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Goldschmidt-Clermont PJ, Khan A, Jimsheleishvili G, Graham P, Brooks A, Silvera R, Goldschmidt AJP, Pearse DD, Dietrich WD, Levi AD, Guest JD. Treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with allogeneic Schwann cell-derived exosomal vesicles: a case report. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:1207-1216. [PMID: 38922880 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Schwann cells are essential for the maintenance and function of motor neurons, axonal networks, and the neuromuscular junction. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, where motor neuron function is progressively lost, Schwann cell function may also be impaired. Recently, important signaling and potential trophic activities of Schwann cell-derived exosomal vesicles have been reported. This case report describes the treatment of a patient with advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using serial intravenous infusions of allogeneic Schwann cell-derived exosomal vesicles, marking, to our knowledge, the first instance of such treatment. An 81-year-old male patient presented with a 1.5-year history of rapidly progressive amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. After initial diagnosis, the patient underwent a combination of generic riluzole, sodium phenylbutyrate for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and taurursodiol. The patient volunteered to participate in an FDA-approved single-patient expanded access treatment and received weekly intravenous infusions of allogeneic Schwann cell-derived exosomal vesicles to potentially restore impaired Schwann cell and motor neuron function. We confirmed that cultured Schwann cells obtained from the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patient via sural nerve biopsy appeared impaired (senescent) and that exposure of the patient's Schwann cells to allogeneic Schwann cell-derived exosomal vesicles, cultured expanded from a cadaver donor improved their growth capacity in vitro. After a period of observation lasting 10 weeks, during which amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised and pulmonary function were regularly monitored, the patient received weekly consecutive infusions of 1.54 × 10 12 (×2), and then consecutive infusions of 7.5 × 10 12 (×6) allogeneic Schwann cell-derived exosomal vesicles diluted in 40 mL of Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline. None of the infusions were associated with adverse events such as infusion reactions (allergic or otherwise) or changes in vital signs. Clinical lab serum neurofilament and cytokine levels measured prior to each infusion varied somewhat without a clear trend. A more sensitive in-house assay suggested possible inflammasome activation during the disease course. A trend for clinical stabilization was observed during the infusion period. Our study provides a novel approach to address impaired Schwann cells and possibly motor neuron function in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using allogeneic Schwann cell-derived exosomal vesicles. Initial findings suggest that this approach is safe.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aisha Khan
- Stem Cell Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - George Jimsheleishvili
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Patricia Graham
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Adriana Brooks
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Risset Silvera
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Damien D Pearse
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Neurological Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - W Dalton Dietrich
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Neurological Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Allan D Levi
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Neurological Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - James D Guest
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Neurological Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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Liu F, Schrack JA, Walston J, Mathias RA, Windham BG, Grams ME, Coresh J, Walker KA. Mid-life plasma proteins associated with late-life prefrailty and frailty: a proteomic analysis. GeroScience 2024; 46:5247-5265. [PMID: 38856871 PMCID: PMC11336072 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01219-8] [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: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Physical frailty is a syndrome that typically manifests in later life, although the pathogenic process causing physical frailty likely begins decades earlier. To date, few studies have examined the biological signatures in mid-life associated with physical frailty later in life. Among 4,189 middle-aged participants (57.8 ± 5.0 years, 55.8% women) from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Community (ARIC) study, we evaluated the associations of 4,955 plasma proteins (log 2-transformed and standardized) measured using the SomaScan platform with their frailty status approximately 20 years later. Using multinomial logistic regression models adjusting for demographics, health behaviors, kidney function, total cholesterol, and comorbidities, 12 and 221 proteins were associated with prefrailty and frailty in later life, respectively (FDR p < 0.05). Top frailty-associated proteins included neurocan core protein (NCAN, OR = 0.66), fatty acid-binding protein heart (FABP3, OR = 1.62) and adipocyte (FABP4, OR = 1.65), as well proteins involved in the contactin-1 (CNTN1), toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5), and neurogenic locus notch homolog protein 1 (NOTCH1) signaling pathway relevant to skeletal muscle regeneration, myelination, and inflammation. Pathway analyses suggest midlife dysregulation of inflammation, metabolism, extracellular matrix, angiogenesis, and lysosomal autophagy among those at risk for late-life frailty. After further adjusting for midlife body mass index (BMI) - an established frailty risk factor - only CNTN1 (OR = 0.75) remained significantly associated with frailty. Post-hoc analyses demonstrated that the top 41 midlife frailty-associated proteins mediate 32% of the association between mid-life BMI and late-life frailty. Our findings provide new insights into frailty etiology earlier in the life course, enhancing the potential for prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyu Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Jennifer A Schrack
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center On Aging and Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeremy Walston
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rasika A Mathias
- Genomics and Precision Health Section, Laboratory of Allergic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infection Disease, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - B Gwen Windham
- Department of Medicine, MIND Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Morgan E Grams
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Division of Precision Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Josef Coresh
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Population Health and Medicine, Optimal Aging Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Keenan A Walker
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute On Aging, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Lu JCY, Huang YH, Chen ACY, Chuang DCC. Using the Neuromuscular Junction Cellular Response to Predict Functional Recovery after Nerve Grafting in a Mouse Experimental Model. Plast Reconstr Surg 2024; 154:551-561. [PMID: 37734111 DOI: 10.1097/prs.0000000000011074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional recovery following peripheral nerve injury worsens with increasing time of denervation before repair. Denervated muscle undergoes progressive atrophy that limits the extent to which motor endplates can be reinnervated. The aims of this study were to assess nerve injuries reconstructed at different time points and to identify various neural and muscle-based markers to predict functional outcome, including an in-depth look at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). METHODS Adult wild-type C57BL/6J mice underwent surgery on the sciatic nerve and were divided into 5 groups: (1) nerve cut and repaired, (2) acute (nerve cut and immediately repaired with a 1-cm autograft), (3) subacute (nerve grafted 2 weeks after injury), (4) delayed (nerve grafted 4 weeks after injury), (5) nerve cut and capped. Functional recovery was measured by treadmill and electrodiagnostic tests. Nerves were harvested for histologic evaluation, and leg muscles, for histologic evaluation and NMJ immunofluorescent staining of motor endplate innervation and terminal Schwann cells (tSCs). RESULTS The delayed graft group performed worst in nearly all parameters. The subacute graft group shared more similarities with the acute group, especially the tSC response (subacute, 48%; acute, 51%) and motor endplate innervation pattern (subacute, 75%; acute, 72%). The only parameters to elucidate differences were muscle weight and motor endplate fragmentation. Traditional axon count failed to capture differences among the 3 groups. CONCLUSION The tSC activity and NMJ innervation pattern can be used as predictive markers of functional recovery that capture differences among acute, subacute, and delayed nerve injuries. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT The tSC activity at the NMJ displayed by immunohistochemical methods can accurately reflect target muscle innervation over time. This can be used as a predictor of reinnervation when timing of nerve reconstruction is delayed, which can be a critically needed tool in clinical scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnny Chuieng-Yi Lu
- From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital; and Chang Gung University
| | - Yu-Han Huang
- From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital; and Chang Gung University
| | - Angela Chien-Yu Chen
- From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital; and Chang Gung University
| | - David Chwei-Chin Chuang
- From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital; and Chang Gung University
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Marsh EB, Snyder-Warwick AK, Mackinnon SE, Wood MD. Interpretation of Data from Translational Rodent Nerve Injury and Repair Models. Hand Clin 2024; 40:429-440. [PMID: 38972687 PMCID: PMC11228394 DOI: 10.1016/j.hcl.2024.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
This article highlights the use of rodents as preclinical models to evaluate the management of nerve injuries, describing the pitfalls and value from rodent nerve injury and regeneration outcomes, as well as treatments derived from these rodent models. The anatomic structure, size, and cellular and molecular differences and similarities between rodent and human nerves are summarized. Specific examples of success and failure when assessing outcome metrics are presented for context. Evidence for translation to clinical practice includes the topics of electrical stimulation, Tacrolimus (FK506), and acellular nerve allografts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan B Marsh
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Alison K Snyder-Warwick
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Susan E Mackinnon
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Matthew D Wood
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Torri F, Mancuso M, Siciliano G, Ricci G. Beyond Motor Neurons in Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A Focus on Neuromuscular Junction. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7311. [PMID: 39000416 PMCID: PMC11242411 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137311] [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: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
5q-Spinal muscular atrophy (5q-SMA) is one of the most common neuromuscular diseases due to homozygous mutations in the SMN1 gene. This leads to a loss of function of the SMN1 gene, which in the end determines lower motor neuron degeneration. Since the generation of the first mouse models of SMA neuropathology, a complex degenerative involvement of the neuromuscular junction and peripheral axons of motor nerves, alongside lower motor neurons, has been described. The involvement of the neuromuscular junction in determining disease symptoms offers a possible parallel therapeutic target. This narrative review aims at providing an overview of the current knowledge about the pathogenesis and significance of neuromuscular junction dysfunction in SMA, circulating biomarkers, outcome measures and available or developing therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Torri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Michelangelo Mancuso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Siciliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Hörner SJ, Couturier N, Hafner M, Rudolf R. Schwann cells in neuromuscular in vitro models. Biol Chem 2024; 405:25-30. [PMID: 37357580 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2023-0172] [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: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Neuromuscular cell culture models are used to investigate synapse formation and function, as well as mechanisms of de-and regeneration in neuromuscular diseases. Recent developments including 3D culture technique and hiPSC technology have propelled their ability to complement insights from in vivo models. However, most cultures have not considered Schwann cells, the glial part of NMJs. In the following, a brief overview of different types of neuromuscular cocultures is provided alongside examples for studies that included Schwann cells. From these, findings concerning the effects of Schwann cells on those cultures are summarized and future lines of research are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Janice Hörner
