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Ebrahimi P, Davoudi E, Sadeghian R, Zadeh AZ, Razmi E, Heidari R, Morowvat MH, Sadeghian I. In vivo and ex vivo gene therapy for neurodegenerative diseases: a promise for disease modification. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:7501-7530. [PMID: 38775852 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03141-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), including AD, PD, HD, and ALS, represent a growing public health concern linked to aging and lifestyle factors, characterized by progressive nervous system damage leading to motor and cognitive deficits. Current therapeutics offer only symptomatic management, highlighting the urgent need for disease-modifying treatments. Gene therapy has emerged as a promising approach, targeting the underlying pathology of diseases with diverse strategies including gene replacement, gene silencing, and gene editing. This innovative therapeutic approach involves introducing functional genetic material to combat disease mechanisms, potentially offering long-term efficacy and disease modification. With advancements in genomics, structural biology, and gene editing tools such as CRISPR/Cas9, gene therapy holds significant promise for addressing the root causes of NDDs. Significant progress in preclinical and clinical studies has demonstrated the potential of in vivo and ex vivo gene therapy to treat various NDDs, offering a versatile and precise approach in comparison to conventional treatments. The current review describes various gene therapy approaches employed in preclinical and clinical studies for the treatment of NDDs, including AD, PD, HD, and ALS, and addresses some of the key translational challenges in this therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pouya Ebrahimi
- Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Elham Davoudi
- Department of Biomedical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | | | - Amin Zaki Zadeh
- Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Emran Razmi
- Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Reza Heidari
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Morowvat
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Issa Sadeghian
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Mendonça LS, Henriques D, Fernandes V, Moreira R, Brás J, Duarte S, Schwamborn JC, de Almeida LP. Graft-derived neurons and bystander effects are maintained for six months after human iPSC-derived NESC transplantation in mice's cerebella. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3236. [PMID: 38332227 PMCID: PMC10853537 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53542-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by widespread neuronal death affecting the cerebellum. Cell therapy can trigger neuronal replacement and neuroprotection through bystander effects providing a therapeutic option for neurodegenerative diseases. Here, human control (CNT) and MJD iPSC-derived neuroepithelial stem cells (NESC) were established and tested for their therapeutic potential. Cells' neuroectodermal phenotype was demonstrated. Brain organoids obtained from the Control NESC showed higher mRNA levels of genes related to stem cells' bystander effects, such as BDNF, NEUROD1, and NOTCH1, as compared with organoids produced from MJD NESC, suggesting that Control NESC have a higher therapeutic potential. Graft-derived glia and neurons, such as cells positive for markers of cerebellar neurons, were detected six months after NESC transplantation in mice cerebella. The graft-derived neurons established excitatory and inhibitory synapses in the host cerebella, although CNT neurons exhibited higher excitatory synapse numbers compared with MJD neurons. Cell grafts, mainly CNT NESC, sustained the bystander effects through modulation of inflammatory interleukins (IL1B and IL10), neurotrophic factors (NGF), and neurogenesis-related proteins (Msi1 and NeuroD1), for six months in the mice cerebella. Altogether this study demonstrates the long-lasting therapeutic potential of human iPSC-derived NESC in the cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana S Mendonça
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Daniel Henriques
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vanessa Fernandes
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Moreira
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Brás
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sónia Duarte
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jens C Schwamborn
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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Rufino-Ramos D, Albuquerque PR, Leandro K, Carmona V, Martins IM, Fernandes R, Henriques C, Lobo D, Faro R, Perfeito R, Mendonça LS, Pereira D, Gomes CM, Nobre RJ, Pereira de Almeida L. Extracellular vesicle-based delivery of silencing sequences for the treatment of Machado-Joseph disease/spinocerebellar ataxia type 3. Mol Ther 2023; 31:1275-1292. [PMID: 37025062 PMCID: PMC10188911 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.04.001] [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: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Machado-Joseph disease (MJD)/spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is the most common autosomal dominantly inherited ataxia worldwide. It is caused by an over-repetition of the trinucleotide CAG within the ATXN3 gene, which confers toxic properties to ataxin-3 (ATXN3) species. RNA interference technology has shown promising therapeutic outcomes but still lacks a non-invasive delivery method to the brain. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) emerged as promising delivery vehicles due to their capacity to deliver small nucleic acids, such as microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs were found to be enriched into EVs due to specific signal motifs designated as ExoMotifs. In this study, we aimed at investigating whether ExoMotifs would promote the packaging of artificial miRNAs into EVs to be used as non-invasive therapeutic delivery vehicles to treat MJD/SCA3. We found that miRNA-based silencing sequences, associated with ExoMotif GGAG and ribonucleoprotein A2B1 (hnRNPA2B1), retained the capacity to silence mutant ATXN3 (mutATXN3) and were 3-fold enriched into EVs. Bioengineered EVs containing the neuronal targeting peptide RVG on the surface significantly decreased mutATXN3 mRNA in primary cerebellar neurons from MJD YAC 84.2 and in a novel dual-luciferase MJD mouse model upon daily intranasal administration. Altogether, these findings indicate that bioengineered EVs carrying miRNA-based silencing sequences are a promising delivery vehicle for brain therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Rufino-Ramos
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Patrícia R Albuquerque
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Kevin Leandro
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vitor Carmona
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Inês M Martins
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rita Fernandes
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carina Henriques
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Diana Lobo
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rosário Faro
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rita Perfeito
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Liliana S Mendonça
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Dina Pereira
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Célia M Gomes
- CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui Jorge Nobre
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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Maxwell ND, Smiley CE, Sadek AT, Loyo-Rosado FZ, Giles DC, Macht VA, Woodruff JL, Taylor DL, Wilson SP, Fadel JR, Reagan LP, Grillo CA. Leptin activation of dorsal raphe neurons inhibits feeding behavior. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.24.538086. [PMID: 37162932 PMCID: PMC10168215 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.24.538086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Leptin is a homeostatic regulatory element that signals the presence of energy stores -in the form of adipocytes-which ultimately reduces food intake and increases energy expenditure. Similarly, serotonin (5-HT), a signaling molecule found in both the central and peripheral nervous systems, also regulates food intake. Here we use a combination of pharmacological manipulations, optogenetics, retrograde tracing, and in situ hybridization, combined with behavioral endpoints to physiologically and anatomically identify a novel leptin-mediated pathway between 5-HT neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) and hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) that controls food intake. In this study, we show that microinjecting leptin directly into the DRN reduces food intake in male Sprague-Dawley rats. This effect is mediated by leptin-receptor expressing neurons in the DRN as selective optogenetic activation of these neurons at either their ARC terminals or DRN cell bodies also reduces food intake. Anatomically, we identified a unique population of serotonergic raphe neurons expressing leptin receptors that send projections to the ARC. Finally, by utilizing in vivo microdialysis and high-performance liquid chromatography, we show that leptin administration to the DRN increases 5-HT efflux into the ARC. Overall, this study identifies a novel circuit for leptin-mediated control of food intake through a DRN-ARC pathway, utilizing 5-HT as a mechanism to control feeding behavior. Characterization of this new pathway creates opportunities for understanding how the brain controls eating behavior, as well as opens alternative routes for the treatment of eating disorders. Significance Leptin and serotonin both play a vital role in the regulation of food intake, yet there is still uncertainty in how these two molecules interact to control appetite. The purpose of this study is to further understand the anatomical and functional connections between leptin receptor expressing neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus, the main source of serotonin, and the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, and how serotonin plays a role in this pathway to reduce food intake. Insight gained from this study will contribute to a more thorough understanding of the networks that regulate food intake, and open alternative avenues for the development of treatments for obesity and eating disorders.
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Neurotrophic Factors as Regenerative Therapy for Neurodegenerative Diseases: Current Status, Challenges and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043866. [PMID: 36835277 PMCID: PMC9968045 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury (SCI), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), are characterized by acute or chronic progressive loss of one or several neuronal subtypes. However, despite their increasing prevalence, little progress has been made in successfully treating these diseases. Research has recently focused on neurotrophic factors (NTFs) as potential regenerative therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we discuss the current state of knowledge, challenges, and future perspectives of NTFs with a direct regenerative effect in chronic inflammatory and degenerative disorders. Various systems for delivery of NTFs, such as stem and immune cells, viral vectors, and biomaterials, have been applied to deliver exogenous NTFs to the central nervous system, with promising results. The challenges that currently need to be overcome include the amount of NTFs delivered, the invasiveness of the delivery route, the blood-brain barrier permeability, and the occurrence of side effects. Nevertheless, it is important to continue research and develop standards for clinical applications. In addition to the use of single NTFs, the complexity of chronic inflammatory and degenerative diseases may require combination therapies targeting multiple pathways or other possibilities using smaller molecules, such as NTF mimetics, for effective treatment.
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Seo DC, Ju YH, Seo JJ, Oh SJ, Lee CJ, Lee SE, Nam MH. DDC-Promoter-Driven Chemogenetic Activation of SNpc Dopaminergic Neurons Alleviates Parkinsonian Motor Symptoms. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032491. [PMID: 36768816 PMCID: PMC9916413 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with typical motor symptoms. Recent studies have suggested that excessive GABA from reactive astrocytes tonically inhibits dopaminergic neurons and reduces the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the key dopamine-synthesizing enzyme, in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). However, the expression of DOPA decarboxylase (DDC), another dopamine-synthesizing enzyme, is relatively spared, raising a possibility that the live but non-functional TH-negative/DDC-positive neurons could be the therapeutic target for rescuing PD motor symptoms. However, due to the absence of a validated DDC-specific promoter, manipulating DDC-positive neuronal activity has not been tested as a therapeutic strategy for PD. Here, we developed an AAV vector expressing mCherry under rat DDC promoter (AAV-rDDC-mCherry) and validated the specificity in the rat SNpc. Modifying this vector, we expressed hM3Dq (Gq-DREADD) under DDC promoter in the SNpc and ex vivo electrophysiologically validated the functionality. In the A53T-mutated alpha-synuclein overexpression model of PD, the chemogenetic activation of DDC-positive neurons in the SNpc significantly alleviated the parkinsonian motor symptoms and rescued the nigrostriatal TH expression. Altogether, our DDC-promoter will allow dopaminergic neuron-specific gene delivery in rodents. Furthermore, we propose that the activation of dormant dopaminergic neurons could be a potential therapeutic strategy for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Chan Seo
- Research Animal Resource Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02456, Republic of Korea
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02456, Republic of Korea
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Sciences, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon Ha Ju
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02456, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Ju Seo
- Research Animal Resource Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02456, Republic of Korea
- Technological Convergence Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02456, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Jin Oh
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02456, Republic of Korea
| | - C. Justin Lee
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Eun Lee
- Research Animal Resource Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02456, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (S.E.L.); (M.-H.N.)
| | - Min-Ho Nam
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02456, Republic of Korea
- Department of KHU-KIST Convergence Science & Technology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (S.E.L.); (M.-H.N.)
