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Huang C, Zheng X, Yan S, Zhang Z. Advances in Clinical Therapies for Huntington's Disease and the Promise of Multi-Targeted/Functional Drugs Based on Clinicaltrials.gov. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2024. [PMID: 38863261 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.3341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a triad of motor, cognitive, and psychiatric problems. Caused by CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene (HTT), the disease involves a complex network of pathogenic mechanisms, including synaptic dysfunction, impaired autophagy, neuroinflammation, oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and extrasynaptic excitotoxicity. Although current therapies targeting the pathogenesis of HD primarily aim to reduce mHTT levels by targeting HTT DNA, RNA, or proteins, these treatments only ameliorate downstream pathogenic effects. While gene therapies, such as antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNAs and gene editing, have emerged in the field of HD treatment, their safety and efficacy are still under debate. Therefore, pharmacological therapy remains the most promising breakthrough, especially multi-target/functional drugs, which have diverse pharmacological effects. This review summarizes the latest progress in HD drug development based on clinicaltrials.gov search results (Search strategy: key word "Huntington's disease" in HD clinical investigational drugs registered as of December 31, 2023), and highlights the key role of multi-target/functional drugs in HD treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhui Huang
- School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Models, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic, Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research and Institute of New Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Zheng
- Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sen Yan
- School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Models, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic, Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research and Institute of New Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zaijun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic, Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research and Institute of New Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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2
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Tandon S, Aggarwal P, Sarkar S. Polyglutamine disorders: Pathogenesis and potential drug interventions. Life Sci 2024; 344:122562. [PMID: 38492921 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122562] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Polyglutamine/poly(Q) diseases are a group nine hereditary neurodegenerative disorders caused due to abnormally expanded stretches of CAG trinucleotide in functionally distinct genes. All human poly(Q) diseases are characterized by the formation of microscopically discernable poly(Q) positive aggregates, the inclusion bodies. These toxic inclusion bodies are responsible for the impairment of several cellular pathways such as autophagy, transcription, cell death, etc., that culminate in disease manifestation. Although, these diseases remain largely without treatment, extensive research has generated mounting evidences that various events of poly(Q) pathogenesis can be developed as potential drug targets. The present review article briefly discusses the key events of disease pathogenesis, model system-based investigations that support the development of effective therapeutic interventions against pathogenesis of human poly(Q) disorders, and a comprehensive list of pharmacological and bioactive compounds that have been experimentally shown to alleviate poly(Q)-mediated neurotoxicity. Interestingly, due to the common cause of pathogenesis, all poly(Q) diseases share etiology, thus, findings from one disease can be potentially extrapolated to other poly(Q) diseases as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Tandon
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Prerna Aggarwal
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Surajit Sarkar
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi 110021, India.
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3
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Makeeva VS, Dyrkheeva NS, Lavrik OI, Zakian SM, Malakhova AA. Mutant-Huntingtin Molecular Pathways Elucidate New Targets for Drug Repurposing. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16798. [PMID: 38069121 PMCID: PMC10706709 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases known today is quite extensive. The complexities of their research and treatment lie not only in their diversity. Even many years of struggle and narrowly focused research on common pathologies such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other brain diseases have not brought cures for these illnesses. What can be said about orphan diseases? In particular, Huntington's disease (HD), despite affecting a smaller part of the human population, still attracts many researchers. This disorder is known to result from a mutation in the HTT gene, but having this information still does not simplify the task of drug development and studying the mechanisms of disease progression. Nonetheless, the data accumulated over the years and their analysis provide a good basis for further research. Here, we review studies devoted to understanding the mechanisms of HD. We analyze genes and molecular pathways involved in HD pathogenesis to describe the action of repurposed drugs and try to find new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladlena S. Makeeva
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 10 Akad. Lavrentiev Ave., 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (V.S.M.); (S.M.Z.); (A.A.M.)
| | - Nadezhda S. Dyrkheeva
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 8 Akad. Lavrentiev Ave., 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia;
| | - Olga I. Lavrik
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 8 Akad. Lavrentiev Ave., 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia;
| | - Suren M. Zakian
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 10 Akad. Lavrentiev Ave., 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (V.S.M.); (S.M.Z.); (A.A.M.)
| | - Anastasia A. Malakhova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 10 Akad. Lavrentiev Ave., 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (V.S.M.); (S.M.Z.); (A.A.M.)
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4
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Jiang A, Handley RR, Lehnert K, Snell RG. From Pathogenesis to Therapeutics: A Review of 150 Years of Huntington's Disease Research. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13021. [PMID: 37629202 PMCID: PMC10455900 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241613021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative genetic disorder caused by an expanded polyglutamine-coding (CAG) trinucleotide repeat in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. HD behaves as a highly penetrant dominant disorder likely acting through a toxic gain of function by the mutant huntingtin protein. Widespread cellular degeneration of the medium spiny neurons of the caudate nucleus and putamen are responsible for the onset of symptomology that encompasses motor, cognitive, and behavioural abnormalities. Over the past 150 years of HD research since George Huntington published his description, a plethora of pathogenic mechanisms have been proposed with key themes including excitotoxicity, dopaminergic imbalance, mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic defects, disruption of proteostasis, transcriptional dysregulation, and neuroinflammation. Despite the identification and characterisation of the causative gene and mutation and significant advances in our understanding of the cellular pathology in recent years, a disease-modifying intervention has not yet been clinically approved. This review includes an overview of Huntington's disease, from its genetic aetiology to clinical presentation and its pathogenic manifestation. An updated view of molecular mechanisms and the latest therapeutic developments will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Jiang
- Applied Translational Genetics Group, Centre for Brain Research, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand; (R.R.H.); (K.L.); (R.G.S.)
