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Della Valle I, Milani M, Rossi S, Turchi R, Tortolici F, Nesci V, Ferri A, Valle C, Lettieri-Barbato D, Aquilano K, Cozzolino M, Apolloni S, D'Ambrosi N. Loss of homeostatic functions in microglia from a murine model of Friedreich's ataxia. Genes Dis 2024; 11:101178. [PMID: 39100202 PMCID: PMC11295442 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.101178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Della Valle
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
- PhD Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Martina Milani
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
- PhD Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Simona Rossi
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council (CNR), Rome 00133, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome 00179, Italy
| | - Riccardo Turchi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Flavia Tortolici
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Valentina Nesci
- Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome 00179, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferri
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council (CNR), Rome 00133, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome 00179, Italy
| | - Cristiana Valle
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council (CNR), Rome 00133, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome 00179, Italy
| | - Daniele Lettieri-Barbato
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome 00179, Italy
| | - Katia Aquilano
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Mauro Cozzolino
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council (CNR), Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Savina Apolloni
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Nadia D'Ambrosi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
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2
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Sciarretta F, Zaccaria F, Ninni A, Ceci V, Turchi R, Apolloni S, Milani M, Della Valle I, Tiberi M, Chiurchiù V, D'Ambrosi N, Pedretti S, Mitro N, Volontè C, Amadio S, Aquilano K, Lettieri-Barbato D. Frataxin deficiency shifts metabolism to promote reactive microglia via glucose catabolism. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202402609. [PMID: 38631900 PMCID: PMC11024345 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202402609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunometabolism investigates the intricate relationship between the immune system and cellular metabolism. This study delves into the consequences of mitochondrial frataxin (FXN) depletion, the primary cause of Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA), a debilitating neurodegenerative condition characterized by impaired coordination and muscle control. By using single-cell RNA sequencing, we have identified distinct cellular clusters within the cerebellum of an FRDA mouse model, emphasizing a significant loss in the homeostatic response of microglial cells lacking FXN. Remarkably, these microglia deficient in FXN display heightened reactive responses to inflammatory stimuli. Furthermore, our metabolomic analyses reveal a shift towards glycolysis and itaconate production in these cells. Remarkably, treatment with butyrate counteracts these immunometabolic changes, triggering an antioxidant response via the itaconate-Nrf2-GSH pathways and suppressing the expression of inflammatory genes. Furthermore, we identify Hcar2 (GPR109A) as a mediator involved in restoring the homeostasis of microglia without FXN. Motor function tests conducted on FRDA mice underscore the neuroprotective attributes of butyrate supplementation, enhancing neuromotor performance. In conclusion, our findings elucidate the role of disrupted homeostatic function in cerebellar microglia in the pathogenesis of FRDA. Moreover, they underscore the potential of butyrate to mitigate inflammatory gene expression, correct metabolic imbalances, and improve neuromotor capabilities in FRDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Sciarretta
- Department Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Zaccaria
- Department Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Ninni
- Department Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Ceci
- Department Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Turchi
- Department Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Savina Apolloni
- Department Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Milani
- Department Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- PhD Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Della Valle
- Department Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- PhD Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Tiberi
- Laboratory of Resolution of Neuroinflammation, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Chiurchiù
- Laboratory of Resolution of Neuroinflammation, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, IFT-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Nadia D'Ambrosi
- Department Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Pedretti
- DiSFeB, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Nico Mitro
- DiSFeB, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Cinzia Volontè
- https://ror.org/04zaypm56 National Research Council, Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "A. Ruberti", Rome, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Experimental Neuroscience and Neurological Disease Models, Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Amadio
- Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Experimental Neuroscience and Neurological Disease Models, Rome, Italy
| | - Katia Aquilano
- Department Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Lettieri-Barbato
- Department Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Italy
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3
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Harding IH, Nur Karim MI, Selvadurai LP, Corben LA, Delatycki MB, Monti S, Saccà F, Georgiou-Karistianis N, Cocozza S, Egan GF. Localized Changes in Dentate Nucleus Shape and Magnetic Susceptibility in Friedreich Ataxia. Mov Disord 2024; 39:1109-1118. [PMID: 38644761 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29816] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The dentate nuclei of the cerebellum are key sites of neuropathology in Friedreich ataxia (FRDA). Reduced dentate nucleus volume and increased mean magnetic susceptibility, a proxy of iron concentration, have been reported by magnetic resonance imaging studies in people with FRDA. Here, we investigate whether these changes are regionally heterogeneous. METHODS Quantitative susceptibility mapping data were acquired from 49 people with FRDA and 46 healthy controls. The dentate nuclei were manually segmented and analyzed using three dimensional vertex-based shape modeling and voxel-based assessments to identify regional changes in morphometry and susceptibility, respectively. RESULTS Individuals with FRDA, relative to healthy controls, showed significant bilateral surface contraction most strongly at the rostral and caudal boundaries of the dentate nuclei. The magnitude of this surface contraction correlated with disease duration, and to a lesser extent, ataxia severity. Significantly greater susceptibility was also evident in the FRDA cohort relative to controls, but was instead localized to bilateral dorsomedial areas, and also correlated with disease duration and ataxia severity. CONCLUSIONS Changes in the structure of the dentate nuclei in FRDA are not spatially uniform. Atrophy is greatest in areas with high gray matter density, whereas increases in susceptibility-reflecting iron concentration, demyelination, and/or gliosis-predominate in the medial white matter. These findings converge with established histological reports and indicate that regional measures of dentate nucleus substructure are more sensitive measures of disease expression than full-structure averages. Biomarker development and therapeutic strategies that directly target the dentate nuclei, such as gene therapies, may be optimized by targeting these areas of maximal pathology. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian H Harding