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Kim M, Hyun SH. Neurotrophic factors in the porcine ovary: Their effects on follicular growth, oocyte maturation, and developmental competence. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:931402. [PMID: 36032306 PMCID: PMC9399750 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.931402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Pigs are cost-effective industrial animals because they produce a large number of offspring and have shorter rebreeding intervals compared with other animals, such as non-human primates. The reproductive physiology of pigs has been studied over the past several decades. However, there is not enough research on the effects of the neurotrophic factors on the ovarian physiology and development in pigs. As the ovary is a highly innervated organ, various neurotrophic factors during ovarian development can promote the growth of nerve fibers and improve the development of ovarian cells. Thus, investigating the role of neurotrophic factors on ovarian development, and the relationship between neurotrophic factors and porcine female reproduction is worth studying. In this review, we focused on the physiological roles of various neurotrophic factors in porcine ovaries and summarized the current status of the studies related to the relationship between neurotrophic factors and porcine ovarian development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirae Kim
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology, Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Sang-Hwan Hyun
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology, Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
- Graduate School of Veterinary Biosecurity and Protection, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Sang-Hwan Hyun
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Arsenijevic Y, Berger A, Udry F, Kostic C. Lentiviral Vectors for Ocular Gene Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081605. [PMID: 36015231 PMCID: PMC9414879 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
This review offers the basics of lentiviral vector technologies, their advantages and pitfalls, and an overview of their use in the field of ophthalmology. First, the description of the global challenges encountered to develop safe and efficient lentiviral recombinant vectors for clinical application is provided. The risks and the measures taken to minimize secondary effects as well as new strategies using these vectors are also discussed. This review then focuses on lentiviral vectors specifically designed for ocular therapy and goes over preclinical and clinical studies describing their safety and efficacy. A therapeutic approach using lentiviral vector-mediated gene therapy is currently being developed for many ocular diseases, e.g., aged-related macular degeneration, retinopathy of prematurity, inherited retinal dystrophies (Leber congenital amaurosis type 2, Stargardt disease, Usher syndrome), glaucoma, and corneal fibrosis or engraftment rejection. In summary, this review shows how lentiviral vectors offer an interesting alternative for gene therapy in all ocular compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvan Arsenijevic
- Unit Retinal Degeneration and Regeneration, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland;
- Correspondence: (Y.A.); (C.K.)
| | - Adeline Berger
- Group Epigenetics of ocular diseases, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland;
| | - Florian Udry
- Unit Retinal Degeneration and Regeneration, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland;
| | - Corinne Kostic
- Group for Retinal Disorder Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (Y.A.); (C.K.)
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SIRT2 Deficiency Exacerbates Hepatic Steatosis via a Putative Role of the ER Stress Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126790. [PMID: 35743232 PMCID: PMC9223775 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition strongly associated with obesity and insulin resistance, is characterized by hepatic lipid accumulation and activation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response. The sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) protein deacetylase is emerging as a new player in metabolic homeostasis, but its role in the development of hepatic steatosis and its link with ER stress activation remains unknown. SIRT2-knockout (SIRT2-KO) and wild-type mice were fed either a control or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 4 weeks. Genetic manipulation of SIRT2 levels was performed in human hepatic cells. Although apparently normal under a control diet, SIRT2-KO mice showed accelerated body weight gain and adiposity on a HFD, accompanied by severe insulin resistance. Importantly, SIRT2-KO mice exhibited worsened hepatic steatosis independently from diet, consistent with upregulated gene expression of lipogenic enzymes and increased expression of ER stress markers. Exposure of hepatic cells to palmitate induced lipid accumulation, increased ER stress, and decreased SIRT2 expression. Moreover, SIRT2-silenced cells showed enhanced lipid accumulation and ER stress activation under basal conditions, whereas SIRT2 overexpression abrogated palmitate-induced lipid deposition and ER stress activation. Our findings reveal a role for SIRT2 in the regulation of hepatic lipid homeostasis, potentially through the ER stress response, suggesting that SIRT2 activation might constitute a therapeutic strategy against obesity and its metabolic complications.
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Rufino-Ramos D, Lule S, Mahjoum S, Ughetto S, Cristopher Bragg D, Pereira de Almeida L, Breakefield XO, Breyne K. Using genetically modified extracellular vesicles as a non-invasive strategy to evaluate brain-specific cargo. Biomaterials 2022; 281:121366. [PMID: 35033904 PMCID: PMC8886823 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The lack of techniques to trace brain cell behavior in vivo hampers the ability to monitor status of cells in a living brain. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), nanosized membrane-surrounded vesicles, released by virtually all brain cells might be able to report their status in easily accessible biofluids, such as blood. EVs communicate among tissues using lipids, saccharides, proteins, and nucleic acid cargo that reflect the state and composition of their source cells. Currently, identifying the origin of brain-derived EVs has been challenging, as they consist of a rare population diluted in an overwhelming number of blood and peripheral tissue-derived EVs. Here, we developed a sensitive platform to select out pre-labelled brain-derived EVs in blood as a platform to study the molecular fingerprints of brain cells. This proof-of-principle study used a transducible construct tagging tetraspanin (TSN) CD63, a membrane-spanning hallmark of EVs equipped with affinity, bioluminescent, and fluorescent tags to increase detection sensitivity and robustness in capture of EVs secreted from pre-labelled cells into biofluids. Our platform enables unprecedented efficient isolation of neural EVs from the blood. These EVs derived from pre-labelled mouse brain cells or engrafted human neuronal progenitor cells (hNPCs) were submitted to multiplex analyses, including transcript and protein levels, in compliance with the multibiomolecule EV carriers. Overall, our novel strategy to track brain-derived EVs in a complex biofluid opens up new avenues to study EVs released from pre-labelled cells in near and distal compartments into the biofluid source.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Rufino-Ramos
- Neurology and Radiology Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 13(th)Street, Building 149, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA; CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra, 3004-504, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal; CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sevda Lule
- Neurology and Radiology Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 13(th)Street, Building 149, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Shadi Mahjoum
- Neurology and Radiology Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 13(th)Street, Building 149, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Stefano Ughetto
- Neurology and Radiology Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 13(th)Street, Building 149, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - D Cristopher Bragg
- Neurology and Radiology Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 13(th)Street, Building 149, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA; The Collaborative Center for X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra, 3004-504, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal; CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Xandra O Breakefield
- Neurology and Radiology Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 13(th)Street, Building 149, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Koen Breyne
- Neurology and Radiology Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 13(th)Street, Building 149, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA.
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11
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Vasconcelos-Ferreira A, Martins IM, Lobo D, Pereira D, Lopes MM, Faro R, Lopes SM, Verbeek D, Schmidt T, Nóbrega C, Pereira de Almeida L. ULK overexpression mitigates motor deficits and neuropathology in mouse models of Machado-Joseph disease. Mol Ther 2022; 30:370-387. [PMID: 34298131 PMCID: PMC8753369 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder clinically characterized by prominent ataxia. It is caused by an expansion of a CAG trinucleotide in ATXN3, translating into an expanded polyglutamine (polyQ) tract in the ATXN3 protein, that becomes prone to misfolding and aggregation. The pathogenesis of the disease has been associated with the dysfunction of several cellular mechanisms, including autophagy and transcription regulation. In this study, we investigated the transcriptional modifications of the autophagy pathway in models of MJD and assessed whether modulating the levels of the affected autophagy-associated transcripts (AATs) would alleviate MJD-associated pathology. Our results show that autophagy is impaired at the transcriptional level in MJD, affecting multiple AATs, including Unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1 and 2 (ULK1 and ULK2), two homologs involved in autophagy induction. Reinstating ULK1/2 levels by adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene transfer significantly improved motor performance while preventing neuropathology in two in vivo models of MJD. Moreover, in vitro studies showed that the observed positive effects may be mainly attributed to ULK1 activity. This study provides strong evidence of the beneficial effect of overexpression of ULK homologs, suggesting these as promising instruments for the treatment of MJD and other neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Vasconcelos-Ferreira
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo 1, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,CIBB – Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Inês Morgado Martins
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo 1, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,CIBB – Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,IIIUC – Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão – Pólo II, Rua Dom Francisco de Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Diana Lobo
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo 1, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,CIBB – Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,IIIUC – Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão – Pólo II, Rua Dom Francisco de Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Dina Pereira
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo 1, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,CIBB – Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel M. Lopes
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo 1, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,CIBB – Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,IIIUC – Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão – Pólo II, Rua Dom Francisco de Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rosário Faro
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo 1, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,CIBB – Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sara M. Lopes
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo 1, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,CIBB – Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,IIIUC – Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão – Pólo II, Rua Dom Francisco de Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Dineke Verbeek
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Thorsten Schmidt
- Institute of Medical Genetics & Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany,Center for Rare Diseases (ZSE Tübingen), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Clévio Nóbrega
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo 1, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,CIBB – Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo 1, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,CIBB – Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal,Corresponding author: Luís Pereira de Almeida, PhD, CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo 1, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.