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5
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Jurcau A, Jurcau CM. Mitochondria in Huntington's disease: implications in pathogenesis and mitochondrial-targeted therapeutic strategies. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:1472-1477. [PMID: 36571344 PMCID: PMC10075114 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.360289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease is a genetic disease caused by expanded CAG repeats on exon 1 of the huntingtin gene located on chromosome 4. Compelling evidence implicates impaired mitochondrial energetics, altered mitochondrial biogenesis and quality control, disturbed mitochondrial trafficking, oxidative stress and mitochondrial calcium dyshomeostasis in the pathogenesis of the disorder. Unfortunately, conventional mitochondrial-targeted molecules, such as cysteamine, creatine, coenzyme Q10, or triheptanoin, yielded negative or inconclusive results. However, future therapeutic strategies, aiming to restore mitochondrial biogenesis, improving the fission/fusion balance, and improving mitochondrial trafficking, could prove useful tools in improving the phenotype of Huntington's disease and, used in combination with genome-editing methods, could lead to a cure for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamaria Jurcau
- Department of Psycho-Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea; Neurology 3 Ward, Clinical Emergency Hospital, Oradea, Romania
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6
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Zheng W, Chen Q, Liu H, Zeng L, Zhou Y, Liu X, Bai Y, Zhang J, Pan Y, Shao C. SDC1-dependent TGM2 determines radiosensitivity in glioblastoma by coordinating EPG5-mediated fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes. Autophagy 2023; 19:839-857. [PMID: 35913916 PMCID: PMC9980589 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2022.2105562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common brain malignancy insensitive to radiotherapy (RT). Although macroautophagy/autophagy was reported to be a fundamental factor prolonging the survival of tumors under radiotherapeutic stress, the autophagic biomarkers coordinated to radioresistance of GBM are still lacking in clinical practice. Here we established radioresistant GBM cells and identified their protein profiles using tandem mass tag (TMT) quantitative proteomic analysis. It was found that SDC1 and TGM2 proteins were overexpressed in radioresistant GBM cells and tissues and they contributed to the poor prognosis of RT. Knocking down SDC1 and TGM2 inhibited the fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes and thus enhanced the radiosensitivity of GBM cells. After irradiation, TGM2 bound with SDC1 and transported it from the cell membrane to lysosomes, and then bound to LC3 through its two LC3-interacting regions (LIRs), coordinating the encounter between autophagosomes and lysosomes, which should be a prerequisite for lysosomal EPG5 to recognize LC3 and subsequently stabilize the STX17-SNAP29-VAMP8 QabcR SNARE complex assembly. Moreover, when combined with RT, cystamine dihydrochloride (a TGM2 inhibitor) extended the lifespan of GBM-bearing mice. Overall, our findings demonstrated the EPG5 tethering mode with SDC1 and TGM2 during the fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes, providing new insights into the molecular mechanism and therapeutic target underlying radioresistant GBM.Abbreviations: BafA1: bafilomycin A1; CQ: chloroquine; Cys-D: cystamine dihydrochloride; EPG5: ectopic P-granules 5 autophagy tethering factor; GBM: glioblastoma multiforme; GFP: green fluorescent protein; LAMP2: lysosomal associated membrane protein 2; LIRs: LC3-interacting regions; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; NC: negative control; RFP: red fluorescent protein; RT: radiotherapy; SDC1: syndecan 1; SNAP29: synaptosome associated protein 29; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; STX17: syntaxin 17; TGM2: transglutaminase 2; TMT: tandem mass tag; VAMP8: vesicle associated membrane protein 8; WT: wild type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Zheng
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianping Chen
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongxia Liu
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Zeng
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuchuan Zhou
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinglong Liu
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianghong Zhang
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Pan
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunlin Shao
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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7
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Bhat SA, Ahamad S, Dar NJ, Siddique YH, Nazir A. The Emerging Landscape of Natural Small-molecule Therapeutics for Huntington's Disease. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:867-889. [PMID: 36797612 PMCID: PMC10227909 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230216104621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorder with no diseasemodifying therapeutics. HD is characterized by extensive neuronal loss and is caused by the inherited expansion of the huntingtin (HTT) gene that encodes a toxic mutant HTT (mHTT) protein having expanded polyglutamine (polyQ) residues. Current HD therapeutics only offer symptomatic relief. In fact, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved two synthetic small-molecule VMAT2 inhibitors, tetrabenazine (1) and deutetrabenazine (2), for managing HD chorea and various other diseases in clinical trials. Therefore, the landscape of drug discovery programs for HD is evolving to discover disease- modifying HD therapeutics. Likewise, numerous natural products are being evaluated at different stages of clinical development and have shown the potential to ameliorate HD pathology. The inherent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of natural products mitigate the mHTT-induced oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, improve mitochondrial functions, and augment the anti-apoptotic and pro-autophagic mechanisms for increased survival of neurons in HD. In this review, we have discussed HD pathogenesis and summarized the anti-HD clinical and pre-clinical natural products, focusing on their therapeutic effects and neuroprotective mechanism/s.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shakir Ahamad
- Department of Chemistry, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, U.P., India
| | - Nawab John Dar
- School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, Texas, TX, USA
| | | | - Aamir Nazir
- Division of Neuroscience and Ageing Biology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, U.P., India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, New Delhi, India