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, D-68163 Mannheim, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, D-69117 Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Mass Spectrometry and Optical Spectroscopy, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, D-68163 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Nathalie Couturier
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, D-68163 Mannheim, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, D-69117 Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Mass Spectrometry and Optical Spectroscopy, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, D-68163 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Mathias Hafner
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, D-68163 Mannheim, Germany
- Institute of Medical Technology, Heidelberg University and Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, D-69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Rudolf
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, D-68163 Mannheim, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, D-69117 Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Mass Spectrometry and Optical Spectroscopy, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, D-68163 Mannheim, Germany
- Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim Heidelberg University, D-68167 Mannheim, Germany
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Hastings RL, Avila MF, Suneby E, Juros D, O'Young A, Peres da Silva J, Valdez G. Cellular and molecular evidence that synaptic Schwann cells contribute to aging of mouse neuromuscular junctions. Aging Cell 2023; 22:e13981. [PMID: 37771191 PMCID: PMC10652323 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13981] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-induced degeneration of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is associated with motor dysfunction and muscle atrophy. While the impact of aging on the NMJ presynapse and postsynapse is well-documented, little is known about the changes perisynaptic Schwann cells (PSCs), the synaptic glia of the NMJ, undergo during aging. Here, we examined PSCs in young, middle-aged, and old mice in three muscles with different susceptibility to aging. Using light and electron microscopy, we found that PSCs acquire age-associated cellular features either prior to or at the same time as the onset of NMJ degeneration. Notably, we found that aged PSCs fail to completely cap the NMJ even though they are more abundant in old compared with young mice. We also found that aging PSCs form processes that either intrude into the synaptic cleft or guide axonal sprouts to innervate other NMJs. We next profiled the transcriptome of PSCs and other Schwann cells (SCs) to identify mechanisms altered in aged PSCs. This analysis revealed that aged PSCs acquire a transcriptional pattern previously shown to promote phagocytosis that is absent in other SCs. It also showed that aged PSCs upregulate unique pro-inflammatory molecules compared to other aged SCs. Interestingly, neither synaptogenesis genes nor genes that are typically upregulated by repair SCs were induced in aged PSCs or other SCs. These findings provide insights into cellular and molecular mechanisms that could be targeted in PSCs to stave off the deleterious effects of aging on NMJs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Louis Hastings
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | | | - Emma Suneby
- Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, & Biochemistry Graduate Program, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Devin Juros
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Anson O'Young
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Jason Peres da Silva
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Gregorio Valdez
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Center for Translational Neuroscience, Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, and Center on the Biology of Aging, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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8
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Duranti E, Villa C. Muscle Involvement in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Understanding the Pathogenesis and Advancing Therapeutics. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1582. [PMID: 38002264 PMCID: PMC10669302 DOI: 10.3390/biom13111582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal condition characterized by the selective loss of motor neurons in the motor cortex, brainstem, and spinal cord. Muscle involvement, muscle atrophy, and subsequent paralysis are among the main features of this disease, which is defined as a neuromuscular disorder. ALS is a persistently progressive disease, and as motor neurons continue to degenerate, individuals with ALS experience a gradual decline in their ability to perform daily activities. Ultimately, muscle function loss may result in paralysis, presenting significant challenges in mobility, communication, and self-care. While the majority of ALS research has traditionally focused on pathogenic pathways in the central nervous system, there has been a great interest in muscle research. These studies were carried out on patients and animal models in order to better understand the molecular mechanisms involved and to develop therapies aimed at improving muscle function. This review summarizes the features of ALS and discusses the role of muscle, as well as examines recent studies in the development of treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chiara Villa
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy;
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9
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Guzman SD, Abu-Mahfouz A, Davis CS, Ruiz LP, Macpherson PC, Brooks SV. Decoding muscle-resident Schwann cell dynamics during neuromuscular junction remodeling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.06.561193. [PMID: 38370853 PMCID: PMC10871306 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.06.561193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Understanding neuromuscular junction (NMJ) repair mechanisms is essential for addressing degenerative neuromuscular conditions. Here, we focus on the role of muscle-resident Schwann cells in NMJ reinnervation. In young Sod1-/- mice, a model of progressive NMJ degeneration, we identified a clear NMJ 'regenerative window' that allowed us to define regulators of reinnervation and crossing Sod1-/- mice with S100GFP-tg mice permitted visualization and analysis of Schwann cells. High-resolution imaging and single-cell RNA sequencing provide a detailed analysis of Schwann cell number, morphology, and transcriptome revealing multiple subtypes, including a previously unrecognized terminal Schwann cell (tSC) population expressing a synapse promoting signature. We also discovered a novel SPP1-driven cellular interaction between myelin Schwann cells and tSCs and show that it promotes tSC proliferation and reinnervation following nerve injury in wild type mice. Our findings offer important insights into molecular regulators critical in NMJ reinnervation that are mediated through tSCs to maintain NMJ function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve D Guzman
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ahmad Abu-Mahfouz
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Carol S Davis
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lloyd P Ruiz
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Peter C Macpherson
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Susan V Brooks
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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10
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Machamer JB, Vazquez-Cintron EJ, Stenslik MJ, Pagarigan KT, Bradford AB, Ondeck CA, McNutt PM. Neuromuscular recovery from botulism involves multiple forms of compensatory plasticity. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1226194. [PMID: 37650071 PMCID: PMC10463753 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1226194] [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: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) causes neuroparalytic disease and death by blocking neuromuscular transmission. There are no specific therapies for clinical botulism and the only treatment option is supportive care until neuromuscular function spontaneously recovers, which can take weeks or months after exposure. The highly specialized neuromuscular junction (NMJ) between phrenic motor neurons and diaphragm muscle fibers is the main clinical target of BoNT. Due to the difficulty in eliciting respiratory paralysis without a high mortality rate, few studies have characterized the neurophysiological mechanisms involved in diaphragm recovery from intoxication. Here, we develop a mouse model of botulism that involves partial paralysis of respiratory muscles with low mortality rates, allowing for longitudinal analysis of recovery. Methods and results Mice challenged by systemic administration of 0.7 LD50 BoNT/A developed physiological signs of botulism, such as respiratory depression and reduced voluntary running activity, that persisted for an average of 8-12 d. Studies in isolated hemidiaphragm preparations from intoxicated mice revealed profound reductions in nerve-elicited, tetanic and twitch muscle contraction strengths that recovered to baseline 21 d after intoxication. Despite apparent functional recovery, neurophysiological parameters remained depressed for 28 d, including end plate potential (EPP) amplitude, EPP success rate, quantal content (QC), and miniature EPP (mEPP) frequency. However, QC recovered more quickly than mEPP frequency, which could explain the discrepancy between muscle function studies and neurophysiological recordings. Hypothesizing that differential modulation of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC) contributed to the uncoupling of QC from mEPP frequency, pharmacological inhibition studies were used to study the contributions of different VGCCs to neurophysiological function. We found that N-type VGCC and P/Q-type VGCC partially restored QC but not mEPP frequency during recovery from paralysis, potentially explaining the accelerated recovery of evoked release versus spontaneous release. We identified additional changes that presumably compensate for reduced acetylcholine release during recovery, including increased depolarization of muscle fiber resting membrane potential and increased quantal size. Discussion In addition to identifying multiple forms of compensatory plasticity that occur in response to reduced NMJ function, it is expected that insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in recovery from neuromuscular paralysis will support new host-targeted treatments for multiple neuromuscular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- James B. Machamer
- BASF, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Gunpowder, MD, United States
| | | | - Mallory J. Stenslik
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Gunpowder, MD, United States
| | - Kathleen T. Pagarigan
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Gunpowder, MD, United States
| | - Aaron B. Bradford
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Gunpowder, MD, United States
| | - Celinia A. Ondeck
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Gunpowder, MD, United States
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Patrick M. McNutt
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Gunpowder, MD, United States
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
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Navarro-Martínez A, Vicente-García C, Carvajal JJ. NMJ-related diseases beyond the congenital myasthenic syndromes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1216726. [PMID: 37601107 PMCID: PMC10436495 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1216726] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are a special type of chemical synapse that transmits electrical stimuli from motor neurons (MNs) to their innervating skeletal muscle to induce a motor response. They are an ideal model for the study of synapses, given their manageable size and easy accessibility. Alterations in their morphology or function lead to neuromuscular disorders, such as the congenital myasthenic syndromes, which are caused by mutations in proteins located in the NMJ. In this review, we highlight novel potential candidate genes that may cause or modify NMJs-related pathologies in humans by exploring the phenotypes of hundreds of mouse models available in the literature. We also underscore the fact that NMJs may differ between species, muscles or even sexes. Hence the importance of choosing a good model organism for the study of NMJ-related diseases: only taking into account the specific features of the mammalian NMJ, experimental results would be efficiently translated to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cristina Vicente-García