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12
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Parambi DGT, Alharbi KS, Kumar R, Harilal S, Batiha GES, Cruz-Martins N, Magdy O, Musa A, Panda DS, Mathew B. Gene Therapy Approach with an Emphasis on Growth Factors: Theoretical and Clinical Outcomes in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:191-233. [PMID: 34655056 PMCID: PMC8518903 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02555-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The etiology of many neurological diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS) is unknown and still needs more effective and specific therapeutic approaches. Gene therapy has a promising future in treating neurodegenerative disorders by correcting the genetic defects or by therapeutic protein delivery and is now an attraction for neurologists to treat brain disorders, like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, spinocerebellar ataxia, epilepsy, Huntington's disease, stroke, and spinal cord injury. Gene therapy allows the transgene induction, with a unique expression in cells' substrate. This article mainly focuses on the delivering modes of genetic materials in the CNS, which includes viral and non-viral vectors and their application in gene therapy. Despite the many clinical trials conducted so far, data have shown disappointing outcomes. The efforts done to improve outcomes, efficacy, and safety in the identification of targets in various neurological disorders are also discussed here. Adapting gene therapy as a new therapeutic approach for treating neurological disorders seems to be promising, with early detection and delivery of therapy before the neuron is lost, helping a lot the development of new therapeutic options to translate to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Della Grace Thomas Parambi
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Jouf University, Al Jouf-2014, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Saad Alharbi
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Jouf University, Al Jouf-2014, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rajesh Kumar
- Kerala University of Health Sciences, Thrissur, Kerala 680596 India
| | - Seetha Harilal
- Kerala University of Health Sciences, Thrissur, Kerala 680596 India
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22511 Al Beheira Egypt
| | - Natália Cruz-Martins
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies (CESPU), Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra PRD, Portugal
| | - Omnia Magdy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Al Jouf-2014 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Pharmacognosy Department, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Aljouf 72341 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Arafa Musa
- Pharmacognosy Department, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Aljouf 72341 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11371 Egypt
| | - Dibya Sundar Panda
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Al Jouf, Sakaka, 72341 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Bijo Mathew
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Sciences Campus, Kochi, 682 041 India
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13
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Marcelo A, Afonso IT, Afonso-Reis R, Brito DVC, Costa RG, Rosa A, Alves-Cruzeiro J, Ferreira B, Henriques C, Nobre RJ, Matos CA, de Almeida LP, Nóbrega C. Autophagy in Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2, a dysregulated pathway, and a target for therapy. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:1117. [PMID: 34845184 PMCID: PMC8630050 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04404-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is an incurable and genetic neurodegenerative disorder. The disease is characterized by progressive degeneration of several brain regions, resulting in severe motor and non-motor clinical manifestations. The mutation causing SCA2 disease is an abnormal expansion of CAG trinucleotide repeats in the ATXN2 gene, leading to a toxic expanded polyglutamine segment in the translated ataxin-2 protein. While the genetic cause is well established, the exact mechanisms behind neuronal death induced by mutant ataxin-2 are not yet completely understood. Thus, the goal of this study is to investigate the role of autophagy in SCA2 pathogenesis and investigate its suitability as a target for therapeutic intervention. For that, we developed and characterized a new striatal lentiviral mouse model that resembled several neuropathological hallmarks observed in SCA2 disease, including formation of aggregates, neuronal marker loss, cell death and neuroinflammation. In this new model, we analyzed autophagic markers, which were also analyzed in a SCA2 cellular model and in human post-mortem brain samples. Our results showed altered levels of SQSTM1 and LC3B in cells and tissues expressing mutant ataxin-2. Moreover, an abnormal accumulation of these markers was detected in SCA2 patients' striatum and cerebellum. Importantly, the molecular activation of autophagy, using the compound cordycepin, mitigated the phenotypic alterations observed in disease models. Overall, our study suggests an important role for autophagy in the context of SCA2 pathology, proposing that targeting this pathway could be a potential target to treat SCA2 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Marcelo
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, Algarve Biomedical Center, Faro, Portugal
- PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Inês T Afonso
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, Algarve Biomedical Center, Faro, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Afonso-Reis
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, Algarve Biomedical Center, Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - David V C Brito
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, Algarve Biomedical Center, Faro, Portugal
| | - Rafael G Costa
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, Algarve Biomedical Center, Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Ana Rosa
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, Algarve Biomedical Center, Faro, Portugal
| | - João Alves-Cruzeiro
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Benedita Ferreira
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, Algarve Biomedical Center, Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Carina Henriques
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui J Nobre
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carlos A Matos
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, Algarve Biomedical Center, Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Clévio Nóbrega
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, Algarve Biomedical Center, Faro, Portugal.
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal.
- Champalimaud Research Program, Champalimaud Center for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal.
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14
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Vasconcelos-Ferreira A, Carmo-Silva S, Codêsso JM, Silva P, Martinez ARM, França MC, Nóbrega C, Pereira de Almeida L. The autophagy-enhancing drug carbamazepine improves neuropathology and motor impairment in mouse models of Machado-Joseph disease. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2021; 48:e12763. [PMID: 34432315 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), or spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), is the most common autosomal dominantly-inherited ataxia worldwide and is characterised by the accumulation of mutant ataxin-3 (mutATXN3) in different brain regions, leading to neurodegeneration. Currently, there are no available treatments able to block disease progression. In this study, we investigated whether carbamazepine (CBZ) would activate autophagy and mitigate MJD pathology. METHODS The autophagy-enhancing activity of CBZ and its effects on clearance of mutATXN3 were evaluated using in vitro and in vivo models of MJD. To investigate the optimal treatment regimen, a daily or intermittent CBZ administration was applied to MJD transgenic mice expressing a truncated human ATXN3 with 69 glutamine repeats. Motor behaviour tests and immunohistology was performed to access the alleviation of MJD-associated motor deficits and neuropathology. A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the CBZ effect in MJD patients. RESULTS We found that CBZ promoted the activation of autophagy and the degradation of mutATXN3 in MJD models upon short or intermittent, but not daily prolonged, treatment regimens. CBZ up-regulated autophagy through activation of AMPK, which was dependent on the myo-inositol levels. In addition, intermittent CBZ treatment improved motor performance, as well as prevented neuropathology in MJD transgenic mice. However, in patients, no evident differences in SARA scale were found, which was not unexpected given the small number of patients included in the study. CONCLUSIONS Our data support the autophagy-enhancing activity of CBZ in the brain and suggest this pharmacological approach as a promising therapy for MJD and other polyglutamine disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Vasconcelos-Ferreira
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sara Carmo-Silva
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Miguel Codêsso
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Patrick Silva
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | | | - Clévio Nóbrega
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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15
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Kim A, Lalonde K, Truesdell A, Gomes Welter P, Brocardo PS, Rosenstock TR, Gil-Mohapel J. New Avenues for the Treatment of Huntington's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168363. [PMID: 34445070 PMCID: PMC8394361 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG expansion in the HD gene. The disease is characterized by neurodegeneration, particularly in the striatum and cortex. The first symptoms usually appear in mid-life and include cognitive deficits and motor disturbances that progress over time. Despite being a genetic disorder with a known cause, several mechanisms are thought to contribute to neurodegeneration in HD, and numerous pre-clinical and clinical studies have been conducted and are currently underway to test the efficacy of therapeutic approaches targeting some of these mechanisms with varying degrees of success. Although current clinical trials may lead to the identification or refinement of treatments that are likely to improve the quality of life of those living with HD, major efforts continue to be invested at the pre-clinical level, with numerous studies testing novel approaches that show promise as disease-modifying strategies. This review offers a detailed overview of the currently approved treatment options for HD and the clinical trials for this neurodegenerative disorder that are underway and concludes by discussing potential disease-modifying treatments that have shown promise in pre-clinical studies, including increasing neurotropic support, modulating autophagy, epigenetic and genetic manipulations, and the use of nanocarriers and stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Kim
- Island Medical Program and Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (A.K.); (K.L.)
| | - Kathryn Lalonde
- Island Medical Program and Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (A.K.); (K.L.)
| | - Aaron Truesdell
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada;
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Priscilla Gomes Welter
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil; (P.G.W.); (P.S.B.)
| | - Patricia S. Brocardo
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil; (P.G.W.); (P.S.B.)
| | - Tatiana R. Rosenstock
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Science, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
- Department of Pharmacology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Joana Gil-Mohapel
- Island Medical Program and Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (A.K.); (K.L.)
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-250-472-4597; Fax: +1-250-472-5505
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16
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Simões AT, Carmona V, Duarte-Neves J, Cunha-Santos J, Pereira de Almeida L. Identification of the calpain-generated toxic fragment of ataxin-3 protein provides new avenues for therapy of Machado-Joseph disease| Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2021; 48:e12748. [PMID: 34273111 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) is the most frequent dominantly inherited cerebellar ataxia worldwide. Expansion of a CAG trinucleotide in the MJD1 gene translates into a polyglutamine tract within ataxin-3, which upon proteolysis may lead to MJD. The aim of this work was to understand the in vivo contribution of calpain proteases to the pathogenesis of MJD. Therefore, we investigated (a) the calpain cleavage sites in ataxin-3 protein, (b) the most toxic ataxin-3 fragment generated by calpain cleavage and (c) whether targeting calpain cleavage sites of mutant ataxin-3 could be a therapeutic strategy for MJD. METHODS We generated truncated and calpain-resistant constructs at the predicted cleavage sites of ataxin-3 using inverse PCR mutagenesis. Lentiviral vectors encoding these constructs were transduced in the adult mouse brain prior to western blot and immunohistochemical analysis 5 and 8 weeks later. RESULTS We identified the putative calpain cleavage sites for both wild-type and mutant ataxin-3 proteins. The mutation of these sites eliminated the formation of the toxic fragments, namely, the 26-kDa fragment, the major contributor for striatal degeneration. Nonetheless, reducing the formation of both the 26- and 34-kDa fragments was required to preclude the intranuclear localisation of ataxin-3. A neuroprotective effect was observed upon mutagenesis of calpain cleavage sites within mutant ataxin-3 protein. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the calpain system should be considered a target for MJD therapy. The identified calpain cleavage sites will contribute to the design of targeted drugs and genome editing systems for those specific locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Teresa Simões
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vítor Carmona
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Duarte-Neves
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Janete Cunha-Santos
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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17
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Pace SA, Christensen C, Schackmuth MK, Wallace T, McKlveen JM, Beischel W, Morano R, Scheimann JR, Wilson SP, Herman JP, Myers B. Infralimbic cortical glutamate output is necessary for the neural and behavioral consequences of chronic stress. Neurobiol Stress 2020; 13:100274. [PMID: 33344727 PMCID: PMC7739189 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to prolonged stress is a major risk-factor for psychiatric disorders such as generalized anxiety and major depressive disorder. Human imaging studies have identified structural and functional abnormalities in the prefrontal cortex of subjects with depression and anxiety disorders, particularly Brodmann's area 25 (BA25). Further, deep brain stimulation of BA25 reduces symptoms of treatment-resistant depression. The rat homolog of BA25 is the infralimbic cortex (IL), which is critical for cognitive appraisal, executive function, and physiological stress reactivity. Previous studies indicate that the IL undergoes stress-induced changes in excitatory/inhibitory balance culminating in reduced activity of glutamate output neurons. However, the regulatory role of IL glutamate output in mood-related behaviors after chronic variable stress (CVS) is unknown. Here, we utilized a lentiviral-packaged small-interfering RNA to reduce translation of vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (vGluT1 siRNA), thereby constraining IL glutamate output. This viral-mediated gene transfer was used in conjunction with a quantitative anatomical analysis of cells expressing the stable immediate-early gene product FosB/ΔFosB, which accumulates in response to repeated neural activation. Through assessment of FosB/ΔFosB-expressing neurons across the frontal lobe in adult male rats, we mapped regions altered by chronic stress and determined the coordinating role of the IL in frontal cortical plasticity. Specifically, CVS-exposed rats had increased density of FosB/ΔFosB-expressing cells in the IL and decreased density in the insula. The latter effect was dependent on IL glutamate output. Next, we examined the interaction of CVS and reduced IL glutamate output in behavioral assays examining coping, anxiety-like behavior, associative learning, and nociception. IL glutamate knockdown decreased immobility during the forced swim test compared to GFP controls, both in rats exposed to CVS as well as rats without previous stress exposure. Further, vGluT1 siRNA prevented CVS-induced avoidance behaviors, while also reducing risk aversion and passive coping. Ultimately, this study identifies the necessity of IL glutamatergic output for regulating frontal cortical neural activity and behavior following chronic stress. These findings also highlight how disruption of excitatory/inhibitory balance within specific frontal cortical cell populations may impact neurobehavioral adaptation and lead to stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian A. Pace
- Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | | | - Tyler Wallace
- Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Jessica M. McKlveen
- National Institutes of Health, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Will Beischel
- Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rachel Morano
- Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jessie R. Scheimann
- Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Steven P. Wilson
- Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - James P. Herman
- Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Brent Myers
- Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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18
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Mendonça LS, Nóbrega C, Tavino S, Brinkhaus M, Matos C, Tomé S, Moreira R, Henriques D, Kaspar BK, Pereira de Almeida L. Ibuprofen enhances synaptic function and neural progenitors proliferation markers and improves neuropathology and motor coordination in Machado-Joseph disease models. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 28:3691-3703. [PMID: 31127937 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Machado-Joseph disease or spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 is an inherited neurodegenerative disease associated with an abnormal glutamine over-repetition within the ataxin-3 protein. This mutant ataxin-3 protein affects several cellular pathways, leading to neuroinflammation and neuronal death in specific brain regions resulting in severe clinical manifestations. Presently, there is no therapy able to modify the disease progression. Nevertheless, anti-inflammatory pharmacological intervention has been associated with positive outcomes in other neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, the present work aimed at investigating whether ibuprofen treatment would alleviate Machado-Joseph disease. We found that ibuprofen-treated mouse models presented a significant reduction in the neuroinflammation markers, namely Il1b and TNFa mRNA and IKB-α protein phosphorylation levels. Moreover, these mice exhibited neuronal preservation, cerebellar atrophy reduction, smaller mutant ataxin-3 inclusions and motor performance improvement. Additionally, neural cultures of Machado-Joseph disease patients' induced pluripotent stem cells-derived neural stem cells incubated with ibuprofen showed increased levels of neural progenitors proliferation and synaptic markers such as MSI1, NOTCH1 and SYP. These findings were further confirmed in ibuprofen-treated mice that display increased neural progenitor numbers (Ki67 positive) in the subventricular zone. Furthermore, interestingly, ibuprofen treatment enhanced neurite total length and synaptic function of human neurons. Therefore, our results indicate that ibuprofen reduces neuroinflammation and induces neuroprotection, alleviating Machado-Joseph disease-associated neuropathology and motor impairments. Thus, our findings demonstrate that ibuprofen treatment has the potential to be used as a neuroprotective therapeutic approach in Machado-Joseph disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana S Mendonça
- Vectors and Gene Therapy Group, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Clévio Nóbrega
- Vectors and Gene Therapy Group, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Silvia Tavino
- Vectors and Gene Therapy Group, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maximilian Brinkhaus
- Vectors and Gene Therapy Group, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carlos Matos
- Vectors and Gene Therapy Group, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sandra Tomé
- Vectors and Gene Therapy Group, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Moreira
- Vectors and Gene Therapy Group, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Daniel Henriques
- Vectors and Gene Therapy Group, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Brian K Kaspar
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Ohio State University School of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio 43205, USA
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- Vectors and Gene Therapy Group, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
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19
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Barros-Viegas AT, Carmona V, Ferreiro E, Guedes J, Cardoso AM, Cunha P, Pereira de Almeida L, Resende de Oliveira C, Pedro de Magalhães J, Peça J, Cardoso AL. miRNA-31 Improves Cognition and Abolishes Amyloid-β Pathology by Targeting APP and BACE1 in an Animal Model of Alzheimer's Disease. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 19:1219-1236. [PMID: 32069773 PMCID: PMC7031139 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia worldwide, characterized by progressive memory impairment, behavioral changes, and, ultimately, loss of consciousness and death. Recently, microRNA (miRNA) dysfunction has been associated with increased production and impaired clearance of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides, whose accumulation is one of the most well-known pathophysiological markers of this disease. In this study, we identified several miRNAs capable of targeting key proteins of the amyloidogenic pathway. The expression of one of these miRNAs, miR-31, previously found to be decreased in AD patients, was able to simultaneously reduce the levels of APP and Bace1 mRNA in the hippocampus of 17-month-old AD triple-transgenic (3xTg-AD) female mice, leading to a significant improvement of memory deficits and a reduction in anxiety and cognitive inflexibility. In addition, lentiviral-mediated miR-31 expression significantly ameliorated AD neuropathology in this model, drastically reducing Aβ deposition in both the hippocampus and subiculum. Furthermore, the increase of miR-31 levels was enough to reduce the accumulation of glutamate vesicles in the hippocampus to levels found in non-transgenic age-matched animals. Overall, our results suggest that miR-31-mediated modulation of APP and BACE1 can become a therapeutic option in the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Teresa Barros-Viegas
- Doctoral Programme in Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal; CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vítor Carmona
- CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Ferreiro
- CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Guedes
- CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Maria Cardoso
- Doctoral Programme in Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal; CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Pedro Cunha
- CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Catarina Resende de Oliveira
- CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Pedro de Magalhães
- Integrative Genomics of Ageing Group, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, United Kingdom
| | - João Peça
- CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Luísa Cardoso
- CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal.
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20
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Optimization of production and transgene expression of a retrogradely transported pseudotyped lentiviral vector. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 336:108542. [PMID: 32017975 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2019.108542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To target specific neuronal populations by gene transfer is challenging. A complicating fact is that populations of neurons may have opposing roles despite being found adjacent to each other. One example is the medium spiny neurons of the striatum. These cells have different projection patterns, a trait used in this study to specifically target one population. NEW METHOD Here we present a way of labeling and further studying neurons based on their projections. This was achieved by pseudotyping lentiviral vectors with a chimeric glycoprotein allowing for retrograde transport in combination with optimizing the promoter element used. RESULTS We transduced on average 4000 neurons of the direct pathway in the striatum, with the viral vector allowing for microscopy and miRNA immunoprecipitation. In addition, we were able to optimize vector production, reducing the time and material used. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD The optimized protocol is more reproducible compared to previously published protocols. Alternative methods to study specific populations of neurons are transgenic animals or, if available, specific promoter elements. However, very specific promoter elements are rarely available and often large, limiting the usefulness in viral vectors. Our optimized retrograde vectors allow for selection based on neuronal projections and are therefore independent of such elements. CONCLUSION We have developed a method that allows for specific analysis of neuronal subpopulations in the brain either by microscopy or by biochemical methods e.g. immunoprecipitation. This method is simple to use and can be combined with transgenic animals for studying disease models.
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21
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Marcelo A, Brito F, Carmo-Silva S, Matos CA, Alves-Cruzeiro J, Vasconcelos-Ferreira A, Koppenol R, Mendonça L, de Almeida LP, Nóbrega C. Cordycepin activates autophagy through AMPK phosphorylation to reduce abnormalities in Machado-Joseph disease models. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 28:51-63. [PMID: 30219871 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by an abnormal expansion of citosine-adenine-guanine trinucleotide repeats in the disease-causing gene. This mutation leads to an abnormal polyglutamine tract in the protein ataxin-3 (Atx3), resulting in formation of mutant Atx3 aggregates. Despite several attempts to develop a therapeutic option for MJD, currently there are no available therapies capable of delaying or stopping disease progression. Recently, our group reported that reducing the expression levels of mutant Atx3 lead to a mitigation of several MJD-related behavior and neuropathological abnormalities. Aiming a more rapid translation to the human clinics, in this study we investigate a pharmacological inhibitor of translation-cordycepin-in several preclinical models. We found that cordycepin treatment significantly reduced (i) the levels of mutant Atx3, (ii) the neuropathological abnormalities in a lentiviral mouse model, (iii) the motor and neuropathological deficits in a transgenic mouse model and (iv) the number of ubiquitin aggregates in a human neural model. We hypothesize that the effect of cordycepin is mediated by the increase of phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) levels, which is accompanied by a reduction in the global translation levels and by a significant activation of the autophagy pathway. Overall, this study suggests that cordycepin might constitute an effective and safe therapeutic approach for MJD, and probably for the other polyglutamine diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Marcelo
- Centre for Biomedical Research (CBMR), University of Algarve, Portugal.,Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine (DCBM), University of Algarve, Portugal.,Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve and University Hospital of Algarve, Portugal.,Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Filipa Brito
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sara Carmo-Silva
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carlos A Matos
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Alves-Cruzeiro
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Rebekah Koppenol
- Centre for Biomedical Research (CBMR), University of Algarve, Portugal
| | - Liliana Mendonça
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Clévio Nóbrega
- Centre for Biomedical Research (CBMR), University of Algarve, Portugal.,Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine (DCBM), University of Algarve, Portugal.,Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve and University Hospital of Algarve, Portugal.,Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Portugal
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22
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Nóbrega C, Codêsso JM, Mendonça L, Pereira de Almeida L. RNA Interference Therapy for Machado-Joseph Disease: Long-Term Safety Profile of Lentiviral Vectors Encoding Short Hairpin RNAs Targeting Mutant Ataxin-3. Hum Gene Ther 2019; 30:841-854. [PMID: 30760052 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2018.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) or spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by an abnormal repetition of a CAG codon in the MJD1 gene. This expansion translates into a long polyglutamine tract, leading to the misfolding of the mutant protein ataxin-3, which abnormally accumulates in the nucleus, thus leading to neurodegeneration in specific brain regions. No treatment able to modify the progression of the disease is available. However, it has previously been shown that specific silencing of mutant ataxin-3 by RNA interference with viral vectors is a promising therapeutic strategy for MJD. Nevertheless, reports of cytotoxic effects of this technology led to the safety profile of the previously tested lentiviral vectors encoding short hairpin (sh)RNAs (LV-shmutatx3) targeting mutant ataxin-3 upon brain injection being investigated. For this purpose, the vectors were injected in the mouse striata, and neuronal dysfunction, degeneration, gliosis, off-target effects, and saturation of the RNA interference machinery were evaluated. It was found that: (1) LV-shmutatx3 mediated stable and long-term expression of the shRNA in neurons of the mouse striatum; (2) neuronal dysfunction evaluated by darpp-32, NeuN, and cresyl violet staining, initially more pronounced, became indistinguishable from the phosphate-buffered saline group at 8 weeks and resolved within 20 weeks; (3) astrocytic activation was present, which resolved within 8 weeks; (4) microglial activity and proinflammatory cytokines release were present, which resolved and normalized within 20 weeks; and (5) there were no off-target effects or saturation of the endogenous RNA interference processing machinery in the mouse striatum. The data show that injection of lentiviral vectors encoding a shRNA targeting mutant ataxin-3 in the mouse brain induce transient dysfunctions, which resolve within 20 weeks. Importantly, long-term expression (up to 20 weeks post injection) of this shRNA (driven by H1 promoter) led to no toxic effect in vivo. This study thus constitutes an additional step in a future translation of gene silencing as a therapy for MJD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clévio Nóbrega
- 1Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- 2Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
- 3Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - José Miguel Codêsso
- 1Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Liliana Mendonça
- 1Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- 1Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- 4Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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23
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Wood M, Adil O, Wallace T, Fourman S, Wilson SP, Herman JP, Myers B. Infralimbic prefrontal cortex structural and functional connectivity with the limbic forebrain: a combined viral genetic and optogenetic analysis. Brain Struct Funct 2019; 224:73-97. [PMID: 30269223 PMCID: PMC6369015 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-018-1762-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The medial prefrontal cortex is critical for contextual appraisal, executive function, and goal-directed behavior. Additionally, the infralimbic (IL) subregion of the prefrontal cortex has been implicated in stress responding, mood, and fear memory. However, the specific circuit mechanisms that mediate these effects are largely unknown. To date, IL output to the limbic forebrain has been examined largely qualitatively or within a restricted number of sites. To quantify IL presynaptic input to structures throughout the forebrain, we utilized a lentiviral construct expressing synaptophysin-mCherry. Thus, allowing quantification of IL efferents that are specifically synaptic, as opposed to fibers of passage. Additionally, this approach permitted the determination of IL innervation on a sub-structural level within the multiple heterogeneous limbic nuclei. To examine the functional output of the IL, optogenetic activation of IL projections was followed by quantification of neuronal activation throughout the limbic forebrain via fos-related antigen (Fra). Quantification of synaptophysin-mCherry indicated that the IL provides robust synaptic input to a number of regions within the thalamus, hypothalamus, amygdala, and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, with limited input to the hippocampus and nucleus accumbens. Furthermore, there was high concordance between structural connectivity and functional activation. Interestingly, some regions receiving substantial synaptic input did not exhibit significant increases in Fra-immunoreactivity. Collectively, these studies represent a step toward a comprehensive and quantitative analysis of output circuits. This large-scale efferent quantification or 'projectome' also opens the door for data-driven analyses of the downstream synaptic mechanisms that mediate the integrative aspects of cortico-limbic interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda Wood
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Othman Adil
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Tyler Wallace
- Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Sarah Fourman
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Steven P Wilson
- Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - James P Herman
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Brent Myers
- Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
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24
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Wosiski-Kuhn M, Bota M, Snider CA, Wilson SP, Venkataraju KU, Osten P, Stranahan AM. Hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor determines recruitment of anatomically connected networks after stress in diabetic mice. Hippocampus 2018; 28:900-912. [PMID: 30098276 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes increases adrenal steroids in humans and animal models, but potential interactions with psychological stress remain poorly understood. Diabetic rodents exhibit anxiety and reductions in hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, and these studies investigated whether loss of BDNF-driven hippocampal activity promotes anxiety and disinhibits the HPA axis. Mice with genetic obesity and diabetes (db/db) received intrahippocampal injections of lentivirus for BDNF overexpression (db/db-BDNFOE), and Wt mice received lentiviral constructs for BDNF knockdown (Wt-BDNFKD). Behavioral anxiety and glucocorticoid responses to acute restraint were compared with mice that received a fluorescent reporter (Wt-GFP, db/db-GFP). These experiments revealed that changes in hippocampal BDNF were necessary and sufficient for behavioral anxiety and HPA axis disinhibition. To examine patterns of stress-induced regional activity, we used algorithmic detection of cFos and automated segmentation of forebrain regions to generate maps of functional covariance, which were subsequently aligned with anatomical connectivity weights from the Brain Architecture Management database. db/db-GFP mice exhibited reduced activation of the hippocampal ventral subiculum (vSub) and anterior bed nucleus of stria terminalis (aBNST), and increases in the paraventricular hypothalamus (PVH), relative to Wt-GFP. BDNFKD recapitulated this pattern in Wt mice, and BDNFOE normalized activation of the vSub > aBNST > PVH pathway in db/db mice. Analysis of forebrain activation revealed largely overlapping patterns of network disruption in db/db-GFP and Wt-BDNFKD mice, implicating BDNF-driven hippocampal activity as a determinant of stress vulnerability in both the intact and diabetic brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlena Wosiski-Kuhn
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Mihail Bota
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
| | - Christina A Snider
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Steven P Wilson
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina
| | | | - Pavel Osten
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
| | - Alexis M Stranahan
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
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25
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Oliveira Miranda C, Marcelo A, Silva TP, Barata J, Vasconcelos-Ferreira A, Pereira D, Nóbrega C, Duarte S, Barros I, Alves J, Sereno J, Petrella LI, Castelhano J, Paiva VH, Rodrigues-Santos P, Alves V, Nunes-Correia I, Nobre RJ, Gomes C, Castelo-Branco M, Pereira de Almeida L. Repeated Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Treatment Sustainably Alleviates Machado-Joseph Disease. Mol Ther 2018; 26:2131-2151. [PMID: 30087083 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) or spinocerebellar ataxia type 3, the most common dominant spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) worldwide, is caused by over-repetition of a CAG repeat in the ATXN3/MJD1 gene, which translates into a polyglutamine tract within the ataxin-3 protein. There is no treatment for this fatal disorder. Despite evidence of the safety and efficacy of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in delaying SCA disease progression in exploratory clinical trials, unanticipated regression of patients to the status prior to treatment makes the investigation of causes and solutions urgent and imperative. In the present study, we compared the efficacy of a single intracranial injection with repeated systemic MSC administration in alleviating the MJD phenotype of two strongly severe genetic rodent models. We found that a single MSC transplantation only produces transient effects, whereas periodic administration promotes sustained motor behavior and neuropathology alleviation, suggesting that MSC therapies should be re-designed to get sustained beneficial results in clinical practice. Furthermore, MSC promoted neuroprotection, increased the levels of GABA and glutamate, and decreased the levels of Myo-inositol, which correlated with motor improvements, indicating that these metabolites may serve as valid neurospectroscopic biomarkers of disease and treatment. This study makes important contributions to the design of new clinical approaches for MJD and other SCAs/polyglutamine disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Oliveira Miranda
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Faculdade de Medicina, Rua Larga, Pólo I, 1° andar, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão - Pólo II, Rua Dom Francisco de Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology - Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Life Science (CNC.IBILI), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Adriana Marcelo
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Faculdade de Medicina, Rua Larga, Pólo I, 1° andar, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology - Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Life Science (CNC.IBILI), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Teresa Pereira Silva
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Faculdade de Medicina, Rua Larga, Pólo I, 1° andar, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology - Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Life Science (CNC.IBILI), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Barata
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Faculdade de Medicina, Rua Larga, Pólo I, 1° andar, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology - Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Life Science (CNC.IBILI), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Vasconcelos-Ferreira
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Faculdade de Medicina, Rua Larga, Pólo I, 1° andar, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão - Pólo II, Rua Dom Francisco de Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology - Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Life Science (CNC.IBILI), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Doctoral Programme of Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Dina Pereira
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Faculdade de Medicina, Rua Larga, Pólo I, 1° andar, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão - Pólo II, Rua Dom Francisco de Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology - Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Life Science (CNC.IBILI), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Doctoral Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine, CNC - University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Faculdade de Medicina, Pólo I, 1° andar, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Clévio Nóbrega
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Faculdade de Medicina, Rua Larga, Pólo I, 1° andar, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão - Pólo II, Rua Dom Francisco de Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology - Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Life Science (CNC.IBILI), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sónia Duarte
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Faculdade de Medicina, Rua Larga, Pólo I, 1° andar, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão - Pólo II, Rua Dom Francisco de Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology - Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Life Science (CNC.IBILI), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Inês Barros
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Faculdade de Medicina, Rua Larga, Pólo I, 1° andar, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology - Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Life Science (CNC.IBILI), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Alves
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Faculdade de Medicina, Rua Larga, Pólo I, 1° andar, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology - Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Life Science (CNC.IBILI), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Sereno
- Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology - Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Life Science (CNC.IBILI), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, Edifício do ICNAS, Polo 3, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute of Nuclear Science Applied to Health, University of Coimbra, Polo 3, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lorena Itatí Petrella
- Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology - Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Life Science (CNC.IBILI), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, Edifício do ICNAS, Polo 3, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute of Nuclear Science Applied to Health, University of Coimbra, Polo 3, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Castelhano
- Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology - Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Life Science (CNC.IBILI), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, Edifício do ICNAS, Polo 3, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute of Nuclear Science Applied to Health, University of Coimbra, Polo 3, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vitor Hugo Paiva
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão - Pólo II, Rua Dom Francisco de Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal; MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paulo Rodrigues-Santos
- Immunology Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Immunology and Oncology Laboratory, Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Portugal; Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology, Apartado 9015, 3001-301, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vera Alves
- Immunology Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Immunology and Oncology Laboratory, Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Portugal; Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology, Apartado 9015, 3001-301, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Isabel Nunes-Correia
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Faculdade de Medicina, Rua Larga, Pólo I, 1° andar, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology - Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Life Science (CNC.IBILI), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui Jorge Nobre
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Faculdade de Medicina, Rua Larga, Pólo I, 1° andar, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão - Pólo II, Rua Dom Francisco de Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology - Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Life Science (CNC.IBILI), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Célia Gomes
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Polo 3, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel Castelo-Branco
- Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology - Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Life Science (CNC.IBILI), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, Edifício do ICNAS, Polo 3, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute of Nuclear Science Applied to Health, University of Coimbra, Polo 3, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Faculdade de Medicina, Rua Larga, Pólo I, 1° andar, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Polo 3, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
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Hwang JY, Won JS, Nam H, Lee HW, Joo KM. Current advances in combining stem cell and gene therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. PRECISION AND FUTURE MEDICINE 2018. [DOI: 10.23838/pfm.2018.00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
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Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibition prevents fibrosis in adipose tissue of obese mice. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2018; 1862:403-413. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2017.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Application of the sodium hyaluronate-CNTF scaffolds in repairing adult rat spinal cord injury and facilitating neural network formation. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2017; 61:559-568. [DOI: 10.1007/s11427-017-9217-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Myers B, McKlveen JM, Morano R, Ulrich-Lai YM, Solomon MB, Wilson SP, Herman JP. Vesicular Glutamate Transporter 1 Knockdown in Infralimbic Prefrontal Cortex Augments Neuroendocrine Responses to Chronic Stress in Male Rats. Endocrinology 2017; 158:3579-3591. [PMID: 28938481 PMCID: PMC5659688 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Chronic stress-associated pathologies frequently associate with alterations in the structure and activity of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). However, the influence of infralimbic cortex (IL) projection neurons on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity is unknown, as is the involvement of these cells in chronic stress-induced endocrine alterations. In the current study, a lentiviral-packaged vector coding for a small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting vesicular glutamate transporter (vGluT) 1 messenger RNA (mRNA) was microinjected into the IL of male rats. vGluT1 is responsible for presynaptic vesicular glutamate packaging in cortical neurons, and knockdown reduces the amount of glutamate available for synaptic release. After injection, rats were either exposed to chronic variable stress (CVS) or remained in the home cage as unstressed controls. Fifteen days after the initiation of CVS, all animals were exposed to a novel acute stressor (30-minute restraint) with blood collection for the analysis of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone. Additionally, brains were collected for in situ hybridization of corticotrophin-releasing hormone mRNA. In previously unstressed rats, vGluT1 siRNA significantly enhanced ACTH and corticosterone secretion. Compared with CVS animals receiving the green fluorescent protein control vector, the vGluT1 siRNA further increased basal and stress-induced corticosterone release. Further analysis revealed enhanced adrenal responsiveness in CVS rats treated with vGluT1 siRNA. Collectively, our results suggest that IL glutamate output inhibits HPA responses to acute stress and restrains corticosterone secretion during chronic stress, possibly at the level of the adrenal. Together, these findings pinpoint a neurochemical mechanism linking mPFC dysfunction with aberrant neuroendocrine responses to chronic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent Myers
- Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523
| | - Jessica M. McKlveen
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45237
| | - Rachel Morano
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45237
| | - Yvonne M. Ulrich-Lai
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45237
| | - Matia B. Solomon
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45237
| | - Steven P. Wilson
- Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208
| | - James P. Herman
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45237
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Emerich DF, Winn SR. Neuroprotective Effects of Encapsulated CNTF-Producing Cells in a Rodent Model of Huntington's Disease are Dependent on the Proximity of the Implant to the Lesioned Striatum. Cell Transplant 2017; 13:253-9. [PMID: 15191163 DOI: 10.3727/000000004783983981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a devastating genetic disorder with no effective treatments for preventing or lessening the underlying neuronal degeneration. Intracerebral delivery of CNTF in animal models of HD has shown considerable promise as a means of protecting striatal neurons that would otherwise be destined to die. The present study examines whether the neuroprotective effects of CNTF require that the delivery be immediately proximal to the lesion site or whether protective effects can be exerted when the delivery site is more distal to the site of injury. Encapsulated CNTF-producing cells were implanted into the lateral ventricle either ipsilateral or contralateral to an intrastriatal quinolinic acid (QA) injection. A robust neuroprotective effect was observed only in those animals receiving CNTF implants ipsilateral to the QA injection. In these animals, the loss of striatal ChAT and GAD activity as well as the behavioral impairments that resulted from QA were completely prevented. In contrast, no neurochemical or behavioral benefits were produced by implants of CNTF-producing cells in the contralateral ventricle. These data continue to support the use of cellular delivery of CNTF for HD but caution that delivery directly to the striatum may be needed if any clinical benefits are to be seen.