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8
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Ramirez-Perez FI, Cabral-Amador FJ, Whaley-Connell AT, Aroor AR, Morales-Quinones M, Woodford ML, Ghiarone T, Ferreira-Santos L, Jurrissen TJ, Manrique-Acevedo CM, Jia G, DeMarco VG, Padilla J, Martinez-Lemus LA, Lastra G. Cystamine reduces vascular stiffness in Western diet-fed female mice. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2022; 322:H167-H180. [PMID: 34890280 PMCID: PMC8742720 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00431.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Consumption of diets high in fat, sugar, and salt (Western diet, WD) is associated with accelerated arterial stiffening, a major independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Women with obesity are more prone to develop arterial stiffening leading to more frequent and severe CVD compared with men. As tissue transglutaminase (TG2) has been implicated in vascular stiffening, our goal herein was to determine the efficacy of cystamine, a nonspecific TG2 inhibitor, at reducing vascular stiffness in female mice chronically fed a WD. Three experimental groups of female mice were created. One was fed regular chow diet (CD) for 43 wk starting at 4 wk of age. The second was fed a WD for the same 43 wk, whereas a third cohort was fed WD, but also received cystamine (216 mg/kg/day) in the drinking water during the last 8 wk on the diet (WD + C). All vascular stiffness parameters assessed, including aortic pulse wave velocity and the incremental modulus of elasticity of isolated femoral and mesenteric arteries, were significantly increased in WD- versus CD-fed mice, and reduced in WD + C versus WD-fed mice. These changes coincided with respectively augmented and diminished vascular wall collagen and F-actin content, with no associated effect in blood pressure. In cultured human vascular smooth muscle cells, cystamine reduced TG2 activity, F-actin:G-actin ratio, collagen compaction capacity, and cellular stiffness. We conclude that cystamine treatment represents an effective approach to reduce vascular stiffness in female mice in the setting of WD consumption, likely because of its TG2 inhibitory capacity.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study evaluates the novel role of transglutaminase 2 (TG2) inhibition to directly treat vascular stiffness. Our data demonstrate that cystamine, a nonspecific TG2 inhibitor, improves vascular stiffness induced by a diet rich in fat, fructose, and salt. This research suggests that TG2 inhibition might bear therapeutic potential to reduce the disproportionate burden of cardiovascular disease in females in conditions of chronic overnutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco I. Ramirez-Perez
- 1Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri,2Biomedical, Biological, and Chemical Engineering Department, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | | | - Adam T. Whaley-Connell
- 3Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial
Veterans’ Hospital, Columbia, Missouri,4Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri,5Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Annayya R. Aroor
- 3Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial
Veterans’ Hospital, Columbia, Missouri,5Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | | | - Makenzie L. Woodford
- 1Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Thaysa Ghiarone
- 1Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Larissa Ferreira-Santos
- 1Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri,6Instituto do Coracao, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de
Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade
de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thomas J. Jurrissen
- 1Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri,7Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Camila M. Manrique-Acevedo
- 1Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri,3Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial
Veterans’ Hospital, Columbia, Missouri,5Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - GuangHong Jia
- 3Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial
Veterans’ Hospital, Columbia, Missouri,5Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Vincent G. DeMarco
- 3Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial
Veterans’ Hospital, Columbia, Missouri,4Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri,5Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri,8Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Jaume Padilla
- 1Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri,7Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Luis A. Martinez-Lemus
- 1Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri,2Biomedical, Biological, and Chemical Engineering Department, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri,8Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Guido Lastra
- 3Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial
Veterans’ Hospital, Columbia, Missouri,5Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
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9
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Devadiga SJ, Bharate SS. Recent developments in the management of Huntington's disease. Bioorg Chem 2022; 120:105642. [PMID: 35121553 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.105642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a rare, incurable, inheritedneurodegenerative disorder manifested by chorea, hyperkinetic, and hypokinetic movements. The FDA has approved only two drugs, viz. tetrabenazine, and deutetrabenazine, to manage the chorea associated with HD. However, several other drugs are used as an off-label to manage chorea and other symptoms such as depression, anxiety, muscle tremors, and cognitive dysfunction associated with HD. So far, there is no disease-modifying treatment available. Drug repurposing has been a primary drive to search for new anti-HD drugs. Numerous molecular targets along with a wide range of small molecules and gene therapies are currently under clinical investigation. More than 200 clinical studies are underway for HD, 75% are interventional, and 25% are observational studies. The present review discusses the small molecule clinical pipeline and molecular targets for HD. Furthermore, the biomarkers, diagnostic tests, gene therapies, behavioral and observational studies for HD were also deliberated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanaika J Devadiga
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM's NMIMS, V.L. Mehta Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai 400056, India
| | - Sonali S Bharate
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM's NMIMS, V.L. Mehta Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai 400056, India.