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Muhammad Ikhsan Nur Karim
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Louisa P Selvadurai
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Louise A Corben
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health and School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Martin B Delatycki
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Serena Monti
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Saccà
- Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Nellie Georgiou-Karistianis
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health and School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sirio Cocozza
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Gary F Egan
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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VanPortfliet JJ, Lei Y, Martinez CG, Wong J, Pflug K, Sitcheran R, Kneeland SC, Murray SA, McGuire PJ, Cannon CL, West AP. Caspase-11 drives macrophage hyperinflammation in models of Polg-related mitochondrial disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.11.593693. [PMID: 38798587 PMCID: PMC11118447 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.11.593693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondrial diseases (MtD) represent a significant public health challenge due to their heterogenous clinical presentation, often severe and progressive symptoms, and the lack of effective therapies. Environmental exposures, such bacterial and viral infection, can further compromise mitochondrial function and exacerbate the progression of MtD. Infections in MtD patients more frequently progress to sepsis, pneumonia, and other detrimental inflammatory endpoints. However, the underlying immune alterations that enhance immunopathology in MtD remain unclear, constituting a key gap in knowledge that complicates treatment and increases mortality in this population. Here we employ in vitro and in vivo approaches to clarify the molecular and cellular basis for innate immune hyperactivity in models of polymerase gamma (Polg)-related MtD. We reveal that type I interferon (IFN-I)-mediated upregulation of caspase-11 and guanylate-binding proteins (GBPs) increase macrophage sensing of the opportunistic microbe Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) in Polg mutant mice. Furthermore, we show that excessive macrophage cytokine secretion and pyroptotic cell death contribute to lung inflammation and morbidity after infection with PA. Our work sheds new light on innate immune dysregulation in MtD and reveals potential targets for limiting infection- and inflammation-related complications in Polg-related MtD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordyn J. VanPortfliet
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609, USA
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Bryan, Texas 77807, USA
| | - Yuanjiu Lei
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Bryan, Texas 77807, USA
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Camila Guerra Martinez
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Bryan, Texas 77807, USA
| | - Jessica Wong
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609, USA
| | - Kathryn Pflug
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Bryan, Texas 77807, USA
| | - Raquel Sitcheran
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Bryan, Texas 77807, USA
| | | | | | - Peter. J. McGuire
- Metabolism, Infection and Immunity Section, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Carolyn L. Cannon
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Bryan, Texas 77807, USA
| | - A. Phillip West
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609, USA
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Bryan, Texas 77807, USA
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Vancheri C, Quatrana A, Morini E, Mariotti C, Mongelli A, Fichera M, Rufini A, Condò I, Testi R, Novelli G, Malisan F, Amati F. An RNA-seq study in Friedreich ataxia patients identified hsa-miR-148a-3p as a putative prognostic biomarker of the disease. Hum Genomics 2024; 18:50. [PMID: 38778374 PMCID: PMC11110315 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-024-00602-y] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a life-threatening hereditary ataxia; its incidence is 1:50,000 individuals in the Caucasian population. A unique therapeutic drug for FRDA, the antioxidant Omaveloxolone, has been recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FRDA is a multi-systemic neurodegenerative disease; in addition to a progressive neurodegeneration, FRDA is characterized by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, diabetes mellitus and musculoskeletal deformities. Cardiomyopathy is the predominant cause of premature death. The onset of FRDA typically occurs between the ages of 5 and 15. Given the complexity and heterogeneity of clinical features and the variability of their onset, the identification of biomarkers capable of assessing disease progression and monitoring the efficacy of treatments is essential to facilitate decision making in clinical practice. We conducted an RNA-seq analysis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from FRDA patients and healthy donors, identifying a signature of small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) capable of distinguishing healthy individuals from the majority of FRDA patients. Among the differentially expressed sncRNAs, microRNAs are a class of small non-coding endogenous RNAs that regulate posttranscriptional silencing of target genes. In FRDA plasma samples, hsa-miR-148a-3p resulted significantly upregulated. The analysis of the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, combining the circulating expression levels of hsa-miR-148a-3p and hsa-miR-223-3p (previously identified by our group), revealed an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.86 (95%, Confidence Interval 0.77-0.95; p-value < 0.0001). An in silico prediction analysis indicated that the IL6ST gene, an interesting marker of neuroinflammation in FRDA, is a common target gene of both miRNAs. Our findings support the evaluation of combined expression levels of different circulating miRNAs as potent epi-biomarkers in FRDA. Moreover, we found hsa-miR-148a-3p significantly over-expressed in Intermediate and Late-Onset Friedreich Ataxia patients' group (IOG and LOG, respectively) compared to healthy individuals, indicating it as a putative prognostic biomarker in this pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Vancheri
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Genetics Unit, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Andrea Quatrana
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
- Muscular and Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Bambino Gesù, Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Morini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Genetics Unit, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Caterina Mariotti
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Alessia Mongelli
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Mario Fichera
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Alessandra Rufini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
- Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, 00131, Italy
| | - Ivano Condò
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Roberto Testi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Novelli
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Genetics Unit, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
- Neuromed Institute, IRCCS, Pozzilli, 86077, Italy
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Florence Malisan
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy.