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Emerich DF, Thanos CG. In Vitro Culture Duration does Not Impact the Ability of Encapsulated Choroid Plexus Transplants to Prevent Neurological Deficits in an Excitotoxin-Lesioned Rat Model of Huntington's Disease. Cell Transplant 2017; 15:595-602. [PMID: 17176611 DOI: 10.3727/000000006783981657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Delivery of neurotrophic molecules to the CNS is a potential treatment strategy for preventing the neuronal loss accompanying many neurological disorders. Choroid plexus (CP) epithelial cells secrete a cocktail of neurotrophic factors, and encapsulated CP transplants are neuroprotective in animal models of stroke and Huntington's disease (HD). Prior to clinical use, it is essential to identify and optimize parameters such as the length of time that transplant products such as encapsulated CP can be maintained. In the present study, neonatal porcine CP was encapsulated within alginate microcapsules and maintained in vitro for 1, 2, or 7 months. The encapsulated cells remained viable (>80%) at all time points and were transplanted unilaterally into the rat striatum. Seven days later, the same animals received unilateral injections of quinolinic acid (QA; 225 nmol) adjacent to the implant site. Separate groups of animals served as controls and received QA alone. After surgery, animals were periodically evaluated for weight loss and were tested for motor function 14 days post-QA. In controls, QA lesions produced a significant loss of body weight and impaired function of the contralateral forelimb. In contrast, implants of CP were potently neuroprotective as rats receiving CP transplants did not lose body weight and were not significantly impaired when tested for motor function. These benefits were independent of the length of time that the cells were held in vitro and demonstrate that the potential potency of alginate encapsulated CP cells can be retained for extremely long periods of time in vitro.
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Emerich DF. Dose-Dependent Neurochemical and Functional Protection Afforded by Encapsulated CNTF-Producing Cells. Cell Transplant 2017; 13:839-44. [PMID: 15690987 DOI: 10.3727/000000004783983404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracerebral delivery of hCNTF has shown considerable neuroprotective potential in animal models of Huntington's disease (HD). The present study describes the relationship between a range of hCNTF doses and the resulting behavioral and neurochemical (striatal ChAT and GAD activity) protection in a rodent model of HD. Encapsulated BHK delivering a range of hCNTF doses were implanted into the lateral ventricle ipsilateral to an intrastriatal quinolinic acid (QA) injection. Results demonstrated a dose-dependent effect of hCNTF with complete, partial, and no observable neuroprotection occurring with preimplant doses of hCNTF of 30.8, 8.6, and 0.8–2.1 ng hCNTF/24 h, respectively. These data continue to support the use of cellular delivery of hCNTF for HD and will facilitate the optimization of this approach in the clinical situation.
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Viana da Silva S, Haberl MG, Zhang P, Bethge P, Lemos C, Gonçalves N, Gorlewicz A, Malezieux M, Gonçalves FQ, Grosjean N, Blanchet C, Frick A, Nägerl UV, Cunha RA, Mulle C. Early synaptic deficits in the APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease involve neuronal adenosine A2A receptors. Nat Commun 2016; 7:11915. [PMID: 27312972 PMCID: PMC4915032 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms11915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Synaptic plasticity in the autoassociative network of recurrent connections among hippocampal CA3 pyramidal cells is thought to enable the storage of episodic memory. Impaired episodic memory is an early manifestation of cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the APP/PS1 mouse model of AD amyloidosis, we show that associative long-term synaptic potentiation (LTP) is abolished in CA3 pyramidal cells at an early stage. This is caused by activation of upregulated neuronal adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR) rather than by dysregulation of NMDAR signalling or altered dendritic spine morphology. Neutralization of A2AR by acute pharmacological inhibition, or downregulation driven by shRNA interference in a single postsynaptic neuron restore associative CA3 LTP. Accordingly, treatment with A2AR antagonists reverts one-trial memory deficits. These results provide mechanistic support to encourage testing the therapeutic efficacy of A2AR antagonists in early AD patients.
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MESH Headings
- Adenosine A2 Receptor Antagonists/pharmacology
- Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy
- Alzheimer Disease/genetics
- Alzheimer Disease/metabolism
- Alzheimer Disease/physiopathology
- Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor/genetics
- Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor/metabolism
- Animals
- CA3 Region, Hippocampal/drug effects
- CA3 Region, Hippocampal/metabolism
- CA3 Region, Hippocampal/pathology
- Dendritic Spines/drug effects
- Dendritic Spines/metabolism
- Dendritic Spines/ultrastructure
- Disease Models, Animal
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Humans
- Long-Term Potentiation
- Memory, Episodic
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic
- Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology
- Presenilin-1/genetics
- Presenilin-1/metabolism
- Pyrimidines/pharmacology
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism
- Receptor, Adenosine A2A/genetics
- Receptor, Adenosine A2A/metabolism
- Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/genetics
- Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Synapses/drug effects
- Synapses/metabolism
- Synapses/ultrastructure
- Triazines/pharmacology
- Triazoles/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Viana da Silva
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, University of Bordeaux, CNRS UMR 5297, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
- BEB PhD program CNC Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Pei Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, University of Bordeaux, CNRS UMR 5297, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Philipp Bethge
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, University of Bordeaux, CNRS UMR 5297, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Cristina Lemos
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Nélio Gonçalves
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Adam Gorlewicz
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, University of Bordeaux, CNRS UMR 5297, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Meryl Malezieux
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, University of Bordeaux, CNRS UMR 5297, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Francisco Q. Gonçalves
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Noëlle Grosjean
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, University of Bordeaux, CNRS UMR 5297, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Christophe Blanchet
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, University of Bordeaux, CNRS UMR 5297, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Andreas Frick
- University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, INSERM U862, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - U Valentin Nägerl
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, University of Bordeaux, CNRS UMR 5297, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Rodrigo A. Cunha
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Christophe Mulle
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, University of Bordeaux, CNRS UMR 5297, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
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Dunbar GL, Sandstrom MI, Rossignol J, Lescaudron L. Neurotrophic Enhancers as Therapy for Behavioral Deficits in Rodent Models of Huntington's Disease: Use of Gangliosides, Substituted Pyrimidines, and Mesenchymal Stem Cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 5:63-79. [PMID: 16801683 DOI: 10.1177/1534582306289367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The interest in using neurotrophic factors as potential treatments for neurodegenerative disorders, such as Huntington's disease, has grown in the past decade. A major impediment for the clinical utility of neurotrophic factors is their inability to cross the blood-brain barrier in therapeutically significant amounts. Although several novel mechanisms for delivering exogenous neurotrophins to the brain have been developed, most of them involve invasive procedures or present significant risks. One approach to circumventing these problems is using therapeutic agents that can be administered systemically and have the ability to enhance the activity of neurotrophic factors. This review highlights the use of gangliosides, substituted pyrimidines, and mesenchymal stem cells as neurotrophic enhancers that have significant therapeutic potential while avoiding the pitfalls of delivering exogenous neurotrophic factors through the blood-brain barrier. The review focuses on the potential of these neurotrophic enhancers for treating the behavioral deficits in rodent models of Huntington's disease.
