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Niu L, Zhou Y, Wang J, Zeng W. Nuclear translocation of STAT5 initiates iron overload in huntington's disease by up-regulating IRP1 expression. Metab Brain Dis 2024; 39:559-567. [PMID: 38261161 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-024-01340-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Mutant huntingtin (mHtt) proteins interact to form aggregates, disrupting cellular functions including transcriptional dysregulation and iron imbalance in patients with Huntington's disease (HD) and mouse disease models. Previous studies have indicated that mHtt may lead to abnormal iron homeostasis by upregulating the expression of iron response protein 1 (IRP1) in the striatum and cortex of N171-82Q HD transgenic mice, as well as in HEK293 cells expressing the N-terminal fragment of mHtt containing 160 CAG repeats. However, the mechanism underlying the upregulation of IRP1 remains unclear. We investigated the levels and phosphorylation status of signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) in the brains of N171-82Q HD transgenic mice using immunohistochemistry staining. We also assessed the nuclear localization of STAT5 protein through western blot and immunofluorescence, and measured the relative RNA expression levels of STAT5 and IRP1 using RT-PCR in both N171-82Q HD transgenic mice and HEK293 cells expressing the N-terminal fragment of huntingtin. Our findings demonstrate that the transcription factor STAT5 regulates the transcription of the IPR1 gene in HEK293 cells. Notably, both the brains of N171-82Q mice and 160Q HEK293 cells exhibited increased nuclear content of STAT5, despite unchanged total STAT5 expression. These results suggest that mHtt promotes the nuclear translocation of STAT5, leading to enhanced expression of IRP1. The nuclear translocation of STAT5 initiates abnormal iron homeostatic pathways, characterized by elevated IRP1 expression, increased levels of transferrin and transferrin receptor, and iron accumulation in the brains of HD mice. These findings provide valuable insights into potential therapeutic strategies targeting iron homeostasis in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Niu
- Department of Pathology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 430071, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongze Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 430071, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Pathology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 430071, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Zeng
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, 430071, Wuhan, China.
- Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Centre & Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 430071, Wuhan, China.
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Nittari G, Roy P, Martinelli I, Bellitto V, Tomassoni D, Traini E, Tayebati SK, Amenta F. Rodent Models of Huntington's Disease: An Overview. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3331. [PMID: 38137552 PMCID: PMC10741199 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal-dominant inherited neurological disorder caused by a genetic mutation in the IT15 gene. This neurodegenerative disorder is caused by a polyglutamine repeat expansion mutation in the widely expressed huntingtin (HTT) protein. HD is characterized by the degeneration of basal ganglia neurons and progressive cell death in intrinsic neurons of the striatum, accompanied by dementia and involuntary abnormal choreiform movements. Animal models have been extensively studied and have proven to be extremely valuable for therapeutic target evaluations. They reveal the hallmark of the age-dependent formation of aggregates or inclusions consisting of misfolded proteins. Animal models of HD have provided a therapeutic strategy to treat HD by suppressing mutant HTT (mHTT). Transgenic animal models have significantly increased our understanding of the molecular processes and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the HD behavioral phenotype. Since effective therapies to cure or interrupt the course of the disease are not yet available, clinical research will have to make use of reliable animal models. This paper reviews the main studies of rodents as HD animal models, highlighting the neurological and behavioral differences between them. The choice of an animal model depends on the specific aspect of the disease to be investigated. Toxin-based models can still be useful, but most experimental hypotheses depend on success in a genetic model, whose choice is determined by the experimental question. There are many animal models showing similar HD symptoms or pathologies. They include chemical-induced HDs and genetic HDs, where cell-free and cell culture, lower organisms (such as yeast, Drosophila, C. elegans, zebrafish), rodents (mice, rats), and non-human primates are involved. These models provide accessible systems to study molecular pathogenesis and test potential treatments. For developing more effective pharmacological treatments, better animal models must be available and used to evaluate the efficacy of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Nittari
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri, 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (G.N.); (P.R.); (I.M.); (V.B.); (E.T.); (S.K.T.)