| | - Francesca Amati
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Genetics Unit, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy.
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Jullian E, Russi M, Turki E, Bouvelot M, Tixier L, Middendorp S, Martin E, Monnier V. Glial overexpression of Tspo extends lifespan and protects against frataxin deficiency in Drosophila. Biochimie 2024:S0300-9084(24)00097-X. [PMID: 38750879 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2024.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
The translocator protein TSPO is an evolutionary conserved mitochondrial protein overexpressed in various contexts of neurodegeneration. Friedreich Ataxia (FA) is a neurodegenerative disease due to GAA expansions in the FXN gene leading to decreased expression of frataxin, a mitochondrial protein involved in the biosynthesis of iron-sulfur clusters. We previously reported that Tspo was overexpressed in a Drosophila model of this disease generated by CRISPR/Cas9 insertion of approximately 200 GAA in the intron of fh, the fly frataxin gene. Here, we describe a new Drosophila model of FA with 42 GAA repeats, called fh-GAAs. The smaller expansion size allowed to obtain adults exhibiting hallmarks of the FA disease, including short lifespan, locomotory defects and hypersensitivity to oxidative stress. The reduced lifespan was fully rescued by ubiquitous expression of human FXN, confirming that both frataxins share conserved functions. We observed that Tspo was overexpressed in heads and decreased in intestines of these fh-GAAs flies. Then, we further overexpressed Tspo specifically in glial cells and observed improved survival. Finally, we investigated the effects of Tspo overexpression in healthy flies. Increased longevity was conferred by glial-specific overexpression, with opposite effects in neurons. Overall, this study highlights protective effects of glial TSPO in Drosophila both in a neurodegenerative and a healthy context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estelle Jullian
- Université Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative (BFA), UMR 8251, CNRS, F-75013, Paris, France.
| | - Maria Russi
- Université Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative (BFA), UMR 8251, CNRS, F-75013, Paris, France.
| | - Ema Turki
- Université Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative (BFA), UMR 8251, CNRS, F-75013, Paris, France.
| | - Margaux Bouvelot
- Université Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative (BFA), UMR 8251, CNRS, F-75013, Paris, France.
| | - Laura Tixier
- Université Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative (BFA), UMR 8251, CNRS, F-75013, Paris, France.
| | - Sandrine Middendorp
- Université Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative (BFA), UMR 8251, CNRS, F-75013, Paris, France.
| | - Elodie Martin
- Université Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative (BFA), UMR 8251, CNRS, F-75013, Paris, France.
| | - Véronique Monnier
- Université Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative (BFA), UMR 8251, CNRS, F-75013, Paris, France.
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7
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Corben LA, Blomfield E, Tai G, Bilal H, Harding IH, Georgiou-Karistianis N, Delatycki MB, Vogel AP. The Role of Verbal Fluency in the Cerebellar Cognitive Affective Syndrome Scale in Friedreich Ataxia. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024:10.1007/s12311-024-01694-x. [PMID: 38642239 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-024-01694-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Cerebellar pathology engenders the disturbance of movement that characterizes Friedreich ataxia (FRDA), yet the impact of cerebellar pathology on cognition in FRDA remains unclear. Numerous studies have unequivocally demonstrated the role of the cerebellar pathology in disturbed cognitive, language and affective regulation, referred to as Cerebellar Cognitive Affective Syndrome (CCAS), and quantified by the CCAS-Scale (CCAS-S). The presence of dysarthria in many individuals with ataxia, particularly FRDA, may confound results on some items of the CCAS-S resulting in false-positive scores. This study explored the relationship between performance on the CCAS-S and clinical metrics of disease severity in 57 adults with FRDA. In addition, this study explored the relationship between measures of intelligibility and naturalness of speech and scores on the CCAS-S in a subgroup of 39 individuals with FRDA. We demonstrated a significant relationship between clinical metrics and performance on the CCAS-S. In addition, we confirmed the items that returned the greatest rate of failure were based on Verbal Fluency Tasks, revealing a significant relationship between these items and measures of speech. Measures of speech explained over half of the variance in the CCAS-S score suggesting the role of dysarthria in the performance on the CCAS-S is not clear. Further work is required prior to adopting the CCAS-S as a cognitive screening tool for individuals with FRDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise A Corben
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Eliza Blomfield
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Geneieve Tai
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hiba Bilal
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ian H Harding
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nellie Georgiou-Karistianis
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Martin B Delatycki
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Service, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Adam P Vogel
