMID: 26883642 PMCID: PMC5352162 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-016-1850-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Trophic factor treatment has been shown to improve the recovery of brain and spinal cord injury (SCI). In this study, we examined the effects of TSC1 (a combination of insulin-like growth factor 1 and transferrin) 4 and 8 h after SCI at the thoracic segment level (T12) in nestin-GFP transgenic mice. TSC1 treatment for 4 and 8 h increased the number of nestin-expressing cells around the lesion site and prevented Wallerian degeneration. Treatment with TSC1 for 4 h significantly increased heat shock protein (HSP)-32 and HSP-70 expression 1 and 2 mm from lesion site (both, caudal and rostral). Conversely, the number of HSP-32 positive cells decreased after an 8-h TSC1 treatment, although it was still higher than in both, non-treated SCI and intact spinal cord animals. Furthermore, TSC1 increased NG2 expressing cell numbers and preserved most axons intact, facilitating remyelination and repair. These results support our hypothesis that TSC1 is an effective treatment for cell and tissue neuroprotection after SCI. An early intervention is crucial to prevent secondary damage of the injured SC and, in particular, to prevent Wallerian degeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Warin Krityakiarana
- Departments of Neurobiology, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, 635 Charles E. Young Drive South, Suite 375E, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-7332, USA.
- Division of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Science, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Paul M Zhao
- Departments of Neurobiology, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, 635 Charles E. Young Drive South, Suite 375E, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-7332, USA
| | - Kevin Nguyen
- Departments of Neurobiology, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, 635 Charles E. Young Drive South, Suite 375E, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-7332, USA
| | - Fernando Gomez-Pinilla
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Department of Neurosurgery, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Naiphinich Kotchabhakdi
- Neuro-Behavioural Biology Center, Institute of Science and Technology for Research and Development, Mahidol University, 999 Phutthamonthol 4 Road, Salaya, Phutthamonthol, Nakornpathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Jean de Vellis
- Departments of Neurobiology, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, 635 Charles E. Young Drive South, Suite 375E, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-7332, USA
| | - Araceli Espinosa-Jeffrey
- Departments of Neurobiology, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, 635 Charles E. Young Drive South, Suite 375E, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-7332, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ahmed SS, Gao G. Making the White Matter Matters: Progress in Understanding Canavan's Disease and Therapeutic Interventions Through Eight Decades. JIMD Rep 2015; 19:11-22. [PMID: 25604619 DOI: 10.1007/8904_2014_356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Revised: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Canavan's disease (CD) is a fatal autosomal recessive pediatric leukodystrophy in which patients show severe neurodegeneration and typically die by the age of 10, though life expectancy in patients can be highly variable. Currently, there is no effective treatment for CD; however, gene therapy seems to be a feasible approach to combat the disease. Being a monogenic defect, the disease provides an excellent model system to develop gene therapy approaches that can be extended to other monogenic leukodystrophies and neurodegenerative diseases. CD results from mutations in a single gene aspartoacylase which hydrolyses N-acetyl aspartic acid (NAA) which accumulates in its absences. Since CD is one of the few diseases that show high NAA levels, it can also be used to study the enigmatic biological role of NAA. The disease was first described in 1931, and this review traces the progress made in the past 8 decades to understand the disease by enumerating current hypotheses and ongoing palliative measures to alleviate patient symptoms in the context of the latest advances in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seemin S Ahmed
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, ASC6, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hoshino H, Kubota M. Canavan disease: clinical features and recent advances in research. Pediatr Int 2014; 56:477-83. [PMID: 24977939 DOI: 10.1111/ped.12422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Revised: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Canavan disease (CD) is a genetic neurodegenerative leukodystrophy that results in the spongy degeneration of white matter in the brain. CD is characterized by mutations in the gene encoding aspartoacylase (ASPA), the substrate enzyme that hydrolyzes N-acetylaspartic acid (NAA) to acetate and aspartate. Elevated NAA and subsequent deficiency in acetate associated with this disease cause progressive neurological symptoms, such as macrocephaly, visuocognitive dysfunction, and psychomotor delay. The prevalence of CD is higher among Ashkenazi Jewish people, and several types of mutations have been reported in the gene coding ASPA. Highly elevated NAA is more specific to CD than other leukodystrophies, and an examination of urinary NAA concentration is useful for diagnosing CD. Many researchers are