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10
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Shah S, Dooms MM, Amaral-Garcia S, Igoillo-Esteve M. Current Drug Repurposing Strategies for Rare Neurodegenerative Disorders. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:768023. [PMID: 34992533 PMCID: PMC8724568 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.768023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rare diseases are life-threatening or chronically debilitating low-prevalent disorders caused by pathogenic mutations or particular environmental insults. Due to their high complexity and low frequency, important gaps still exist in their prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Since new drug discovery is a very costly and time-consuming process, leading pharmaceutical companies show relatively low interest in orphan drug research and development due to the high cost of investments compared to the low market return of the product. Drug repurposing–based approaches appear then as cost- and time-saving strategies for the development of therapeutic opportunities for rare diseases. In this article, we discuss the scientific, regulatory, and economic aspects of the development of repurposed drugs for the treatment of rare neurodegenerative disorders with a particular focus on Huntington’s disease, Friedreich’s ataxia, Wolfram syndrome, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The role of academia, pharmaceutical companies, patient associations, and foundations in the identification of candidate compounds and their preclinical and clinical evaluation will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sweta Shah
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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11
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Ferreira JJ, Rodrigues FB, Duarte GS, Mestre TA, Bachoud-Levi AC, Bentivoglio AR, Burgunder JM, Cardoso F, Claassen DO, Landwehrmeyer GB, Kulisevsky J, Nirenberg MJ, Rosser A, Roth J, Seppi K, Slawek J, Furr-Stimming E, Tabrizi SJ, Walker FO, Vandenberghe W, Costa J, Sampaio C. A MDS Evidence-Based Review on Treatments for Huntington's Disease. Mov Disord 2021; 37:25-35. [PMID: 34842303 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Huntington's disease (HD) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder with protean clinical manifestations. Its management is challenging, consisting mainly of off-label treatments. OBJECTIVES The International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society commissioned a task force to review and evaluate the evidence of available therapies for HD gene expansion carriers. METHODS We followed the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Eligible randomized controlled trials were identified via an electronic search of the CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases. All eligible trials that evaluated one or more of 33 predetermined clinical questions were included. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. A framework was adapted to allow for efficacy and safety conclusions to be drawn from the balance between the GRADE level of evidence and the importance of the benefit/harm of the intervention. RESULTS Twenty-two eligible studies involving 17 interventions were included, providing data to address 8 clinical questions. These data supported a likely effect of deutetrabenazine on motor impairment, chorea, and dystonia and of tetrabenazine on chorea. The data did not support a disease-modifying effect for premanifest and manifest HD. There was no eligible evidence to support the use of specific treatments for depression, psychosis, irritability, apathy, or suicidality. Similarly, no evidence was eligible to support the use of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, exercise, dietary, or surgical treatments. CONCLUSIONS Data for therapeutic interventions in HD are limited and support only the use of VMAT2 inhibitors for specific motor symptoms. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquim J Ferreira
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Lisbon, Portugal.,CNS - Campus Neurológico, Torres Vedras, Portugal
| | - Filipe B Rodrigues
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Lisbon, Portugal.,CNS - Campus Neurológico, Torres Vedras, Portugal.,UCL Huntington's Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gonçalo S Duarte
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Lisbon, Portugal.,Centro de Estudos de Medicina Baseada na Evidência, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Tiago A Mestre
- Parkinson disease and Movement Disorders Centre, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anne-Catherine Bachoud-Levi
- National Centre of Reference for Huntington's Disease, Neurology Department, Henri Mondor Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France.,Neuropsychologie Interventionelle Lab, INSERM U955 E01B, PSL University, Paris, France.,Université Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Anna Rita Bentivoglio
- Istituto di Neurologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Movement Disorder Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Jean-Marc Burgunder
- Swiss Huntington Center, Neurozentrum Siloah AG, Muri bei Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Neurology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Francisco Cardoso
- Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Internal Medicine Department of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Daniel O Claassen
- Department of Neurology, Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Jaime Kulisevsky
- Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d´Investigacions Biomèdiques Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Melissa J Nirenberg
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Anne Rosser
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute (Brain Research And Intracranial Neurotherapeutics Unit), Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Jan Roth
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Klaus Seppi
- Department of Neurology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jaroslaw Slawek
- Division of Psychiatric-Neurological Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland.,Neurology and Stroke Department, St. Adalbert Hospital, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Erin Furr-Stimming
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sarah J Tabrizi
- UCL Huntington's Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Francis O Walker
- Division of Neuromuscular Disorders, Department of Neurology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Wim Vandenberghe
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - João Costa
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Lisbon, Portugal.,Centro de Estudos de Medicina Baseada na Evidência, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cristina Sampaio
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Lisbon, Portugal.,CHDI Management/CHDI Foundation, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
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12
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[Disease-modifying treatment approaches in Huntington disease : Past and future]. DER NERVENARZT 2021; 93:179-190. [PMID: 34762178 PMCID: PMC8825394 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-021-01224-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Die Huntington-Krankheit (HK) ist die häufigste monogenetische neurodegenerative Erkrankung und kann bereits im präklinischen Stadium zweifelsfrei diagnostiziert werden, zumindest in allen Fällen, bei denen die CAG-Expansionsmutation im Huntingtin-Gen (HTT) im Bereich der vollen Penetranz liegt. Wichtige Voraussetzungen für eine früh im Krankheitsprozess einsetzende und deshalb den weiteren Verlauf der Krankheit in klinisch relevanter Weise modifizierende Therapie sind damit gegeben und machen die HK zu einer Modellerkrankung für neuroprotektive Behandlungsansätze. In der Vergangenheit lag der Schwerpunkt auf dem Ausgleich vermuteter Neurotransmitterdefizite (GABA) analog zur Parkinson-Erkrankung und auf klassischen neuroprotektiven Strategien zur Beeinflussung hypothetischer gemeinsamer Endstrecken neurodegenerativer Erkrankungen (z. B. Exzitotoxizität, mitochondriale Dysfunktion, oxidativer Stress etc.). Mit der Entdeckung der krankheitsverursachenden HTT-Mutation im Jahr 1993 fokussierte sich die Therapieforschung zunehmend darauf, soweit proximal wie möglich in die pathophysiologische Ereigniskette einzugreifen. Ein wichtiger Ansatzpunkt ist hier die HTT-mRNA mit dem Ziel, die Nachproduktion mutierter Huntingtin-Genprodukte zu senken und damit den Körper von deren schädigenden Auswirkungen zu entlasten; zu diesem Zweck sind verschiedene Behandlungsmodalitäten (einzelsträngige DNA und RNA, divalente RNA und Zinkfinger-Repressorkomplexe, oral verfügbare Spleißmodulatoren) entwickelt worden, die sich in der klinischen Prüfung (Phase I–III) oder in späten Stadien der präklinischen Entwicklung befinden. Zudem zeichnet sich ab, dass es möglich sein könnte, die Länge der somatisch instabilen, d. h. über die Lebenszeit v. a. im Hirngewebe zunehmende CAG-Mutation selbst zu beeinflussen und die Progression der HK hierdurch zu bremsen.
