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Barel D, Marom D, Ponger P, Kurolap A, Bar-Shira A, Kaplan-Ber I, Mory A, Abramovich B, Yaron Y, Drory V, Baris Feldman H. Genetic diagnosis and detection rates using C9orf72 repeat expansion and a multi-gene panel in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol 2024; 271:4258-4266. [PMID: 38625400 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12368-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. It is mostly sporadic, with the C9orf72 repeat expansion being the most common genetic cause. While the prevalence of C9orf72-ALS in patients from different populations has been studied, data regarding the yield of C9orf72 compared to an ALS gene panel testing is limited.We aimed to explore the application of C9orf72 versus a gene panel in the general Israeli population. A total of 140 ALS patients attended our Neurogenetics Clinic throughout 2018-2023. Disease onset was between ages 60 and 69 years for most patients (34%); however, a quarter had an early-onset disease (< 50 years). Overall, 119 patients (85%) were genetically evaluated: 116 (97%) were tested for the C9orf72 repeat expansion and 64 (54%) underwent gene panel testing. The C9orf72 repeat expansion had a prevalence of 21% among Ashkenazi Jewish patients compared to 5.7% in non-Ashkenazi patients, while the gene panel had a higher yield in non-Ashkenazi patients with 14% disease-causing variants compared to 5.7% in Ashkenazi Jews. Among early-onset ALS patients, panel testing was positive in 12% compared to 2.9% for C9orf72.We suggest a testing strategy for the Israeli ALS patients: C9orf72 should be the first-tier test in Ashkenazi Jewish patients, while a gene panel should be considered as the first step in non-Ashkenazi and early-onset patients. Tiered testing has important implications for patient management, including prognosis, ongoing clinical trials, and prevention in future generations. Similar studies should be implemented worldwide to uncover the diverse ALS genetic architecture and facilitate tailored care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalit Barel
- The Genetics Institute and Genomics Center, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Daphna Marom
- The Genetics Institute and Genomics Center, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Penina Ponger
- The Genetics Institute and Genomics Center, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Neurology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Alina Kurolap
- The Genetics Institute and Genomics Center, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Anat Bar-Shira
- The Genetics Institute and Genomics Center, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Idit Kaplan-Ber
- The Genetics Institute and Genomics Center, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Adi Mory
- The Genetics Institute and Genomics Center, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Yuval Yaron
- The Genetics Institute and Genomics Center, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Vivian Drory
- Department of Neurology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hagit Baris Feldman
- The Genetics Institute and Genomics Center, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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2
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Wang H, Zeng R. Aberrant protein aggregation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol 2024:10.1007/s00415-024-12485-z. [PMID: 38869826 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12485-z] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease. As its pathological mechanisms are not well understood, there are no efficient therapeutics for it at present. While it is highly heterogenous both etiologically and clinically, it has a common salient hallmark, i.e., aberrant protein aggregation (APA). The upstream pathogenesis and the downstream effects of APA in ALS are sophisticated and the investigation of this pathology would be of consequence for understanding ALS. In this paper, the pathomechanism of APA in ALS and the candidate treatment strategies for it are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaixiu Wang
- Department Neurology, Shanxi Provincial Peoples Hospital: Fifth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030012, China.
- Beijing Ai-Si-Kang Medical Technology Co. Ltd., No. 18 11th St Economical & Technological Development Zone, Beijing, 100176, China.
| | - Rong Zeng
- Department Neurology, Shanxi Provincial Peoples Hospital: Fifth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030012, China
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3
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Westover KR, Jin P, Yao B. Bridging the gap: R-loop mediated genomic instability and its implications in neurological diseases. Epigenomics 2024; 16:589-608. [PMID: 38530068 PMCID: PMC11160457 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2023-0379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
R-loops, intricate three-stranded structures formed by RNA-DNA hybrids and an exposed non-template DNA strand, are fundamental to various biological phenomena. They carry out essential and contrasting functions within cellular mechanisms, underlining their critical role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. The specific cellular context that dictates R-loop formation determines their function, particularly emphasizing the necessity for their meticulous genomic regulation. Notably, the aberrant formation or misregulation of R-loops is implicated in numerous neurological disorders. This review focuses on the complex interactions between R-loops and double-strand DNA breaks, exploring how R-loop dysregulation potentially contributes to the pathogenesis of various brain disorders, which could provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underpinning neurological disease progression and identify potential therapeutic targets by highlighting these aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine R Westover
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Peng Jin
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Bing Yao
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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4
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Roggenbuck J, Eubank BHF, Wright J, Harms MB, Kolb SJ. Evidence-based consensus guidelines for ALS genetic testing and counseling. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2023; 10:2074-2091. [PMID: 37691292 PMCID: PMC10646996 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51895] [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: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Advances in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) gene discovery, ongoing gene therapy trials, and patient demand have driven increased use of ALS genetic testing. Despite this progress, the offer of genetic testing to persons with ALS is not yet "standard of care." Our primary goal is to develop clinical ALS genetic counseling and testing guidelines to improve and standardize genetic counseling and testing practice among neurologists, genetic counselors or any provider caring for persons with ALS. METHODS Core clinical questions were identified and a rapid review performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-P) 2015 method. Guideline recommendations were drafted and the strength of evidence for each recommendation was assessed by combining two systems: the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) System and the Evaluation of Genomic Applications in Practice and Prevention (EGAPP). A modified Delphi approach was used to reach consensus among a group of content experts for each guideline statement. RESULTS A total of 35 guideline statements were developed. In summary, all persons with ALS should be offered single-step genetic testing, consisting of a C9orf72 assay, along with sequencing of SOD1, FUS, and TARDBP, at a minimum. The key education and genetic risk assessments that should be provided before and after testing are delineated. Specific guidance regarding testing methods and reporting for C9orf72 and other genes is provided for commercial laboratories. INTERPRETATION These evidence-based, consensus guidelines will support all stakeholders in the ALS community in navigating benefits and challenges of genetic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Roggenbuck
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Internal MedicineThe Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbusOhioUSA
- Department of NeurologyThe Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Breda H. F. Eubank
- Health & Physical Education Department, Faculty of Health, Community, & EducationMount Royal University4825 Mount Royal Gate SWCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - Joshua Wright
- Department of NeurologyThe Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Matthew B. Harms
- Department of NeurologyColumbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and SurgeonsNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Stephen J. Kolb
- Department of NeurologyThe Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbusOhioUSA
- Department of Biological Chemistry & PharmacologyThe Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbusOhioUSA
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5
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Das J, You Y, Mathukumalli K, Ann J, Lee J, Marquez VE. Activation of Munc13-1 by Diacylglycerol (DAG)-Lactones. Biochemistry 2023; 62:2717-2726. [PMID: 37651159 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00375] [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] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Munc13-1 is a key protein necessary for vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release in the brain. Diacylglycerol (DAG)/phorbol ester binds to its C1 domain in the plasma membrane and activates it. The C1 domain of Munc13-1 and protein kinase C (PKC) are homologous in terms of sequence and structure. In order to identify small-molecule modulators of Munc13-1 targeting the C1 domain, we studied the effect of three DAG-lactones, (R,Z)-(2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-(3-isobutyl-5-methylhexylidene)-5-oxotetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl pivalate (JH-131e-153), (E)-(2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-(3-isobutyl-5-methylhexylidene)-5-oxotetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl pivalate (AJH-836), and (E)-(2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-(4-nitrobenzylidene)-5-oxotetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate (130C037), on Munc13-1 activation using the ligand-induced membrane translocation assay. JH-131e-153 showed higher activation than AJH-836, and 130C037 was not able to activate Munc13-1. To understand the role of the ligand-binding site residues in the activation process, three alanine mutants were generated. For AJH-836, the order of activation was wild-type (WT) Munc13-1 > R592A > W588A > I590A. For JH-131e-153, the order of activation was WT > I590 ≈ R592A ≈ W588A. Overall, the Z isomer of DAG-lactones showed higher potency than the E isomer and Trp-588, Ile-590, and Arg-592 were important for its binding. When comparing the activation of Munc13-1 and PKC, the order of activation for JH-131e-153 was PKCα > Munc13-1 > PKCε and for AJH-836, the order of activation was PKCε > PKCα > Munc13-1. Molecular docking supported higher binding of JH-131e-153 than AJH-836 with the Munc13-1 C1 domain. Our results suggest that DAG-lactones have the potential to modulate neuronal processes via Munc13-1 and can be further developed for therapeutic intervention for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joydip Das
- Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Youngki You
- Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Kavya Mathukumalli
- Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Jihyae Ann
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Building 143, Room 507, 1 Gwanak-Ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Jeewoo Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Building 143, Room 507, 1 Gwanak-Ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Victor E Marquez
- Center for Cancer Research, Chemical Biology Laboratory, NCI-Frederick, 376 Boyles Street, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
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6
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Boostani R, Olfati N, Shamshiri H, Salimi Z, Fatehi F, Hedjazi SA, Fakharian A, Ghasemi M, Okhovat AA, Basiri K, Haghi Ashtiani B, Ansari B, Raissi GR, Khatoonabadi SA, Sarraf P, Movahed S, Panahi A, Ziaadini B, Yazdchi M, Bakhtiyari J, Nafissi S. Iranian clinical practice guideline for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1154579. [PMID: 37333000 PMCID: PMC10272856 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1154579] [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: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegeneration involving motor neurons. The 3-5 years that patients have to live is marked by day-to-day loss of motor and sometimes cognitive abilities. Enormous amounts of healthcare services and resources are necessary to support patients and their caregivers during this relatively short but burdensome journey. Organization and management of these resources need to best meet patients' expectations and health system efficiency mandates. This can only occur in the setting of multidisciplinary ALS clinics which are known as the gold standard of ALS care worldwide. To introduce this standard to the care of Iranian ALS patients, which is an inevitable quality milestone, a national ALS clinical practice guideline is the necessary first step. The National ALS guideline will serve as the knowledge base for the development of local clinical pathways to guide patient journeys in multidisciplinary ALS clinics. To this end, we gathered a team of national neuromuscular experts as well as experts in related specialties necessary for delivering multidisciplinary care to ALS patients to develop the Iranian ALS clinical practice guideline. Clinical questions were prepared in the Patient, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome (PICO) format to serve as a guide for the literature search. Considering the lack of adequate national/local studies at this time, a consensus-based approach was taken to evaluate the quality of the retrieved evidence and summarize recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Boostani
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Nahid Olfati
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hosein Shamshiri
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zanireh Salimi
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Farzad Fatehi
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Arya Hedjazi
- Legal Medicine Research Center, Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atefeh Fakharian
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation Research Center (PRRC), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Ghasemi
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ali Asghar Okhovat
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Keivan Basiri
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Isfahan Neuroscience Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Bahram Haghi Ashtiani
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behnaz Ansari
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Isfahan Neuroscience Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- AL Zahra Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Gholam Reza Raissi
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Neuromusculoskeletal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Payam Sarraf
- Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Neurology, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Movahed
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Akram Panahi
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bentolhoda Ziaadini
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Neurology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Yazdchi
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Neurosciences Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Jalal Bakhtiyari
- Department of Speech Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahriar Nafissi
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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7
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Patel RB, Bajpai AK, Thirumurugan K. Differential Expression of MicroRNAs and Predicted Drug Target in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. J Mol Neurosci 2023; 73:375-390. [PMID: 37249795 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-023-02124-z] [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: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a rare type of neurodegenerative disease. It shows progressive degradation of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. At present, there is no treatment available that can completely cure ALS. The available treatments can only increase a patient's life span by a few months. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs), a sub-class of small non-coding RNAs have been shown to play an essential role in the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of ALS. Our study focuses on analyzing differential miRNA profiles and predicting drug targets in ALS using bioinformatics and computational approach. The study identifies eight highly differentially expressed miRNAs in ALS patients, four of which are novel. We identified 42 hub genes for these eight highly expressed miRNAs with Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) as a candidate gene among them for highly expressed down-regulated miRNA, hsa-miR-455-3p using protein-protein interaction network and Cytoscape analysis. A novel association has been found between hsa-miR-455-3p/APP/serotonergic pathway using KEGG pathway analysis. Also, molecular docking studies have revealed curcumin as a potential drug target that may be used for the treatment of ALS. Thus, the present study has identified four novel miRNA biomarkers: hsa-miR-3613-5p, hsa-miR-24, hsa-miR-3064-5p, and hsa-miR-4455. There is a formation of a novel axis, hsa-miR-455-3p/APP/serotonergic pathway, and curcumin is predicted as a potential drug target for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riya Ben Patel
- #412J, Structural Biology Lab, Pearl Research Park, School of Biosciences & Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore-632014, India
| | - Akhilesh Kumar Bajpai
- Department of Genetics, Genomics, and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
| | - Kavitha Thirumurugan
- #412J, Structural Biology Lab, Pearl Research Park, School of Biosciences & Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore-632014, India.