- Centre for Neuroscience of Speech, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Redenlab, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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8
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Fernandez L, Corben LA, Bilal H, Delatycki MB, Egan GF, Harding IH. Free-Water Imaging in Friedreich Ataxia Using Multi-Compartment Models. Mov Disord 2024; 39:370-379. [PMID: 37927246 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neurological phenotype of Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is characterized by neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation in the cerebellum and brainstem. Novel neuroimaging approaches quantifying brain free-water using diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) are potentially more sensitive to these processes than standard imaging markers. OBJECTIVES To quantify the extent of free-water and microstructural change in FRDA-relevant brain regions using neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI), and bitensor diffusion tensor imaging (btDTI). METHOD Multi-shell dMRI was acquired from 14 individuals with FRDA and 14 controls. Free-water measures from NODDI (FISO) and btDTI (FW) were compared between groups in the cerebellar cortex, dentate nuclei, cerebellar peduncles, and brainstem. The relative sensitivity of the free-water measures to group differences was compared to microstructural measures of NODDI intracellular volume, free-water corrected fractional anisotropy, and conventional uncorrected fractional anisotropy. RESULTS In individuals with FRDA, FW was elevated in the cerebellar cortex, peduncles (excluding middle), dentate, and brainstem (P < 0.005). FISO was elevated primarily in the cerebellar lobules (P < 0.001). On average, FW effect sizes were larger than all other markers (mean ηρ 2 = 0.43), although microstructural measures also had very large effects in the superior and inferior cerebellar peduncles and brainstem (ηρ 2 > 0.37). Across all regions and metrics, effect sizes were largest in the superior cerebellar peduncles (ηρ 2 > 0.46). CONCLUSIONS Multi-compartment diffusion measures of free-water and neurite integrity distinguish FRDA from controls with large effects. Free-water magnitude in the brainstem and cerebellum provided the greatest distinction between groups. This study supports further applications of multi-compartment diffusion modeling, and investigations of free-water as a measure of disease expression and progression in FRDA. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Fernandez
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Louise A Corben
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health & School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hiba Bilal
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health & School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Martin B Delatycki
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Service, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gary F Egan
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health & School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ian H Harding
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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9
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Iskusnykh IY, Zakharova AA, Kryl’skii ED, Popova TN. Aging, Neurodegenerative Disorders, and Cerebellum. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1018. [PMID: 38256091 PMCID: PMC10815822 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021018] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
An important part of the central nervous system (CNS), the cerebellum is involved in motor control, learning, reflex adaptation, and cognition. Diminished cerebellar function results in the motor and cognitive impairment observed in patients with neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA), and multiple sclerosis (MS), and even during the normal aging process. In most neurodegenerative disorders, impairment mainly occurs as a result of morphological changes over time, although during the early stages of some disorders such as AD, the cerebellum also serves a compensatory function. Biological aging is accompanied by changes in cerebellar circuits, which are predominantly involved in motor control. Despite decades of research, the functional contributions of the cerebellum and the underlying molecular mechanisms in aging and neurodegenerative disorders remain largely unknown. Therefore, this review will highlight the molecular and cellular events in the cerebellum that are disrupted during the process of aging and the development of neurodegenerative disorders. We believe that deeper insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of the cerebellum during aging and the development of neurodegenerative disorders will be essential for the design of new effective strategies for neuroprotection and the alleviation of some neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Y. Iskusnykh
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Anastasia A. Zakharova
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ostrovitianov St. 1, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Evgenii D. Kryl’skii
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, Voronezh State University, Universitetskaya Sq. 1, Voronezh 394018, Russia; (E.D.K.)
| | - Tatyana N. Popova
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, Voronezh State University, Universitetskaya Sq. 1, Voronezh 394018, Russia; (E.D.K.)