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, CSIC-UPO-JA, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
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12
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Alhindi A, Shand M, Smith HL, Leite AS, Huang YT, van der Hoorn D, Ridgway Z, Faller KME, Jones RA, Gillingwater TH, Chaytow H. Neuromuscular junction denervation and terminal Schwann cell loss in the hTDP-43 overexpression mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2023; 49:e12925. [PMID: 37465879 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12925] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with complex aetiology. Despite evidence of neuromuscular junction (NMJ) denervation and 'dying-back' pathology in models of SOD1-dependent ALS, evidence in other genetic forms of ALS is limited by a lack of suitable animal models. TDP-43, a key mediator protein in ALS, is overexpressed in neurons in Thy1-hTDP-43WT mice. We therefore aimed to comprehensively analyse NMJ pathology in this model of ALS. METHODS Expression of TDP-43 was assessed via western blotting. Immunohistochemistry techniques, alongside NMJ-morph quantification, were used to analyse motor neuron number, NMJ denervation status and terminal Schwann cell morphology. RESULTS We present a time course of progressive, region-specific motor neuron pathology in Thy1-hTDP-43WT mice. Thy1-driven hTDP-43 expression increased steadily, correlating with developing hindlimb motor weakness and associated motor neuron loss in the spinal cord with a median survival of 21 days. Pronounced NMJ denervation was observed in hindlimb muscles, mild denervation in cranial muscles but no evidence of denervation in either forelimb or trunk muscles. NMJ pathology was restricted to motor nerve terminals, with denervation following the same time course as motor neuron loss. Terminal Schwann cells were lost from NMJs in hindlimb muscles, directly correlating with denervation status. CONCLUSIONS Thy1-hTDP-43WT mice represent a severe model of ALS, with NMJ pathology/denervation of distal muscles and motor neuron loss, as observed in ALS patients. This model therefore provides an ideal platform to investigate mechanisms of dying-back pathology, as well as NMJ-targeting disease-modifying therapies in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abrar Alhindi
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Megan Shand
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Hannah L Smith
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ana S Leite
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
- School of Medicine, UNESP-São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Yu-Ting Huang
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Dinja van der Hoorn
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Zara Ridgway
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kiterie M E Faller
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ross A Jones
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Thomas H Gillingwater
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Helena Chaytow
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
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13
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Hoffman DB, Basten AM, Sorensen JR, Raymond-Pope CJ, Lillquist TJ, Call JA, Corona BT, Greising SM. Response of terminal Schwann cells following volumetric muscle loss injury. Exp Neurol 2023; 365:114431. [PMID: 37142114 PMCID: PMC10227691 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114431] [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: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
An often-overlooked component of traumatic skeletal muscle injuries is the impact on the nervous system and resultant innervation of the affected muscles. Recent work in a rodent model of volumetric muscle loss (VML) injury demonstrated a progressive, secondary loss of neuromuscular junction (NMJ) innervation, supporting a role of NMJ dysregulation in chronic functional deficits. Terminal Schwann cells (tSCs) are known to be vital for the maintenance of NMJ structure and function, in addition to guiding repair and regeneration after injury. However, the tSC response to a traumatic muscle injury such as VML is not known. Thus, a study was conducted to investigate the effect of VML on tSC morphological characteristics and neurotrophic signaling proteins in adult male Lewis rats that underwent VML injury to the tibialis anterior muscle using a temporal design with outcome assessments at 3, 7, 14, 21, and 48 days post-injury. The following salient observations were made; first, although there is a loss of innervation over time, the number of tSCs per NMJ increases, significantly so at 48 days post-injury compared to control. The degree of NMJ fragmentation was positively correlated with tSC number after injury. Moreover, neurotrophic factors such as NRG1 and BDNF are elevated after injury through at least 48 days. These results were unanticipated and in contrast to neurodegenerative disease models, in which there is a reduction in tSC number that precedes denervation. However, we found that while there are more tSCs per NMJ after injury, they cover a significantly smaller percent of the post-synaptic endplate area compared to control. These findings support a sustained increase in neurotrophic activity and tSC number after VML, which is a maladaptive response occurring in parallel to other aspects of the VML injury, such as over-accumulation of collagen and aberrant inflammatory signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B Hoffman
- School of Kinesiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States of America
| | - Alec M Basten
- School of Kinesiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States of America
| | - Jacob R Sorensen
- School of Kinesiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States of America
| | | | - Thomas J Lillquist
- School of Kinesiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States of America
| | - Jarrod A Call
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, United States of America
| | - Benjamin T Corona
- School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States of America
| | - Sarah M Greising
- School of Kinesiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States of America.
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14
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Gala DS, Titlow JS, Teodoro RO, Davis I. Far from home: the role of glial mRNA localization in synaptic plasticity. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 29:153-169. [PMID: 36442969 PMCID: PMC9891262 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079422.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Neurons and glia are highly polarized cells, whose distal cytoplasmic functional subdomains require specific proteins. Neurons have axonal and dendritic cytoplasmic extensions containing synapses whose plasticity is regulated efficiently by mRNA transport and localized translation. The principles behind these mechanisms are equally attractive for explaining rapid local regulation of distal glial cytoplasmic projections, independent of their cell nucleus. However, in contrast to neurons, mRNA localization has received little experimental attention in glia. Nevertheless, there are many functionally diverse glial subtypes containing extensive networks of long cytoplasmic projections with likely localized regulation that influence neurons and their synapses. Moreover, glia have many other neuron-like properties, including electrical activity, secretion of gliotransmitters and calcium signaling, influencing, for example, synaptic transmission, plasticity and axon pruning. Here, we review previous studies concerning glial transcripts with important roles in influencing synaptic plasticity, focusing on a few cases involving localized translation. We discuss a variety of important questions about mRNA transport and localized translation in glia that remain to be addressed, using cutting-edge tools already available for neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia S Gala
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, United Kingdom
| | - Joshua S Titlow
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, United Kingdom
| | - Rita O Teodoro
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School-Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa 1169-056, Portugal
| | - Ilan Davis
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, United Kingdom
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15
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Dietrich S, Schubert FR, Kioussi C. Editorial: Skeletal muscle-From developmental concepts to therapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1111561. [PMID: 36712967 PMCID: PMC9877402 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1111561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Dietrich
- Institute for Biomedical and Biomolecular Science (IBBS), School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Chrissa Kioussi, ; Susanne Dietrich, ; Frank Richard Schubert,
| | - Frank Richard Schubert
- Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Chrissa Kioussi, ; Susanne Dietrich, ; Frank Richard Schubert,
| | - Chrissa Kioussi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States,*Correspondence: Chrissa Kioussi, ; Susanne Dietrich, ; Frank Richard Schubert,
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16
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Badiola-Mateos M, Osaki T, Kamm RD, Samitier J. In vitro modelling of human proprioceptive sensory neurons in the neuromuscular system. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21318. [PMID: 36494423 PMCID: PMC9734133 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23565-3] [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: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Proprioceptive sensory neurons (pSN) are an essential and undervalued part of the neuromuscular circuit. A protocol to differentiate healthy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) human neural stem cells (hNSC) into pSN, and their comparison with the motor neuron (MN) differentiation process from the same hNSC sources, facilitated the development of in vitro co-culture platforms. The obtained pSN spheroids cultured interact with human skeletal myocytes showing the formation of annulospiral wrapping-like structures between TrkC + neurons and a multinucleated muscle fibre, presenting synaptic bouton-like structures in the contact point. The comparative analysis of the genetic profile performed in healthy and sporadic ALS hNSC differentiated to pSN suggested that basal levels of ETV1, critical for motor feedback from pSN, were much lower for ALS samples and that the differences between healthy and ALS samples, suggest the involvement of pSN in ALS pathology development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maider Badiola-Mateos
- grid.424736.00000 0004 0536 2369Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)—Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028 Barcelona, Spain ,grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Department of Electronic and Biomedical Engineering, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain ,grid.116068.80000 0001 2341 2786Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), 500 Technology Square, MIT Building, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA ,grid.263145.70000 0004 1762 600XPresent Address: The BioRobotics Institute, Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Tatsuya Osaki
- grid.116068.80000 0001 2341 2786Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), 500 Technology Square, MIT Building, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA ,grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XPresent Address: Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1, Komaba, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo, 153-8505 Japan
| | - Roger Dale Kamm
- grid.116068.80000 0001 2341 2786Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), 500 Technology Square, MIT Building, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA ,grid.116068.80000 0001 2341 2786Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 500 Technology Square, MIT Building, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Josep Samitier
- grid.424736.00000 0004 0536 2369Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)—Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028 Barcelona, Spain ,grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Department of Electronic and Biomedical Engineering, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain ,grid.512890.7Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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17