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8
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Ionescu A, Altman T, Perlson E. Looking for answers far away from the soma-the (un)known axonal functions of TDP-43, and their contribution to early NMJ disruption in ALS. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:35. [PMID: 37259156 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00623-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Axon degeneration and Neuromuscular Junction (NMJ) disruption are key pathologies in the fatal neurodegenerative disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Despite accumulating evidence that axons and NMJs are impacted at a very early stage of the disease, current knowledge about the mechanisms leading to their degeneration remains elusive. Cytoplasmic mislocalization and accumulation of the protein TDP-43 are considered key pathological hallmarks of ALS, as they occur in ~ 97% of ALS patients, both sporadic and familial. Recent studies have identified pathological accumulation of TDP-43 in intramuscular nerves of muscle biopsies collected from pre-diagnosed, early symptomatic ALS patients. These findings suggest a gain of function for TDP-43 in axons, which might facilitate early NMJ disruption. In this review, we dissect the process leading to axonal TDP-43 accumulation and phosphorylation, discuss the known and hypothesized roles TDP-43 plays in healthy axons, and review possible mechanisms that connect TDP-43 pathology to the axon and NMJ degeneration in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Ionescu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Room 605, Ramat Aviv, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Topaz Altman
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Room 605, Ramat Aviv, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eran Perlson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Room 605, Ramat Aviv, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
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9
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Sequiera GL, Srivastava A, Sareen N, Yan W, Alagarsamy KN, Verma E, Aghanoori MR, Aliani M, Kumar A, Fernyhough P, Rockman-Greenberg C, Dhingra S. Development of iPSC-based clinical trial selection platform for patients with ultrarare diseases. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabl4370. [PMID: 35394834 PMCID: PMC8993122 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abl4370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
A "Leap-of-Faith" approach is used to treat patients with previously unknown ultrarare pathogenic mutations, often based on evidence from patients having dissimilar but more prevalent mutations. This uncertainty reflects the need to develop personalized prescreening platforms for these patients to assess drug efficacy before considering clinical trial enrollment. In this study, we report an 18-year-old patient with ultrarare Leigh-like syndrome. This patient had previously participated in two clinical trials with unfavorable responses. We established an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based platform for this patient, and assessed the efficacy of a panel of drugs. The iPSC platform validated the safety and efficacy of the screened drugs. The efficacy of three of the screened drugs was also investigated in the patient. After 3 years of treatment, the drugs were effective in shifting the metabolic profile of this patient toward healthy control. Therefore, this personalized iPSC-based platform can act as a prescreening tool to help in decision-making with respect to patient's participation in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen Lester Sequiera
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Abhay Srivastava
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Niketa Sareen
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Weiang Yan
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Keshav Narayan Alagarsamy
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Elika Verma
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Mohamad Reza Aghanoori
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, St. Boniface General Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Michel Aliani
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, St. Boniface General Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Centre for Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Paul Fernyhough
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, St. Boniface General Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Cheryl Rockman-Greenberg
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Sanjiv Dhingra
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Corresponding author.
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10
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You Y, Das J. Molecular dynamics simulation studies on binding of activator and inhibitor to Munc13-1 C1 in the presence of membrane. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:14160-14175. [PMID: 34779746 PMCID: PMC9482821 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.2001375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Munc13-1 is a presynaptic active zone protein that plays a critical role in priming the synaptic vesicle and releasing neurotransmitters in the brain. Munc13-1 acts as a scaffold and is activated when diacylglycerol (DAG)/phorbol ester binds to its C1 domain in the plasma membrane. Our previous studies showed that bryostatin 1 activated the Munc13-1, but resveratrol inhibited the phorbol ester-induced Munc13-1 activity. To gain structural insights into the binding of the ligand into Munc13-1 C1 in the membrane, we conducted 1.0 μs molecular dynamics (MD) simulation on Munc13-1 C1-ligand-lipid ternary system using phorbol 13-acetate, bryostatin 1 and resveratrol as ligands. Munc13-1 C1 shows higher conformational stability and less mobility along membrane with phorbol 13-acetate and bryostatin 1 than with resveratrol. Bryostatin 1 and phorbol ester remained in the protein active site, but resveratrol moved out of Munc13-1 C1 during the MD simulation. While bryostatin 1-bound Munc13-1 C1 showed two different positioning in the membrane, phorbol 13-acetate and resveratrol-bound Munc13-1 C1 only showed one positioning. Phorbol 13-acetate formed hydrogen bond with Ala-574 and Gly-589. Bryostatin 1 had more hydrogen bonds with Trp-588 and Arg-592 than with other residues. Resveratrol formed hydrogen bond with Ile-590. This study suggests that different ligands control Munc13-1 C1's mobility and positioning in the membrane differently. Ligand also has a critical role in the interaction between Munc13-1 C1 and lipid membrane. Our results provide structural basis of the pharmacological activity of the ligands and highlight the importance of membrane in Munc13-1 activity.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joydip Das
- To whom to address correspondence at: Joydip Das, Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health 2, 4849 Calhoun Road, Room 3044, Houston TX 77204-5037. ; Tel: 713-743-1708; FAX 713-743-1229
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11
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You Y, Katti S, Yu B, Igumenova TI, Das J. Probing the Diacylglycerol Binding Site of Presynaptic Munc13-1. Biochemistry 2021; 60:1286-1298. [PMID: 33818064 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.1c00165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Munc13-1 is a presynaptic active zone protein that acts as a master regulator of synaptic vesicle priming and neurotransmitter release in the brain. It has been implicated in the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative diseases. Diacylglycerol and phorbol ester activate Munc13-1 by binding to its C1 domain. The objective of this study is to identify the structural determinants of ligand binding activity of the Munc13-1 C1 domain. Molecular docking suggested that residues Trp-588, Ile-590, and Arg-592 of Munc13-1 are involved in ligand interactions. To elucidate the role of these three residues in ligand binding, we generated W588A, I590A, and R592A mutants in full-length Munc13-1, expressed them as GFP-tagged proteins in HT22 cells, and measured their ligand-induced membrane translocation by confocal microscopy and immunoblotting. The extent of 1,2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol (DOG)- and phorbol ester-induced membrane translocation decreased in the following order: wild type > I590A > W588A > R592A and wild type > W588A > I590A > R592A, respectively. To understand the effect of the mutations on ligand binding, we also measured the DOG binding affinity of the isolated wild-type C1 domain and its mutants in membrane-mimicking micelles using nuclear magnetic resonance methods. The DOG binding affinity decreased in the following order: wild type > I590A > R592A. No binding was detected for W588A with DOG in micelles. This study shows that Trp-588, Ile-590, and Arg-592 are essential determinants for the activity of Munc13-1 and the effects of the three residues on the activity are ligand-dependent. This study bears significance for the development of selective modulators of Munc13-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngki You
- Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Health 2, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Sachin Katti
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 300 Olsen Boulevard, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Binhan Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 300 Olsen Boulevard, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Tatyana I Igumenova
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 300 Olsen Boulevard, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Joydip Das
- Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Health 2, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
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12
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Giannini M, Bayona-Feliu A, Sproviero D, Barroso SI, Cereda C, Aguilera A. TDP-43 mutations link Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis with R-loop homeostasis and R loop-mediated DNA damage. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1009260. [PMID: 33301444 PMCID: PMC7755276 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
TDP-43 is a DNA and RNA binding protein involved in RNA processing and with structural resemblance to heterogeneous ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs), whose depletion sensitizes neurons to double strand DNA breaks (DSBs). Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder, in which 97% of patients are familial and sporadic cases associated with TDP-43 proteinopathies and conditions clearing TDP-43 from the nucleus, but we know little about the molecular basis of the disease. After showing with the non-neuronal model of HeLa cells that TDP-43 depletion increases R loops and associated genome instability, we prove that mislocalization of mutated TDP-43 (A382T) in transfected neuronal SH-SY5Y and lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) from an ALS patient cause R-loop accumulation, R loop-dependent increased DSBs and Fanconi Anemia repair centers. These results uncover a new role of TDP-43 in the control of co-transcriptional R loops and the maintenance of genome integrity by preventing harmful R-loop accumulation. Our findings thus link TDP-43 pathology to increased R loops and R loop-mediated DNA damage opening the possibility that R-loop modulation in TDP-43-defective cells might help develop ALS therapies. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is an adult onset, progressive neurodegenerative disease, caused by the selective loss of upper and lower motor neurons in the cerebral cortex, brainstem and spinal cord. The nuclear TDP-43 RNA binding protein, is encoded by a major gene for ALS susceptibility whose mutations are found in 3% of familial and 2% of sporadic ALS cases. Thanks to its ability to recognize DNA and RNA, TDP-43 is involved in different steps of mRNA metabolism and in several mechanisms of genome integrity. This, together with the fact that R loops or DNA-RNA hybrids are a common source of genome instability, prompted us to investigate whether TDP-43 deficiency has any role in R loop homeostasis that could explain previously described DNA damage response defects of ALS cells. We show that TDP-43 plays a role in preventing R loop-accumulation and associated genome instability in neuronal and non-neuronal cells, as well as in patient cell lines. Thus, our study opens the possibility that R loop-modulation in TDP-43-defective cells might help develop ALS therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Giannini
- Genomic and Post-Genomic Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Andalusian Center of Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine-CABIMER, Universidad de Sevilla-CSIC-Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
| | - Aleix Bayona-Feliu
- Andalusian Center of Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine-CABIMER, Universidad de Sevilla-CSIC-Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Daisy Sproviero
- Genomic and Post-Genomic Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sonia I. Barroso
- Andalusian Center of Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine-CABIMER, Universidad de Sevilla-CSIC-Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
| | - Cristina Cereda
- Genomic and Post-Genomic Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- * E-mail: (CC); (AA)
| | - Andrés Aguilera
- Andalusian Center of Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine-CABIMER, Universidad de Sevilla-CSIC-Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
- * E-mail: (CC); (AA)
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13
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Hor JH, Santosa MM, Lim VJW, Ho BX, Taylor A, Khong ZJ, Ravits J, Fan Y, Liou YC, Soh BS, Ng SY. ALS motor neurons exhibit hallmark metabolic defects that are rescued by SIRT3 activation. Cell Death Differ 2020; 28:1379-1397. [PMID: 33184465 PMCID: PMC8027637 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-020-00664-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor neurons (MNs) are highly energetic cells and recent studies suggest that altered energy metabolism precede MN loss in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), an age-onset neurodegenerative disease. However, clear mechanistic insights linking altered metabolism and MN death are still missing. In this study, induced pluripotent stem cells from healthy controls, familial ALS, and sporadic ALS patients were differentiated toward spinal MNs, cortical neurons, and cardiomyocytes. Metabolic flux analyses reveal an MN-specific deficiency in mitochondrial respiration in ALS. Intriguingly, all forms of familial and sporadic ALS MNs tested in our study exhibited similar defective metabolic profiles, which were attributed to hyper-acetylation of mitochondrial proteins. In the mitochondria, Sirtuin-3 (SIRT3) functions as a mitochondrial deacetylase to maintain mitochondrial function and integrity. We found that activating SIRT3 using nicotinamide or a small molecule activator reversed the defective metabolic profiles in all our ALS MNs, as well as correct a constellation of ALS-associated phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Hui Hor
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR Research Entities, Singapore, 138673, Singapore.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Munirah Mohamad Santosa
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR Research Entities, Singapore, 138673, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (Physiology), National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117456, Singapore
| | - Valerie Jing Wen Lim
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR Research Entities, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Beatrice Xuan Ho
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR Research Entities, Singapore, 138673, Singapore.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Amy Taylor
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Zi Jian Khong
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR Research Entities, Singapore, 138673, Singapore.,School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - John Ravits
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Yong Fan
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Yih-Cherng Liou
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Boon-Seng Soh
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR Research Entities, Singapore, 138673, Singapore. .,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore. .,The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China.
| | - Shi-Yan Ng
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR Research Entities, Singapore, 138673, Singapore. .,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (Physiology), National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117456, Singapore. .,The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China. .,National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, 308433, Singapore.