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13
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Keillor JW, Johnson GVW. Transglutaminase 2 as a therapeutic target for neurological conditions. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:721-731. [PMID: 34607527 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1989410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) has been implicated in numerous neurological conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases, multiple sclerosis, and CNS injury. Early studies on the role of TG2 in neurodegenerative conditions focused on its ability to 'crosslink' proteins into insoluble aggregates. However, more recent studies have suggested that this is unlikely to be the primary mechanism by which TG2 contributes to the pathogenic processes. Although the specific mechanisms by which TG2 is involved in neurological conditions have not been clearly defined, TG2 regulates numerous cellular processes through which it could contribute to a specific disease. Given the fact that TG2 is a stress-induced gene and elevated in disease or injury conditions, TG2 inhibitors may be useful neurotherapeutics. AREAS COVERED Overview of TG2 and different TG2 inhibitors. A brief review of TG2 in neurodegenerative diseases, multiple sclerosis and CNS injury and inhibitors that have been tested in different models. Database search: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov prior to 1 July 2021. EXPERT OPINION Currently, it appears unlikely that inhibiting TG2 in the context of neurodegenerative diseases would be therapeutically advantageous. However, for multiple sclerosis and CNS injuries, TG2 inhibitors may have the potential to be therapeutically useful and thus there is rationale for their further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey W Keillor
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Gail V W Johnson
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
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14
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Abstract
Significance: The molecular processes that determine Huntington's disease (HD) pathogenesis are not yet fully understood, and until now no effective neuroprotective therapeutic strategies have been developed. Mitochondria are one of most important organelles required for neuronal homeostasis, by providing metabolic pathways relevant for energy production, regulating calcium homeostasis, or controlling free radical generation and cell death. Because augmented reactive oxygen species (ROS) accompanied by mitochondrial dysfunction are relevant early HD mechanisms, targeting these cellular mechanisms may constitute relevant therapeutic approaches. Recent Advances: Previous findings point toward a close relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and redox changes in HD. Mutant huntingtin (mHTT) can directly interact with mitochondrial proteins, as translocase of the inner membrane 23 (TIM23), disrupting mitochondrial proteostasis and favoring ROS production and HD progression. Furthermore, abnormal brain and muscle redox signaling contributes to altered proteostasis and motor impairment in HD, which can be improved with the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant mitoquinone or resveratrol, an SIRT1 activator that ameliorates mitochondrial biogenesis and function. Critical Issues: Various antioxidants and metabolic enhancers have been studied in HD; however, the real outcome of these molecules is still debatable. New compounds have proven to ameliorate mitochondrial and redox-based signaling pathways in early stages of HD, potentially precluding selective neurodegeneration. Future Directions: Unraveling the molecular etiology of deregulated mitochondrial function and dynamics, and oxidative stress opens new prospects for HD therapeutics. In this review, we explore the role of redox unbalance and mitochondrial dysfunction in HD progression, and further describe advances on clinical trials in HD based on mitochondrial and redox-based therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lígia Fão
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Cristina Rego
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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15
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Dysregulation of PGC-1α-Dependent Transcriptional Programs in Neurological and Developmental Disorders: Therapeutic Challenges and Opportunities. Cells 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/cells10020352
expr 820281011 + 880698691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Substantial evidence indicates that mitochondrial impairment contributes to neuronal dysfunction and vulnerability in disease states, leading investigators to propose that the enhancement of mitochondrial function should be considered a strategy for neuroprotection. However, multiple attempts to improve mitochondrial function have failed to impact disease progression, suggesting that the biology underlying the normal regulation of mitochondrial pathways in neurons, and its dysfunction in disease, is more complex than initially thought. Here, we present the proteins and associated pathways involved in the transcriptional regulation of nuclear-encoded genes for mitochondrial function, with a focus on the transcriptional coactivator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α). We highlight PGC-1α’s roles in neuronal and non-neuronal cell types and discuss evidence for the dysregulation of PGC-1α-dependent pathways in Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and developmental disorders, emphasizing the relationship between disease-specific cellular vulnerability and cell-type-specific patterns of PGC-1α expression. Finally, we discuss the challenges inherent to therapeutic targeting of PGC-1α-related transcriptional programs, considering the roles for neuron-enriched transcriptional coactivators in co-regulating mitochondrial and synaptic genes. This information will provide novel insights into the unique aspects of transcriptional regulation of mitochondrial function in neurons and the opportunities for therapeutic targeting of transcriptional pathways for neuroprotection.