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Caloric restriction blocks neuropathology and motor deficits in Machado-Joseph disease mouse models through SIRT1 pathway. Nat Commun 2016; 7:11445. [PMID: 27165717 PMCID: PMC4865854 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms11445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Machado–Joseph disease (MJD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by an abnormal expansion of the CAG triplet in the ATXN3 gene, translating into a polyglutamine tract within the ataxin-3 protein. The available treatments only ameliorate symptomatology and do not block disease progression. In this study we find that caloric restriction dramatically rescues the motor incoordination, imbalance and the associated neuropathology in transgenic MJD mice. We further show that caloric restriction rescues SIRT1 levels in transgenic MJD mice, whereas silencing SIRT1 is sufficient to prevent the beneficial effects on MJD pathology. In addition, the re-establishment of SIRT1 levels in MJD mouse model, through the gene delivery approach, significantly ameliorates neuropathology, reducing neuroinflammation and activating autophagy. Furthermore, the pharmacological activation of SIRT1 with resveratrol significantly reduces motor incoordination of MJD mice. The pharmacological SIRT1 activation could provide important benefits to treat MJD patients. SIRTs have been reported to provide neuroprotective actions in polyglutamine diseases, and are linked to the beneficial effects of caloric restrictive diets. Here, the authors show caloric restriction improves behavioural and neuropathological deficits in MJD model mice, an effect dependent on SIRT1 activity.
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Conceição M, Mendonça L, Nóbrega C, Gomes C, Costa P, Hirai H, Moreira JN, Lima MC, Manjunath N, Pereira de Almeida L. Intravenous administration of brain-targeted stable nucleic acid lipid particles alleviates Machado-Joseph disease neurological phenotype. Biomaterials 2016; 82:124-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Revised: 12/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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37
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Duarte-Neves J, Gonçalves N, Cunha-Santos J, Simões AT, den Dunnen WF, Hirai H, Kügler S, Cavadas C, Pereira de Almeida L. Neuropeptide Y mitigates neuropathology and motor deficits in mouse models of Machado–Joseph disease. Hum Mol Genet 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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38
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Pasquin S, Sharma M, Gauchat JF. Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF): New facets of an old molecule for treating neurodegenerative and metabolic syndrome pathologies. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2015; 26:507-15. [PMID: 26187860 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2015.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is the most extensively studied member of the cytokine family that signal through intracellular chains of the gp130/LIFRβ receptor. The severe phenotype in patients suffering from mutations inactivating LIFRβ indicates that members of this cytokine family play key, non-redundant roles during development. Accordingly, three decades of research has revealed potent and promising trophic and regulatory activities of CNTF in neurons, oligodendrocytes, muscle cells, bone cells, adipocytes and retinal cells. These findings led to clinical trials to test the therapeutic potential of CNTF and CNTF derivatives for treating neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases. Promising results have encouraged continuation of studies for treating retinal degenerative diseases. Results of some clinical trials showed that side-effects may limit the systemically administrated doses of CNTF. Therefore, therapies being currently tested rely on local delivery of CNTF using encapsulated cytokine-secreting implants. Since the side effects of CNTF might be linked to its ability to activate the alternative IL6Rα-LIFRβ-gp130 receptor, CNTFR-specific mutants of CNTF have been developed that bind to the CNTFRα-LIFRβ-gp130 receptor. These developments may prove to be a breakthrough for therapeutic applications of systemically administered CNTF in pathologies such as multiple sclerosis or Alzheimer's disease. The "designer cytokine approach" offers future opportunities to further enhance specificity by conjugating mutant CNTF with modified soluble CNTFRα to target therapeutically relevant cells that express gp130-LIFRβ and a specific cell surface marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Pasquin
- Département de Pharmacologie, Université de Montréal, 2900 Édouard Montpetit, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Mukut Sharma
- Renal Division, KCVA Medical Center, 4801 Linwood Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA
| | - Jean-François Gauchat
- Département de Pharmacologie, Université de Montréal, 2900 Édouard Montpetit, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.
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Kantor B, McCown T, Leone P, Gray SJ. Clinical applications involving CNS gene transfer. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2015; 87:71-124. [PMID: 25311921 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800149-3.00002-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) have traditionally been the most difficult to treat by traditional pharmacological methods, due mostly to the blood-brain barrier and the difficulties associated with repeated drug administration targeting the CNS. Viral vector gene transfer represents a way to permanently provide a therapeutic protein within the nervous system after a single administration, whether this be a gene replacement strategy for an inherited disorder or a disease-modifying protein for a disease such as Parkinson's. Gene therapy approaches for CNS disorders has evolved considerably over the last two decades. Although a breakthrough treatment has remained elusive, current strategies are now considerably safer and potentially much more effective. This chapter will explore the past, current, and future status of CNS gene therapy, focusing on clinical trials utilizing adeno-associated virus and lentiviral vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Kantor
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Thomas McCown
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Paola Leone
- Department of Cell Biology, Rowan University, Camden, NJ, USA
| | - Steven J Gray
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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40
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Carrillo-de Sauvage MA, Flament J, Bramoulle Y, Ben Haim L, Guillermier M, Berniard A, Aurégan G, Houitte D, Brouillet E, Bonvento G, Hantraye P, Valette J, Escartin C. The neuroprotective agent CNTF decreases neuronal metabolites in the rat striatum: an in vivo multimodal magnetic resonance imaging study. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2015; 35:917-21. [PMID: 25833344 PMCID: PMC4640256 DOI: 10.1038/jcbfm.2015.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Revised: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is neuroprotective against multiple pathologic conditions including metabolic impairment, but the mechanisms are still unclear. To delineate CNTF effects on brain energy homeostasis, we performed a multimodal imaging study, combining in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, and in situ glutamate imaging by chemical exchange saturation transfer. Unexpectedly, we found that CNTF expression through lentiviral gene transfer in the rat striatum significantly decreased the levels of neuronal metabolites (N-acetyl-aspartate, N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate, and glutamate). This preclinical study shows that CNTF remodels brain metabolism, and suggests that decreased levels of neuronal metabolites may occur in the absence of neuronal dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Angeles Carrillo-de Sauvage
- 1] Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Département des Sciences du Vivant (DSV), Institut d'Imagerie Biomédicale (I2BM), MIRCen, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France [2] Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris-Sud, UMR 9199, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Julien Flament
- 1] Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Département des Sciences du Vivant (DSV), Institut d'Imagerie Biomédicale (I2BM), MIRCen, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France [2] Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Unité Mixte de Service UMS 27, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Yann Bramoulle
- 1] Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Département des Sciences du Vivant (DSV), Institut d'Imagerie Biomédicale (I2BM), MIRCen, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France [2] Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris-Sud, UMR 9199, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Lucile Ben Haim
- 1] Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Département des Sciences du Vivant (DSV), Institut d'Imagerie Biomédicale (I2BM), MIRCen, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France [2] Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris-Sud, UMR 9199, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Martine Guillermier
- 1] Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Département des Sciences du Vivant (DSV), Institut d'Imagerie Biomédicale (I2BM), MIRCen, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France [2] Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris-Sud, UMR 9199, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Aurélie Berniard
- 1] Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Département des Sciences du Vivant (DSV), Institut d'Imagerie Biomédicale (I2BM), MIRCen, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France [2] Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris-Sud, UMR 9199, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Gwennaëlle Aurégan
- 1] Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Département des Sciences du Vivant (DSV), Institut d'Imagerie Biomédicale (I2BM), MIRCen, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France [2] Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris-Sud, UMR 9199, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Diane Houitte
- 1] Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Département des Sciences du Vivant (DSV), Institut d'Imagerie Biomédicale (I2BM), MIRCen, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France [2] Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris-Sud, UMR 9199, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Emmanuel Brouillet
- 1] Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Département des Sciences du Vivant (DSV), Institut d'Imagerie Biomédicale (I2BM), MIRCen, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France [2] Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris-Sud, UMR 9199, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Gilles Bonvento
- 1] Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Département des Sciences du Vivant (DSV), Institut d'Imagerie Biomédicale (I2BM), MIRCen, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France [2] Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris-Sud, UMR 9199, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Philippe Hantraye
- 1] Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Département des Sciences du Vivant (DSV), Institut d'Imagerie Biomédicale (I2BM), MIRCen, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France [2] Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris-Sud, UMR 9199, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France [3] Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Unité Mixte de Service UMS 27, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Julien Valette
- 1] Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Département des Sciences du Vivant (DSV), Institut d'Imagerie Biomédicale (I2BM), MIRCen, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France [2] Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris-Sud, UMR 9199, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Carole Escartin
- 1] Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Département des Sciences du Vivant (DSV), Institut d'Imagerie Biomédicale (I2BM), MIRCen, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France [2] Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris-Sud, UMR 9199, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
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Seidel JL, Faideau M, Aiba I, Pannasch U, Escartin C, Rouach N, Bonvento G, Shuttleworth CW. Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) activation of astrocytes decreases spreading depolarization susceptibility and increases potassium clearance. Glia 2015; 63:91-103. [PMID: 25092804 PMCID: PMC5141616 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Waves of spreading depolarization (SD) have been implicated in the progressive expansion of acute brain injuries. SD can persist over several days, coincident with the time course of astrocyte activation, but little is known about how astrocyte activation may influence SD susceptibility. We examined whether activation of astrocytes modified SD threshold in hippocampal slices. Injection of a lentiviral vector encoding Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) into the hippocampus in vivo, led to sustained astrocyte activation, verified by up-regulation of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) at the mRNA and protein levels, as compared to controls injected with vector encoding LacZ. In acute brain slices from LacZ controls, localized 1M KCl microinjections invariably generated SD in CA1 hippocampus, but SD was never induced with this stimulus in CNTF tissues. No significant change in intrinsic excitability was observed in CA1 neurons, but excitatory synaptic transmission was significantly reduced in CNTF samples. mRNA levels of the predominantly astrocytic Na(+) /K(+) -ATPase pump α2 subunit were higher in CNTF samples, and the kinetics of extracellular K(+) transients during matched synaptic activation were consistent with increased K(+) uptake in CNTF tissues. Supporting a role for the Na(+) /K(+) -ATPase pump in increased SD threshold, ouabain, an inhibitor of the pump, was able to generate SD in CNTF tissues. These data support the hypothesis that activated astrocytes can limit SD onset via increased K(+) clearance and suggest that therapeutic strategies targeting these glial cells could improve the outcome following acute brain injuries associated with SD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Seidel
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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Convection Enhanced Delivery: A Comparison of infusion characteristics in ex vivo and in vivo non-human primate brain tissue. Ann Neurosci 2014; 20:108-14. [PMID: 25206026 PMCID: PMC4117126 DOI: 10.5214/ans.0972.7531.200306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2013] [Revised: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Convection enhanced delivery (CED) is emerging as a promising infusion toolto facilitate delivery of therapeutic agents into the brain via mechanically controlled pumps. Infusion protocols and catheter design have an important impact on delivery. CED is a valid alternative for systemic administration of agents in clinical trials for cell and gene therapies. Where gel and ex vivo models are not sufficient in modeling the disease, in vivo models allow researchers to better understand the underlying mechanisms of neuron degeneration, which is helpful in finding novel approaches to control the process or reverse the progression. Determining the risks, benefits, and efficacy of new gene therapies introduced via CED will pave a way to enter human clinical trial. Purpose The objective of this study is to compare volume distribution (Vd)/ volume infused (Vi) ratios and backflow measurements following CED infusions in ex vivo versus in vivo non-human primate brain tissue, based on infusion protocols developed in vitro. Methods In ex vivo infusions, the first brain received 2 infusions using a balloon catheter at rates of 1 μL/min and 2 μL/min for 30 minutes. The second and third brains received infusions using a valve-tip (VT) catheter at 1 μL/min for 30 minutes. The fourth brain received a total of 45 μL infused at a rate of 1 μL/min for 15 minutes followed by 2 μL/min for 15 minutes. Imaging was performed (SPGR FA34) every 3 minutes. In the in vivo group, 4 subjects received a total of 8 infusions of 50 μL. Subjects 1 and 2 received infusions at 1.0 μL/min using a VT catheter in the left hemisphere and a smart-flow (SF) catheter in the right hemisphere. Subjects 3 and 4 each received 1 infusion in the left and right hemisphere at 1.0 μL/min. Results MRI calculations of Vd/Vi did not significantly differ from those obtained on post-mortem pathology. The mean measured Vd/Vi of in vivo (5.23 + /-1.67) compared to ex vivo (2.17 + /-1.39) demonstrated a significantly larger Vd/Vi for in vivo by 2.4 times (p = 0.0017). Conclusion We detected higher ratios in the in vivo subjects than in ex vivo. This difference could be explained by the extra cellular space volume fraction. Studies evaluating backflow and morphology use in vivo tissue as a medium are recommended. Further investigation is warranted to evaluate the role blood pressure and heart rate may play in human CED clinical trials.