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14
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Morello G, Salomone S, D’Agata V, Conforti FL, Cavallaro S. From Multi-Omics Approaches to Precision Medicine in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:577755. [PMID: 33192262 PMCID: PMC7661549 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.577755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating and fatal neurodegenerative disorder, caused by the degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons for which there is no truly effective cure. The lack of successful treatments can be well explained by the complex and heterogeneous nature of ALS, with patients displaying widely distinct clinical features and progression patterns, and distinct molecular mechanisms underlying the phenotypic heterogeneity. Thus, stratifying ALS patients into consistent and clinically relevant subgroups can be of great value for the development of new precision diagnostics and targeted therapeutics for ALS patients. In the last years, the use and integration of high-throughput "omics" approaches have dramatically changed our thinking about ALS, improving our understanding of the complex molecular architecture of ALS, distinguishing distinct patient subtypes and providing a rational foundation for the discovery of biomarkers and new individualized treatments. In this review, we discuss the most significant contributions of omics technologies in unraveling the biological heterogeneity of ALS, highlighting how these approaches are revealing diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic targets for future personalized interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Morello
- Institute for Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), Italian National Research Council (CNR), Catania, Italy
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Salomone
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Velia D’Agata
- Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Sebastiano Cavallaro
- Institute for Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), Italian National Research Council (CNR), Catania, Italy
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15
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Zucchi E, Bonetto V, Sorarù G, Martinelli I, Parchi P, Liguori R, Mandrioli J. Neurofilaments in motor neuron disorders: towards promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Mol Neurodegener 2020; 15:58. [PMID: 33059698 PMCID: PMC7559190 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-020-00406-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are etiologically and biologically heterogeneous diseases. The pathobiology of motor neuron degeneration is still largely unknown, and no effective therapy is available. Heterogeneity and lack of specific disease biomarkers have been appointed as leading reasons for past clinical trial failure, and biomarker discovery is pivotal in today's MND research agenda.In the last decade, neurofilaments (NFs) have emerged as promising biomarkers for the clinical assessment of neurodegeneration. NFs are scaffolding proteins with predominant structural functions contributing to the axonal cytoskeleton of myelinated axons. NFs are released in CSF and peripheral blood as a consequence of axonal degeneration, irrespective of the primary causal event. Due to the current availability of highly-sensitive automated technologies capable of precisely quantify proteins in biofluids in the femtomolar range, it is now possible to reliably measure NFs not only in CSF but also in blood.In this review, we will discuss how NFs are impacting research and clinical management in ALS and other MNDs. Besides contributing to the diagnosis at early stages by differentiating between MNDs with different clinical evolution and severity, NFs may provide a useful tool for the early enrolment of patients in clinical trials. Due to their stability across the disease, NFs convey prognostic information and, on a larger scale, help to stratify patients in homogenous groups. Shortcomings of NFs assessment in biofluids will also be discussed according to the available literature in the attempt to predict the most appropriate use of the biomarker in the MND clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Zucchi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Valentina Bonetto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianni Sorarù
- Neuromuscular Center, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.,Clinica Neurologica, Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Ilaria Martinelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Piero Parchi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche, Ospedale Bellaria, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rocco Liguori
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche, Ospedale Bellaria, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Jessica Mandrioli
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Modena, Modena, Italy.
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16
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Tan HHG, Westeneng HJ, van der Burgh HK, van Es MA, Bakker LA, van Veenhuijzen K, van Eijk KR, van Eijk RPA, Veldink JH, van den Berg LH. The Distinct Traits of the UNC13A Polymorphism in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Ann Neurol 2020; 88:796-806. [PMID: 32627229 PMCID: PMC7540607 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Objective The rs12608932 single nucleotide polymorphism in UNC13A is associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) susceptibility, and may underlie differences in treatment response. We aimed to characterize the clinical, cognitive, behavioral, and neuroimaging phenotype of UNC13A in patients with ALS. Methods We included 2,216 patients with ALS without a C9orf72 mutation to identify clinical characteristics associated with the UNC13A polymorphism. A subcohort of 428 patients with ALS was used to study cognitive and behavioral profiles, and 375 patients to study neuroimaging characteristics. Associations were analyzed under an additive genetic model. Results Genotyping rs12608932 resulted in 854 A/A, 988 A/C, and 374 C/C genotypes. The C allele was associated with a higher age at symptom onset (median years A/A 63.5, A/C 65.6, and C/C 65.5; p < 0.001), more frequent bulbar onset (A/A 29.6%, A/C 31.8%, and C/C 43.1%; p < 0.001), higher incidences of ALS‐FTD (A/A 4.3%, A/C 5.2%, and C/C 9.5%; p = 0.003), lower forced vital capacity at diagnosis (median percentage A/A 92.0, A/C 90.0, and C/C 86.5; p < 0.001), and a shorter survival (median in months A/A 33.3, A.C 30.7, and C/C 26.6; p < 0.001). UNC13A was associated with lower scores on ALS‐specific cognition tests (means A/A 79.5, A/C 78.1, and C/C 76.6; p = 0.037), and more frequent behavioral disturbances (A/A 16.7%, A/C 24.4%, and C/C 27.7%; p = 0.045). Thinner left inferior temporal and right fusiform cortex were associated with the UNC13A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; p = 0.045 and p = 0.036). Interpretation Phenotypical distinctions associated with UNC13A make it an important factor to take into account in clinical trial design, studies on cognition and behavior, and prognostic counseling. ANN NEUROL 2020;88:796–806
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Affiliation(s)
- Harold H G Tan
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Henk-Jan Westeneng
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hannelore K van der Burgh
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Michael A van Es
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Leonhard A Bakker
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kevin van Veenhuijzen
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kristel R van Eijk
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ruben P A van Eijk
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Biostatistics and Research Support, Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan H Veldink
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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17
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Trojsi F, D’Alvano G, Bonavita S, Tedeschi G. Genetics and Sex in the Pathogenesis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Is There a Link? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103647. [PMID: 32455692 PMCID: PMC7279172 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with no known cure. Approximately 90% of ALS cases are sporadic, although multiple genetic risk factors have been recently revealed also in sporadic ALS (SALS). The pathological expansion of a hexanucleotide repeat in chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) is the most common genetic mutation identified in familial ALS, detected also in 5–10% of SALS patients. C9orf72-related ALS phenotype appears to be dependent on several modifiers, including demographic factors. Sex has been reported as an independent factor influencing ALS development, with men found to be more susceptible than women. Exposure to both female and male sex hormones have been shown to influence disease risk or progression. Moreover, interplay between genetics and sex has been widely investigated in ALS preclinical models and in large populations of ALS patients carrying C9orf72 repeat expansion. In light of the current need for reclassifying ALS patients into pathologically homogenous subgroups potentially responsive to targeted personalized therapies, we aimed to review the recent literature on the role of genetics and sex as both independent and synergic factors, in the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and prognosis of ALS. Sex-dependent outcomes may lead to optimizing clinical trials for developing patient-specific therapies for ALS.
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18
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Trilico MLC, Lorenzoni PJ, Kay CSK, Ducci RDP, Fustes OJH, Werneck LC, Scola RH. Characterization of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-linked P56S mutation of the VAPB gene in Southern Brazil. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2020; 21:286-290. [DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2020.1738495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Luis Castelan Trilico
- Service of Neuromuscular Disorders, Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil, and
| | - Paulo José Lorenzoni
- Service of Neuromuscular Disorders, Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Suemi Kamoi Kay
- Service of Neuromuscular Disorders, Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Renata Dal Pra Ducci
- Service of Neuromuscular Disorders, Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Otto Jesus Hernandez Fustes
- Service of Neuromuscular Disorders, Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Lineu Cesar Werneck
- Service of Neuromuscular Disorders, Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Rosana Herminia Scola
- Service of Neuromuscular Disorders, Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
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19
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Pensato V, Magri S, Dalla Bella E, Tannorella P, Bersano E, Sorarù G, Gatti M, Ticozzi N, Taroni F, Lauria G, Mariotti C, Gellera C. Sorting Rare ALS Genetic Variants by Targeted Re-Sequencing Panel in Italian Patients: OPTN, VCP, and SQSTM1 Variants Account for 3% of Rare Genetic Forms. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9020412. [PMID: 32028661 PMCID: PMC7073901 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9020412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset progressive neurodegenerative disease due to motor neuron loss variably associated with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Next generation sequencing technology revealed an increasing number of rare and novel genetic variants and interpretation of their pathogenicity represents a major challange in the diagnosis of ALS. We selected 213 consecutive patients with sporadic or familial (16%) ALS, tested negative for SOD1, FUS, TARDBP, and C9orf72 mutations. To reveal rare forms of genetic ALS, we performed a comprehensive multi-gene panel screening including 46 genes associated with ALS, hereditary motor neuronopathies, spastic paraplegia, and FTD. Our study allowed the identification of pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in 4.2% of patients. The genes with the highest percentage of pathogenic variants were OPTN (1%), VCP (1%) SQSTM1(1%), SETX (0.4%), FIG4 (0.4%), and GARS1 (0.4%) genes. We also found 49 novel or rare gene variants of unknown significance in 30 patients (14%), 44 unlikely pathogenic variants (39%), and 48 variants in ALS susceptibility genes. The results of our study suggest the screening of OPTN, VCP, and SQSTM1 genes in routine diagnostic investigations for both sporadic and familial cases, and confirm the importance of diagnosis and couselling for patients and their relative family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Pensato
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.P.); (S.M.); (P.T.); (M.G.); (F.T.); (C.G.)
- 3rd Neurology Unit, Motor Neuron Diseases Centre, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy (E.B.); (G.L.)
| | - Stefania Magri
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.P.); (S.M.); (P.T.); (M.G.); (F.T.); (C.G.)
| | - Eleonora Dalla Bella
- 3rd Neurology Unit, Motor Neuron Diseases Centre, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy (E.B.); (G.L.)
| | - Pierpaola Tannorella
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.P.); (S.M.); (P.T.); (M.G.); (F.T.); (C.G.)
| | - Enrica Bersano
- 3rd Neurology Unit, Motor Neuron Diseases Centre, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy (E.B.); (G.L.)
| | - Gianni Sorarù
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy;
| | - Marta Gatti
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.P.); (S.M.); (P.T.); (M.G.); (F.T.); (C.G.)
| | - Nicola Ticozzi
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20149 Milan, Italy;
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, ‘Dino Ferrari’ Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Franco Taroni
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.P.); (S.M.); (P.T.); (M.G.); (F.T.); (C.G.)
| | - Giuseppe Lauria
- 3rd Neurology Unit, Motor Neuron Diseases Centre, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy (E.B.); (G.L.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “Luigi Sacco”, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Caterina Mariotti
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.P.); (S.M.); (P.T.); (M.G.); (F.T.); (C.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-2394-2269
| | - Cinzia Gellera
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.P.); (S.M.); (P.T.); (M.G.); (F.T.); (C.G.)
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20
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Pharmacogenetic interactions in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a step closer to a cure? THE PHARMACOGENOMICS JOURNAL 2019; 20:220-226. [PMID: 31624333 DOI: 10.1038/s41397-019-0111-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Genetic mutations related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) act through distinct pathophysiological pathways, which may lead to varying treatment responses. Here we assess the genetic interaction between C9orf72, UNC13A, and MOBP with creatine and valproic acid treatment in two clinical trials. Genotypic data was available for 309 of the 338 participants (91.4%). The UNC13A genotype affected mortality (p = 0.012), whereas C9orf72 repeat-expansion carriers exhibited a faster rate of decline in overall (p = 0.051) and bulbar functioning (p = 0.005). A dose-response pharmacogenetic interaction was identified between creatine and the A allele of the MOBP genotype (p = 0.027), suggesting a qualitative interaction in a recessive model (HR 3.96, p = 0.015). Not taking genetic information into account may mask evidence of response to treatment or be an unrecognized source of bias. Incorporating genetic data could help investigators to identify critical treatment clues in patients with ALS.
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21
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Blanco FA, Czikora A, Kedei N, You Y, Mitchell GA, Pany S, Ghosh A, Blumberg PM, Das J. Munc13 Is a Molecular Target of Bryostatin 1. Biochemistry 2019; 58:3016-3030. [PMID: 31243993 PMCID: PMC6620733 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.9b00427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Bryostatin
1 is a natural macrolide shown to improve neuronal connections and
enhance memory in mice. Its mechanism of action is largely attributed
to the modulation of novel and conventional protein kinase Cs (PKCs)
by binding to their regulatory C1 domains. Munc13-1 is a C1 domain-containing
protein that shares common endogenous and exogenous activators with
novel and conventional PKC subtypes. Given the essential role of Munc13-1
in the priming of synaptic vesicles and neuronal transmission overall,
we explored the potential interaction between bryostatin 1 and Munc13-1.