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16
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Dysregulation of PGC-1α-Dependent Transcriptional Programs in Neurological and Developmental Disorders: Therapeutic Challenges and Opportunities. Cells 2021; 10:cells10020352. [PMID: 33572179 PMCID: PMC7915819 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Substantial evidence indicates that mitochondrial impairment contributes to neuronal dysfunction and vulnerability in disease states, leading investigators to propose that the enhancement of mitochondrial function should be considered a strategy for neuroprotection. However, multiple attempts to improve mitochondrial function have failed to impact disease progression, suggesting that the biology underlying the normal regulation of mitochondrial pathways in neurons, and its dysfunction in disease, is more complex than initially thought. Here, we present the proteins and associated pathways involved in the transcriptional regulation of nuclear-encoded genes for mitochondrial function, with a focus on the transcriptional coactivator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α). We highlight PGC-1α's roles in neuronal and non-neuronal cell types and discuss evidence for the dysregulation of PGC-1α-dependent pathways in Huntington's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and developmental disorders, emphasizing the relationship between disease-specific cellular vulnerability and cell-type-specific patterns of PGC-1α expression. Finally, we discuss the challenges inherent to therapeutic targeting of PGC-1α-related transcriptional programs, considering the roles for neuron-enriched transcriptional coactivators in co-regulating mitochondrial and synaptic genes. This information will provide novel insights into the unique aspects of transcriptional regulation of mitochondrial function in neurons and the opportunities for therapeutic targeting of transcriptional pathways for neuroprotection.
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17
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Bolcas PE, Brandt EB, Ruff BP, Kalra M, Khurana Hershey GK. Cysteamine prevents asthma development and reduces airway hyperresponsiveness in experimental asthma. Allergy 2020; 75:2675-2677. [PMID: 32311100 DOI: 10.1111/all.14332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Paige E. Bolcas
- Division of Asthma Research Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati OH USA
- Immunology Graduate Program Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Cincinnati OH USA
| | - Eric B. Brandt
- Division of Asthma Research Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati OH USA
| | - Brandy P. Ruff
- Division of Asthma Research Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati OH USA
| | - Mehak Kalra
- Division of Asthma Research Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati OH USA
| | - Gurjit K. Khurana Hershey
- Division of Asthma Research Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati OH USA
- Department of Pediatrics University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Cincinnati OH USA
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18
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Dash D, Mestre TA. Therapeutic Update on Huntington's Disease: Symptomatic Treatments and Emerging Disease-Modifying Therapies. Neurotherapeutics 2020; 17:1645-1659. [PMID: 32705582 PMCID: PMC7851270 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-00891-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a monogenic neurodegenerative disorder that presents with progressive motor, behavior, and cognitive symptoms leading to early disability and mortality. HD is caused by an expanded CAG repeats in exon 1 of the huntingtin (HTT) gene. The corresponding genetic test allows a clinical, definite diagnosis in life and the identification of a fully penetrant mutation carrier in a premanifest stage. In addition to the development of symptomatic treatments that attempt to address unmet care needs such as apathy, irritability, and cognition, novel therapies that target pathways specific to HD biology are being developed with the intent of slowing disease progression. Among these approaches, HTT protein lowering therapies hold great promise. There are currently active programs using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), RNA interference, small-molecule splicing modulators, and zinc-finger protein transcription factor. Except for ASOs and RNA interference approaches, the remaining therapeutic strategies are at a preclinical stage of development. While the current therapeutic landscape in HD may bring an unparalleled change in the lives of people with HD and their families with the first-ever disease-modifying therapy, the evaluation of these therapies requires novel tools that enable a more efficient and expedited discovery and evaluative process. Examples are biomarkers targeting the HTT protein to measure target engagement or disease progression and rating scales more sensitive to the earliest clinical changes. These tools will be instrumental in the next phase of disease-modifying clinical trials in HD likely to target the phenoconversion period of the disease, including the prodromal HD stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Dash
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Parkinson Disease and Movement Disorders Centre, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Tiago A Mestre
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
- Parkinson Disease and Movement Disorders Centre, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
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Tabrizi SJ, Flower MD, Ross CA, Wild EJ. Huntington disease: new insights into molecular pathogenesis and therapeutic opportunities. Nat Rev Neurol 2020; 16:529-546. [PMID: 32796930 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-020-0389-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 241] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Huntington disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene (HTT) and involves a complex web of pathogenic mechanisms. Mutant HTT (mHTT) disrupts transcription, interferes with immune and mitochondrial function, and is aberrantly modified post-translationally. Evidence suggests that the mHTT RNA is toxic, and at the DNA level, somatic CAG repeat expansion in vulnerable cells influences the disease course. Genome-wide association studies have identified DNA repair pathways as modifiers of somatic instability and disease course in HD and other repeat expansion diseases. In animal models of HD, nucleocytoplasmic transport is disrupted and its restoration is neuroprotective. Novel cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma biomarkers are among the earliest detectable changes in individuals with premanifest HD and have the sensitivity to detect therapeutic benefit. Therapeutically, the first human trial of an HTT-lowering antisense oligonucleotide successfully, and safely, reduced the CSF concentration of mHTT in individuals with HD. A larger trial, powered to detect clinical efficacy, is underway, along with trials of other HTT-lowering approaches. In this Review, we discuss new insights into the molecular pathogenesis of HD and future therapeutic strategies, including the modulation of DNA repair and targeting the DNA mutation itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Tabrizi
