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Koch ET, Cheng J, Ramandi D, Sepers MD, Hsu A, Fong T, Murphy TH, Yttri E, Raymond LA. Deep behavioural phenotyping of the Q175 Huntington disease mouse model: effects of age, sex, and weight. BMC Biol 2024; 22:121. [PMID: 38783261 PMCID: PMC11119712 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-024-01919-9] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Huntington disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with complex motor and behavioural manifestations. The Q175 knock-in mouse model of HD has gained recent popularity as a genetically accurate model of the human disease. However, behavioural phenotypes are often subtle and progress slowly in this model. Here, we have implemented machine-learning algorithms to investigate behaviour in the Q175 model and compare differences between sexes and disease stages. We explore distinct behavioural patterns and motor functions in open field, rotarod, water T-maze, and home cage lever-pulling tasks. RESULTS In the open field, we observed habituation deficits in two versions of the Q175 model (zQ175dn and Q175FDN, on two different background strains), and using B-SOiD, an advanced machine learning approach, we found altered performance of rearing in male manifest zQ175dn mice. Notably, we found that weight had a considerable effect on performance of accelerating rotarod and water T-maze tasks and controlled for this by normalizing for weight. Manifest zQ175dn mice displayed a deficit in accelerating rotarod (after weight normalization), as well as changes to paw kinematics specific to males. Our water T-maze experiments revealed response learning deficits in manifest zQ175dn mice and reversal learning deficits in premanifest male zQ175dn mice; further analysis using PyMouseTracks software allowed us to characterize new behavioural features in this task, including time at decision point and number of accelerations. In a home cage-based lever-pulling assessment, we found significant learning deficits in male manifest zQ175dn mice. A subset of mice also underwent electrophysiology slice experiments, revealing a reduced spontaneous excitatory event frequency in male manifest zQ175dn mice. CONCLUSIONS Our study uncovered several behavioural changes in Q175 mice that differed by sex, age, and strain. Our results highlight the impact of weight and experimental protocol on behavioural results, and the utility of machine learning tools to examine behaviour in more detailed ways than was previously possible. Specifically, this work provides the field with an updated overview of behavioural impairments in this model of HD, as well as novel techniques for dissecting behaviour in the open field, accelerating rotarod, and T-maze tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen T Koch
- Department of Psychiatry, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Present Address: Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 2T9, Canada.
| | - Judy Cheng
- Department of Psychiatry, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Daniel Ramandi
- Department of Psychiatry, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Graduate Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Marja D Sepers
- Department of Psychiatry, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alex Hsu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tony Fong
- Department of Psychiatry, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Timothy H Murphy
- Department of Psychiatry, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Eric Yttri
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lynn A Raymond
- Department of Psychiatry, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Burtscher J, Strasser B, Pepe G, Burtscher M, Kopp M, Di Pardo A, Maglione V, Khamoui AV. Brain-Periphery Interactions in Huntington's Disease: Mediators and Lifestyle Interventions. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4696. [PMID: 38731912 PMCID: PMC11083237 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094696] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Prominent pathological features of Huntington's disease (HD) are aggregations of mutated Huntingtin protein (mHtt) in the brain and neurodegeneration, which causes characteristic motor (such as chorea and dystonia) and non-motor symptoms. However, the numerous systemic and peripheral deficits in HD have gained increasing attention recently, since those factors likely modulate disease progression, including brain pathology. While whole-body metabolic abnormalities and organ-specific pathologies in HD have been relatively well described, the potential mediators of compromised inter-organ communication in HD have been insufficiently characterized. Therefore, we applied an exploratory literature search to identify such mediators. Unsurprisingly, dysregulation of inflammatory factors, circulating mHtt, and many other messenger molecules (hormones, lipids, RNAs) were found that suggest impaired inter-organ communication, including of the gut-brain and muscle-brain axis. Based on these findings, we aimed to assess the risks and potentials of lifestyle interventions that are thought to improve communication across these axes: dietary strategies and exercise. We conclude that appropriate lifestyle interventions have great potential to reduce symptoms and potentially modify disease progression (possibly via improving inter-organ signaling) in HD. However, impaired systemic metabolism and peripheral symptoms warrant particular care in the design of dietary and exercise programs for people with HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Burtscher
- Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Strasser
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rehabilitation Research, 1100 Vienna, Austria;
- Faculty of Medicine, Sigmund Freud Private University, 1020 Vienna, Austria
| | - Giuseppe Pepe
- IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (G.P.); (A.D.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Martin Burtscher
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.B.); (M.K.)
| | - Martin Kopp
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.B.); (M.K.)
| | - Alba Di Pardo
- IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (G.P.); (A.D.P.); (V.M.)