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Mendonça LS, Nóbrega C, Hirai H, Kaspar BK, Pereira de Almeida L. Transplantation of cerebellar neural stem cells improves motor coordination and neuropathology in Machado-Joseph disease mice. Brain 2014; 138:320-35. [DOI: 10.1093/brain/awu352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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Simões AT, Gonçalves N, Nobre RJ, Duarte CB, Pereira de Almeida L. Calpain inhibition reduces ataxin-3 cleavage alleviating neuropathology and motor impairments in mouse models of Machado–Joseph disease. Hum Mol Genet 2014; 23:4932-44. [DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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Wagener EM, Aurich M, Aparicio-Siegmund S, Floss DM, Garbers C, Breusing K, Rabe B, Schwanbeck R, Grötzinger J, Rose-John S, Scheller J. The amino acid exchange R28E in ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) abrogates interleukin-6 receptor-dependent but retains CNTF receptor-dependent signaling via glycoprotein 130 (gp130)/leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR). J Biol Chem 2014; 289:18442-50. [PMID: 24802752 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.568857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is a neurotrophic factor with therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, therapeutic application of CNTF reduced body weight in mice and humans. CNTF binds to high or low affinity receptor complexes consisting of CNTFR·gp130·LIFR or IL-6R·gp130·LIFR, respectively. Clinical studies of the CNTF derivative Axokine revealed intolerance at higher concentrations, which may rely on the low-affinity binding of CNTF to the IL-6R. Here, we aimed to generate a CNTFR-selective CNTF variant (CV). CV-1 contained the single amino acid exchange R28E. Arg(28) is in close proximity to the CNTFR binding site. Using molecular modeling, we hypothesized that Arg(28) might contribute to IL-6R/CNTFR plasticity of CNTF. CV-2 to CV-5 were generated by transferring parts of the CNTFR-binding site from cardiotrophin-like cytokine to CNTF. Cardiotrophin-like cytokine selectively signals via the CNTFR·gp130·LIFR complex, albeit with a much lower affinity compared with CNTF. As shown by immunoprecipitation, all CNTF variants retained the ability to bind to CNTFR. CV-1, CV-2, and CV-5, however, lost the ability to bind to IL-6R. Although all variants induced cytokine-dependent cellular proliferation and STAT3 phosphorylation via CNTFR·gp130·LIFR, only CV-3 induced STAT3 phosphorylation via IL-6R·gp130·LIFR. Quantification of CNTF-dependent proliferation of CNTFR·gp130·LIFR expressing cells indicated that only CV-1 was as biologically active as CNTF. Thus, the CNTFR-selective CV-1 will allow discriminating between CNTFR- and IL-6R-mediated effects in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Maria Wagener
- From the Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Christian-Albrechts-University, 24098 Kiel, Germany and
| | - Matthias Aurich
- From the Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Christian-Albrechts-University, 24098 Kiel, Germany and
| | - Samadhi Aparicio-Siegmund
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Doreen M Floss
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christoph Garbers
- From the Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Christian-Albrechts-University, 24098 Kiel, Germany and
| | - Kati Breusing
- From the Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Christian-Albrechts-University, 24098 Kiel, Germany and
| | - Björn Rabe
- From the Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Christian-Albrechts-University, 24098 Kiel, Germany and
| | - Ralf Schwanbeck
- From the Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Christian-Albrechts-University, 24098 Kiel, Germany and
| | - Joachim Grötzinger
- From the Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Christian-Albrechts-University, 24098 Kiel, Germany and
| | - Stefan Rose-John
- From the Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Christian-Albrechts-University, 24098 Kiel, Germany and
| | - Jürgen Scheller
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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Overexpression of mutant ataxin-3 in mouse cerebellum induces ataxia and cerebellar neuropathology. THE CEREBELLUM 2014; 12:441-55. [PMID: 23242710 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-012-0432-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), also known as spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), is a fatal, dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by the polyglutamine-expanded protein ataxin-3. Clinical manifestations include cerebellar ataxia and pyramidal signs culminating in severe neuronal degeneration. Currently, there is no therapy able to modify disease progression. In the present study, we aimed at investigating one of the most severely affected brain regions in the disorder--the cerebellum--and the behavioral defects associated with the neuropathology in this region. For this purpose, we injected lentiviral vectors encoding full-length human mutant ataxin-3 in the mouse cerebellum of 3-week-old C57/BL6 mice. We show that circumscribed expression of human mutant ataxin-3 in the cerebellum mediates within a short time frame--6 weeks, the development of a behavioral phenotype including reduced motor coordination, wide-based ataxic gait, and hyperactivity. Furthermore, the expression of mutant ataxin-3 resulted in the accumulation of intranuclear inclusions, neuropathological abnormalities, and neuronal death. These data show that lentiviral-based expression of mutant ataxin-3 in the mouse cerebellum induces localized neuropathology, which is sufficient to generate a behavioral ataxic phenotype. Moreover, this approach provides a physiologically relevant, cost-effective and time-effective animal model to gain further insights into the pathogenesis of MJD and for the evaluation of experimental therapeutics of MJD.
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Kantor B, Bailey RM, Wimberly K, Kalburgi SN, Gray SJ. Methods for gene transfer to the central nervous system. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2014; 87:125-97. [PMID: 25311922 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800149-3.00003-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gene transfer is an increasingly utilized approach for research and clinical applications involving the central nervous system (CNS). Vectors for gene transfer can be as simple as an unmodified plasmid, but more commonly involve complex modifications to viruses to make them suitable gene delivery vehicles. This chapter will explain how tools for CNS gene transfer have been derived from naturally occurring viruses. The current capabilities of plasmid, retroviral, adeno-associated virus, adenovirus, and herpes simplex virus vectors for CNS gene delivery will be described. These include both focal and global CNS gene transfer strategies, with short- or long-term gene expression. As is described in this chapter, an important aspect of any vector is the cis-acting regulatory elements incorporated into the vector genome that control when, where, and how the transgene is expressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Kantor
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Rachel M Bailey
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Keon Wimberly
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sahana N Kalburgi
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Steven J Gray
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Martí E, Estivill X. Small non-coding RNAs add complexity to the RNA pathogenic mechanisms in trinucleotide repeat expansion diseases. Front Mol Neurosci 2013; 6:45. [PMID: 24348326 PMCID: PMC3848198 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2013.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Trinucleotide-repeat expansion diseases (TREDs) are a group of inherited human genetic disorders normally involving late-onset neurological/neurodegenerative affectation. Trinucleotide-repeat expansions occur in coding and non-coding regions of unique genes that typically result in protein and RNA toxic gain of function, respectively. In polyglutamine (polyQ) disorders caused by an expanded CAG repeat in the coding region of specific genes, neuronal dysfunction has been traditionally linked to the long polyQ stretch. However, a number of evidences suggest a detrimental role of the expanded/mutant mRNA, which may contribute to cell function impairment. In this review we describe the mechanisms of RNA-induced toxicity in TREDs with special focus in small-non-coding RNA pathogenic mechanisms and we summarize and comment on translational approaches targeting the expanded trinucleotide-repeat for disease modifying therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eulàlia Martí
- Genomics and Disease, Bioinformatics and Genomics Programme, Centre for Genomic Regulation Barcelona, Spain ; Universitat Pompeu Fabra Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Estivill
- Genomics and Disease, Bioinformatics and Genomics Programme, Centre for Genomic Regulation Barcelona, Spain ; Universitat Pompeu Fabra Barcelona, Spain
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Ellison SM, Trabalza A, Tisato V, Pazarentzos E, Lee S, Papadaki V, Goniotaki D, Morgan S, Mirzaei N, Mazarakis ND. Dose-dependent neuroprotection of VEGF₁₆₅ in Huntington's disease striatum. Mol Ther 2013; 21:1862-75. [PMID: 23799534 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2013.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 05/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder caused by abnormal polyglutamine expansion in the huntingtin protein (Exp-Htt). Currently, there are no effective treatments for HD. We used bidirectional lentiviral transfer vectors to generate in vitro and in vivo models of HD and to test the therapeutic potential of vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF₁₆₅). Lentiviral-mediated expression of Exp-Htt caused cell death and aggregate formation in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y and rat primary striatal cultures. Lentiviral-mediated VEGF₁₆₅ expression was found to be neuroprotective in both of these models. Unilateral stereotaxic vector delivery of Exp-Htt vector in adult rat striatum led to progressive inclusion formation and striatal neuron loss at 10 weeks post-transduction. Coinjection of a lower dose VEGF₁₆₅ significantly attenuated DARPP-32(+) neuronal loss, enhanced NeuN staining and reduced Exp-Htt aggregation. A tenfold higher dose VEGF₁₆₅ led to overt neuronal toxicity marked by tissue damage, neovascularization, extensive astrogliosis, vascular leakage, chronic inflammation and distal neuronal loss. No overt behavioral phenotype was observed in these animals. Expression of VEGF₁₆₅ at this higher dose in the brain of wild-type rats led to early mortality with global neuronal loss. This report raises important safety concerns about unregulated VEGF₁₆₅ CNS applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart M Ellison
- Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Gene Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Neuroinflammation & Neurodegeneration, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
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