Our results indicate that in vitro bryostatin 1 binds
to both the isolated C1 domain of Munc13-1 (Ki = 8.07 ± 0.90 nM) and the full-length Munc13-1 protein
(Ki = 0.45 ± 0.04 nM). Furthermore,
confocal microscopy and immunoblot analysis demonstrated that in intact
HT22 cells bryostatin 1 mimics the actions of phorbol esters, a previously
established class of Munc13-1 activators, and induces plasma membrane
translocation of Munc13-1, a hallmark of its activation. Consistently,
bryostatin 1 had no effect on the Munc13-1H567K construct
that is insensitive to phorbol esters. Effects of bryostatin 1 on
the other Munc13 family members, ubMunc13-2 and bMunc13-2, resembled
those of Munc13-1 for translocation. Lastly, we observed an increased
level of expression of Munc13-1 following a 24 h incubation with bryostatin
1 in both HT22 and primary mouse hippocampal cells. This study characterizes
Munc13-1 as a molecular target of bryostatin 1. Considering the crucial
role of Munc13-1 in neuronal function, these findings provide strong
support for the potential role of Munc13s in the actions of bryostatin
1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco A Blanco
- Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy , University of Houston , Houston , Texas 77204 , United States
| | - Agnes Czikora
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute , National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , Maryland 20892 , United States
| | - Noemi Kedei
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute , National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , Maryland 20892 , United States
| | - Youngki You
- Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy , University of Houston , Houston , Texas 77204 , United States
| | - Gary A Mitchell
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute , National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , Maryland 20892 , United States
| | - Satyabrata Pany
- Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy , University of Houston , Houston , Texas 77204 , United States
| | - Anamitra Ghosh
- Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy , University of Houston , Houston , Texas 77204 , United States
| | - Peter M Blumberg
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute , National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , Maryland 20892 , United States
| | - Joydip Das
- Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy , University of Houston , Houston , Texas 77204 , United States
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22
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Mohamed LA, Markandaiah SS, Bonanno S, Pasinelli P, Trotti D. Excess glutamate secreted from astrocytes drives upregulation of P-glycoprotein in endothelial cells in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Exp Neurol 2019; 316:27-38. [PMID: 30974102 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), upregulation in expression and activity of the ABC transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp) driven by disease advancement progressively reduces CNS penetration and efficacy of the ALS drug, riluzole. Post-mortem spinal cord tissues from ALS patients revealed elevated P-gp expression levels in endothelial cells of the blood-spinal cord barrier compared to levels measured in control, non-diseased individuals. We recently found that astrocytes expressing familial ALS-linked SOD1 mutations regulate expression levels of P-gp in endothelial cells, which also exhibit a concomitant, significant increase in reactive oxygen species production and NFκB nuclear translocation when exposed to mutant SOD1 astrocyte conditioned media. In this study, we found that glutamate, which is abnormally secreted by mutant SOD1 and sporadic ALS astrocytes, drives upregulation of P-gp expression and activity levels in endothelial cells via activation of N-Methyl-D-Aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors. Surprisingly, astrocyte-secreted glutamate regulation of endothelial P-gp levels is not a mechanism shared by all forms of ALS. C9orf72-ALS astrocytes had no effect on endothelial cell P-gp expression and did not display increased glutamate secretion. Utilizing an optimized in vitro human BBB model consisting of patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells, we showed that co-culture of endothelial cells with patient-derived astrocytes increased P-gp expression levels and transport activity, which was significantly reduced when endothelial cells were incubated with the NMDAR antagonist, MK801. Overall, our findings unraveled a complex molecular interplay between astrocytes of different ALS genotypes and endothelial cells potentially occurring in disease that could differentially impact ALS prognosis and efficacy of pharmacotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loqman A Mohamed
- Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, 900 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Shashirekha S Markandaiah
- Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, 900 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Silvia Bonanno
- Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, 900 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Piera Pasinelli
- Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, 900 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Davide Trotti
- Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, 900 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
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23
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Rosenfeld
- Department of Neurology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA.
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24
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Jeon GS, Shim YM, Lee DY, Kim JS, Kang M, Ahn SH, Shin JY, Geum D, Hong YH, Sung JJ. Pathological Modification of TDP-43 in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis with SOD1 Mutations. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:2007-2021. [PMID: 29982983 PMCID: PMC6394608 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1218-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal, adult-onset, progressive neurodegenerative disorder with no known cure. Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) was the first identified protein associated with familial ALS (fALS). Recently, TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) has been found to be a principal component of ubiquitinated cytoplasmic inclusions in neurons and glia in ALS. However, it remains unclear whether these ALS-linked proteins partly have a shared pathogenesis. Here, we determine the association between mutant SOD1 and the modification of TDP-43 and the relationship of pathologic TDP-43 to neuronal cytotoxicity in SOD1 ALS. In this work, using animal model, human tissue, and cell models, we provide the evidence that the association between the TDP-43 modification and the pathogenesis of SOD1 fALS. We demonstrated an age-dependent increase in TDP-43 C-terminal fragments and phosphorylation in motor neurons and glia of SOD1 mice and SOD1G85S ALS patient. Cytoplasmic TDP-43 was also observed in iPSC-derived motor neurons from SOD1G17S ALS patient. Moreover, we observed that mutant SOD1 interacts with TDP-43 in co-immunoprecipitation assays with G93A hSOD1-transfected cell lines. Mutant SOD1 overexpression led to an increase in TDP-43 modification in the detergent-insoluble fraction in the spinal cord of SOD1 mice and fALS patient. Additionally, we showed cellular apoptosis in response to the interaction of mutant SOD1 and fragment forms of TDP-43. These findings suggest that mutant SOD1 could affect the solubility/insolubility of TDP-43 through physical interactions and the resulting pathological modifications of TDP-43 may be involved in motor neuron death in SOD1 fALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gye Sun Jeon
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea.,Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yu-Mi Shim
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Do-Yeon Lee
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jun-Soon Kim
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - MinJin Kang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - So Hyun Ahn
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Je-Young Shin
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dongho Geum
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yoon Ho Hong
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Seoul Metropolitan Government Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jung-Joon Sung
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea. .,Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
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25
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Salter M, Corfield E, Ramadass A, Grand F, Green J, Westra J, Lim CR, Farrimond L, Feneberg E, Scaber J, Thompson A, Ossher L, Turner M, Talbot K, Cudkowicz M, Berry J, Hunter E, Akoulitchev A. Initial Identification of a Blood-Based Chromosome Conformation Signature for Aiding in the Diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. EBioMedicine 2018; 33:169-184. [PMID: 29941342 PMCID: PMC6085506 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The identification of blood-based biomarkers specific to the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an active field of academic and clinical research. While inheritance studies have advanced the field, a majority of patients do not have a known genetic link to the disease, making direct sequence-based genetic testing for ALS difficult. The ability to detect biofluid-based epigenetic changes in ALS would expand the relevance of using genomic information for disease diagnosis. METHODS Assessing differences in chromosomal conformations (i.e. how they are positioned in 3-dimensions) represents one approach for assessing epigenetic changes. In this study, we used an industrial platform, EpiSwitch™, to compare the genomic architecture of healthy and diseased patient samples (blood and tissue) to discover a chromosomal conformation signature (CCS) with diagnostic potential in ALS. A three-step biomarker selection process yielded a distinct CCS for ALS, comprised of conformation changes in eight genomic loci and detectable in blood. FINDINGS We applied the ALS CCS to determine a diagnosis for 74 unblinded patient samples and subsequently conducted a blinded diagnostic study of 16 samples. Sensitivity and specificity for ALS detection in the 74 unblinded patient samples were 83∙33% (CI 51∙59 to 97∙91%) and 76∙92% (46∙19 to 94∙96%), respectively. In the blinded cohort, sensitivity reached 87∙50% (CI 47∙35 to 99∙68%) and specificity was 75∙0% (34∙91 to 96∙81%). INTERPRETATIONS The sensitivity and specificity values achieved using the ALS CCS identified and validated in this study provide an indication that the detection of chromosome conformation signatures is a promising approach to disease diagnosis and can potentially augment current strategies for diagnosing ALS. FUND: This research was funded by Oxford BioDynamics and Innovate UK. Work in the Oxford MND Care and Research Centre is supported by grants from the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the Medical Research Council. Additional support was provided by the Northeast ALS Consortium (NEALS).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lucy Farrimond
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Emily Feneberg
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Jakub Scaber
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Alexander Thompson
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Lynn Ossher
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Martin Turner
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Kevin Talbot
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Merit Cudkowicz
- Neurology Clinical Research Institute, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - James Berry
- Neurology Clinical Research Institute, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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26
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Vrabec K, Boštjančič E, Koritnik B, Leonardis L, Dolenc Grošelj L, Zidar J, Rogelj B, Glavač D, Ravnik-Glavač M. Differential Expression of Several miRNAs and the Host Genes AATK and DNM2 in Leukocytes of Sporadic ALS Patients. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:106. [PMID: 29670510 PMCID: PMC5893848 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic studies have managed to explain many cases of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) through mutations in several genes. However, the cause of a majority of sporadic cases remains unknown. Recently, epigenetics, especially miRNA studies, show some promising aspects. We aimed to evaluate the differential expression of 10 miRNAs, including miR-9, miR-338, miR-638, miR-663a, miR-124a, miR-143, miR-451a, miR-132, miR-206, and let-7b, for which some connection to ALS was shown previously in ALS culture cells, animal models or patients, and in three miRNA host genes, including C1orf61 (miR-9), AATK (miR-338), and DNM2 (miR-638), in leukocyte samples of 84 patients with sporadic ALS. We observed significant aberrant dysregulation across our patient cohort for miR-124a, miR-206, miR-9, let-7b, and miR-638. Since we did not use neurological controls we cannot rule out that the revealed differences in expression of investigated miRNAs are specific for ALS. Nevertheless, the group of these five miRNAs is worth of additional research in leukocytes of larger cohorts from different populations in order to verify their potential association to ALS disease. We also detected a significant up-regulation of the AAKT gene and down-regulation of the DNM2 gene, and thus, for the first time, we connected these with sporadic ALS cases. These findings open up new research toward miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and epigenetic processes involved in ALS. The detected significant deregulation of AAKT and DNM2 in sporadic ALS also represents an interesting finding. The DNM2 gene was previously found to be mutated in Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy-type CMT2M and centronuclear myopathy (CNM). In addition, as recent studies connected AATK and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and DNM2 and hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), these two genes together with our results genetically connect, at least in part, five diseases, including FTD, HSP, Charcot-Marie-Tooth (type CMT2M), CNM, and ALS, thus opening future research toward a better understanding of the cell biology involved in these partly overlapping pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Vrabec
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Emanuela Boštjančič
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Blaž Koritnik
- Division of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lea Leonardis
- Division of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Leja Dolenc Grošelj
- Division of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janez Zidar
- Division of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Boris Rogelj
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Štefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Biomedical Research Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damjan Glavač
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Metka Ravnik-Glavač
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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27
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Raheja R, Regev K, Healy BC, Mazzola MA, Beynon V, Von Glehn F, Paul A, Diaz-Cruz C, Gholipour T, Glanz BI, Kivisakk P, Chitnis T, Weiner HL, Berry JD, Gandhi R. Correlating serum micrornas and clinical parameters in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Muscle Nerve 2018; 58:261-269. [PMID: 29466830 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a debilitating neurologic disorder with poor survival rates and no clear biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognosis. METHODS We compared serum microRNA (miRNA) expression from patients with ALS with healthy controls and patients with multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer disease. We also correlated miRNA expression in cross-sectional and longitudinal cohorts of ALS patients with clinical parameters. RESULTS We identified 7 miRNAs (miR-192-5p, miR-192-3p, miR-1, miR-133a-3p, miR-133b, miR-144-5p, miR-19a-3p) that were upregulated and 6 miRNAs (miR-320c, miR-320a, let-7d-3p, miR-425-5p, miR-320b, miR-139-5p) that were downregulated in patients with ALS compared with healthy controls, patients with Alzheimer disease, and patients with multiple sclerosis. Changes in 4 miRNAs (miR-136-3p, miR-30b-5p, miR-331-3p, miR-496) correlated positively and change in 1 miRNA (miR-2110) correlated negatively with changes in clinical parameters in longitudinal analysis. DISCUSSION Our findings identified serum miRNAs that can serve as biomarkers for ALS diagnosis and progression. Muscle Nerve 58: 261-269, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhika Raheja
- Department of Neurology, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Keren Regev
- Department of Neurology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Brian C Healy
- Department of Neurology, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Maria Antonietta Mazzola
- Department of Neurology, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vanessa Beynon
- Department of Neurology, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Felipe Von Glehn
- Department of Neurology, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anu Paul
- Department of Neurology, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Camilo Diaz-Cruz
- Department of Neurology, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Taha Gholipour
- Department of Neurology, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bonnie I Glanz
- Department of Neurology, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Pia Kivisakk