- Huntington's Disease Centre, University College London, London, UK. .,Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK. .,UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Michael D Flower
- Huntington's Disease Centre, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Christopher A Ross
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Edward J Wild
- Huntington's Disease Centre, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
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Cicchetti F, David L, Siddu A, Denis H. Cysteamine as a novel disease-modifying compound for Parkinson's disease: Over a decade of research supporting a clinical trial. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 130:104530. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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21
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Abstract
Introduction: Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative condition for which there are no disease-modifying treatments. The availability of early genetic diagnosis makes HD an ideal candidate for early intervention. Growing understanding of pathogenesis has led to the identification of new therapeutic targets for which some compounds are now in clinical trials. Areas covered: A detailed review of medical databases and clinical trial registries was performed. Recent clinical trials aimed to establish disease-modification were included. Focus was assigned to RNA and DNA-based therapies aimed at lowering mutant huntingtin (mHTT) including antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), RNA interference (RNAi), zinc finger proteins (ZFPs) and the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Modulation of mHTT and immunotherapies is also covered. Expert opinion: Targeting HD pathogenesis at its most proximal level is under intense investigation. ASOs are the only HTT-lowering strategy in clinical trials of manifest HD. Safety and efficacy of an allele specific vs. allele non-specific approach has yet to be established. Success will extend to premanifest carriers for which development of clinical and imaging biomarkers will be necessary. Scientific and technological advancement will bolster new methods of treatment delivery. Cumulative experience, collaborative research, and platforms such as ENROLL-HD will facilitate efficient and effective clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassaan Bashir
- Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , TX , USA
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22
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Boosting GSH Using the Co-Drug Approach: I-152, a Conjugate of N-acetyl-cysteine and β-mercaptoethylamine. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11061291. [PMID: 31181621 PMCID: PMC6627109 DOI: 10.3390/nu11061291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutathione (GSH) has poor pharmacokinetic properties; thus, several derivatives and biosynthetic precursors have been proposed as GSH-boosting drugs. I-152 is a conjugate of N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) and S-acetyl-β-mercaptoethylamine (SMEA) designed to release the parent drugs (i.e., NAC and β-mercaptoethylamine or cysteamine, MEA). NAC is a precursor of L-cysteine, while MEA is an aminothiol able to increase GSH content; thus, I-152 represents the very first attempt to combine two pro-GSH molecules. In this review, the in-vitro and in-vivo metabolism, pro-GSH activity and antiviral and immunomodulatory properties of I-152 are discussed. Under physiological GSH conditions, low I-152 doses increase cellular GSH content; by contrast, high doses cause GSH depletion but yield a high content of NAC, MEA and I-152, which can be used to resynthesize GSH. Preliminary in-vivo studies suggest that the molecule reaches mouse organs, including the brain, where its metabolites, NAC and MEA, are detected. In cell cultures, I-152 replenishes experimentally depleted GSH levels. Moreover, administration of I-152 to C57BL/6 mice infected with the retroviral complex LP-BM5 is effective in contrasting virus-induced GSH depletion, exerting at the same time antiviral and immunomodulatory functions. I-152 acts as a pro-GSH agent; however, GSH derivatives and NAC cannot completely replicate its effects. The co-delivery of different thiol species may lead to unpredictable outcomes, which warrant further investigation.
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23
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Arbez N, Roby E, Akimov S, Eddings C, Ren M, Wang X, Ross CA. Cysteamine Protects Neurons from Mutant Huntingtin Toxicity. J Huntingtons Dis 2019; 8:129-143. [PMID: 30856117 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-180312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The potential benefit of cysteamine for Huntington's disease has been demonstrated in HD animal models. Cysteamine and its derivate cystamine were shown to reduce neuropathology and prolong lifespan. Human studies have demonstrated safety, and suggestive results regarding efficacy. Despite all the studies available in vivo, there are only few in vitro studies, and the mechanism of action of cysteamine remains unclear. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to assess the capacity of cysteamine for neuroprotection against mutant Huntingtin in vitro using cellular models of HD, and to provide initial data regarding mechanism of action. METHODS We tested the neuroprotective properties of cysteamine in vitro in our primary neuron and iPSC models of HD. RESULTS Cysteamine showed a strong neuroprotective effect (EC50 = 7.1 nM) against mutant Htt-(aa-1-586 82Q) toxicity, in a nuclear condensation cell toxicity assay. Cysteamine also rescued mitochondrial changes induced by mutant Htt. Modulation of the levels of cysteine or glutathione failed to protect neurons, suggesting that cysteamine neuroprotection is not mediated through cysteine metabolism. Taurine and Hypotaurine, which are metabolites of cysteamine can protect neurons against Htt toxicity, but the inhibition of the enzyme converting cysteamine to hypotaurine does not block either protective activity, suggesting independent protective pathways. Cysteamine has been suggested to activate BDNF secretion; however, cysteamine protection was not blocked by BDNF pathway antagonists. CONCLUSIONS Cysteamine was strongly neuroprotective with relatively high potency. We demonstrated that the main neuroprotective pathways that have been proposed to be the mechanism of protection by cysteamine can all be blocked and still not prevent the neuroprotective effect. The results suggest the involvement of other yet-to-be-determined neuroprotective pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Arbez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Neurobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elaine Roby
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Neurobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Current address: Nuredis, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - Sergey Akimov
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Neurobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chelsy Eddings
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Neurobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mark Ren
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Neurobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xiaofang Wang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Neurobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christopher A Ross