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10
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Smith FM, Kosman DJ. Loss of filamentous actin, tight junction protein expression, and paracellular barrier integrity in frataxin-deficient human brain microvascular endothelial cells-implications for blood-brain barrier physiology in Friedreich's ataxia. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 10:1299201. [PMID: 38274097 PMCID: PMC10808331 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1299201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Friedreich's Ataxia (FRDA) is the most prevalent inherited ataxia. FRDA results from loss of Frataxin (FXN), an essential mitochondrial iron trafficking protein. FRDA starts with an early burst of neurodegeneration of the dorsal root ganglion and cerebellar dentate nuclei, followed by progressive brain iron accumulation in the latter. End stage disease includes cardiac fibrosis that contributes to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The microvasculature plays an essential barrier role in both brain and heart homeostasis, thus an investigation of this tissue system in FRDA is essential to the delineation of the cellular dysfunction in this genetic disorder. Previous reports have identified cytoskeletal alterations in non-barrier forming FRDA cell models, but physiological consequences are limited. Methods: We investigated brain microvascular endothelial cell integrity in FRDA in a model of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). We have knocked down FXN in immortalized human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMVEC), which compose the microcapillaries of the BBB, by using shRNA. We confirmed known cellular pathophysiologies of FXN-knockdown including decreased energy metabolism, markers of oxidative stress, and increased cell size. Results: We investigated cytoskeletal architecture, identifying decreased filamentous actin and Occludin and Claudin-5 tight junction protein expression in shFXN hBMVECs. This was consistent with decreased transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and increased paracellular tracer flux during early barrier formation. shFXN hBMVEC start with only 67% barrier integrity of the controls, and flux a paracellular tracer at 800% of physiological levels. Discussion: We identified that insufficient FXN levels in the hBMVEC BBB model causes changes in cytoskeletal architecture and tight junction protein abundance, co-incident with increased barrier permeability. Changes in the integrity of the BBB may be related to patient brain iron accumulation, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and stroke. Furthermore, our findings implicate other barrier cells, e.g., the cardiac microvasculature, loci of disease pathology in FRDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances M. Smith
- Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
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11
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Raval NR, Angarita G, Matuskey D, Miller R, Drake LR, Kapinos M, Nabulsi N, Huang Y, Carson RE, O'Malley SS, Cosgrove KP, Hillmer AT. Imaging the brain's immune response to alcohol with [ 11C]PBR28 TSPO Positron Emission Tomography. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3384-3390. [PMID: 37532797 PMCID: PMC10743097 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02198-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
In humans, the negative effects of alcohol are linked to immune dysfunction in both the periphery and the brain. Yet acute effects of alcohol on the neuroimmune system and its relationships with peripheral immune function are not fully understood. To address this gap, immune response to an alcohol challenge was measured with positron emission tomography (PET) using the radiotracer [11C]PBR28, which targets the 18-kDa translocator protein, a marker sensitive to immune challenges. Participants (n = 12; 5 F; 25-45 years) who reported consuming binge levels of alcohol (>3 drinks for females; >4 drinks for males) 1-3 months before scan day were enrolled. Imaging featured a baseline [11C]PBR28 scan followed by an oral laboratory alcohol challenge over 90 min. An hour later, a second [11C]PBR28 scan was acquired. Dynamic PET data were acquired for at least 90 min with arterial blood sampling to measure the metabolite-corrected input function. [11C]PBR28 volume of distributions (VT) was estimated in the brain using multilinear analysis 1. Subjective effects, blood alcohol levels (BAL), and plasma cytokines were measured during the paradigm. Full completion of the alcohol challenge and data acquisition occurred for n = 8 (2 F) participants. Mean peak BAL was 101 ± 15 mg/dL. Alcohol significantly increased brain [11C]PBR28 VT (n = 8; F(1,49) = 34.72, p > 0.0001; Cohen's d'=0.8-1.7) throughout brain by 9-16%. Alcohol significantly altered plasma cytokines TNF-α (F(2,22) = 17.49, p < 0.0001), IL-6 (F(2,22) = 18.00, p > 0.0001), and MCP-1 (F(2,22) = 7.02, p = 0.004). Exploratory analyses identified a negative association between the subjective degree of alcohol intoxication and changes in [11C]PBR28 VT. These findings provide, to our knowledge, the first in vivo human evidence for an acute brain immune response to alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nakul R Raval
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale PET Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Gustavo Angarita
- Yale PET Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - David Matuskey
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale PET Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Neurology, Yale University New Haven, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rachel Miller
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lindsey R Drake
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale PET Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michael Kapinos
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale PET Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nabeel Nabulsi
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale PET Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yiyun Huang
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale PET Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Richard E Carson
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale PET Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale School of Engineering and Applied Science, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Kelly P Cosgrove
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale PET Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ansel T Hillmer
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Yale PET Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale School of Engineering and Applied Science, New Haven, CT, USA.
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12
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Ghosh D, Singh G, Mishra P, Singh A, Kumar A, Sinha N. Alteration in mitochondrial dynamics promotes the proinflammatory response of microglia and is involved in cerebellar dysfunction of young and aged mice following LPS exposure. Neurosci Lett 2023; 807:137262. [PMID: 37116576 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Cerebellar dysfunction is implicated in impaired motor coordination and balance, thus disturbing the dynamics of sensorimotor integration. Neuroinflammation and aging could be prominent contributors to cerebellar aberration. Additionally, changes in mitochondrial dynamics may precede microglia activation in several chronic neurodegenerative diseases; however, the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown.Here using LPS (1 mg/kg i.p. for four consecutive days) stimulation in both young (3 months old) and aged (12 months old) mice, followed by molecular analysis on the 21st day, we have explored the correlation between aging and mitochondrial dynamic alteration in the backdrop of chronic neuroinflammation. Following LPS stimulation, we observed microglia activation and subsequent elevation in proinflammatory cytokines (M1; TNF-α, IFN-γ) with NLRP3 activationand a concomitant reduction in the expression of anti-inflammatory markers (M2; YM1, TGF-β1) in the cerebellar tissue of aged mice compared with the young LPS and aged controls. Remarkably, senescence (p21, p27, p53) and epigenetic (HDAC2) markers were found upregulated in the cerebellum tissue of the aged LPS group, suggesting their crucial role in LPS-induced cerebellar deficit. Further, we demonstrated alteration in the antagonistic forces of mitochondrial fusion and fission with increased expression of the mitochondrial fission-related gene [FIS1] and decreased fusion-related genes [MFN1 and MFN2]. We noted increased mtDNA copy number, microglia activation, and inflammatory response of IL1β and IFN-γ post-chronic neuroinflammation in aged LPS group. Our results suggest that the crosstalk between mitochondrial dynamics and altered microglial activation paradigm in chronic neuroinflammatory conditions may be the key to understanding the cerebellar molecular mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devlina Ghosh
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow Campus, Gomti Nagar Extension, Lucknow 226028, India; Centre of Biomedical Research, SGPGIMS-Campus, Raibareli Road, Lucknow 226014, India.