now examining the mechanisms responsible for white matter degeneration or dysmyelination in CD using mouse models, and several persuasive hypotheses have been suggested for the pathophysiology of CD. One is that NAA serves as a water pump; consequently, a disorder in NAA catabolism leads to astrocytic edema. Another hypothesis is that the hydrolyzation of NAA in oligodendrocytes is essential for myelin synthesis through the supply of acetate. Although there is currently no curative therapy for CD, dietary supplements are candidates that may retard the progression of the symptoms associated with CD. Furthermore, gene therapies using viral vectors have been investigated using rat models. These therapies have been found to be tolerable with no severe long-term adverse effects, reduce the elevated NAA in the brain, and may be applied to humans in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Hoshino
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Division of Neurology, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Moffett JR, Arun P, Ariyannur PS, Namboodiri AMA. N-Acetylaspartate reductions in brain injury: impact on post-injury neuroenergetics, lipid synthesis, and protein acetylation. FRONTIERS IN NEUROENERGETICS 2013; 5:11. [PMID: 24421768 PMCID: PMC3872778 DOI: 10.3389/fnene.2013.00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2013] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
N-Acetylaspartate (NAA) is employed as a non-invasive marker for neuronal health using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). This utility is afforded by the fact that NAA is one of the most concentrated brain metabolites and that it produces the largest peak in MRS scans of the healthy human brain. NAA levels in the brain are reduced proportionately to the degree of tissue damage after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the reductions parallel the reductions in ATP levels. Because NAA is the most concentrated acetylated metabolite in the brain, we have hypothesized that NAA acts in part as an extensive reservoir of acetate for acetyl coenzyme A synthesis. Therefore, the loss of NAA after TBI impairs acetyl coenzyme A dependent functions including energy derivation, lipid synthesis, and protein acetylation reactions in distinct ways in different cell populations. The enzymes involved in synthesizing and metabolizing NAA are predominantly expressed in neurons and oligodendrocytes, respectively, and therefore some proportion of NAA must be transferred between cell types before the acetate can be liberated, converted to acetyl coenzyme A and utilized. Studies have indicated that glucose metabolism in neurons is reduced, but that acetate metabolism in astrocytes is increased following TBI, possibly reflecting an increased role for non-glucose energy sources in response to injury. NAA can provide additional acetate for intercellular metabolite trafficking to maintain acetyl CoA levels after injury. Here we explore changes in NAA, acetate, and acetyl coenzyme A metabolism in response to brain injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John R. Moffett
- Neuroscience Program, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Rae CD. A Guide to the Metabolic Pathways and Function of Metabolites Observed in Human Brain 1H Magnetic Resonance Spectra. Neurochem Res 2013; 39:1-36. [PMID: 24258018 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-013-1199-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 327] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2013] [Revised: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
20
|
Long PM, Tighe SW, Driscoll HE, Moffett JR, Namboodiri AMA, Viapiano MS, Lawler SE, Jaworski DM. Acetate supplementation induces growth arrest of NG2/PDGFRα-positive oligodendroglioma-derived tumor-initiating cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e80714. [PMID: 24278309 PMCID: PMC3835562 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [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: 06/28/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is associated with globally hypoacetylated chromatin and considerable attention has recently been focused on epigenetic therapies. N-acetyl-L-aspartate (NAA), the primary storage form of acetate in the brain, and aspartoacylase (ASPA), the enzyme responsible for NAA catalysis to generate acetate and ultimately acetyl-Coenzyme A for histone acetylation, are reduced in oligodendroglioma. The short chain triglyceride glyceryl triacetate (GTA), which increases histone acetylation and inhibits histone deacetylase expression, has been safely used for acetate supplementation in Canavan disease, a leukodystrophy due to ASPA mutation. We demonstrate that GTA induces cytostatic G0 growth arrest of oligodendroglioma-derived cells in vitro, without affecting normal cells. Sodium acetate, at doses comparable to that generated by complete GTA catalysis, but not glycerol also promoted growth arrest, whereas long chain triglycerides promoted cell growth. To begin to elucidate its mechanism of action, the effects of GTA on ASPA and acetyl-CoA synthetase protein levels and differentiation of established human oligodendroglioma cells (HOG and Hs683) and primary tumor-derived oligodendroglioma cells that exhibit some features of cancer stem cells (grade II OG33 and grade III OG35) relative to an oligodendrocyte progenitor line (Oli-Neu) were examined. The nuclear localization of ASPA and acetyl-CoA synthetase-1 in untreated cells was regulated during the cell cycle. GTA-mediated growth arrest was not associated with apoptosis or differentiation, but increased expression of acetylated proteins. Thus, GTA-mediated acetate supplementation may provide a safe, novel epigenetic therapy to reduce the growth of oligodendroglioma cells without affecting normal neural stem or oligodendrocyte progenitor cell proliferation or differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick M. Long