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Neurobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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24
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Testa CM, Jankovic J. Huntington disease: A quarter century of progress since the gene discovery. J Neurol Sci 2019; 396:52-68. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2018.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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25
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Recent advances in the therapeutic development for Huntington disease. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2018; 59:125-130. [PMID: 30616867 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Huntington disease (HD) is a rare genetic neurodegenerative condition. The availability of a genetic diagnosis makes HD an attractive model for the development of therapies that can delay or, at best, halt the progression of neurodegenerative conditions. Tetrabenazine and deutetrabenazine are the only treatment options with a formal indication (chorea) for this patient population. METHODS Literature review on HD and clinical trials using the medical databases Pubmed, Web of Science, and clinical trial registries. Recent clinical trials conducted with the goal of disease-modification or new symptomatic treatment indications were included. Non-pharmacological interventions were excluded. RESULTS Therapeutic approaches aiming at disease-modification include huntingtin-lowering strategies, the modulation of huntingtin homeostasis and neuroinflammation. Huntingtin-lowering strategies are of particular interest by targeting the mRNA of the huntingtin (HTT) gene at the core of HD biology. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) are the only huntingtin-lowering strategies in clinical development. The initial results suggest that the first non-allele specific ASO was safe and associated with a reduction in the levels of mutated huntingtin protein (mHTT). Other clinical trials for disease-modification in HD have generated negative results or are ongoing. Assays to measure CSF mHTT and brain nuclear imaging specific to HD can support the rational development of these therapies. Novel symptomatic treatment indications explored in clinical trials include motor disability, irritability and apathy. CONCLUSIONS The years ahead are promising for novel and revolutionary therapies aimed at core disease mechanisms in HD. Clinical research platforms such as Enroll-HD are expected to potentiate the conduction of clinical trials in HD.
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26
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Youssov K, Bachoud-Lévi AC. Malattia di Huntington: aspetti diagnostici attuali e applicazioni pratiche. Neurologia 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/s1634-7072(18)89403-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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27
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Abstract
Globally, diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease, which are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease and death. Despite this burden, the factors that precipitate the development and progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remain to be fully elucidated. Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with kidney disease in nondiabetic contexts, and increasing evidence suggests that dysfunctional renal mitochondria are pathological mediators of DKD. These complex organelles have a broad range of functions, including the generation of ATP. The kidneys are mitochondrially rich, highly metabolic organs that require vast amounts of ATP for their normal function. The delivery of metabolic substrates for ATP production, such as fatty acids and oxygen, is altered by diabetes. Changes in metabolic fuel sources in diabetes to meet ATP demands result in increased oxygen consumption, which contributes to renal hypoxia. Inherited factors including mutations in genes that impact mitochondrial function and/or substrate delivery may also be important risk factors for DKD. Hence, we postulate that the diabetic milieu and inherited factors that underlie abnormalities in mitochondrial function synergistically drive the development and progression of DKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine M Forbes
- Glycation and Diabetes Group, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Mater Clinical School, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.,Departments of Medicine and Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - David R Thorburn
- Departments of Medicine and Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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28
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Abstract
Huntington disease is a monogenic neurodegenerative disorder that displays an autosomal-dominant pattern of inheritance. It is characterized by motor, psychiatric, and cognitive symptoms that progress over 15-20 years. Since the identification of the causative genetic mutation in 1993 much has been discovered about the underlying pathogenic mechanisms, but as yet there are no disease-modifying therapies available. This chapter reviews the epidemiology, genetic basis, pathogenesis, presentation, and clinical management of Huntington disease. The principles of genetic testing are explained. We also describe recent developments in the ongoing search for therapeutics and for biomarkers to track disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhia Ghosh
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah J Tabrizi
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom.
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Ghosh R, Tabrizi SJ. Clinical Features of Huntington's Disease. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1049:1-28. [PMID: 29427096 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-71779-1_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is the most common monogenic neurodegenerative disease and the commonest genetic dementia in the developed world. With autosomal dominant inheritance, typically mid-life onset, and unrelenting progressive motor, cognitive and psychiatric symptoms over 15-20 years, its impact on patients and their families is devastating. The causative genetic mutation is an expanded CAG trinucleotide repeat in the gene encoding the Huntingtin protein, which leads to a prolonged polyglutamine stretch at the N-terminus of the protein. Since the discovery of the gene over 20 years ago much progress has been made in HD research, and although there are currently no disease-modifying treatments available, there are a number of exciting potential therapeutic developments in the pipeline. In this chapter we discuss the epidemiology, genetics and pathogenesis of HD as well as the clinical presentation and management of HD, which is currently focused on symptomatic treatment. The principles of genetic testing for HD are also explained. Recent developments in therapeutics research, including gene silencing and targeted small molecule approaches are also discussed, as well as the search for HD biomarkers that will assist the validation of these potentially new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhia Ghosh
- UCL Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Sarah J Tabrizi
- UCL Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
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