- Department of Neurology, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tanuja Chitnis
- Department of Neurology, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Howard L Weiner
- Department of Neurology, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James D Berry
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Clinical Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Roopali Gandhi
- Department of Neurology, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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28
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Das J, Kedei N, Kelsey JS, You Y, Pany S, Mitchell GA, Lewin NE, Blumberg PM. Critical Role of Trp-588 of Presynaptic Munc13-1 for Ligand Binding and Membrane Translocation. Biochemistry 2018; 57:732-741. [PMID: 29244485 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.7b00764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Munc13-1 is a presynaptic active-zone protein essential for neurotransmitter release and presynaptic plasticity in the brain. This multidomain scaffold protein contains a C1 domain that binds to the activator diacylglycerol/phorbol ester. Although the C1 domain bears close structural homology with the C1 domains of protein kinase C (PKC), the tryptophan residue at position 22 (588 in the full-length Munc13-1) occludes the activator binding pocket, which is not the case for PKC. To elucidate the role of this tryptophan, we generated W22A, W22K, W22D, W22Y, and W22F substitutions in the full-length Munc13-1, expressed the GFP-tagged constructs in Neuro-2a cells, and measured their membrane translocation in response to phorbol ester treatment by imaging of the live cells using confocal microscopy. The extent of membrane translocation followed the order, wild-type > W22K > W22F > W22Y > W22A > W22D. The phorbol ester binding affinity of the wild-type Munc13-1C1 domain and its mutants was phosphatidylserine (PS)-dependent following the order, wild-type > W22K > W22A ≫ W22D in both 20% and 100% PS. Phorbol ester affinity was higher for Munc13-1 than the C1 domain. While Munc13-1 translocated to the plasma membrane, the C1 domain translocated to internal membranes in response to phorbol ester. Molecular dynamics (80 ns) studies reveal that Trp-22 is relatively less flexible than the homologous Trp-22 of PKCδ and PKCθ. Results are discussed in terms of the overall negative charge state of the Munc13-1C1 domain and its possible interaction with the PS-rich plasma membrane. This study shows that Trp-588 is an important structural element for ligand binding and membrane translocation in Munc13-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joydip Das
- Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston , Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Noemi Kedei
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute , Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Jessica S Kelsey
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute , Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Youngki You
- Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston , Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Satyabrata Pany
- Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston , Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Gary A Mitchell
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute , Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Nancy E Lewin
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute , Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Peter M Blumberg
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute , Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
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Motor Neuron Diseases (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). Neuromuscul Disord 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-5361-0_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Goutman SA, Chen KS, Paez-Colasante X, Feldman EL. Emerging understanding of the genotype-phenotype relationship in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2018; 148:603-623. [PMID: 29478603 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64076-5.00039-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, noncurable neurodegenerative disorder of the upper and lower motor neurons causing weakness and death within a few years of symptom onset. About 10% of patients with ALS have a family history of the disease; however, ALS-associated genetic mutations are also found in sporadic cases. There are over 100 ALS-associated mutations, and importantly, several genetic mutations, including C9ORF72, SOD1, and TARDBP, have led to mechanistic insight into this complex disease. In the clinical realm, knowledge of ALS genetics can also help explain phenotypic heterogeneity, aid in genetic counseling, and in the future may help direct treatment efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Goutman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
| | - Kevin S Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Eva L Feldman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Liu J, Allender E, Wang J, Simpson EH, Loeb JA, Song F. Slowing disease progression in the SOD1 mouse model of ALS by blocking neuregulin-induced microglial activation. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 111:118-126. [PMID: 29278738 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 11/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There are no effective treatments to slow disease progression in ALS. We previously reported that neuregulin (NRG) receptors are constitutively activated on microglia in the ventral horns in both ALS patients and SOD1 mice and in the corticospinal tracts of ALS patients, and that NRG receptor activation occurs prior to significant clinical disease onset in SOD1 mice. Here, we hypothesize that blocking NRG signaling on microglia would slow disease progression in SOD1 mice using a targeted NRG antagonist (HBD-S-H4). Recombinant HBD-S-H4 directly delivered into the central nervous system (CNS) through implanted intracerebroventricular cannulas showed no signs of toxicity and significantly inhibited NRG receptor activation on microglia resulting in reduced microglial activation and motor neuron loss. The treatment also resulted in a delay in disease onset and an increase in survival. The therapeutic effect was dose-dependent that varied as a function of genetic background in two different strains of SOD1 mice. As a complementary drug delivery approach, transgenic mice expressing HBD-S-H4 driven by an astrocytic promoter (GFAP) had slower disease progression in a dose dependent manner, based on the level of HBD-S-H4 expression. These studies provide mechanistic insights into how NRG signaling on microglia may lead to disease progression and demonstrate the utility of a humanized fusion protein that blocks NRG as a novel therapeutic for human ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianguo Liu
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - Elise Allender
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - Jiajing Wang
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Eleanor H Simpson
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, United States
| | - Jeffrey A Loeb
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - Fei Song
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 60612, United States.
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van Eijk RPA, Jones AR, Sproviero W, Shatunov A, Shaw PJ, Leigh PN, Young CA, Shaw CE, Mora G, Mandrioli J, Borghero G, Volanti P, Diekstra FP, van Rheenen W, Verstraete E, Eijkemans MJC, Veldink JH, Chio A, Al-Chalabi A, van den Berg LH, van Es MA. Meta-analysis of pharmacogenetic interactions in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis clinical trials. Neurology 2017; 89:1915-1922. [PMID: 28978660 PMCID: PMC5664299 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000004606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether genetic subgroups in recent amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) trials responded to treatment with lithium carbonate, but that the treatment effect was lost in a large cohort of nonresponders. METHODS Individual participant data were obtained from 3 randomized trials investigating the efficacy of lithium carbonate. We matched clinical data with data regarding the UNC13A and C9orf72 genotype. Our primary outcome was survival at 12 months. On an exploratory basis, we assessed whether the effect of lithium depended on the genotype. RESULTS Clinical data were available for 518 of the 606 participants. Overall, treatment with lithium carbonate did not improve 12-month survival (hazard ratio [HR] 1.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.7-1.4; p = 0.96). Both the UNC13A and C9orf72 genotype were independent predictors of survival (HR 2.4, 95% CI 1.3-4.3; p = 0.006 and HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1-5.2; p = 0.032, respectively). The effect of lithium was different for UNC13A carriers (p = 0.027), but not for C9orf72 carriers (p = 0.22). The 12-month survival probability for UNC13A carriers treated with lithium carbonate improved from 40.1% (95% CI 23.2-69.1) to 69.7% (95% CI 50.4-96.3). CONCLUSIONS This study incorporated genetic data into past ALS trials to determine treatment effects in a genetic post hoc analysis. Our results suggest that we should reorient our strategies toward finding treatments for ALS, start focusing on genotype-targeted treatments, and standardize genotyping in order to optimize randomization and analysis for future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben P A van Eijk
- From the Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus (R.P.A.v.E., F.P.D., W.v.R., J.H.V., L.H.v.d.B., M.A.v.E.), and Department of Biostatistics and Research Support (M.J.C.E.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands; Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute and United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute Centre (A.R.J., W.S., A.S., C.E.S., A.A.-C.), Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London; Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) (P.J.S.), University of Sheffield, South Yorkshire; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (P.N.L.), Trafford Centre for Biomedical Research, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton; The Walton Centre NHS Trust (C.A.Y.), Liverpool, UK; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (G.M.), Milan; Department of Neuroscience (J.M.), Sant'Agostino-Estense Hospital and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena; Department of Neurology (G.B.), Azienda Universitario Ospedaliera di Cagliari and University of Cagliari; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (P.V.), Mistretta, Italy; Rijnstate Ziekenhuis (E.V.), Arnhem, the Netherlands; Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience (A.C.), ALS Centre, University of Torino; and Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza (A.C.), Turin, Italy
| | - Ashley R Jones
- From the Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus (R.P.A.v.E., F.P.D., W.v.R., J.H.V., L.H.v.d.B., M.A.v.E.), and Department of Biostatistics and Research Support (M.J.C.E.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands; Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute and United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute Centre (A.R.J., W.S., A.S., C.E.S., A.A.-C.), Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London; Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) (P.J.S.), University of Sheffield, South Yorkshire; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (P.N.L.), Trafford Centre for Biomedical Research, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton; The Walton Centre NHS Trust (C.A.Y.), Liverpool, UK; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (G.M.), Milan; Department of Neuroscience (J.M.), Sant'Agostino-Estense Hospital and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena; Department of Neurology (G.B.), Azienda Universitario Ospedaliera di Cagliari and University of Cagliari; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (P.V.), Mistretta, Italy; Rijnstate Ziekenhuis (E.V.), Arnhem, the Netherlands; Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience (A.C.), ALS Centre, University of Torino; and Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza (A.C.), Turin, Italy
| | - William Sproviero
- From the Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus (R.P.A.v.E., F.P.D., W.v.R., J.H.V., L.H.v.d.B., M.A.v.E.), and Department of Biostatistics and Research Support (M.J.C.E.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands; Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute and United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute Centre (A.R.J., W.S., A.S., C.E.S., A.A.-C.), Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London; Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) (P.J.S.), University of Sheffield, South Yorkshire; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (P.N.L.), Trafford Centre for Biomedical Research, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton; The Walton Centre NHS Trust (C.A.Y.), Liverpool, UK; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (G.M.), Milan; Department of Neuroscience (J.M.), Sant'Agostino-Estense Hospital and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena; Department of Neurology (G.B.), Azienda Universitario Ospedaliera di Cagliari and University of Cagliari; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (P.V.), Mistretta, Italy; Rijnstate Ziekenhuis (E.V.), Arnhem, the Netherlands; Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience (A.C.), ALS Centre, University of Torino; and Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza (A.C.), Turin, Italy
| | - Aleksey Shatunov
- From the Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus (R.P.A.v.E., F.P.D., W.v.R., J.H.V., L.H.v.d.B., M.A.v.E.), and Department of Biostatistics and Research Support (M.J.C.E.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands; Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute and United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute Centre (A.R.J., W.S., A.S., C.E.S., A.A.-C.), Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London; Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) (P.J.S.), University of Sheffield, South Yorkshire; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (P.N.L.), Trafford Centre for Biomedical Research, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton; The Walton Centre NHS Trust (C.A.Y.), Liverpool, UK; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (G.M.), Milan; Department of Neuroscience (J.M.), Sant'Agostino-Estense Hospital and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena; Department of Neurology (G.B.), Azienda Universitario Ospedaliera di Cagliari and University of Cagliari; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (P.V.), Mistretta, Italy; Rijnstate Ziekenhuis (E.V.), Arnhem, the Netherlands; Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience (A.C.), ALS Centre, University of Torino; and Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza (A.C.), Turin, Italy
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- From the Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus (R.P.A.v.E., F.P.D., W.v.R., J.H.V., L.H.v.d.B., M.A.v.E.), and Department of Biostatistics and Research Support (M.J.C.E.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands; Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute and United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute Centre (A.R.J., W.S., A.S., C.E.S., A.A.-C.), Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London; Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) (P.J.S.), University of Sheffield, South Yorkshire; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (P.N.L.), Trafford Centre for Biomedical Research, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton; The Walton Centre NHS Trust (C.A.Y.), Liverpool, UK; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (G.M.), Milan; Department of Neuroscience (J.M.), Sant'Agostino-Estense Hospital and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena; Department of Neurology (G.B.), Azienda Universitario Ospedaliera di Cagliari and University of Cagliari; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (P.V.), Mistretta, Italy; Rijnstate Ziekenhuis (E.V.), Arnhem, the Netherlands; Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience (A.C.), ALS Centre, University of Torino; and Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza (A.C.), Turin, Italy
| | - P Nigel Leigh
- From the Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus (R.P.A.v.E., F.P.D., W.v.R., J.H.V., L.H.v.d.B., M.A.v.E.), and Department of Biostatistics and Research Support (M.J.C.E.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands; Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute and United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute Centre (A.R.J., W.S., A.S., C.E.S., A.A.-C.), Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London; Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) (P.J.S.), University of Sheffield, South Yorkshire; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (P.N.L.), Trafford Centre for Biomedical Research, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton; The Walton Centre NHS Trust (C.A.Y.), Liverpool, UK; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (G.M.), Milan; Department of Neuroscience (J.M.), Sant'Agostino-Estense Hospital and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena; Department of Neurology (G.B.), Azienda Universitario Ospedaliera di Cagliari and University of Cagliari; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (P.V.), Mistretta, Italy; Rijnstate Ziekenhuis (E.V.), Arnhem, the Netherlands; Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience (A.C.), ALS Centre, University of Torino; and Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza (A.C.), Turin, Italy
| | - Carolyn A Young