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
| | - Scott W. Tighe
- Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
| | - Heather E. Driscoll
- Vermont Genetics Network, Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont, United States of America
| | - John R. Moffett
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Genetics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Aryan M. A. Namboodiri
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Genetics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mariano S. Viapiano
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sean E. Lawler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Diane M. Jaworski
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Glicksman S, Borgen C, Blackstein M, Gordon A, Hanon I, Kusin D, Leibowitz B, Halle J. A thematic review of scientific and family interests in Canavan Disease: where are the developmentalists? JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2013; 57:815-825. [PMID: 22676184 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2788.2012.01576.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canavan Disease is a degenerative neurological condition resulting in a spongy deterioration of the brain. Much research has been conducted by the medical community regarding this condition, but little research can be found in the psychological literature. METHOD A review of the scientific literature related to Canavan Disease using the Psychinfo and PubMed databases was conducted covering a 5-year span from 2006 through 2011. Concurrently, a review of parent initiated topics found on the most popular Canavan Disease Internet discussion board was conducted for comparison purposes. RESULTS When comparing the topics discussed and information sought among parents with the themes noted in the extant scientific literature, researchers found an exceedingly small overlap between the two communities of interest. In the scientific literature, published research on Canavan Disease focused on three areas: the biochemistry of Canavan Disease, diagnosis and genetic counselling, and clinical therapeutic approaches in Canavan Disease. Of the 42 unique topics raised on a popular Internet discussion board, however, only three (7%) fell into the category of diagnosis and genetic counselling, none (0%) fell into the category of the biochemistry of Canavan Disease, and four fell into the category of clinical therapeutic approaches in Canavan Disease (10%). Of the four posts addressing clinical therapeutic approaches to Canavan Disease, only one post truly overlapped with the topics addressed by the scientific community. Worded differently, while these three categories comprise 100% of the extant scientific literature regarding Canavan Disease, they comprise only 17% of the parent-raised topics. The remaining 83% of parent-raised topics addressed concerns not currently being focusing upon by the scientific community, namely, non-medical practical issues, information regarding specific characteristics of Canavan Disease, non-medical developmental and quality of life issues, and day-to-day developmental and medical concerns. CONCLUSION By comparing the extant literature on Canavan Disease with the topics of interest raised by parents and caregivers, it seems clear that there is a significant 'underlap' of topics raised by these two communities of interest, one that may reflect a lack of sensitivity on the part of the scientific community to meet the needs of this population of knowledge seekers. It is the suggestion of these authors that developmental psychology may be the appropriate scientific field within which to address this need and fill this gap in the current literature.
Collapse
|
22
|
Long PM, Moffett JR, Namboodiri AMA, Viapiano MS, Lawler SE, Jaworski DM. N-acetylaspartate (NAA) and N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) promote growth and inhibit differentiation of glioma stem-like cells. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:26188-26200. [PMID: 23884408 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.487553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is a pathological feature of cancer and a driver of tumor cell transformation. N-Acetylaspartate (NAA) is one of the most abundant amino acid derivatives in the brain and serves as a source of metabolic acetate for oligodendrocyte myelination and protein/histone acetylation or a precursor for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG). NAA and NAAG as well as aspartoacylase (ASPA), the enzyme responsible for NAA degradation, are significantly reduced in glioma tumors, suggesting a possible role for decreased acetate metabolism in tumorigenesis. This study sought to examine the effects of NAA and NAAG on primary tumor-derived glioma stem-like cells (GSCs) from oligodendroglioma as well as proneural and mesenchymal glioblastoma, relative to oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (Oli-Neu). Although the NAA dicarboxylate transporter NaDC3 is primarily thought to be expressed by astrocytes, all cell lines expressed NaDC3 and, thus, are capable of NAA up-take. Treatment with NAA or NAAG significantly increased GSC growth and suppressed differentiation of Oli-Neu cells and proneural GSCs. Interestingly, ASPA was expressed in both the cytosol and nuclei of GSCs and exhibited greatest nuclear immunoreactivity in differentiation-resistant GSCs. Both NAA and NAAG elicited the expression of a novel immunoreactive ASPA species in select GSC nuclei, suggesting differential ASPA regulation in response to these metabolites. Therefore, this study highlights a potential role for nuclear ASPA expression in GSC malignancy and suggests that the use of NAA or NAAG is not an appropriate therapeutic approach to increase acetate bioavailability in glioma. Thus, an alternative acetate source is required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick M Long