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Negro S, Pirazzini M, Rigoni M. Models and methods to study Schwann cells. J Anat 2022; 241:1235-1258. [PMID: 34988978 PMCID: PMC9558160 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Schwann cells (SCs) are fundamental components of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) of all vertebrates and play essential roles in development, maintenance, function, and regeneration of peripheral nerves. There are distinct populations of SCs including: (1) myelinating SCs that ensheath axons by a specialized plasma membrane, called myelin, which enhances the conduction of electric impulses; (2) non-myelinating SCs, including Remak SCs, which wrap bundles of multiple axons of small caliber, and perysinaptic SCs (PSCs), associated with motor axon terminals at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). All types of SCs contribute to PNS regeneration through striking morphological and functional changes in response to nerve injury, are affected in peripheral neuropathies and show abnormalities and a diminished plasticity during aging. Therefore, methodological approaches to study and manipulate SCs in physiological and pathophysiological conditions are crucial to expand the present knowledge on SC biology and to devise new therapeutic strategies to counteract neurodegenerative conditions and age-derived denervation. We present here an updated overview of traditional and emerging methodologies for the study of SCs for scientists approaching this research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuele Negro
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PaduaPaduaItaly
| | - Marco Pirazzini
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PaduaPaduaItaly
- CIR‐MyoCentro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca di MiologiaUniversity of PaduaPadovaItaly
| | - Michela Rigoni
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PaduaPaduaItaly
- CIR‐MyoCentro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca di MiologiaUniversity of PaduaPadovaItaly
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18
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Reed CB, Feltri ML, Wilson ER. Peripheral glia diversity. J Anat 2022; 241:1219-1234. [PMID: 34131911 PMCID: PMC8671569 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent years have seen an evolving appreciation for the role of glial cells in the nervous system. As we move away from the typical neurocentric view of neuroscience, the complexity and variability of central nervous system glia is emerging, far beyond the three main subtypes: astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia. Yet the diversity of the glia found in the peripheral nervous system remains rarely discussed. In this review, we discuss the developmental origin, morphology, and function of the different populations of glia found in the peripheral nervous system, including: myelinating Schwann cells, Remak Schwann cells, repair Schwann cells, satellite glia, boundary cap-derived glia, perineurial glia, terminal Schwann cells, glia found in the skin, olfactory ensheathing cells, and enteric glia. The morphological and functional heterogeneity of glia found in the periphery reflects the diverse roles the nervous system performs throughout the body. Further, it highlights a complexity that should be appreciated and considered when it comes to a complete understanding of the peripheral nervous system in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsey B Reed
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences State, University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - M Laura Feltri
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences State, University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Emma R Wilson
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences State, University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
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19
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Keane GC, Pan D, Roh J, Larson EL, Schellhardt L, Hunter DA, Snyder-Warwick AK, Moore AM, Mackinnon SE, Wood MD. The Effects of Intraoperative Electrical Stimulation on Regeneration and Recovery After Nerve Isograft Repair in a Rat Model. Hand (N Y) 2022; 17:540-548. [PMID: 32666827 PMCID: PMC9112755 DOI: 10.1177/1558944720939200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background: Therapeutic electrical stimulation (ES) applied to repaired nerve is a promising treatment option to improve regeneration. However, few studies address the impact of ES following nerve graft reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to determine if ES applied to a nerve repair using nerve isograft in a rodent model could improve nerve regeneration and functional recovery. Methods: Adult rats were randomized to 2 groups: "ES" and "Control." Rats received a tibial nerve transection that was repaired using a tibial nerve isograft (1.0 cm length), where ES was applied immediately after repair in the applicable group. Nerve was harvested 2 weeks postrepair for immunohistochemical analysis of axon growth and macrophage accumulation. Independently, rats were assessed using walking track and grid-walk analysis for up to 21 weeks. Results: At 2 weeks, more robust axon regeneration and greater macrophage accumulation was observed within the isografts for the ES compared to Control groups. Both walking track and grid-walk analysis revealed that return of functional recovery was accelerated by ES. The ES group demonstrated improved functional recovery over time, as well as improved recovery compared to the Control group at 21 weeks. Conclusions: ES improved early axon regeneration into a nerve isograft and was associated with increased macrophage and beneficial M2 macrophage accumulation within the isograft. ES ultimately improved functional recovery compared to isograft repair alone. This study supports the clinical potential of ES to improve the management of nerve injuries requiring a nerve graft repair.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Deng Pan
- Washington University in St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Joseph Roh
- Washington University in St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Matthew D. Wood
- Washington University in St. Louis, MO, USA,Matthew D. Wood, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus Box 8238, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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20
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Barthélémy F, Santoso JW, Rabichow L, Jin R, Little I, Nelson SF, McCain ML, Miceli MC. Modeling Patient-Specific Muscular Dystrophy Phenotypes and Therapeutic Responses in Reprogrammed Myotubes Engineered on Micromolded Gelatin Hydrogels. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:830415. [PMID: 35465312 PMCID: PMC9020228 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.830415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro models of patient-derived muscle allow for more efficient development of genetic medicines for the muscular dystrophies, which often present mutation-specific pathologies. One popular strategy to generate patient-specific myotubes involves reprogramming dermal fibroblasts to a muscle lineage through MyoD induction. However, creating physiologically relevant, reproducible tissues exhibiting multinucleated, aligned myotubes with organized striations is dependent on the introduction of physicochemical cues that mimic the native muscle microenvironment. Here, we engineered patient-specific control and dystrophic muscle tissues in vitro by culturing and differentiating MyoD–directly reprogrammed fibroblasts isolated from one healthy control subject, three patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), and two Limb Girdle 2A/R1 (LGMD2A/R1) patients on micromolded gelatin hydrogels. Engineered DMD and LGMD2A/R1 tissues demonstrated varying levels of defects in α-actinin expression and organization relative to control, depending on the mutation. In genetically relevant DMD tissues amenable to mRNA reframing by targeting exon 44 or 45 exclusion, exposure to exon skipping antisense oligonucleotides modestly increased myotube coverage and alignment and rescued dystrophin protein expression. These findings highlight the value of engineered culture substrates in guiding the organization of reprogrammed patient fibroblasts into aligned muscle tissues, thereby extending their value as tools for exploration and dissection of the cellular and molecular basis of genetic muscle defects, rescue, and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Barthélémy
- Department of Microbiology Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jeffrey W. Santoso
- Laboratory for Living Systems Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Laura Rabichow
- Department of Microbiology Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Rongcheng Jin
- Laboratory for Living Systems Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Isaiah Little
- Department of Microbiology Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Stanley F. Nelson
- Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Megan L. McCain
- Laboratory for Living Systems Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: M. Carrie Miceli, ; Megan L. McCain,
| | - M. Carrie Miceli
- Department of Microbiology Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: M. Carrie Miceli, ; Megan L. McCain,
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21
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Takahashi K, Nelvagal HR, Lange J, Cooper JD. Glial Dysfunction and Its Contribution to the Pathogenesis of the Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses. Front Neurol 2022; 13:886567. [PMID: 35444603 PMCID: PMC9013902 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.886567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
While significant efforts have been made in developing pre-clinical treatments for the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), many challenges still remain to bring children with NCLs a cure. Devising effective therapeutic strategies for the NCLs will require a better understanding of pathophysiology, but little is known about the mechanisms by which loss of lysosomal proteins causes such devastating neurodegeneration. Research into glial cells including astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes have revealed many of their critical functions in brain homeostasis and potential contributions to neurodegenerative diseases. Genetically modified mouse models have served as a useful platform to define the disease progression in the central nervous system across NCL subtypes, revealing a wide range of glial responses to disease. The emerging evidence of glial dysfunction questions the traditional “neuron-centric” view of NCLs, and would suggest that directly targeting glia in addition to neurons could lead to better therapeutic outcomes. This review summarizes the most up-to-date understanding of glial pathologies and their contribution to the pathogenesis of NCLs, and highlights some of the associated challenges that require further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keigo Takahashi
- Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Hemanth R. Nelvagal
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jenny Lange
- Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan D. Cooper
- Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: Jonathan D. Cooper
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22
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Gomez-Sanchez JA, Patel N, Martirena F, Fazal SV, Mutschler C, Cabedo H. Emerging Role of HDACs in Regeneration and Ageing in the Peripheral Nervous System: Repair Schwann Cells as Pivotal Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23062996. [PMID: 35328416 PMCID: PMC8951080 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23062996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) has a remarkable regenerative capacity in comparison to the central nervous system (CNS), a phenomenon that is impaired during ageing. The ability of PNS axons to regenerate after injury is due to Schwann cells (SC) being reprogrammed into a repair phenotype called Repair Schwann cells. These repair SCs are crucial for supporting axonal growth after injury, myelin degradation in a process known as myelinophagy, neurotropic factor secretion, and axonal growth guidance through the formation of Büngner bands. After regeneration, repair SCs can remyelinate newly regenerated axons and support nonmyelinated axons. Increasing evidence points to an epigenetic component in the regulation of repair SC gene expression changes, which is necessary for SC reprogramming and regeneration. One of these epigenetic regulations is histone acetylation by histone acetyl transferases (HATs) or histone deacetylation by histone deacetylases (HDACs). In this review, we have focused particularly on three HDAC classes (I, II, and IV) that are Zn2+-dependent deacetylases. These HDACs are important in repair SC biology and remyelination after PNS injury. Another key aspect explored in this review is HDAC genetic compensation in SCs and novel HDAC inhibitors that are being studied to improve nerve regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose A. Gomez-Sanchez
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández—Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (N.P.); (H.C.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-965-919-594
| | - Nikiben Patel
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández—Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (N.P.); (H.C.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Fernanda Martirena
- Department of Hematology, General University Hospital of Elda, 03600 Elda, Spain;
| | - Shaline V. Fazal
- John Van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK; (S.V.F.); (C.M.)