| | - Proshanta Roy
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri, 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (G.N.); (P.R.); (I.M.); (V.B.); (E.T.); (S.K.T.)
| | - Ilenia Martinelli
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri, 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (G.N.); (P.R.); (I.M.); (V.B.); (E.T.); (S.K.T.)
| | - Vincenzo Bellitto
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri, 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (G.N.); (P.R.); (I.M.); (V.B.); (E.T.); (S.K.T.)
| | - Daniele Tomassoni
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III da Varano, 62032 Camerino, Italy;
| | - Enea Traini
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri, 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (G.N.); (P.R.); (I.M.); (V.B.); (E.T.); (S.K.T.)
| | - Seyed Khosrow Tayebati
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri, 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (G.N.); (P.R.); (I.M.); (V.B.); (E.T.); (S.K.T.)
| | - Francesco Amenta
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri, 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (G.N.); (P.R.); (I.M.); (V.B.); (E.T.); (S.K.T.)
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Sousa A, Rocha S, Vieira J, Reboiro-Jato M, López-Fernández H, Vieira CP. On the identification of potential novel therapeutic targets for spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) neurodegenerative disease using EvoPPI3. J Integr Bioinform 2023; 20:jib-2022-0056. [PMID: 36848492 PMCID: PMC10561075 DOI: 10.1515/jib-2022-0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
EvoPPI (http://evoppi.i3s.up.pt), a meta-database for protein-protein interactions (PPI), has been upgraded (EvoPPI3) to accept new types of data, namely, PPI from patients, cell lines, and animal models, as well as data from gene modifier experiments, for nine neurodegenerative polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases caused by an abnormal expansion of the polyQ tract. The integration of the different types of data allows users to easily compare them, as here shown for Ataxin-1, the polyQ protein involved in spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) disease. Using all available datasets and the data here obtained for Drosophila melanogaster wt and exp Ataxin-1 mutants (also available at EvoPPI3), we show that, in humans, the Ataxin-1 network is much larger than previously thought (380 interactors), with at least 909 interactors. The functional profiling of the newly identified interactors is similar to the ones already reported in the main PPI databases. 16 out of 909 interactors are putative novel SCA1 therapeutic targets, and all but one are already being studied in the context of this disease. The 16 proteins are mainly involved in binding and catalytic activity (mainly kinase activity), functional features already thought to be important in the SCA1 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Sousa
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (I3S), Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Rocha
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (I3S), Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge Vieira
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (I3S), Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135Porto, Portugal
| | - Miguel Reboiro-Jato
- Department of Computer Science, CINBIO, Universidade de Vigo, ESEI – Escuela Superior de Ingeniería Informática, 32004Ourense, Spain
- SING Research Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, 36213 Vigo, Spain
| | - Hugo López-Fernández
- Department of Computer Science, CINBIO, Universidade de Vigo, ESEI – Escuela Superior de Ingeniería Informática, 32004Ourense, Spain
- SING Research Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, 36213 Vigo, Spain
| | - Cristina P. Vieira
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (I3S), Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135Porto, Portugal
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Klonarakis M, De Vos M, Woo E, Ralph L, Thacker JS, Gil-Mohapel J. The three sisters of fate: Genetics, pathophysiology and outcomes of animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 135:104541. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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iPSC Therapy for Myocardial Infarction in Large Animal Models: Land of Hope and Dreams. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121836. [PMID: 34944652 PMCID: PMC8698445 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocardial infarction is the main driver of heart failure due to ischemia and subsequent cell death, and cell-based strategies have emerged as promising therapeutic methods to replace dead tissue in cardiovascular diseases. Research in this field has been dramatically advanced by the development of laboratory-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that harbor the capability to become any cell type. Like other experimental strategies, stem cell therapy must meet multiple requirements before reaching the clinical trial phase, and in vivo models are indispensable for ensuring the safety of such novel therapies. Specifically, translational studies in large animal models are necessary to fully evaluate the therapeutic potential of this approach; to empirically determine the optimal combination of cell types, supplementary factors, and delivery methods to maximize efficacy; and to stringently assess safety. In the present review, we summarize the main strategies employed to generate iPSCs and differentiate them into cardiomyocytes in large animal species; the most critical differences between using small versus large animal models for cardiovascular studies; and the strategies that have been pursued regarding implanted cells' stage of differentiation, origin, and technical application.