| | - Gajendra Singh
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Prabhaker Mishra
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226 014, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Aditi Singh
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow Campus, Gomti Nagar Extension, Lucknow 226028, India
| | - Alok Kumar
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Neeraj Sinha
- Centre of Biomedical Research, SGPGIMS-Campus, Raibareli Road, Lucknow 226014, India.
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13
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Kerestes R, Cummins H, Georgiou-Karistianis N, Selvadurai LP, Corben LA, Delatycki MB, Egan GF, Harding IH. Reduced cerebello-cerebral functional connectivity correlates with disease severity and impaired white matter integrity in Friedreich ataxia. J Neurol 2023; 270:2360-2369. [PMID: 36859626 PMCID: PMC10130106 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11637-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a rare, inherited neurodegenerative disease characterised in most cases by progressive and debilitating motor dysfunction. Degeneration of cerebellar white matter pathways have been previously reported, alongside indications of cerebello-cerebral functional alterations. In this work, we examine resting-state functional connectivity changes within cerebello-cerebral circuits, and their associations with disease severity (Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia [SARA]), psychomotor function (speeded and paced finger tapping), and white matter integrity (diffusion tensor imaging) in 35 adults with FRDA and 45 age and sex-matched controls. Voxel-wise seed-based functional connectivity was assessed for three cerebellar cortical regions (anterior lobe, lobules I-V; superior posterior lobe, lobules VI-VIIB; inferior posterior lobe, lobules VIIIA-IX) and two dentate nucleus seeds (dorsal and ventral). Compared to controls, people with FRDA showed significantly reduced connectivity between the anterior cerebellum and bilateral pre/postcentral gyri, and between the superior posterior cerebellum and left dorsolateral PFC. Greater disease severity correlated with lower connectivity in these circuits. Lower anterior cerebellum-motor cortex functional connectivity also correlated with slower speeded finger tapping and less fractional anisotropy in the superior cerebellar peduncles, internal capsule, and precentral white matter in the FRDA cohort. There were no significant between-group differences in inferior posterior cerebellar or dentate nucleus connectivity. This study indicates that altered cerebello-cerebral functional connectivity is associated with functional status and white matter damage in cerebellar efferent pathways in people with FRDA, particularly in motor circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Kerestes
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hannah Cummins
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nellie Georgiou-Karistianis
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Louisa P Selvadurai
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Louise A Corben
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Martin B Delatycki
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gary F Egan
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Ian H Harding
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. .,Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
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14
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Kopp KO, Glotfelty EJ, Li Y, Greig NH. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and neuroinflammation: Implications for neurodegenerative disease treatment. Pharmacol Res 2022; 186:106550. [PMID: 36372278 PMCID: PMC9712272 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Chronic, excessive neuroinflammation is a key feature of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). However, neuroinflammatory pathways have yet to be effectively targeted in clinical treatments for such diseases. Interestingly, increased inflammation and neurodegenerative disease risk have been associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and insulin resistance (IR), suggesting that treatments that mitigate T2DM pathology may be successful in treating neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative pathology as well. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone that promotes healthy insulin signaling, regulates blood sugar levels, and suppresses appetite. Consequently, numerous GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) stimulating drugs have been developed and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and related global regulatory authorities for the treatment of T2DM. Furthermore, GLP-1R stimulating drugs have been associated with anti-inflammatory, neurotrophic, and neuroprotective properties in neurodegenerative disorder preclinical models, and hence hold promise for repurposing as a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss incretin signaling, neuroinflammatory pathways, and the intersections between neuroinflammation, brain IR, and neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on AD and PD. We additionally overview current FDA-approved incretin receptor stimulating drugs and agents in development, including unimolecular single, dual, and triple receptor agonists, and highlight those in clinical trials for neurodegenerative disease treatment. We propose that repurposing already-approved GLP-1R agonists for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases may be a safe, efficacious, and cost-effective strategy for ameliorating AD and PD pathology by quelling neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine O Kopp
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States.
| | - Elliot J Glotfelty
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States; Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yazhou Li
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Nigel H Greig
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States.