- Wellcome—MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Clara Mutschler
- John Van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK; (S.V.F.); (C.M.)
| | - Hugo Cabedo
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández—Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (N.P.); (H.C.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
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23
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Huang X, Jiang J, Xu J. Denervation-Related Neuromuscular Junction Changes: From Degeneration to Regeneration. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 14:810919. [PMID: 35282655 PMCID: PMC8908450 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.810919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are the key interface between terminal nerves and targeted muscle, which undergo degeneration during denervation periods. Denervation-related NMJs changes limits the recovery level of nerve repair strategies. Insights into mechanisms behind neuromuscular junction degeneration and regeneration, following denervation and reinnervation, are of clinical value. Developing some therapies to maintain or protect structures and functions of NMJs may contribute to a better prognosis. Here, we reviewed previous studies of NMJs focusing on the morphological, functional, and molecular changes after denervation, and if those changes can be reversed after reinnervation. Also, we reviewed about the present probable strategies that have been applied clinically or could still be studied in targeting the neuromuscular junction protection or regeneration improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinying Huang
- Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Hand Reconstruction, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Peripheral Nerve and Microsurgery, Shanghai, China
| | - Junjian Jiang
- Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Hand Reconstruction, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Peripheral Nerve and Microsurgery, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Junjian Jiang,
| | - Jianguang Xu
- Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Hand Reconstruction, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Peripheral Nerve and Microsurgery, Shanghai, China
- Jianguang Xu,
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24
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Gromova A, La Spada AR. Harmony Lost: Cell-Cell Communication at the Neuromuscular Junction in Motor Neuron Disease. Trends Neurosci 2021; 43:709-724. [PMID: 32846148 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2020.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a specialized synapse that is the point of connection between motor neurons and skeletal muscle. Although developmental studies have established the importance of cell-cell communication at the NMJ for the integrity and full functionality of this synapse, the contribution of this structure as a primary driver in motor neuron disease pathogenesis remains uncertain. Here, we consider the biology of the NMJ and review emerging lines of investigation that are highlighting the importance of cell-cell interaction at the NMJ in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), X-linked spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Ongoing research may reveal NMJ targets and pathways whose therapeutic modulation will help slow the progression of motor neuron disease, offering a novel treatment paradigm for ALS, SBMA, SMA, and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Gromova
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Department of Neurology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Albert R La Spada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Department of Neurology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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25
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Lynch EM, Robertson S, FitzGibbons C, Reilly M, Switalski C, Eckardt A, Tey SR, Hayakawa K, Suzuki M. Transcriptome analysis using patient iPSC-derived skeletal myocytes: Bet1L as a new molecule possibly linked to neuromuscular junction degeneration in ALS. Exp Neurol 2021; 345:113815. [PMID: 34310943 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neuromuscular disease in which patients gradually become paralyzed due to loss of motor function. Many genetically inheritable mutations have been linked to ALS; however, the majority of ALS patients are considered sporadic. Therefore, there is a need for a common therapy that is effective for all ALS patients. Although there is evidence of the disease beginning in the periphery at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), the specific processes involved in skeletal muscle and at the NMJ are still largely unknown. To study common disease mechanisms in ALS skeletal muscle, we performed RNA sequencing of skeletal myocytes differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from familial ALS (with C9ORF72, SOD1, or TARDBP mutations) and sporadic ALS patients. Compared to healthy control lines, the myocytes from all ALS lines showed downregulation of four genes: BET1L, DCX, GPC3, and HNRNPK. We next measured the expression levels of these four genes in hind limb muscle samples from a rat model of familial ALS (SOD1G93A transgenic) and found that only the Bet1L gene, which encodes Bet1 Golgi Vesicular Membrane Trafficking Protein Like, was commonly downregulated. Bet1L protein appeared to be localized to the basal lamina of the NMJ, with decreased expression over time in SOD1G93A transgenic rats. Importantly, the expression levels began to decrease early in the disease process. Our results indicate that loss of Bet1L at the NMJ could be of interest for better understanding ALS disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen M Lynch
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - Samantha Robertson
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - Claire FitzGibbons
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - Megan Reilly
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - Colton Switalski
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - Adam Eckardt
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sin-Ruow Tey
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - Koji Hayakawa
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Ehime, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Suzuki
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA; Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA.
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26
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Pikatza-Menoio O, Elicegui A, Bengoetxea X, Naldaiz-Gastesi N, López de Munain A, Gerenu G, Gil-Bea FJ, Alonso-Martín S. The Skeletal Muscle Emerges as a New Disease Target in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. J Pers Med 2021; 11:671. [PMID: 34357138 PMCID: PMC8307751 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11070671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder that leads to progressive degeneration of motor neurons (MNs) and severe muscle atrophy without effective treatment. Most research on ALS has been focused on the study of MNs and supporting cells of the central nervous system. Strikingly, the recent observations of pathological changes in muscle occurring before disease onset and independent from MN degeneration have bolstered the interest for the study of muscle tissue as a potential target for delivery of therapies for ALS. Skeletal muscle has just been described as a tissue with an important secretory function that is toxic to MNs in the context of ALS. Moreover, a fine-tuning balance between biosynthetic and atrophic pathways is necessary to induce myogenesis for muscle tissue repair. Compromising this response due to primary metabolic abnormalities in the muscle could trigger defective muscle regeneration and neuromuscular junction restoration, with deleterious consequences for MNs and thereby hastening the development of ALS. However, it remains puzzling how backward signaling from the muscle could impinge on MN death. This review provides a comprehensive analysis on the current state-of-the-art of the role of the skeletal muscle in ALS, highlighting its contribution to the neurodegeneration in ALS through backward-signaling processes as a newly uncovered mechanism for a peripheral etiopathogenesis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oihane Pikatza-Menoio
- Neuromuscular Diseases Group, Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain; (O.P.-M.); (A.E.); (X.B.); (N.N.-G.); (A.L.d.M.); (G.G.); (F.J.G.-B.)
- CIBERNED, Carlos III Institute, Spanish Ministry of Economy & Competitiveness, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Amaia Elicegui
- Neuromuscular Diseases Group, Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain; (O.P.-M.); (A.E.); (X.B.); (N.N.-G.); (A.L.d.M.); (G.G.); (F.J.G.-B.)
- CIBERNED, Carlos III Institute, Spanish Ministry of Economy & Competitiveness, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Xabier Bengoetxea
- Neuromuscular Diseases Group, Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain; (O.P.-M.); (A.E.); (X.B.); (N.N.-G.); (A.L.d.M.); (G.G.); (F.J.G.-B.)
| | - Neia Naldaiz-Gastesi
- Neuromuscular Diseases Group, Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain; (O.P.-M.); (A.E.); (X.B.); (N.N.-G.); (A.L.d.M.); (G.G.); (F.J.G.-B.)
- CIBERNED, Carlos III Institute, Spanish Ministry of Economy & Competitiveness, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Adolfo López de Munain
- Neuromuscular Diseases Group, Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain; (O.P.-M.); (A.E.); (X.B.); (N.N.-G.); (A.L.d.M.); (G.G.); (F.J.G.-B.)
- CIBERNED, Carlos III Institute, Spanish Ministry of Economy & Competitiveness, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Neurology, Donostialdea Integrated Health Organization, Osakidetza Basque Health Service, 20014 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursery, University of the Basque Country UPV-EHU, 20014 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Gorka Gerenu
- Neuromuscular Diseases Group, Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain; (O.P.-M.); (A.E.); (X.B.); (N.N.-G.); (A.L.d.M.); (G.G.); (F.J.G.-B.)
- CIBERNED, Carlos III Institute, Spanish Ministry of Economy & Competitiveness, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Physiology, University of the Basque Country UPV-EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Gil-Bea
- Neuromuscular Diseases Group, Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain; (O.P.-M.); (A.E.); (X.B.); (N.N.-G.); (A.L.d.M.); (G.G.); (F.J.G.-B.)
- CIBERNED, Carlos III Institute, Spanish Ministry of Economy & Competitiveness, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonia Alonso-Martín
- Neuromuscular Diseases Group, Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain; (O.P.-M.); (A.E.); (X.B.); (N.N.-G.); (A.L.d.M.); (G.G.); (F.J.G.-B.)