| | | | - Andy V. Khamoui
- Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33458, USA;
- Institute for Human Health and Disease Intervention, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
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3
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Wells RG, Neilson LE, McHill AW, Hiller AL. Dietary fasting and time-restricted eating in Huntington's disease: therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms. Transl Neurodegener 2024; 13:17. [PMID: 38561866 PMCID: PMC10986006 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-024-00406-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder caused by aggregation of the mutant huntingtin (mHTT) protein, resulting from a CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene HTT. HD is characterized by a variety of debilitating symptoms including involuntary movements, cognitive impairment, and psychiatric disturbances. Despite considerable efforts, effective disease-modifying treatments for HD remain elusive, necessitating exploration of novel therapeutic approaches, including lifestyle modifications that could delay symptom onset and disease progression. Recent studies suggest that time-restricted eating (TRE), a form of intermittent fasting involving daily caloric intake within a limited time window, may hold promise in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, including HD. TRE has been shown to improve mitochondrial function, upregulate autophagy, reduce oxidative stress, regulate the sleep-wake cycle, and enhance cognitive function. In this review, we explore the potential therapeutic role of TRE in HD, focusing on its underlying physiological mechanisms. We discuss how TRE might enhance the clearance of mHTT, recover striatal brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, improve mitochondrial function and stress-response pathways, and synchronize circadian rhythm activity. Understanding these mechanisms is critical for the development of targeted lifestyle interventions to mitigate HD pathology and improve patient outcomes. While the potential benefits of TRE in HD animal models are encouraging, future comprehensive clinical trials will be necessary to evaluate its safety, feasibility, and efficacy in persons with HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell G Wells
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| | - Lee E Neilson
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Neurology and PADRECC VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Andrew W McHill
- Sleep, Chronobiology and Health Laboratory, School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Amie L Hiller
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Neurology and PADRECC VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
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4
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Vidas-Guscic N, van Rijswijk J, Van Audekerke J, Jeurissen B, Nnah I, Tang H, Muñoz-Sanjuan I, Pustina D, Cachope R, Van der Linden A, Bertoglio D, Verhoye M. Diffusion MRI marks progressive alterations in fiber integrity in the zQ175DN mouse model of Huntington's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 193:106438. [PMID: 38365045 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting motor and cognitive abilities. Multiple studies have found white matter anomalies in HD-affected humans and animal models of HD. The identification of sensitive white-matter-based biomarkers in HD animal models will be important in understanding disease mechanisms and testing the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. Here we investigated the progression of white matter deficits in the knock-in zQ175DN heterozygous (HET) mouse model of HD at 3, 6 and 11 months of age (M), reflecting different states of phenotypic progression. We compared findings from traditional diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and advanced fixel-based analysis (FBA) diffusion metrics for their sensitivity in detecting white matter anomalies in the striatum, motor cortex, and segments of the corpus callosum. FBA metrics revealed progressive and widespread reductions of fiber cross-section and fiber density in myelinated bundles of HET mice. The corpus callosum genu was the most affected structure in HET mice at 6 and 11 M based on the DTI and FBA metrics, while the striatum showed the earliest progressive differences starting at 3 M based on the FBA metrics. Overall, FBA metrics detected earlier and more prominent alterations in myelinated fiber bundles compared to the DTI metrics. Luxol fast blue staining showed no loss in myelin density, indicating that diffusion anomalies could not be explained by myelin reduction but diffusion anomalies in HET mice were accompanied by increased levels of neurofilament light chain protein at 11 M. Altogether, our findings reveal progressive alterations in myelinated fiber bundles that can be measured using diffusion MRI, representing a candidate noninvasive imaging biomarker to study phenotype progression and the efficacy of therapeutic interventions in zQ175DN mice. Moreover, our study exposed higher sensitivity of FBA than DTI metrics, suggesting a potential benefit of adopting these advanced metrics in other contexts, including biomarker development in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Vidas-Guscic
- Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; μNeuro Center for Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Joëlle van Rijswijk
- Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; μNeuro Center for Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Johan Van Audekerke
- Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; μNeuro Center for Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ben Jeurissen
- μNeuro Center for Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Vision Lab, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Lab for Equilibrium Investigations and Aerospace, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Israel Nnah
- Charles River Laboratories, Shrewsbury, MA, United states
| | - Haiying Tang
- CHDI Management, Inc., the company that manages the scientific activities of CHDI Foundation, Inc., Princeton, NJ, United States
| | - Ignacio Muñoz-Sanjuan
- CHDI Management, Inc., the company that manages the scientific activities of CHDI Foundation, Inc., Princeton, NJ, United States
| | - Dorian Pustina
- CHDI Management, Inc., the company that manages the scientific activities of CHDI Foundation, Inc., Princeton, NJ, United States
| | - Roger Cachope