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Sawant N, Morton H, Kshirsagar S, Reddy AP, Reddy PH. Mitochondrial Abnormalities and Synaptic Damage in Huntington's Disease: a Focus on Defective Mitophagy and Mitochondria-Targeted Therapeutics. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:6350-6377. [PMID: 34519969 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02556-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal and pure genetic disease with a progressive loss of medium spiny neurons (MSN). HD is caused by expanded polyglutamine repeats in the exon 1 of HD gene. Clinically, HD is characterized by chorea, seizures, involuntary movements, dystonia, cognitive decline, intellectual impairment, and emotional disturbances. Several years of intense research revealed that multiple cellular changes, including defective axonal transport, protein-protein interactions, defective bioenergetics, calcium dyshomeostasis, NMDAR activation, synaptic damage, mitochondrial abnormalities, and selective loss of medium spiny neurons are implicated in HD. Recent research on mutant huntingtin (mHtt) and mitochondria has found that mHtt interacts with the mitochondrial division protein, dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1), enhances GTPase DRP1 enzymatic activity, and causes excessive mitochondrial fragmentation and abnormal distribution, leading to defective axonal transport of mitochondria and selective synaptic degeneration. Recent research also revealed that failure to remove dead and/or dying mitochondria is an early event in the disease progression. Currently, efforts are being made to reduce abnormal protein interactions and enhance synaptic mitophagy as therapeutic strategies for HD. The purpose of this article is to discuss recent research in HD progression. This article also discusses recent developments of cell and mouse models, cellular changes, mitochondrial abnormalities, DNA damage, bioenergetics, oxidative stress, mitophagy, and therapeutics strategies in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Sawant
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Hallie Morton
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Sudhir Kshirsagar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Arubala P Reddy
- Nutritional Sciences Department, College of Human Sciences, Texas Tech University, 1301 Akron Ave, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - P Hemachandra Reddy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.
- Neuroscience & Pharmacology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.
- Neurology, Department of School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.
- Public Health Department of Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, School Health Professions, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Public Health and School of Health Professions, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Neuroscience & Pharmacology3601 4th Street, NeurologyLubbock, TX, 79430, USA.
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7
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D’Souza GX, Rose SE, Knupp A, Nicholson DA, Keene CD, Young JE. The application of in vitro-derived human neurons in neurodegenerative disease modeling. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:124-140. [PMID: 32170790 PMCID: PMC7487003 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The development of safe and effective treatments for age-associated neurodegenerative disorders is an on-going challenge faced by the scientific field. Key to the development of such therapies is the appropriate selection of modeling systems in which to investigate disease mechanisms and to test candidate interventions. There are unique challenges in the development of representative laboratory models of neurodegenerative diseases, including the complexity of the human brain, the cumulative and variable contributions of genetic and environmental factors over the course of a lifetime, inability to culture human primary neurons, and critical central nervous system differences between small animal models and humans. While traditional rodent models have advanced our understanding of neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, key divergences such as the species-specific genetic background can limit the application of animal models in many cases. Here we review in vitro human neuronal systems that employ stem cell and reprogramming technology and their application to a range of neurodegenerative diseases. Specifically, we compare human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons to directly converted, or transdifferentiated, induced neurons, as both model systems can take advantage of patient-derived human tissue to produce neurons in culture. We present recent technical developments using these two modeling systems, as well as current limitations to these systems, with the aim of advancing investigation of neuropathogenic mechanisms using these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary X. D’Souza
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Shannon E. Rose
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Allison Knupp
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Daniel A. Nicholson
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - C. Dirk Keene
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jessica E. Young