- From the Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont 05405
| | - John R Moffett
- the Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, and
| | - Aryan M A Namboodiri
- the Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, and
| | - Mariano S Viapiano
- the Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02215
| | - Sean E Lawler
- the Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02215
| | - Diane M Jaworski
- From the Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont 05405,.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ramos M, Pardo B, Llorente-Folch I, Saheki T, del Arco A, Satrústegui J. Deficiency of the mitochondrial transporter of aspartate/glutamate aralar/AGC1 causes hypomyelination and neuronal defects unrelated to myelin deficits in mouse brain. J Neurosci Res 2011; 89:2008-17. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.22639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2010] [Revised: 01/31/2011] [Accepted: 02/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|
24
|
Long PM, Stradecki HM, Minturn JE, Wesley UV, Jaworski DM. Differential aminoacylase expression in neuroblastoma. Int J Cancer 2011; 129:1322-30. [PMID: 21128244 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.25798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2010] [Accepted: 11/09/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma, a cancer of the sympathetic nervous system, is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children. MYCN amplification and increased BDNF/TrkB signaling are features of high-risk tumors; yet, only ˜25% of malignant tumors display these features. Thus, the identification of additional biomarkers and therapeutic targets is essential. As aminoacylase 1 (ACY1), an amino acid deacetylase, is a putative tumor suppressor in small cell lung and renal cell carcinomas, we investigated whether it or the other family members aspartoacylase (ASPA, aminoacylase 2) or aminoacylase 3 (ACY3) could serve a similar function in neuroblastoma. Aminoacylase expression was examined in TrkB-positive, MYCN-amplified (SMS-KCNR and SK-N-BE) and TrkB-negative, non-MYCN-amplified (SK-N-AS, SK-N-SH, SH-SY5Y and SH-EP) neuroblastoma cell lines. Each aminoacylase exhibited distinct spatial localization (i.e., cytosolic ACY1, membrane-associated ASPA and nuclear ACY3). When SK-N-SH cells were treated with neural differentiation agents (e.g., retinoic acid and cAMP) in media containing 10% serum, ACY1 was the only aminoacylase whose expression was upregulated. ASPA was primarily expressed in SH-EP cells of a glial sublineage. ACY3 was more highly expressed in the TrkB-positive, MYCN-amplified lines. All three aminoacylases were expressed in normal human adrenal gland, a common site of neuroblastoma origin, but only ACY1 and ACY3 displayed detectable expression in primary neuroblastoma tumor. Bioinformatics data mining of Kaplan-Meier survival revealed that high ACY3 expression is correlated with poor prognosis, whereas low expression of ACY1 or ASPA is correlated with poor prognosis. These data suggest that aminoacylase expression is dysregulated in neuroblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick M Long
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Chrast R, Saher G, Nave KA, Verheijen MHG. Lipid metabolism in myelinating glial cells: lessons from human inherited disorders and mouse models. J Lipid Res 2010; 52:419-34. [PMID: 21062955 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.r009761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The integrity of central and peripheral nervous system myelin is affected in numerous lipid metabolism disorders. This vulnerability was so far mostly attributed to the extraordinarily high level of lipid synthesis that is required for the formation of myelin, and to the relative autonomy in lipid synthesis of myelinating glial cells because of blood barriers shielding the nervous system from circulating lipids. Recent insights from analysis of inherited lipid disorders, especially those with prevailing lipid depletion and from mouse models with glia-specific disruption of lipid metabolism, shed new light on this issue. The particular lipid composition of myelin, the transport of lipid-associated myelin proteins, and the necessity for timely assembly of the myelin sheath all contribute to the observed vulnerability of myelin to perturbed lipid metabolism. Furthermore, the uptake of external lipids may also play a role in the formation of myelin membranes. In addition to an improved understanding of basic myelin biology, these data provide a foundation for future therapeutic interventions aiming at preserving glial cell integrity in metabolic disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roman Chrast