- CHDI Management, Inc., the company that manages the scientific activities of CHDI Foundation, Inc., Princeton, NJ, United States
| | - Annemie Van der Linden
- Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; μNeuro Center for Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Daniele Bertoglio
- Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; μNeuro Center for Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marleen Verhoye
- Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; μNeuro Center for Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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5
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Morton AJ. Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Dysfunction in Animal Models of Huntington's Disease. J Huntingtons Dis 2023; 12:133-148. [PMID: 37334613 PMCID: PMC10473141 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-230574] [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] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Sleep and circadian disruption affects most individuals with Huntington's disease (HD) at some stage in their lives. Sleep and circadian dysregulation are also present in many mouse and the sheep models of HD. Here I review evidence for sleep and/or circadian dysfunction in HD transgenic animal models and discuss two key questions: 1) How relevant are such findings to people with HD, and 2) Whether or not therapeutic interventions that ameliorate deficits in animal models of HD might translate to meaningful therapies for people with HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Jennifer Morton
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Tsimpanouli ME, Ghimire A, Barget AJ, Weston R, Paulson HL, Costa MDC, Watson BO. Sleep Alterations in a Mouse Model of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193132. [PMID: 36231095 PMCID: PMC9563426 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a neurodegenerative disorder showing progressive neuronal loss in several brain areas and a broad spectrum of motor and non-motor symptoms, including ataxia and altered sleep. While sleep disturbances are known to play pathophysiologic roles in other neurodegenerative disorders, their impact on SCA3 is unknown. Using spectrographic measurements, we sought to quantitatively characterize sleep electroencephalography (EEG) in SCA3 transgenic mice with confirmed disease phenotype. We first measured motor phenotypes in 18-31-week-old homozygous SCA3 YACMJD84.2 mice and non-transgenic wild-type littermate mice during lights-on and lights-off periods. We next implanted electrodes to obtain 12-h (zeitgeber time 0-12) EEG recordings for three consecutive days when the mice were 26-36 weeks old. EEG-based spectroscopy showed that compared to wild-type littermates, SCA3 homozygous mice display: (i) increased duration of rapid-eye movement sleep (REM) and fragmentation in all sleep and wake states; (ii) higher beta power oscillations during REM and non-REM (NREM); and (iii) additional spectral power band alterations during REM and wake. Our data show that sleep architecture and EEG spectral power are dysregulated in homozygous SCA3 mice, indicating that common sleep-related etiologic factors may underlie mouse and human SCA3 phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Efstratia Tsimpanouli
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Correspondence: (M.-E.T.); (M.d.C.C.); (B.O.W.)
| | - Anjesh Ghimire
- Department of Psychiatry, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Anna J. Barget
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ridge Weston
- Department of Psychiatry, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Henry L. Paulson
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Maria do Carmo Costa
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Correspondence: (M.-E.T.); (M.d.C.C.); (B.O.W.)
| | - Brendon O. Watson
- Department of Psychiatry, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Correspondence: (M.-E.T.); (M.d.C.C.); (B.O.W.)
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7
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Prakash P, Pradhan AK, Sheeba V. Hsp40 overexpression in pacemaker neurons delays circadian dysfunction in a Drosophila model of Huntington's disease. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:275556. [PMID: 35645202 PMCID: PMC9254228 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Circadian disturbances are early features of neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington's disease (HD). Emerging evidence suggests that circadian decline feeds into neurodegenerative symptoms, exacerbating them. Therefore, we asked whether known neurotoxic modifiers can suppress circadian dysfunction. We performed a screen of neurotoxicity-modifier genes to suppress circadian behavioural arrhythmicity in a Drosophila circadian HD model. The molecular chaperones Hsp40 and HSP70 emerged as significant suppressors in the circadian context, with Hsp40 being the more potent mitigator. Upon Hsp40 overexpression in the Drosophila circadian ventrolateral neurons (LNv), the behavioural rescue was associated with neuronal rescue of loss of circadian proteins from small LNv soma. Specifically, there was a restoration of the molecular clock protein Period and its oscillations in young flies and a long-lasting rescue of the output neuropeptide Pigment dispersing factor. Significantly, there was a reduction in the expanded Huntingtin inclusion load, concomitant with the appearance of a spot-like Huntingtin form. Thus, we provide evidence implicating the neuroprotective chaperone Hsp40 in circadian rehabilitation. The involvement of molecular chaperones in circadian maintenance has broader therapeutic implications for neurodegenerative diseases. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: This study shows, for the first time, a neuroprotective role of chaperone Hsp40 in suppressing circadian dysfunction associated with Huntington's disease in a Drosophila model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavitra Prakash
- Evolutionary and Integrative Biology Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore 560064, India
| | - Arpit Kumar Pradhan
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore 560064, India
| | - Vasu Sheeba
- Evolutionary and Integrative Biology Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore 560064, India.,Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore 560064, India