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Tabrizi SJ, Flower MD, Ross CA, Wild EJ. Huntington disease: new insights into molecular pathogenesis and therapeutic opportunities. Nat Rev Neurol 2020; 16:529-546. [PMID: 32796930 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-020-0389-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Huntington disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene (HTT) and involves a complex web of pathogenic mechanisms. Mutant HTT (mHTT) disrupts transcription, interferes with immune and mitochondrial function, and is aberrantly modified post-translationally. Evidence suggests that the mHTT RNA is toxic, and at the DNA level, somatic CAG repeat expansion in vulnerable cells influences the disease course. Genome-wide association studies have identified DNA repair pathways as modifiers of somatic instability and disease course in HD and other repeat expansion diseases. In animal models of HD, nucleocytoplasmic transport is disrupted and its restoration is neuroprotective. Novel cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma biomarkers are among the earliest detectable changes in individuals with premanifest HD and have the sensitivity to detect therapeutic benefit. Therapeutically, the first human trial of an HTT-lowering antisense oligonucleotide successfully, and safely, reduced the CSF concentration of mHTT in individuals with HD. A larger trial, powered to detect clinical efficacy, is underway, along with trials of other HTT-lowering approaches. In this Review, we discuss new insights into the molecular pathogenesis of HD and future therapeutic strategies, including the modulation of DNA repair and targeting the DNA mutation itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Tabrizi
- Huntington's Disease Centre, University College London, London, UK. .,Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK. .,UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Michael D Flower
- Huntington's Disease Centre, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Christopher A Ross
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Edward J Wild
- Huntington's Disease Centre, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
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Kandasamy M, Anusuyadevi M, Aigner KM, Unger MS, Kniewallner KM, de Sousa DMB, Altendorfer B, Mrowetz H, Bogdahn U, Aigner L. TGF-β Signaling: A Therapeutic Target to Reinstate Regenerative Plasticity in Vascular Dementia? Aging Dis 2020; 11:828-850. [PMID: 32765949 PMCID: PMC7390515 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2020.0222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second leading form of memory loss after Alzheimer's disease (AD). Currently, there is no cure available. The etiology, pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of VaD are extremely heterogeneous, but the impaired cerebral blood flow (CBF) represents a common denominator of VaD. The latter might be the result of atherosclerosis, amyloid angiopathy, microbleeding and micro-strokes, together causing blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction and vessel leakage, collectively originating from the consequence of hypertension, one of the main risk factors for VaD. At the histopathological level, VaD displays abnormal vascular remodeling, endothelial cell death, string vessel formation, pericyte responses, fibrosis, astrogliosis, sclerosis, microglia activation, neuroinflammation, demyelination, white matter lesions, deprivation of synapses and neuronal loss. The transforming growth factor (TGF) β has been identified as one of the key molecular factors involved in the aforementioned various pathological aspects. Thus, targeting TGF-β signaling in the brain might be a promising therapeutic strategy to mitigate vascular pathology and improve cognitive functions in patients with VaD. This review revisits the recent understanding of the role of TGF-β in VaD and associated pathological hallmarks. It further explores the potential to modulate certain aspects of VaD pathology by targeting TGF-β signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh Kandasamy
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Neuroregeneration, Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India.
- Faculty Recharge Programme, University Grants Commission (UGC-FRP), New Delhi, India.
| | - Muthuswamy Anusuyadevi
- Molecular Gerontology Group, Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidhasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Kiera M Aigner
- Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University.
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Michael S Unger
- Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University.
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Kathrin M Kniewallner
- Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University.
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Diana M Bessa de Sousa
- Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University.
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Barbara Altendorfer
- Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University.
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Heike Mrowetz
- Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University.
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Ulrich Bogdahn
- Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University.
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
- Velvio GmbH, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Ludwig Aigner
- Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University.