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Mattan NS, Ghiani CA, Lloyd M, Matalon R, Bok D, Casaccia P, de Vellis J. Aspartoacylase deficiency affects early postnatal development of oligodendrocytes and myelination. Neurobiol Dis 2010; 40:432-43. [PMID: 20637282 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2010.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2009] [Revised: 06/29/2010] [Accepted: 07/07/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Canavan disease (CD) is a neurodegenerative disease, caused by a deficiency in the enzyme aspartoacylase (ASPA). This enzyme has been localized to oligodendrocytes; however, it is still undefined how ASPA deficiency affects oligodendrocyte development. In normal mice the pattern of ASPA expression coincides with oligodendrocyte maturation. Therefore, postnatal oligodendrocyte maturation was analyzed in ASPA-deficient mice (CD mice). Early in development, CD mice brains showed decreased expression of neural cell markers that was later compensated. In addition, the levels of myelin proteins were decreased along with abnormal myelination in CD mice compared to wild-type (WT). These defects were associated with increased global levels of acetylated histone H3, decreased chromatin compaction and increased GFAP protein, a marker for astrogliosis. Together, these findings strongly suggest that, early in postnatal development, ASPA deficiency affects oligodendrocyte maturation and myelination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia S Mattan
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Arun P, Madhavarao CN, Moffett JR, Hamilton K, Grunberg NE, Ariyannur PS, Gahl WA, Anikster Y, Mog S, Hallows WC, Denu JM, Namboodiri AMA. Metabolic acetate therapy improves phenotype in the tremor rat model of Canavan disease. J Inherit Metab Dis 2010; 33:195-210. [PMID: 20464498 PMCID: PMC2877317 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-010-9100-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2009] [Revised: 03/09/2010] [Accepted: 03/31/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Genetic mutations that severely diminish the activity of aspartoacylase (ASPA) result in the fatal brain dysmyelinating disorder, Canavan disease. There is no effective treatment. ASPA produces free acetate from the concentrated brain metabolite, N-acetylaspartate (NAA). Because acetyl coenzyme A is a key building block for lipid synthesis, we postulated that the inability to catabolize NAA leads to a brain acetate deficiency during a critical period of CNS development, impairing myelination and possibly other aspects of brain development. We tested the hypothesis that acetate supplementation during postnatal myelination would ameliorate the severe phenotype associated with ASPA deficiency using the tremor rat model of Canavan disease. Glyceryltriacetate (GTA) was administered orally to tremor rats starting 7 days after birth, and was continued in food and water after weaning. Motor function, myelin lipids, and brain vacuolation were analyzed in GTA-treated and untreated tremor rats. Significant improvements were observed in motor performance and myelin galactocerebroside content in tremor rats treated with GTA. Further, brain vacuolation was modestly reduced, and these reductions were positively correlated with improved motor performance. We also examined the expression of the acetyl coenzyme A synthesizing enzyme acetyl coenzyme A synthase 1 and found upregulation of expression in tremor rats, with a return to near normal expression levels in GTA-treated tremor rats. These results confirm the critical role played by NAA-derived acetate in brain myelination and development, and demonstrate the potential usefulness of acetate therapy for the treatment of Canavan disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peethambaran Arun
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Neuroscience Program and Molecular and Cell Biology Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Building C, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd., Bethesda, MD 20814 USA
| | - Chikkathur N. Madhavarao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Neuroscience Program and Molecular and Cell Biology Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Building C, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd., Bethesda, MD 20814 USA
| | - John R. Moffett
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Neuroscience Program and Molecular and Cell Biology Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Building C, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd., Bethesda, MD 20814 USA
| | - Kristen Hamilton
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd., Bethesda, MD 20814 USA
| | - Neil E. Grunberg
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd., Bethesda, MD 20814 USA
| | - Prasanth S. Ariyannur
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Neuroscience Program and Molecular and Cell Biology Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Building C, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd., Bethesda, MD 20814 USA
| | - William A. Gahl
- National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Yair Anikster
- Metabolic Disease Unit, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Steven Mog
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Bethesda, MD 20889 USA
| | - William C. Hallows
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706 USA
| | - John M. Denu
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706 USA
| | - Aryan M. A. Namboodiri
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Neuroscience Program and Molecular and Cell Biology Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Building C, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd., Bethesda, MD 20814 USA
| |
Collapse
|