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Jarosińska OD, Rüdiger SGD. Molecular Strategies to Target Protein Aggregation in Huntington's Disease. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:769184. [PMID: 34869596 PMCID: PMC8636123 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.769184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the aggregation of the mutant huntingtin (mHTT) protein in nerve cells. mHTT self-aggregates to form soluble oligomers and insoluble fibrils, which interfere in a number of key cellular functions. This leads to cell quiescence and ultimately cell death. There are currently still no treatments available for HD, but approaches targeting the HTT levels offer systematic, mechanism-driven routes towards curing HD and other neurodegenerative diseases. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of the mRNA targeting approaches such as antisense oligonucleotides and RNAi system; and the novel methods targeting mHTT and aggregates for degradation via the ubiquitin proteasome or the autophagy-lysosomal systems. These methods include the proteolysis-targeting chimera, Trim-Away, autophagosome-tethering compound, autophagy-targeting chimera, lysosome-targeting chimera and approach targeting mHTT for chaperone-mediated autophagy. These molecular strategies provide a knowledge-based approach to target HD and other neurodegenerative diseases at the origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga D. Jarosińska
- Cellular Protein Chemistry, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Science for Life, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Stefan G. D. Rüdiger
- Cellular Protein Chemistry, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Science for Life, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Carter B, Justin HS, Gulick D, Gamsby JJ. The Molecular Clock and Neurodegenerative Disease: A Stressful Time. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:644747. [PMID: 33889597 PMCID: PMC8056266 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.644747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Circadian rhythm dysfunction occurs in both common and rare neurodegenerative diseases. This dysfunction manifests as sleep cycle mistiming, alterations in body temperature rhythms, and an increase in symptomatology during the early evening hours known as Sundown Syndrome. Disruption of circadian rhythm homeostasis has also been implicated in the etiology of neurodegenerative disease. Indeed, individuals exposed to a shifting schedule of sleep and activity, such as health care workers, are at a higher risk. Thus, a bidirectional relationship exists between the circadian system and neurodegeneration. At the heart of this crosstalk is the molecular circadian clock, which functions to regulate circadian rhythm homeostasis. Over the past decade, this connection has become a focal point of investigation as the molecular clock offers an attractive target to combat both neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis and circadian rhythm dysfunction, and a pivotal role for neuroinflammation and stress has been established. This review summarizes the contributions of molecular clock dysfunction to neurodegenerative disease etiology, as well as the mechanisms by which neurodegenerative diseases affect the molecular clock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Carter
- Gamsby Laboratory, USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Center and Research Institute, University of South Florida Health, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Hannah S Justin
- Gamsby Laboratory, USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Center and Research Institute, University of South Florida Health, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Danielle Gulick
- Gamsby Laboratory, USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Center and Research Institute, University of South Florida Health, Tampa, FL, United States.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Joshua J Gamsby
- Gamsby Laboratory, USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Center and Research Institute, University of South Florida Health, Tampa, FL, United States.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
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van den Heuvel MI, Hect JL, Smarr BL, Qawasmeh T, Kriegsfeld LJ, Barcelona J, Hijazi KE, Thomason ME. Maternal stress during pregnancy alters fetal cortico-cerebellar connectivity in utero and increases child sleep problems after birth. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2228. [PMID: 33500446 PMCID: PMC7838320 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81681-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Child sleep disorders are increasingly prevalent and understanding early predictors of sleep problems, starting in utero, may meaningfully guide future prevention efforts. Here, we investigated whether prenatal exposure to maternal psychological stress is associated with increased sleep problems in toddlers. We also examined whether fetal brain connectivity has direct or indirect influence on this putative association. Pregnant women underwent fetal resting-state functional connectivity MRI and completed questionnaires on stress, worry, and negative affect. At 3-year follow-up, 64 mothers reported on child sleep problems, and in the subset that have reached 5-year follow-up, actigraphy data (N = 25) has also been obtained. We observe that higher maternal prenatal stress is associated with increased toddler sleep concerns, with actigraphy sleep metrics, and with decreased fetal cerebellar-insular connectivity. Specific mediating effects were not identified for the fetal brain regions examined. The search for underlying mechanisms of the link between maternal prenatal stress and child sleep problems should be continued and extended to other brain areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jasmine L Hect
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Benjamin L Smarr
- Department of Bioengineering and Halicioglu Data Science Institute, UCSD, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Tamara Qawasmeh
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Lance J Kriegsfeld
- Department of Psychology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jeanne Barcelona
- Department of Kinesiology, Health, and Sport Studies, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Kowsar E Hijazi
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Moriah E Thomason
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, USA
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, USA
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