- From the Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus (R.P.A.v.E., F.P.D., W.v.R., J.H.V., L.H.v.d.B., M.A.v.E.), and Department of Biostatistics and Research Support (M.J.C.E.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands; Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute and United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute Centre (A.R.J., W.S., A.S., C.E.S., A.A.-C.), Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London; Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) (P.J.S.), University of Sheffield, South Yorkshire; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (P.N.L.), Trafford Centre for Biomedical Research, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton; The Walton Centre NHS Trust (C.A.Y.), Liverpool, UK; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (G.M.), Milan; Department of Neuroscience (J.M.), Sant'Agostino-Estense Hospital and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena; Department of Neurology (G.B.), Azienda Universitario Ospedaliera di Cagliari and University of Cagliari; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (P.V.), Mistretta, Italy; Rijnstate Ziekenhuis (E.V.), Arnhem, the Netherlands; Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience (A.C.), ALS Centre, University of Torino; and Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza (A.C.), Turin, Italy
| | - Christopher E Shaw
- From the Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus (R.P.A.v.E., F.P.D., W.v.R., J.H.V., L.H.v.d.B., M.A.v.E.), and Department of Biostatistics and Research Support (M.J.C.E.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands; Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute and United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute Centre (A.R.J., W.S., A.S., C.E.S., A.A.-C.), Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London; Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) (P.J.S.), University of Sheffield, South Yorkshire; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (P.N.L.), Trafford Centre for Biomedical Research, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton; The Walton Centre NHS Trust (C.A.Y.), Liverpool, UK; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (G.M.), Milan; Department of Neuroscience (J.M.), Sant'Agostino-Estense Hospital and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena; Department of Neurology (G.B.), Azienda Universitario Ospedaliera di Cagliari and University of Cagliari; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (P.V.), Mistretta, Italy; Rijnstate Ziekenhuis (E.V.), Arnhem, the Netherlands; Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience (A.C.), ALS Centre, University of Torino; and Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza (A.C.), Turin, Italy
| | - Gabriele Mora
- From the Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus (R.P.A.v.E., F.P.D., W.v.R., J.H.V., L.H.v.d.B., M.A.v.E.), and Department of Biostatistics and Research Support (M.J.C.E.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands; Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute and United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute Centre (A.R.J., W.S., A.S., C.E.S., A.A.-C.), Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London; Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) (P.J.S.), University of Sheffield, South Yorkshire; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (P.N.L.), Trafford Centre for Biomedical Research, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton; The Walton Centre NHS Trust (C.A.Y.), Liverpool, UK; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (G.M.), Milan; Department of Neuroscience (J.M.), Sant'Agostino-Estense Hospital and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena; Department of Neurology (G.B.), Azienda Universitario Ospedaliera di Cagliari and University of Cagliari; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (P.V.), Mistretta, Italy; Rijnstate Ziekenhuis (E.V.), Arnhem, the Netherlands; Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience (A.C.), ALS Centre, University of Torino; and Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza (A.C.), Turin, Italy
| | - Jessica Mandrioli
- From the Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus (R.P.A.v.E., F.P.D., W.v.R., J.H.V., L.H.v.d.B., M.A.v.E.), and Department of Biostatistics and Research Support (M.J.C.E.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands; Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute and United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute Centre (A.R.J., W.S., A.S., C.E.S., A.A.-C.), Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London; Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) (P.J.S.), University of Sheffield, South Yorkshire; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (P.N.L.), Trafford Centre for Biomedical Research, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton; The Walton Centre NHS Trust (C.A.Y.), Liverpool, UK; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (G.M.), Milan; Department of Neuroscience (J.M.), Sant'Agostino-Estense Hospital and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena; Department of Neurology (G.B.), Azienda Universitario Ospedaliera di Cagliari and University of Cagliari; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (P.V.), Mistretta, Italy; Rijnstate Ziekenhuis (E.V.), Arnhem, the Netherlands; Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience (A.C.), ALS Centre, University of Torino; and Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza (A.C.), Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Borghero
- From the Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus (R.P.A.v.E., F.P.D., W.v.R., J.H.V., L.H.v.d.B., M.A.v.E.), and Department of Biostatistics and Research Support (M.J.C.E.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands; Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute and United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute Centre (A.R.J., W.S., A.S., C.E.S., A.A.-C.), Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London; Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) (P.J.S.), University of Sheffield, South Yorkshire; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (P.N.L.), Trafford Centre for Biomedical Research, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton; The Walton Centre NHS Trust (C.A.Y.), Liverpool, UK; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (G.M.), Milan; Department of Neuroscience (J.M.), Sant'Agostino-Estense Hospital and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena; Department of Neurology (G.B.), Azienda Universitario Ospedaliera di Cagliari and University of Cagliari; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (P.V.), Mistretta, Italy; Rijnstate Ziekenhuis (E.V.), Arnhem, the Netherlands; Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience (A.C.), ALS Centre, University of Torino; and Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza (A.C.), Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Volanti
- From the Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus (R.P.A.v.E., F.P.D., W.v.R., J.H.V., L.H.v.d.B., M.A.v.E.), and Department of Biostatistics and Research Support (M.J.C.E.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands; Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute and United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute Centre (A.R.J., W.S., A.S., C.E.S., A.A.-C.), Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London; Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) (P.J.S.), University of Sheffield, South Yorkshire; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (P.N.L.), Trafford Centre for Biomedical Research, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton; The Walton Centre NHS Trust (C.A.Y.), Liverpool, UK; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (G.M.), Milan; Department of Neuroscience (J.M.), Sant'Agostino-Estense Hospital and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena; Department of Neurology (G.B.), Azienda Universitario Ospedaliera di Cagliari and University of Cagliari; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (P.V.), Mistretta, Italy; Rijnstate Ziekenhuis (E.V.), Arnhem, the Netherlands; Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience (A.C.), ALS Centre, University of Torino; and Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza (A.C.), Turin, Italy
| | - Frank P Diekstra
- From the Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus (R.P.A.v.E., F.P.D., W.v.R., J.H.V., L.H.v.d.B., M.A.v.E.), and Department of Biostatistics and Research Support (M.J.C.E.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands; Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute and United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute Centre (A.R.J., W.S., A.S., C.E.S., A.A.-C.), Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London; Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) (P.J.S.), University of Sheffield, South Yorkshire; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (P.N.L.), Trafford Centre for Biomedical Research, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton; The Walton Centre NHS Trust (C.A.Y.), Liverpool, UK; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (G.M.), Milan; Department of Neuroscience (J.M.), Sant'Agostino-Estense Hospital and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena; Department of Neurology (G.B.), Azienda Universitario Ospedaliera di Cagliari and University of Cagliari; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (P.V.), Mistretta, Italy; Rijnstate Ziekenhuis (E.V.), Arnhem, the Netherlands; Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience (A.C.), ALS Centre, University of Torino; and Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza (A.C.), Turin, Italy
| | - Wouter van Rheenen
- From the Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus (R.P.A.v.E., F.P.D., W.v.R., J.H.V., L.H.v.d.B., M.A.v.E.), and Department of Biostatistics and Research Support (M.J.C.E.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands; Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute and United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute Centre (A.R.J., W.S., A.S., C.E.S., A.A.-C.), Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London; Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) (P.J.S.), University of Sheffield, South Yorkshire; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (P.N.L.), Trafford Centre for Biomedical Research, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton; The Walton Centre NHS Trust (C.A.Y.), Liverpool, UK; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (G.M.), Milan; Department of Neuroscience (J.M.), Sant'Agostino-Estense Hospital and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena; Department of Neurology (G.B.), Azienda Universitario Ospedaliera di Cagliari and University of Cagliari; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (P.V.), Mistretta, Italy; Rijnstate Ziekenhuis (E.V.), Arnhem, the Netherlands; Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience (A.C.), ALS Centre, University of Torino; and Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza (A.C.), Turin, Italy
| | - Esther Verstraete
- From the Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus (R.P.A.v.E., F.P.D., W.v.R., J.H.V., L.H.v.d.B., M.A.v.E.), and Department of Biostatistics and Research Support (M.J.C.E.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands; Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute and United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute Centre (A.R.J., W.S., A.S., C.E.S., A.A.-C.), Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London; Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) (P.J.S.), University of Sheffield, South Yorkshire; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (P.N.L.), Trafford Centre for Biomedical Research, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton; The Walton Centre NHS Trust (C.A.Y.), Liverpool, UK; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (G.M.), Milan; Department of Neuroscience (J.M.), Sant'Agostino-Estense Hospital and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena; Department of Neurology (G.B.), Azienda Universitario Ospedaliera di Cagliari and University of Cagliari; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (P.V.), Mistretta, Italy; Rijnstate Ziekenhuis (E.V.), Arnhem, the Netherlands; Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience (A.C.), ALS Centre, University of Torino; and Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza (A.C.), Turin, Italy
| | - Marinus J C Eijkemans
- From the Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus (R.P.A.v.E., F.P.D., W.v.R., J.H.V., L.H.v.d.B., M.A.v.E.), and Department of Biostatistics and Research Support (M.J.C.E.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands; Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute and United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute Centre (A.R.J., W.S., A.S., C.E.S., A.A.-C.), Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London; Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) (P.J.S.), University of Sheffield, South Yorkshire; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (P.N.L.), Trafford Centre for Biomedical Research, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton; The Walton Centre NHS Trust (C.A.Y.), Liverpool, UK; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (G.M.), Milan; Department of Neuroscience (J.M.), Sant'Agostino-Estense Hospital and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena; Department of Neurology (G.B.), Azienda Universitario Ospedaliera di Cagliari and University of Cagliari; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (P.V.), Mistretta, Italy; Rijnstate Ziekenhuis (E.V.), Arnhem, the Netherlands; Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience (A.C.), ALS Centre, University of Torino; and Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza (A.C.), Turin, Italy
| | - Jan H Veldink
- From the Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus (R.P.A.v.E., F.P.D., W.v.R., J.H.V., L.H.v.d.B., M.A.v.E.), and Department of Biostatistics and Research Support (M.J.C.E.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands; Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute and United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute Centre (A.R.J., W.S., A.S., C.E.S., A.A.-C.), Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London; Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) (P.J.S.), University of Sheffield, South Yorkshire; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (P.N.L.), Trafford Centre for Biomedical Research, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton; The Walton Centre NHS Trust (C.A.Y.), Liverpool, UK; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (G.M.), Milan; Department of Neuroscience (J.M.), Sant'Agostino-Estense Hospital and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena; Department of Neurology (G.B.), Azienda Universitario Ospedaliera di Cagliari and University of Cagliari; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (P.V.), Mistretta, Italy; Rijnstate Ziekenhuis (E.V.), Arnhem, the Netherlands; Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience (A.C.), ALS Centre, University of Torino; and Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza (A.C.), Turin, Italy
| | - Adriano Chio
- From the Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus (R.P.A.v.E., F.P.D., W.v.R., J.H.V., L.H.v.d.B., M.A.v.E.), and Department of Biostatistics and Research Support (M.J.C.E.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands; Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute and United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute Centre (A.R.J., W.S., A.S., C.E.S., A.A.-C.), Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London; Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) (P.J.S.), University of Sheffield, South Yorkshire; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (P.N.L.), Trafford Centre for Biomedical Research, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton; The Walton Centre NHS Trust (C.A.Y.), Liverpool, UK; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (G.M.), Milan; Department of Neuroscience (J.M.), Sant'Agostino-Estense Hospital and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena; Department of Neurology (G.B.), Azienda Universitario Ospedaliera di Cagliari and University of Cagliari; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (P.V.), Mistretta, Italy; Rijnstate Ziekenhuis (E.V.), Arnhem, the Netherlands; Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience (A.C.), ALS Centre, University of Torino; and Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza (A.C.), Turin, Italy
| | - Ammar Al-Chalabi
- From the Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus (R.P.A.v.E., F.P.D., W.v.R., J.H.V., L.H.v.d.B., M.A.v.E.), and Department of Biostatistics and Research Support (M.J.C.E.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands; Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute and United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute Centre (A.R.J., W.S., A.S., C.E.S., A.A.-C.), Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London; Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) (P.J.S.), University of Sheffield, South Yorkshire; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (P.N.L.), Trafford Centre for Biomedical Research, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton; The Walton Centre NHS Trust (C.A.Y.), Liverpool, UK; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (G.M.), Milan; Department of Neuroscience (J.M.), Sant'Agostino-Estense Hospital and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena; Department of Neurology (G.B.), Azienda Universitario Ospedaliera di Cagliari and University of Cagliari; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (P.V.), Mistretta, Italy; Rijnstate Ziekenhuis (E.V.), Arnhem, the Netherlands; Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience (A.C.), ALS Centre, University of Torino; and Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza (A.C.), Turin, Italy.