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
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Spatial memory in Huntington’s disease: A comparative review of human and animal data. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 98:194-207. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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12
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Liyanage KA, Steward C, Moffat BA, Opie NL, Rind GS, John SE, Ronayne S, May CN, O’Brien TJ, Milne ME, Oxley TJ. Development and Implementation of a Corriedale Ovine Brain Atlas for Use in Atlas-Based Segmentation. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155974. [PMID: 27285947 PMCID: PMC4902240 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Segmentation is the process of partitioning an image into subdivisions and can be applied to medical images to isolate anatomical or pathological areas for further analysis. This process can be done manually or automated by the use of image processing computer packages. Atlas-based segmentation automates this process by the use of a pre-labelled template and a registration algorithm. We developed an ovine brain atlas that can be used as a model for neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease and focal epilepsy. 17 female Corriedale ovine brains were imaged in-vivo in a 1.5T (low-resolution) MRI scanner. 13 of the low-resolution images were combined using a template construction algorithm to form a low-resolution template. The template was labelled to form an atlas and tested by comparing manual with atlas-based segmentations against the remaining four low-resolution images. The comparisons were in the form of similarity metrics used in previous segmentation research. Dice Similarity Coefficients were utilised to determine the degree of overlap between eight independent, manual and atlas-based segmentations, with values ranging from 0 (no overlap) to 1 (complete overlap). For 7 of these 8 segmented areas, we achieved a Dice Similarity Coefficient of 0.5-0.8. The amygdala was difficult to segment due to its variable location and similar intensity to surrounding tissues resulting in Dice Coefficients of 0.0-0.2. We developed a low resolution ovine brain atlas with eight clinically relevant areas labelled. This brain atlas performed comparably to prior human atlases described in the literature and to intra-observer error providing an atlas that can be used to guide further research using ovine brains as a model and is hosted online for public access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kishan Andre Liyanage
- Vascular Bionics Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Radiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher Steward
- Department of Radiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bradford Armstrong Moffat
- Department of Radiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicholas Lachlan Opie
- Vascular Bionics Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gil Simon Rind
- Vascular Bionics Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sam Emmanuel John
- Vascular Bionics Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- NeuroEngineering Laboratory, Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, The University of Melbourne and Centre for Neural Engineering, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen Ronayne
- Vascular Bionics Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Clive Newton May
- Vascular Bionics Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Terence John O’Brien
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marjorie Eileen Milne
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thomas James Oxley
- Vascular Bionics Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Jiang Y, Chadwick SR, Lajoie P. Endoplasmic reticulum stress: The cause and solution to Huntington's disease? Brain Res 2016; 1648:650-657. [PMID: 27040914 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Accumulation of misfolded proteins is a hallmark of many human diseases, including several incurable neurological disorders, such as Huntington's disease (HD). In HD, expansion of a polyglutamine stretch within the first exon of the Huntingtin protein (Htt) leads to Htt misfolding, aberrant protein aggregation, and progressive appearance of disease symptoms. Several studies in various organisms (from yeast to humans) have identified the accumulation of misfolded secretory proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER stress) as a crucial determinant of cellular toxicity in HD. In this review, we highlight the recent research linking HD to ER stress. We also discuss how the modulation of signaling pathways responsible for coping with misfolded protein accumulation in the ER may constitute attractive methods to reduce toxicity and identify new therapeutic targets for treatment of HD. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI:ER stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Jiang
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada N6A 5C1
| | - Sarah R Chadwick
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada N6A 5C1
| | - Patrick Lajoie
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada N6A 5C1.
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Tu Z, Yang W, Yan S, Guo X, Li XJ. CRISPR/Cas9: a powerful genetic engineering tool for establishing large animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. Mol Neurodegener 2015; 10:35. [PMID: 26238861 PMCID: PMC4524001 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-015-0031-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal models are extremely valuable to help us understand the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders and to find treatments for them. Since large animals are more like humans than rodents, they make good models to identify the important pathological events that may be seen in humans but not in small animals; large animals are also very important for validating effective treatments or confirming therapeutic targets. Due to the lack of embryonic stem cell lines from large animals, it has been difficult to use traditional gene targeting technology to establish large animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, CRISPR/Cas9 was used successfully to genetically modify genomes in various species. Here we discuss the use of CRISPR/Cas9 technology to establish large animal models that can more faithfully mimic human neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuchi Tu
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Weili Yang
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Sen Yan
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xiangyu Guo
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Xiao-Jiang Li
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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