- CIBERNED, Carlos III Institute, Spanish Ministry of Economy & Competitiveness, 28031 Madrid, Spain
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27
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Alhindi A, Boehm I, Chaytow H. Small junction, big problems: Neuromuscular junction pathology in mouse models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). J Anat 2021; 241:1089-1107. [PMID: 34101196 PMCID: PMC9558162 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a motor neuron disease with an extremely heterogeneous clinical and genetic phenotype. In our efforts to find therapies for ALS, the scientific community has developed a plethora of mouse models, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. The peripheral nervous system, specifically the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), is known to be affected in ALS patients and shows marked dysfunction across mouse models. Evidence of pathology at the NMJ includes denervated NMJs, changes in endplate size and loss of terminal Schwann cells. This review compares the temporal disease progression with severity of disease at the NMJ in mouse models with the most commonly mutated genes in ALS patients (SOD1, C9ORF72, TARDBP and FUS). Despite variability, early NMJ dysfunction seems to be a common factor in models with SOD1, TARDBP and FUS mutations, while C9ORF72 models do not appear to follow the same pattern of pathology. Further work into determining the timing of NMJ pathology, particularly in newer ALS mouse models, will confirm its pivotal role in ALS pathogenesis and therefore highlight the NMJ as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abrar Alhindi
- Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ines Boehm
- Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Helena Chaytow
- Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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28
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Jablonka-Shariff A, Broberg C, Rios R, Snyder-Warwick AK. T-box transcription factor 21 is expressed in terminal Schwann cells at the neuromuscular junction. Muscle Nerve 2021; 64:109-115. [PMID: 33908666 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Terminal Schwann cells (tSCs) are nonmyelinating Schwann cells present at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) with multiple integral roles throughout their lifespan. There is no known gene differentiating tSCs from myelinating Schwann cells, making their isolation and investigation challenging. In this work we investigated genes expressed within tSCs. METHODS A novel dissection technique was utilized to isolate the tSC-containing NMJ band from the sternomastoid muscles of S100-GFP mice. RNA was isolated from samples containing: (a) NMJ bands (tSCs with nerve and muscle), (b) nerve, and (c) muscle, and microarray genetic expression analysis was conducted. Data were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunofluorescent staining. To identify genes specific to tSCs compared with other NMJ components, analysis of variance and rank-order analysis were performed using the Partek Genomic Suite. RESULTS Microarray analysis of the tSC-enriched NMJ band revealed upregulation (by 4- to 12-fold) of several genes unique to the NMJ compared with muscle or nerve parts alone (P < .05). Among these genes, Tbx21 (or T-bet) was identified, which showed a 12-fold higher expression at the NMJ compared with sciatic nerve (P < .002). qRT-PCR analysis showed Tbx21 mRNA expression was over ninefold higher (P < .05) in the NMJ relative to muscle and nerve. Tbx21 protein colocalized with tSCs and was not noted in myelinating SCs from sciatic nerve. DISCUSSION We found TBX21 to be expressed in tSCs. Additional studies will be performed to determine the functional significance of TBX21 in tSCs. These studies may enhance the investigative tools available to modulate tSCs to improve motor recovery after nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albina Jablonka-Shariff
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Curtis Broberg
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Rachel Rios
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Alison K Snyder-Warwick
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
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29
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Fuertes-Alvarez S, Izeta A. Terminal Schwann Cell Aging: Implications for Age-Associated Neuromuscular Dysfunction. Aging Dis 2021; 12:494-514. [PMID: 33815879 PMCID: PMC7990373 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2020.0708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Action potential is transmitted to muscle fibers through specialized synaptic interfaces called neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). These structures are capped by terminal Schwann cells (tSCs), which play essential roles during formation and maintenance of the NMJ. tSCs are implicated in the correct communication between nerves and muscles, and in reinnervation upon injury. During aging, loss of muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia and dynapenia) are due, at least in part, to the progressive loss of contacts between muscle fibers and nerves. Despite the important role of tSCs in NMJ function, very little is known on their implication in the NMJ-aging process and in age-associated denervation. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the implication of tSCs in the age-associated degeneration of NMJs. We also speculate on the possible mechanisms underlying the observed phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Fuertes-Alvarez
- 1Biodonostia, Tissue Engineering Group, Paseo Dr. Begiristain, s/n, San Sebastian 20014, Spain
| | - Ander Izeta
- 1Biodonostia, Tissue Engineering Group, Paseo Dr. Begiristain, s/n, San Sebastian 20014, Spain.,2Tecnun-University of Navarra, School of Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Science, Paseo Mikeletegi, 48, San Sebastian 20009, Spain
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30
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Fornaro M, Marcus D, Rattin J, Goral J. Dynamic Environmental Physical Cues Activate Mechanosensitive Responses in the Repair Schwann Cell Phenotype. Cells 2021; 10:cells10020425. [PMID: 33671410 PMCID: PMC7922665 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Schwann cells plastically change in response to nerve injury to become a newly reconfigured repair phenotype. This cell is equipped to sense and interact with the evolving and unusual physical conditions characterizing the injured nerve environment and activate intracellular adaptive reprogramming as a consequence of external stimuli. Summarizing the literature contributions on this matter, this review is aimed at highlighting the importance of the environmental cues of the regenerating nerve as key factors to induce morphological and functional changes in the Schwann cell population. We identified four different microenvironments characterized by physical cues the Schwann cells sense via interposition of the extracellular matrix. We discussed how the physical cues of the microenvironment initiate changes in Schwann cell behavior, from wrapping the axon to becoming a multifunctional denervated repair cell and back to reestablishing contact with regenerated axons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Fornaro
- Department of Anatomy, College of Graduate Studies (CGS), Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA;
- Department of Anatomy, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM), Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA; (D.M.); (J.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +001-630-515-6055
| | - Dominic Marcus
- Department of Anatomy, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM), Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA; (D.M.); (J.R.)
| | - Jacob Rattin
- Department of Anatomy, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM), Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA; (D.M.); (J.R.)
| | - Joanna Goral
- Department of Anatomy, College of Graduate Studies (CGS), Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA;
- Department of Anatomy, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM), Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA; (D.M.); (J.R.)
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31
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Rios R, Jablonka-Shariff A, Broberg C, Snyder-Warwick AK. Macrophage roles in peripheral nervous system injury and pathology: Allies in neuromuscular junction recovery. Mol Cell Neurosci 2021; 111:103590. [PMID: 33422671 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2021.103590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries remain challenging to treat despite extensive research on reparative processes at the injury site. Recent studies have emphasized the importance of immune cells, particularly macrophages, in recovery from nerve injury. Macrophage plasticity enables numerous functions at the injury site. At early time points, macrophages perform inflammatory functions, but at later time points, they adopt pro-regenerative phenotypes to support nerve regeneration. Research has largely been limited, however, to the injury site. The neuromuscular junction (NMJ), the synapse between the nerve terminal and end target muscle, has received comparatively less attention, despite the importance of NMJ reinnervation for motor recovery. Macrophages are present at the NMJ following nerve injury. Moreover, in denervating diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), macrophages may also play beneficial roles at the NMJ. Evidence of positive macrophages roles at the injury site after peripheral nerve injury and at the NMJ in denervating pathologies suggest that macrophages may promote NMJ reinnervation. In this review, we discuss the intersection of nerve injury and immunity, with a focus on macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Rios
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Albina Jablonka-Shariff
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Curtis Broberg
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Alison K Snyder-Warwick
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America.