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- From the Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus (R.P.A.v.E., F.P.D., W.v.R., J.H.V., L.H.v.d.B., M.A.v.E.), and Department of Biostatistics and Research Support (M.J.C.E.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands; Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute and United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute Centre (A.R.J., W.S., A.S., C.E.S., A.A.-C.), Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London; Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) (P.J.S.), University of Sheffield, South Yorkshire; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (P.N.L.), Trafford Centre for Biomedical Research, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton; The Walton Centre NHS Trust (C.A.Y.), Liverpool, UK; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (G.M.), Milan; Department of Neuroscience (J.M.), Sant'Agostino-Estense Hospital and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena; Department of Neurology (G.B.), Azienda Universitario Ospedaliera di Cagliari and University of Cagliari; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (P.V.), Mistretta, Italy; Rijnstate Ziekenhuis (E.V.), Arnhem, the Netherlands; Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience (A.C.), ALS Centre, University of Torino; and Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza (A.C.), Turin, Italy
| | - Michael A van Es
- From the Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus (R.P.A.v.E., F.P.D., W.v.R., J.H.V., L.H.v.d.B., M.A.v.E.), and Department of Biostatistics and Research Support (M.J.C.E.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands; Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute and United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute Centre (A.R.J., W.S., A.S., C.E.S., A.A.-C.), Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London; Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) (P.J.S.), University of Sheffield, South Yorkshire; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (P.N.L.), Trafford Centre for Biomedical Research, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton; The Walton Centre NHS Trust (C.A.Y.), Liverpool, UK; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (G.M.), Milan; Department of Neuroscience (J.M.), Sant'Agostino-Estense Hospital and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena; Department of Neurology (G.B.), Azienda Universitario Ospedaliera di Cagliari and University of Cagliari; Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS (P.V.), Mistretta, Italy; Rijnstate Ziekenhuis (E.V.), Arnhem, the Netherlands; Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience (A.C.), ALS Centre, University of Torino; and Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza (A.C.), Turin, Italy.
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Katyal N, Govindarajan R. Shortcomings in the Current Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Trials and Potential Solutions for Improvement. Front Neurol 2017; 8:521. [PMID: 29033893 PMCID: PMC5626834 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2017.00521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a clinically progressive neurodegenerative syndrome predominantly affecting motor neurons and their associated tracts. Riluzole and edaravone are the only FDA certified drugs for treating ALS. Over the past two decades, almost all clinical trials aiming to develop a successful therapeutic strategy for this disease have failed. Genetic complexity, inadequate animal models, poor clinical trial design, lack of sensitive biomarkers, and diagnostic delays are some of the potential reasons limiting any significant development in ALS clinical trials. In this review, we have outlined the possible reasons for failure of ALS clinical trials, addressed the factors limiting timely diagnosis, and suggested possible solutions for future considerations for each of the shortcomings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nakul Katyal
- Neurology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Raghav Govindarajan
- Neurology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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Pany S, Ghosh A, You Y, Nguyen N, Das J. Resveratrol inhibits phorbol ester-induced membrane translocation of presynaptic Munc13-1. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2017; 1861:2640-2651. [PMID: 28713022 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2017.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resveratrol (1) is a naturally occurring polyphenol that has been implicated in neuroprotection. One of resveratrol's several biological targets is Ca2+-sensitive protein kinase C alpha (PKCα). Resveratrol inhibits PKCα by binding to its activator-binding C1 domain. Munc13-1 is a C1 domain-containing Ca2+-sensitive SNARE complex protein essential for vesicle priming and neurotransmitter release. METHODS To test if resveratrol could also bind and inhibit Munc13-1, we studied the interaction of resveratrol and its derivatives, (E)-1,3-dimethoxy-5-(4-methoxystyryl)benzene, (E)-5,5'-(ethene-1,2-diyl)bis(benzene-1,2,3-triol), (E)-1,2-bis(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)ethane, and (E)-5-(4-(hexadecyloxy)-3,5-dihydroxystyryl)benzene-1,2,3-triol with Munc13-1 by studying its membrane translocation from cytosol to plasma membrane in HT22 cells and primary hippocampal neurons. RESULTS Resveratrol, but not the derivatives inhibited phorbol ester-induced Munc13-1 translocation from cytosol to membrane in HT22 cells and primary hippocampal neurons, as evidenced by immunoblot analysis and confocal microscopy. Resveratrol did not show any effect on Munc13-1H567K, a mutant which is not sensitive to phorbol ester. Binding studies with Munc13-1 C1 indicated that resveratrol competes with phorbol ester for the binding site. Molecular docking and dynamics studies suggested that hydroxyl groups of resveratrol interact with phorbol-ester binding residues in the binding pocket. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE This study characterizes Munc13-1 as a target of resveratrol and highlights the importance of dietary polyphenol in the management of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satyabrata Pany
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, United States
| | - Anamitra Ghosh
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, United States
| | - Youngki You
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, United States
| | - Nga Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, United States
| | - Joydip Das
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, United States.
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35
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Genetic variation associated with the occurrence and progression of neurological disorders. Neurotoxicology 2017; 61:243-264. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2016.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Katz ML, Jensen CA, Student JT, Johnson GC, Coates JR. Cervical spinal cord and motor unit pathology in a canine model of SOD1-associated amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol Sci 2017; 378:193-203. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2017.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Rocha AJD, Chieia MA. Revealing the microstructural brain damage in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: the relentless pursuit to approach an imaging biomarker. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2017; 75:265-266. [PMID: 28591383 DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x20170055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antônio José da Rocha
- Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, Serviço de Diagnóstico por Imagem, São Paulo SP, Brasil
| | - Marco Antonio Chieia
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Departamento de Neurologia e Neurocirurgia, São Paulo SP, Brasil
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Danziger SA, Miller LR, Singh K, Whitney GA, Peskind ER, Li G, Lipshutz RJ, Aitchison JD, Smith JJ. An indicator cell assay for blood-based diagnostics. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178608. [PMID: 28594877 PMCID: PMC5464608 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We have established proof of principle for the Indicator Cell Assay Platform™ (iCAP™), a broadly applicable tool for blood-based diagnostics that uses specifically-selected, standardized cells as biosensors, relying on their innate ability to integrate and respond to diverse signals present in patients' blood. To develop an assay, indicator cells are exposed in vitro to serum from case or control subjects and their global differential response patterns are used to train reliable, disease classifiers based on a small number of features. In a feasibility study, the iCAP detected pre-symptomatic disease in a murine model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with 94% accuracy (p-Value = 3.81E-6) and correctly identified samples from a murine Huntington's disease model as non-carriers of ALS. Beyond the mouse model, in a preliminary human disease study, the iCAP detected early stage Alzheimer's disease with 72% cross-validated accuracy (p-Value = 3.10E-3). For both assays, iCAP features were enriched for disease-related genes, supporting the assay's relevance for disease research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel A. Danziger
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Center for Infectious Disease Research (formerly Seattle Biomedical Research Institute), Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Leslie R. Miller
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Karanbir Singh
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | | | - Elaine R. Peskind
- Northwest Network (VISN-20) Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Puget Sound, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Ge Li
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System (VA Puget Sound), Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Robert J. Lipshutz
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- PreCyte Inc., Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - John D. Aitchison
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Center for Infectious Disease Research (formerly Seattle Biomedical Research Institute), Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Jennifer J. Smith
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Center for Infectious Disease Research (formerly Seattle Biomedical Research Institute), Seattle, WA, United States of America
- PreCyte Inc., Seattle, WA, United States of America
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Markovinovic A, Cimbro R, Ljutic T, Kriz J, Rogelj B, Munitic I. Optineurin in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Multifunctional adaptor protein at the crossroads of different neuroprotective mechanisms. Prog Neurobiol 2017; 154:1-20. [PMID: 28456633 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2017.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2017] [Revised: 04/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
When optineurin mutations showed up on the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) landscape in 2010, they differed from most other ALS-causing genes. They seemed to act by loss- rather than gain-of-function, and it was unclear how a polyubiquitin-binding adaptor protein, which was proposed to regulate a variety of cellular functions including cell signaling and vesicle trafficking, could mediate neuroprotection. This review discusses the considerable progress that has been made since then. A large number of mutations in optineurin and optineurin-interacting proteins TANK-binding kinase (TBK1) and p62/SQSTM-1 have been found in the ALS patients, suggesting a common neuroprotective pathway. Moreover, functional studies of the ALS-causing optineurin mutations and the recently established optineurin ubiquitin-binding deficient and knockout mouse models helped identify three major mechanisms likely to mediate neuroprotection: regulation of autophagy, mitigation of (chronic) inflammatory signaling, and blockade of necroptosis. These three processes crosstalk, and require multiple levels of control, many of which can be mediated by optineurin. Based on the role of optineurin in multiple processes and the unexpected finding that targeted optineurin deletion in microglia and oligodendrocytes ultimately leads to the same phenotype of axonal degeneration despite different initial defects, we propose that the failure of the weakest link in the optineurin neuroprotective network is sufficient to disturb homeostasis and set-off the domino effect that could ultimately lead to neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Markovinovic
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Raffaello Cimbro
- Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Tereza Ljutic
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Jasna Kriz
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Research Centre of the Mental Health Institute of Quebec, Laval University, Quebec, Quebec G1J 2G3, Canada
| | - Boris Rogelj
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Biomedical Research Institute BRIS, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ivana Munitic
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
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Krüger S, Battke F, Sprecher A, Munz M, Synofzik M, Schöls L, Gasser T, Grehl T, Prudlo J, Biskup S. Rare Variants in Neurodegeneration Associated Genes Revealed by Targeted Panel Sequencing in a German ALS Cohort. Front Mol Neurosci 2016; 9:92. [PMID: 27790088 PMCID: PMC5061735 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2016.00092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive fatal multisystemic neurodegenerative disorder caused by preferential degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons. To further delineate the genetic architecture of the disease, we used comprehensive panel sequencing in a cohort of 80 German ALS patients. The panel covered 39 confirmed ALS genes and candidate genes, as well as 238 genes associated with other entities of the neurodegenerative disease spectrum. In addition, we performed repeat length analysis for C9orf72. Our aim was to (1) identify potentially disease-causing variants, to (2) assess a proposed model of polygenic inheritance in ALS and to (3) connect ALS with other neurodegenerative entities. We identified 79 rare potentially pathogenic variants in 27 ALS associated genes in familial and sporadic cases. Five patients had pathogenic C9orf72 repeat expansions, a further four patients harbored intermediate length repeat expansions. Our findings demonstrate that a genetic background of the disease can actually be found in a large proportion of seemingly sporadic cases and that it is not limited to putative most frequently affected genes such as C9orf72 or SOD1. Assessing the polygenic nature of ALS, we identified 15 patients carrying at least two rare potentially pathogenic variants in ALS associated genes including pathogenic or intermediate C9orf72 repeat expansions. Multiple variants might influence severity or duration of disease or could account for intrafamilial phenotypic variability or reduced penetrance. However, we could not observe a correlation with age of onset in this study. We further detected potentially pathogenic variants in other neurodegeneration associated genes in 12 patients, supporting the hypothesis of common pathways in neurodegenerative diseases and linking ALS to other entities of the neurodegenerative spectrum. Most interestingly we found variants in GBE1 and SPG7 which might represent differential diagnoses. Based on our findings, we recommend two-staged genetic testing for ALS in Germany in patients with familial and sporadic ALS, comprising C9orf72 repeat analysis followed by comprehensive panel sequencing including differential diagnoses that impair motor neuron function to meet the complexity of ALS genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Krüger
- CeGaT GmbH, Center for Genomics and Transcriptomics Tübingen, Germany
| | - Florian Battke
- CeGaT GmbH, Center for Genomics and Transcriptomics Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andrea Sprecher
- CeGaT GmbH, Center for Genomics and Transcriptomics Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marita Munz
- CeGaT GmbH, Center for Genomics and TranscriptomicsTübingen, Germany; Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of TübingenTübingen, Germany
| | - Matthis Synofzik
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of TübingenTübingen, Germany; German Research Center for Neurodegenerative DiseasesTübingen, Germany
| | - Ludger Schöls
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of TübingenTübingen, Germany; German Research Center for Neurodegenerative DiseasesTübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Gasser