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15
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18F-Radiolabeled Translocator Protein (TSPO) PET Tracers: Recent Development of TSPO Radioligands and Their Application to PET Study. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14112545. [PMID: 36432736 PMCID: PMC9697781 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) is a transmembrane protein in the mitochondrial membrane, which has been identified as a peripheral benzodiazepine receptor. TSPO is generally present at high concentrations in steroid-producing cells and plays an important role in steroid synthesis, apoptosis, and cell proliferation. In the central nervous system, TSPO expression is relatively modest under normal physiological circumstances. However, some pathological disorders can lead to changes in TSPO expression. Overexpression of TSPO is associated with several diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, neuroinflammation, brain injury, and cancers. TSPO has therefore become an effective biomarker of related diseases. Positron emission tomography (PET), a non-invasive molecular imaging technique used for the clinical diagnosis of numerous diseases, can detect diseases related to TSPO expression. Several radiolabeled TSPO ligands have been developed for PET. In this review, we describe recent advances in the development of TSPO ligands, and 18F-radiolabeled TSPO in particular, as PET tracers. This review covers pharmacokinetic studies, preclinical and clinical trials of 18F-labeled TSPO PET ligands, and the synthesis of TSPO ligands.
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16
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Abstract
Microglia are the primary resident immune cells of the central nervous system. Neuropathological reports have identified augmented microglial activation in brains of patients with neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson’s disease (PD). Extensive research over the years has strengthened the current view on microglia as a player in the pathogenesis of PD and other α-synucleinopathies. In this review, we summarize key findings of the recent three years on microglia in PD with specific relevance to understanding its heterogeneity, dual nature, and specific interactions with pathological α-synuclein strains to mediate its clearance and spreading. This review provides evidence on the relevance of microglia as a putative biomarker and therapeutic target in PD and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Stefanova
- Laboratory for Translational Neurodegeneration Research, Division of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
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17
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Hanaford A, Johnson SC. The immune system as a driver of mitochondrial disease pathogenesis: a review of evidence. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:335. [PMID: 36056365 PMCID: PMC9438277 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02495-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Genetic mitochondrial diseases represent a significant challenge to human health. These diseases are extraordinarily heterogeneous in clinical presentation and genetic origin, and often involve multi-system disease with severe progressive symptoms. Mitochondrial diseases represent the most common cause of inherited metabolic disorders and one of the most common causes of inherited neurologic diseases, yet no proven therapeutic strategies yet exist. The basic cell and molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of mitochondrial diseases have not been resolved, hampering efforts to develop therapeutic agents. Main body In recent pre-clinical work, we have shown that pharmacologic agents targeting the immune system can prevent disease in the Ndufs4(KO) model of Leigh syndrome, indicating that the immune system plays a causal role in the pathogenesis of at least this form of mitochondrial disease. Intriguingly, a number of case reports have indicated that immune-targeting therapeutics may be beneficial in the setting of genetic mitochondrial disease. Here, we summarize clinical and pre-clinical evidence suggesting a key role for the immune system in mediating the pathogenesis of at least some forms of genetic mitochondrial disease. Conclusions Significant clinical and pre-clinical evidence indicates a key role for the immune system as a significant in the pathogenesis of at least some forms of genetic mitochondrial disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Hanaford
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 9th Ave., JMB-925, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - Simon C Johnson
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 9th Ave., JMB-925, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA. .,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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18
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Kelekçi S, Yıldız AB, Sevinç K, Çimen DU, Önder T. Perspectives on current models of Friedreich’s ataxia. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:958398. [PMID: 36036008 PMCID: PMC9403045 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.958398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA, OMIM#229300) is the most common hereditary ataxia, resulting from the reduction of frataxin protein levels due to the expansion of GAA repeats in the first intron of the FXN gene. Why the triplet repeat expansion causes a decrease in Frataxin protein levels is not entirely known. Generation of effective FRDA disease models is crucial for answering questions regarding the pathophysiology of this disease. There have been considerable efforts to generate in vitro and in vivo models of FRDA. In this perspective article, we highlight studies conducted using FRDA animal models, patient-derived materials, and particularly induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived models. We discuss the current challenges in using FRDA animal models and patient-derived cells. Additionally, we provide a brief overview of how iPSC-based models of FRDA were used to investigate the main pathways involved in disease progression and to screen for potential therapeutic agents for FRDA. The specific focus of this perspective article is to discuss the outlook and the remaining challenges in the context of FRDA iPSC-based models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Tamer Önder
- *Correspondence: Simge Kelekçi, , ; Tamer Önder,
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19