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32
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Zelada D, Bermedo-García F, Collao N, Henríquez JP. Motor function recovery: deciphering a regenerative niche at the neuromuscular synapse. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 96:752-766. [PMID: 33336525 PMCID: PMC7986695 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The coordinated movement of many organisms relies on efficient nerve–muscle communication at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), a peripheral synapse composed of a presynaptic motor axon terminal, a postsynaptic muscle specialization, and non‐myelinating terminal Schwann cells. NMJ dysfunctions are caused by traumatic spinal cord or peripheral nerve injuries as well as by severe motor pathologies. Compared to the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system displays remarkable regenerating abilities; however, this capacity is limited by the denervation time frame and depends on the establishment of permissive regenerative niches. At the injury site, detailed information is available regarding the cells, molecules, and mechanisms involved in nerve regeneration and repair. However, a regenerative niche at the final functional step of peripheral motor innervation, i.e. at the mature neuromuscular synapse, has not been deciphered. In this review, we integrate classic and recent evidence describing the cells and molecules that could orchestrate a dynamic ecosystem to accomplish successful NMJ regeneration. We propose that such a regenerative niche must ensure at least two fundamental steps for successful NMJ regeneration: the proper arrival of incoming regenerating axons to denervated postsynaptic muscle domains, and the resilience of those postsynaptic domains, in morphological and functional terms. We here describe and combine the main cellular and molecular responses involved in each of these steps as potential targets to help successful NMJ regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Zelada
- Neuromuscular Studies Laboratory (NeSt Lab), Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Center for Advanced Microscopy (CMA Bio-Bio), Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Francisca Bermedo-García
- Neuromuscular Studies Laboratory (NeSt Lab), Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Center for Advanced Microscopy (CMA Bio-Bio), Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Nicolás Collao
- Neuromuscular Studies Laboratory (NeSt Lab), Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Center for Advanced Microscopy (CMA Bio-Bio), Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Juan P Henríquez
- Neuromuscular Studies Laboratory (NeSt Lab), Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Center for Advanced Microscopy (CMA Bio-Bio), Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
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33
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Lago-Baldaia I, Fernandes VM, Ackerman SD. More Than Mortar: Glia as Architects of Nervous System Development and Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:611269. [PMID: 33381506 PMCID: PMC7767919 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.611269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cells are an essential component of the nervous system of vertebrates and invertebrates. In the human brain, glia are as numerous as neurons, yet the importance of glia to nearly every aspect of nervous system development has only been expounded over the last several decades. Glia are now known to regulate neural specification, synaptogenesis, synapse function, and even broad circuit function. Given their ubiquity, it is not surprising that the contribution of glia to neuronal disease pathogenesis is a growing area of research. In this review, we will summarize the accumulated evidence of glial participation in several distinct phases of nervous system development and organization-neural specification, circuit wiring, and circuit function. Finally, we will highlight how these early developmental roles of glia contribute to nervous system dysfunction in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Lago-Baldaia
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vilaiwan M. Fernandes
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah D. Ackerman
- Institute of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
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Lu CY, Santosa KB, Jablonka-Shariff A, Vannucci B, Fuchs A, Turnbull I, Pan D, Wood MD, Snyder-Warwick AK. Macrophage-Derived Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A Is Integral to Neuromuscular Junction Reinnervation after Nerve Injury. J Neurosci 2020; 40:9602-9616. [PMID: 33158964 PMCID: PMC7726545 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1736-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional recovery in the end target muscle is a determinant of outcome after peripheral nerve injury. The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) provides the interface between nerve and muscle and includes non-myelinating terminal Schwann cells (tSCs). After nerve injury, tSCs extend cytoplasmic processes between NMJs to guide axon growth and NMJ reinnervation. The mechanisms related to NMJ reinnervation are not known. We used multiple mouse models to investigate the mechanisms of NMJ reinnervation in both sexes, specifically whether macrophage-derived vascular endothelial growth factor-A (Vegf-A) is crucial to establishing NMJ reinnervation at the end target muscle. Both macrophage number and Vegf-A expression increased in end target muscles after nerve injury and repair. In mice with impaired recruitment of macrophages and monocytes (Ccr2-/- mice), the absence of CD68+ cells (macrophages) in the muscle resulted in diminished muscle function. Using a Vegf-receptor 2 (VegfR2) inhibitor (cabozantinib; CBZ) via oral gavage in wild-type (WT) mice resulted in reduced tSC cytoplasmic process extension and decreased NMJ reinnervation compared with saline controls. Mice with Vegf-A conditionally knocked out in macrophages (Vegf-Afl/fl; LysMCre mice) demonstrated a more prolonged detrimental effect on NMJ reinnervation and worse functional muscle recovery. Together, these results show that contributions of the immune system are integral for NMJ reinnervation and functional muscle recovery after nerve injury.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This work demonstrates beneficial contributions of a macrophage-mediated response for neuromuscular junction (NMJ) reinnervation following nerve injury and repair. Macrophage recruitment occurred at the NMJ, distant from the nerve injury site, to support functional recovery at the muscle. We have shown hindered terminal Schwann cell (tSC) injury response and NMJ recovery with inhibition of: (1) macrophage recruitment after injury; (2) vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VegfR2) signaling; and (3) Vegf secretion from macrophages. We conclude that macrophage-derived Vegf is a key component of NMJ recovery after injury. Determining the mechanisms active at the end target muscle after motor nerve injury reveals new therapeutic targets that may translate to improve motor recovery following nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuieng-Yi Lu
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110-1093
- Division of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Department of Plastic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Guishan District 33305, Taiwan
| | - Katherine B Santosa
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110-1093
- Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-4217
| | - Albina Jablonka-Shariff
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110-1093
| | - Bianca Vannucci
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110-1093
| | - Anja Fuchs
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110-1093
| | - Isaiah Turnbull
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110-1093
| | - Deng Pan
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110-1093
| | - Matthew D Wood
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110-1093
| | - Alison K Snyder-Warwick
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110-1093
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Moyle LA, Jacques E, Gilbert PM. Engineering the next generation of human skeletal muscle models: From cellular complexity to disease modeling. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Morphological remodeling during recovery of the neuromuscular junction from terminal Schwann cell ablation in adult mice. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11132. [PMID: 32636481 PMCID: PMC7341867 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67630-1] [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: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Schwann cells (SCs) are integral to the formation and function of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Exemplifying their importance, the loss or dysfunction of SCs is a feature of a myriad of diseases and conditions that compromise the PNS. Thus, it remains essential to understand the rules that govern the proliferation, differentiation and reconnection of Schwann cells with peripheral axons. Here, we examined the consequences of locally and acutely ablating terminal Schwann cells (tSCs) at the adult mouse neuromuscular junction (NMJ) by using mice expressing diphtheria toxin receptor (DTR) preferentially in tSCs compared to myelinating SCs followed by local application of diphtheria toxin (DTX). After DTX application, tSCs died but, importantly and contrary to expectations, their associated motor axons did not fully degenerate. Within 3 weeks, tSCs returned and reestablished coverage of the synapse with increased numbers. Furthermore, the post-synaptic muscle fibers displayed increased distinct clusters of acetylcholine receptors and axon terminals exhibited numerous terminal varicosities. The lack of degeneration of bare motor axon terminals and the morphological remodeling that occurs upon the return of tSCs to the NMJ may have wider implications for the mechanisms governing tSC occupancy of the adult NMJ and for conditions that adversely affect tSCs.
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Abstract
Organs-on-chips are broadly defined as microfabricated surfaces or devices designed to engineer cells into microscale tissues with native-like features and then extract physiologically relevant readouts at scale. Because they are generally compatible with patient-derived cells, these technologies can address many of the human relevance limitations of animal models. As a result, organs-on-chips have emerged as a promising new paradigm for patient-specific disease modeling and drug development. Because neuromuscular diseases span a broad range of rare conditions with diverse etiology and complex pathophysiology, they have been especially challenging to model in animals and thus are well suited for organ-on-chip approaches. In this Review, we first briefly summarize the challenges in neuromuscular disease modeling with animal models. Next, we describe a variety of existing organ-on-chip approaches for neuromuscular tissues, including a survey of cell sources for both muscle and nerve, and two- and three-dimensional neuromuscular tissue-engineering techniques. Although researchers have made tremendous advances in modeling neuromuscular diseases on a chip, the remaining challenges in cell sourcing, cell maturity, tissue assembly and readout capabilities limit their integration into the drug development pipeline today. However, as the field advances, models of healthy and diseased neuromuscular tissues on a chip, coupled with animal models, have vast potential as complementary tools for modeling multiple aspects of neuromuscular diseases and identifying new therapeutic strategies. Summary: Modeling neuromuscular diseases is challenging due to their complex etiology and pathophysiology. Here, we review the cell sources and tissue-engineering procedures that are being integrated as emerging neuromuscular disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey W Santoso
- Laboratory for Living Systems Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Megan L McCain
- Laboratory for Living Systems Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA .,Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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Pandya VA, Patani R. Decoding the relationship between ageing and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a cellular perspective. Brain 2020; 143:1057-1072. [PMID: 31851317 PMCID: PMC7174045 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awz360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With an ageing population comes an inevitable increase in the prevalence of age-associated neurodegenerative diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a relentlessly progressive and universally fatal disease characterized by the degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons within the brain and spinal cord. Indeed, the physiological process of ageing causes a variety of molecular and cellular phenotypes. With dysfunction at the neuromuscular junction implicated as a key pathological mechanism in ALS, and each lower motor unit cell type vulnerable to its own set of age-related phenotypes, the effects of ageing might in fact prove a prerequisite to ALS, rendering the cells susceptible to disease-specific mechanisms. Moreover, we discuss evidence for overlap between age and ALS-associated hallmarks, potentially implicating cell type-specific ageing as a key contributor to this multifactorial and complex disease. With a dearth of disease-modifying therapy currently available for ALS patients and a substantial failure in bench to bedside translation of other potential therapies, the unification of research in ageing and ALS requires high fidelity models to better recapitulate age-related human disease and will ultimately yield more reliable candidate therapeutics for patients, with the aim of enhancing healthspan and life expectancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virenkumar A Pandya
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, University College London Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Rickie Patani
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, University College London Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
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Singh T, Robles D, Vazquez M. Neuronal substrates alter the migratory responses of nonmyelinating Schwann cells to controlled brain‐derived neurotrophic factor gradients. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2020; 14:609-621. [DOI: 10.1002/term.3025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Singh
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringCity College of New York New York NY USA
| | - Denise Robles
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringRutgers University, The State University of New Jersey New Brunswick NJ USA
| | - Maribel Vazquez
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringRutgers University, The State University of New Jersey New Brunswick NJ USA
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Perisynaptic schwann cells - The multitasking cells at the developing neuromuscular junctions. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2020; 104:31-38. [PMID: 32147379 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2020.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are specialized synapses in the peripheral nervous system that allow the transmission of neuronal impulses to skeletal muscles for their contraction. Due to its size and accessibility, the NMJ is a commonly used model for studying basic principles of synapse organization and function. Similar to synapses in the central nervous system, NMJs are composed of presynaptic axonal terminals, the postsynaptic machinery formed at the membrane of the muscle fibers, and the synapse-associated glial cells. The special glial cells at the NMJs are called terminal Schwann cells or perisynaptic Schwann cells (PSCs). Decades of studies on the NMJ, as well as the most recent discoveries, have revealed multiple functions for PSCs at different stages of synaptic formation, maintenance, and disassembly. This review summarizes major observations in the field.