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of TübingenTübingen, Germany; German Research Center for Neurodegenerative DiseasesTübingen, Germany
| | - Torsten Grehl
- Department of Neurology, BG-Kliniken Bergmannsheil GmbH, Ruhr-University Bochum Bochum, Germany
| | - Johannes Prudlo
- Department of Neurology, University of RostockRostock, Germany; German Research Center for Neurodegenerative DiseasesRostock, Germany
| | - Saskia Biskup
- CeGaT GmbH, Center for Genomics and TranscriptomicsTübingen, Germany; Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of TübingenTübingen, Germany
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Gerhard GS, Jin Q, Paynton BV, Popoff SN. The Anatomy to Genomics (ATG) Start Genetics medical school initiative: incorporating exome sequencing data from cadavers used for Anatomy instruction into the first year curriculum. BMC Med Genomics 2016; 9:62. [PMID: 27716216 PMCID: PMC5053090 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-016-0223-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing use of next generation DNA sequencing in clinical medicine is exposing the need for more genetics education in physician training. We piloted an initiative to determine the feasibility of incorporating exome sequencing data generated from DNA obtained from cadavers used for teaching Anatomy into a first year medical student integrated block-style course. METHODS We optimized the procedure to obtain DNA for exome sequencing by comparing the quality and quantity of DNA isolated from several tissues by two different extraction methods. DNA was sequenced using exome capture and analyzed using standard methods. Single nucleotide variants (SNVs), as well as small insertions/deletions, with potential functional impact were selected by faculty for student teams to independently investigate and prepare presentations on their findings. RESULTS A total of seven cadaver DNAs were sequenced yielding high quality results. SNVs were identified that were associated, with known physical traits and disease susceptibility, as well as pharmacogenomic phenotypes. Students presented findings based on correlation with known clinical information about the cadavers' diseases and traits. CONCLUSION Exome sequencing of cadaver DNA is a useful tool to integrate Anatomy with Genetics and Biochemistry into a first year medical student core curriculum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn S. Gerhard
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University , Philadelphia, PA 19140 USA
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Biochemistry, 960 Medical Education and Research Building (MERB), Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University , 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140 USA
| | - Qunyan Jin
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University , Philadelphia, PA 19140 USA
| | - Barbara V. Paynton
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University , Philadelphia, PA 19140 USA
| | - Steven N. Popoff
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University , Philadelphia, PA 19140 USA
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Su X, Kang PB, Russell JA, Simmons Z. Ethical issues in the evaluation of adults with suspected genetic neuromuscular disorders. Muscle Nerve 2016; 54:997-1006. [PMID: 27615030 DOI: 10.1002/mus.25400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Genetic testing is rapidly becoming an increasingly significant part of the diagnostic armamentarium of neuromuscular clinicians. Although technically easy to order, the results of such testing, whether positive or negative, have potentially enormous consequences for the individual tested and for family members. As a result, ethical considerations must be in the forefront of the physician's agenda when obtaining genetic testing. Informed consent is an important starting point for discussions between physicians and patients, but the counseling embedded in the informed consent process must be an ongoing part of subsequent interactions, including return of results and follow-up. Patient autonomy, including the right to know and right not-to-know results, must be respected. Considerations of capacity, physician beneficence and nonmaleficence, and privacy all play roles in the process. Muscle Nerve 54: 997-1006, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Su
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Peter B Kang
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - James A Russell
- Section of Neurology, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Zachary Simmons
- Departments of Neurology and Humanities, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, 30 Hope Drive, Hershey, Pennsylvania, 17033, USA
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or motor neuron disease is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder. The primary involvement is of motor neurons in the brain, spinal cord and peripherally. There is secondary weakness of muscles and primary involvement of other brain regions, especially involving cognition. SOURCES OF DATA Peer-reviewed journal articles and reviews. PubMed.gov AREAS OF AGREEMENT The pathogenesis of ALS remains largely unknown. There are a wide range of potential mechanisms related to neurodegeneration. An increasing number of genetic factors are recognized. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY There remains controversy, or lack of knowledge, in explaining how cellular events manifest as the complex human disease. There is controversy as to how well cellular and animal models of disease relate to the human disease. GROWING POINTS Large-scale international collaborative genetic epidemiological studies are replacing local studies. Therapies related to pathogenesis remain elusive, with the greatest advances to date relating to provision of care (including multidisciplinary management) and supportive care (nutrition and respiratory support). AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH The identification of C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeats as the most frequent genetic background to ALS, and the association with frontotemporal dementia, gives the potential of a genetic background against which to study other risk factors, triggers and pathogenic mechanisms, and to develop potential therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Morgan
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Richard W Orrell
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, UK
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Fifita JA, Williams KL, Sundaramoorthy V, Mccann EP, Nicholson GA, Atkin JD, Blair IP. A novel amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mutation in OPTN induces ER stress and Golgi fragmentation in vitro. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2016; 18:126-133. [DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2016.1218517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A. Fifita
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia,
| | - Kelly L. Williams
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia,
| | - Vinod Sundaramoorthy
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia,
| | - Emily P. Mccann
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia,
| | - Garth A. Nicholson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia,
- Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia,
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia,
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Concord Hospital, Concord, New South Wales, Australia, and
| | - Julie D. Atkin
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia,
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ian P. Blair
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia,
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Gubert F, Satiago MF. Prospects for bone marrow cell therapy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: how far are we from a clinical treatment? Neural Regen Res 2016; 11:1216-9. [PMID: 27651758 PMCID: PMC5020809 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.189167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that causes progressive muscular atrophy and death within 3-5 years after its onset. Despite the significant advances in knowledge of ALS pathology, no effective treatment is available. Therefore, it is imperative to search for new alternatives to treat ALS. Cell therapy, especially using bone-marrow cells, has showed to be very useful to protect the neural tissue in different brain disease or traumatic lesions. In ALS, most published results show beneficial effects of the use bone marrow cells, especially mesenchymal stromal cells. However, until now, the best outcome extends animal's lifespan by only a few weeks. It is essential to continue the search for a really effective therapy, testing different cells, routes and time-windows of administration. Studying the mechanisms that initiate and spread the degenerative process is also important to find out an effective therapy. Therefore, we discussed here some progresses that have been made using bone-marrow cell therapy as a therapeutic tool for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Gubert
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Marcelo F. Satiago
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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46
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Fraidakis MJ, Brunetti M, Blackstone C, Filippi M, Chiò A. Novel Compound Heterozygous Spatacsin Mutations in a Greek Kindred with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia SPG11 and Dementia. NEURODEGENER DIS 2016; 16:373-81. [PMID: 27318863 DOI: 10.1159/000444715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
SPG11 belongs to the autosomal recessive hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSP) and presents during childhood or puberty with a complex clinical phenotype encompassing learning difficulties, ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, amyotrophy, and mental retardation. We hereby present the case of a 30-year-old female patient with complex autosomal recessive HSP with thinning of the corpus callosum (TCC) and dementia that was compound heterozygous with two novel mutations in the SPG11 gene. Sequence analysis of the SPG11 gene revealed two novel mutations in a compound heterozygous state in the index patient (c.2431C>T/p.Gln811Ter and c.6755_6756insT/p.Glu2252Aspfs*88). MRI showed abnormal TCC, white matter (WM) hyperintensities periventricularly, and the 'ears of the lynx' sign. Diffusion tensor imaging showed a mild-to-moderate decrease in fractional anisotropy and an increase in mean diffusivity in WM compared to age-matched controls, while magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed abnormal findings in affected WM with a decrease in N-acetyl-aspartate in WM regions of interest. This is the first SPG11 kindred from the Greek population to be reported in the medical literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Fraidakis
- NEURORARE Centre for Rare and Genetic Neurological and Neuromuscular Diseases and Neurogenetics, Athens, Greece
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Pochet R, Nicaise C, Mitrečić D. Translation of the focus toward excellence in translational science: comment on "TDP-43 Repression of Nonconserved Cryptic Exons is Compromised in ALS-FTD". Croat Med J 2016; 56:493-5. [PMID: 26526887 PMCID: PMC4655934 DOI: 10.3325/cmj.2015.56.493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dinko Mitrečić
- Dinko Mitrečić, Laboratory for Stem Cells, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia,
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Akiyama T, Warita H, Kato M, Nishiyama A, Izumi R, Ikeda C, Kamada M, Suzuki N, Aoki M. Genotype-phenotype relationships in familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with FUS/TLS mutations in Japan. Muscle Nerve 2016; 54:398-404. [PMID: 26823199 DOI: 10.1002/mus.25061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We investigated possible genotype-phenotype correlations in Japanese patients with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FALS) carrying fused in sarcoma/translated in liposarcoma (FUS/TLS) gene mutations. METHODS A consecutive series of 111 Japanese FALS pedigrees were screened for copper/zinc superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and FUS/TLS gene mutations. Clinical data, including onset age, onset site, disease duration, and extramotor symptoms, were collected. RESULTS Nine different FUS/TLS mutations were found in 12 pedigrees. Most of the patients with FUS/TLS-linked FALS demonstrated early onset in the brainstem/upper cervical region, and relatively short disease duration. A few mutations exhibited phenotypes that were distinct from typical cases. Frontotemporal dementia was present in 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed a characteristic phenotype in FUS/TLS-linked FALS patients in Japan. FUS/TLS screening is recommended in patients with FALS with this phenotype. Muscle Nerve 54: 398-404, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Akiyama
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Warita
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Masaaki Kato
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Ayumi Nishiyama
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Rumiko Izumi
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Chikako Ikeda
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Masaki Kamada
- Department of Neurological Intractable Disease Research, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Naoki Suzuki
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Masashi Aoki
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
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49
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Krieger C, Wang SJH, Yoo SH, Harden N. Adducin at the Neuromuscular Junction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Hanging on for Dear Life. Front Cell Neurosci 2016; 10:11. [PMID: 26858605 PMCID: PMC4731495 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2016.00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurological dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/motor neurone disease (MND) is associated with defective nerve-muscle contacts early in the disease suggesting that perturbations of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) linking the pre- and post-synaptic components of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) are involved. To search for candidate proteins implicated in this degenerative process, researchers have studied the Drosophila larval NMJ and find that the cytoskeleton-associated protein, adducin, is ideally placed to regulate synaptic contacts. By controlling the levels of synaptic proteins, adducin can de-stabilize synaptic contacts. Interestingly, elevated levels of phosphorylated adducin have been reported in ALS patients and in a mouse model of the disease. Adducin is regulated by phosphorylation through protein kinase C (PKC), some isoforms of which exhibit Ca2+-dependence, raising the possibility that changes in intracellular Ca2+ might alter PKC activation and secondarily influence adducin phosphorylation. Furthermore, adducin has interactions with the alpha subunit of the Na+/K+-ATPase. Thus, the phosphorylation of adducin may secondarily influence synaptic stability at the NMJ and so influence pre- and post-synaptic integrity at the NMJ in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Krieger
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Simon Ji Hau Wang
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser UniversityBurnaby, BC, Canada; Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser UniversityBurnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Soo Hyun Yoo
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser UniversityBurnaby, BC, Canada; Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser UniversityBurnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Nicholas Harden
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University Burnaby, BC, Canada
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50
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Abstract
Genes linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) susceptibility are being identified at an increasing rate owing to advances in molecular genetic technology. Genetic mechanisms in ALS pathogenesis seem to exert major effects in about 10% of patients, but genetic factors at some level may be important components of disease risk in most patients with ALS. Identification of gene variants associated with ALS has informed concepts of the pathogenesis of ALS, aided the identification of therapeutic targets, facilitated research to develop new ALS biomarkers, and supported the establishment of clinical diagnostic tests for ALS-linked genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Boylan
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.
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