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Imbault V, Dionisi C, Naeije G, Communi D, Pandolfo M. Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteomics in Friedreich Ataxia Reveals Markers of Neurodegeneration and Neuroinflammation. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:885313. [PMID: 35911978 PMCID: PMC9326443 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.885313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical trials in rare diseases as Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) offer special challenges, particularly when multiple treatments become ready for clinical testing. Regulatory health authorities have developed specific pathways for “orphan” drugs allowing the use of a validated biomarker for initial approval. This study aimed to identify changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteins occurring in FRDA patients that may be potential biomarkers in therapeutic trials. CSF was obtained from 5 FRDA patients (4 females, 1 male) from the Brussels site of the European Friedreich Ataxia Consortium for Translational Studies (EFACTS). Two patients were ambulatory, three used a wheelchair. Residual CSF samples from 19 patients who had had a lumbar puncture as part of a diagnostic workup were used as controls. All CSF samples had normal cells, total protein and glucose levels. Proteins were identified by label-free data-dependent acquisition mass spectrometry (MS) coupled to micro-high performance liquid chromatography. We found 172 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) (92 up, 80 down) between FRDA patients and controls at P < 0.05, 34 DEPs (28 up, 6 down) at P < 0.0001. Remarkably, there was no overlap between FRDA patients and controls for seven upregulated and six downregulated DEPs. Represented pathways included extracellular matrix organization, signaling, the complement cascade, adhesion molecules, synaptic proteins, neurexins and neuroligins. This study supports the hypothesis that the quantitative analysis CSF proteins may provide robust biomarkers for clinical trials as well as shed light on pathogenic mechanisms. Interestingly, DEPs in FA patients CSF point to neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation processes that may respond to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Imbault
- Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Laboratory/Platform, Institut de Recherche en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire (IRIBHM), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Chiara Dionisi
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gilles Naeije
- Neurology Service, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - David Communi
- Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Laboratory/Platform, Institut de Recherche en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire (IRIBHM), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Massimo Pandolfo
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Neurology Service, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Massimo Pandolfo,
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van der Geest KSM, Sandovici M, Nienhuis PH, Slart RHJA, Heeringa P, Brouwer E, Jiemy WF. Novel PET Imaging of Inflammatory Targets and Cells for the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Giant Cell Arteritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatica. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:902155. [PMID: 35733858 PMCID: PMC9207253 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.902155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) are two interrelated inflammatory diseases affecting patients above 50 years of age. Patients with GCA suffer from granulomatous inflammation of medium- to large-sized arteries. This inflammation can lead to severe ischemic complications (e.g., irreversible vision loss and stroke) and aneurysm-related complications (such as aortic dissection). On the other hand, patients suffering from PMR present with proximal stiffness and pain due to inflammation of the shoulder and pelvic girdles. PMR is observed in 40-60% of patients with GCA, while up to 21% of patients suffering from PMR are also affected by GCA. Due to the risk of ischemic complications, GCA has to be promptly treated upon clinical suspicion. The treatment of both GCA and PMR still heavily relies on glucocorticoids (GCs), although novel targeted therapies are emerging. Imaging has a central position in the diagnosis of GCA and PMR. While [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET) has proven to be a valuable tool for diagnosis of GCA and PMR, it possesses major drawbacks such as unspecific uptake in cells with high glucose metabolism, high background activity in several non-target organs and a decrease of diagnostic accuracy already after a short course of GC treatment. In recent years, our understanding of the immunopathogenesis of GCA and, to some extent, PMR has advanced. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the cellular heterogeneity in the immunopathology of GCA/PMR and discuss how recent advances in specific tissue infiltrating leukocyte and stromal cell profiles may be exploited as a source of novel targets for imaging. Finally, we discuss prospective novel PET radiotracers that may be useful for the diagnosis and treatment monitoring in GCA and PMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kornelis S. M. van der Geest
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Maria Sandovici
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Pieter H. Nienhuis
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Medical Imaging Center, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Riemer H. J. A. Slart
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Medical Imaging Center, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Photonic Imaging Group, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Peter Heeringa
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth Brouwer
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - William F. Jiemy
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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21
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Neuroinflammation in Friedreich's Ataxia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116297. [PMID: 35682973 PMCID: PMC9181348 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the gene frataxin, encoding for a mitochondrial protein involved in iron handling and in the biogenesis of iron-sulphur clusters, and leading to progressive nervous system damage. Although the overt manifestations of FRDA in the nervous system are mainly observed in the neurons, alterations in non-neuronal cells may also contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease, as recently suggested for other neurodegenerative disorders. In FRDA, the involvement of glial cells can be ascribed to direct effects caused by frataxin loss, eliciting different aberrant mechanisms. Iron accumulation, mitochondria dysfunction, and reactive species overproduction, mechanisms identified as etiopathogenic in neurons in FRDA, can similarly affect glial cells, leading them to assume phenotypes that can concur to and exacerbate neuron loss. Recent findings obtained in FRDA patients and cellular and animal models of the disease have suggested that neuroinflammation can accompany and contribute to the neuropathology. In this review article, we discuss evidence about the involvement of neuroinflammatory-related mechanisms in models of FRDA and provide clues for the modulation of glial-related mechanisms as a possible strategy to improve disease features.
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22
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Harding IH, Ward PGD. OUP accepted manuscript. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac007. [PMID: 35178517 PMCID: PMC8846579 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ian H. Harding
- Correspondence to: Ian H. Harding, Department of Neuroscience & Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia E-mail:
| | - Phillip G. D. Ward
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health & School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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