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Pan D, Mackinnon SE, Wood MD. Advances in the repair of segmental nerve injuries and trends in reconstruction. Muscle Nerve 2020; 61:726-739. [PMID: 31883129 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Despite advances in surgery, the reconstruction of segmental nerve injuries continues to pose challenges. In this review, current neurobiology regarding regeneration across a nerve defect is discussed in detail. Recent findings include the complex roles of nonneuronal cells in nerve defect regeneration, such as the role of the innate immune system in angiogenesis and how Schwann cells migrate within the defect. Clinically, the repair of nerve defects is still best served by using nerve autografts with the exception of small, noncritical sensory nerve defects, which can be repaired using autograft alternatives, such as processed or acellular nerve allografts. Given current clinical limits for when alternatives can be used, advanced solutions to repair nerve defects demonstrated in animals are highlighted. These highlights include alternatives designed with novel topology and materials, delivery of drugs specifically known to accelerate axon growth, and greater attention to the role of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deng Pan
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Susan E Mackinnon
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Matthew D Wood
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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A customizable microfluidic platform for medium-throughput modeling of neuromuscular circuits. Biomaterials 2019; 225:119537. [PMID: 31614290 PMCID: PMC7294901 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.119537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Neuromuscular circuits (NMCs) are vital for voluntary movement, and effective models of NMCs are needed to understand the pathogenesis of, as well as to identify effective treatments for, multiple diseases, including Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Microfluidics are ideal for recapitulating the central and peripheral compartments of NMCs, but myotubes often detach before functional NMCs are formed. In addition, microfluidic systems are often limited to a single experimental unit, which significantly limits their application in disease modeling and drug discovery. Here, we developed a microfluidic platform (MFP) containing over 100 experimental units, making it suitable for medium-throughput applications. To overcome detachment, we incorporated a reactive polymer surface allowing customization of the environment to culture different cell types. Using this approach, we identified conditions that enable long-term co-culture of human motor neurons and myotubes differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells inside our MFP. Optogenetics demonstrated the formation of functional NMCs. Furthermore, we developed a novel application of the rabies tracing assay to efficiently identify NMCs in our MFP. Therefore, our MFP enables large-scale generation and quantification of functional NMCs for disease modeling and pharmacological drug targeting.
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Yue L, Talukder MAH, Gurjar A, Lee JI, Noble M, Dirksen RT, Chakkalakal J, Elfar JC. 4-Aminopyridine attenuates muscle atrophy after sciatic nerve crush injury in mice. Muscle Nerve 2019; 60:192-201. [PMID: 31093982 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We recently demonstrated the beneficial effects of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), a potassium channel blocker, in enhancing remyelination and recovery of nerve conduction velocity and motor function after sciatic nerve crush injury in mice. Although muscle atrophy occurs very rapidly after nerve injury, the effect of 4-AP on muscle atrophy and intrinsic muscle contractile function is largely unknown. METHODS Mice were assigned to sciatic nerve crush injury and no-injury groups and were followed for 3, 7, and 14 days with/without 4-AP or saline treatment. Morphological, functional, and transcriptional properties of skeletal muscle were assessed. RESULTS In addition to improving in vivo function, 4-AP significantly reduced muscle atrophy with increased muscle fiber diameter and contractile force. Reduced muscle atrophy was associated with attenuated expression of atrophy-related genes and increased expression of proliferating stem cells. DISCUSSION These findings provide new insights into the potential therapeutic benefits of 4-AP against nerve injury-induced muscle atrophy and dysfunction. Muscle Nerve 60: 192-201, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yue
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - M A Hassan Talukder
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Center for Orthopaedics and Translational Science, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Drive, Mail Code H089, Hershey, Pennsylvania, 17033, USA
| | - Anagha Gurjar
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Center for Orthopaedics and Translational Science, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Drive, Mail Code H089, Hershey, Pennsylvania, 17033, USA
| | - Jung Il Lee
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, South Korea
| | - Mark Noble
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, The University of Rochester Medical Center Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Robert T Dirksen
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, The University of Rochester Medical Center Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Joe Chakkalakal
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Rochester Medical Center Rochester, New York, USA
| | - John C Elfar
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Center for Orthopaedics and Translational Science, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Drive, Mail Code H089, Hershey, Pennsylvania, 17033, USA
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Singh T, Vazquez M. Time-Dependent Addition of Neuronal and Schwann Cells Increase Myotube Viability and Length in an In Vitro Tri-culture Model of the Neuromuscular Junction. REGENERATIVE ENGINEERING AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40883-019-00095-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Cipriani S, Phan V, Médard JJ, Horvath R, Lochmüller H, Chrast R, Roos A, Spendiff S. Neuromuscular Junction Changes in a Mouse Model of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 4C. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19124072. [PMID: 30562927 PMCID: PMC6320960 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19124072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) appears to be a site of pathology in a number of peripheral nerve diseases. Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) 4C is an autosomal recessive, early onset, demyelinating neuropathy. Numerous mutations in the SH3TC2 gene have been shown to underlie the condition often associated with scoliosis, foot deformities, and reduced nerve conduction velocities. Mice with exon 1 of the Sh3tc2 gene knocked out demonstrate many of the features seen in patients. To determine if NMJ pathology is contributory to the pathomechanisms of CMT4C we examined NMJs in the gastrocnemius muscle of SH3TC2-deficient mice. In addition, we performed proteomic assessment of the sciatic nerve to identify protein factors contributing to the NMJ alterations and the survival of demyelinated axons. Morphological and gene expression analysis of NMJs revealed a lack of continuity between the pre- and post-synaptic apparatus, increases in post-synaptic fragmentation and dispersal, and an increase in expression of the gamma subunit of the acetylcholine receptor. There were no changes in axonal width or the number of axonal inputs to the NMJ. Proteome investigations of the sciatic nerve revealed altered expression of extracellular matrix proteins important for NMJ integrity. Together these observations suggest that CMT4C pathology includes a compromised NMJ even in the absence of changes to the innervating axon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Cipriani
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK.
- INSPE-Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
| | - Vietxuan Phan
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften -ISAS- e.V.; Otto-Hahn-Strasse 6b, 44227 Dortmund, Germany.
| | - Jean-Jacques Médard
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 65 Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 65 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Rita Horvath
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, John Van Geest Cambridge Centre for Brain Repair, Forvie, Robinson way, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK.
| | - Hanns Lochmüller
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Mathildenstrasse 1, 79106 Freiburg, Germany.
- Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico, Center for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldri I reixac 4, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada.
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Riverside Drive, Ottawa, ON K1H 7X5, Canada.
| | - Roman Chrast
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 65 Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 65 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Andreas Roos
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften -ISAS- e.V.; Otto-Hahn-Strasse 6b, 44227 Dortmund, Germany.
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Developmental Neurology and Social Pediatrics, Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders in Children, University Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany.
| | - Sally Spendiff
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK.
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada.
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Badiola-Mateos M, Hervera A, Del Río JA, Samitier J. Challenges and Future Prospects on 3D in-vitro Modeling of the Neuromuscular Circuit. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2018; 6:194. [PMID: 30622944 PMCID: PMC6297173 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2018.00194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Movement of skeletal-muscle fibers is generated by the coordinated action of several cells taking part within the locomotion circuit (motoneurons, sensory-neurons, Schwann cells, astrocytes, microglia, and muscle-cells). Failures in any part of this circuit could impede or hinder coordinated muscle movement and cause a neuromuscular disease (NMD) or determine its severity. Studying fragments of the circuit cannot provide a comprehensive and complete view of the pathological process. We trace the historic developments of studies focused on in-vitro modeling of the spinal-locomotion circuit and how bioengineered innovative technologies show advantages for an accurate mimicking of physiological conditions of spinal-locomotion circuit. New developments on compartmentalized microfluidic culture systems (cμFCS), the use of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and 3D cell-cultures are analyzed. We finally address limitations of current study models and three main challenges on neuromuscular studies: (i) mimic the whole spinal-locomotion circuit including all cell-types involved and the evaluation of independent and interdependent roles of each one; (ii) mimic the neurodegenerative response of mature neurons in-vitro as it occurs in-vivo; and (iii) develop, tune, implement, and combine cμFCS, hiPSC, and 3D-culture technologies to ultimately create patient-specific complete, translational, and reliable NMD in-vitro model. Overcoming these challenges would significantly facilitate understanding the events taking place in NMDs and accelerate the process of finding new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maider Badiola-Mateos
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia-Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Electronics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Physics, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Arnau Hervera
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia-Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut de Neurociències de la Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Antonio Del Río
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia-Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut de Neurociències de la Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Samitier
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia-Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Electronics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Physics, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Madrid, Spain
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