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Zhu Y, Li M, Wang H, Yang F, Du R, Pang X, Bai J, Huang X. Mendelian Randomization Identifies Genetically Supported Drug Targets for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:3809-3818. [PMID: 38019415 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03817-7] [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: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Currently, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) have no effective treatments. Drug repurposing offers a rapid method to meet therapeutic need for ALS and FTD. To identify therapeutic targets associated with ALS and FTD, Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis and colocalization were performed. Genetic instruments were based on transcriptomic and proteomic data for 422 actionable proteins targeted by approved drugs or clinical drug candidates. The publicly available ALS GWAS summary data (including a total of 20,806 ALS cases and 59,804 controls) and FTD GWAS summary data (including a total of 2154 patients with FTD and 4308 controls) were used. Using cis-expression quantitative trait loci and cis-protein quantitative trait loci genetic instruments, we identified several drug targets for repurposing (ALS: MARK3, false-discovery rate (FDR) = 0.043; LTBR, FDR = 0.068) (FTD: HLA-DRB1, FDR = 0.083; ADH5, FDR = 0.056). Our MR study analyzed the actionable druggable proteins and provided potential therapeutic targets for ALS and FTD. Future studies should further elucidate the underlying mechanism of corresponding drug targets in the pathogenesis of ALS and FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahui Zhu
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurology, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mao Li
- Department of Neurology, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongfen Wang
- Department of Neurology, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Yang
- Department of Neurology, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - RongRong Du
- Department of Neurology, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- College of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinyuan Pang
- Department of Neurology, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- College of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiongming Bai
- Department of Neurology, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- College of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xusheng Huang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China.
- Department of Neurology, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
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2
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Campos-Díaz A, Morejón-García P, Monte-Serrano E, Ros-Pardo D, Marcos-Alcalde I, Gómez-Puertas P, Lazo PA. Pathogenic effects of Leu200Pro and Arg387His VRK1 protein variants on phosphorylation targets and H4K16 acetylation in distal hereditary motor neuropathy. J Mol Med (Berl) 2024; 102:801-817. [PMID: 38554151 PMCID: PMC11106162 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-024-02442-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Rare recessive variants in the human VRK1 gene are associated with several motor neuron diseases (MND), such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, or distal hereditary motor neuropathies (dHMN). A case with dHMN carrying two novel VRK1 gene variants, expressing Leu200Pro (L200P) and Arg387His (R387H) variant proteins, identified that these protein variants are functionally different. The Leu200Pro variant shares with several variants in the catalytic domain the loss of the kinase activity on different substrates, such as histones, p53, or coilin. However, the distal Arg387His variant and the distal Trp375* (W375X) chinese variant, both located at the end of the low complexity C-terminal region and proximal to the termination codon, retain their catalytic activity on some substrates, and mechanistically their functional impairment is different. The L200P variant, as well as most VRK1 pathogenic variants, impairs the phosphorylation of BAF and histone H4K16 acetylation, which are required for DNA attachment to the nuclear envelope and chromatin accessibility to DNA repair mechanisms, respectively. The R387H variant impairs phosphorylation of H2AX, an early step in different types of DNA damage responses. The functional variability of VRK1 protein variants and their different combinations are a likely contributor to the clinical phenotypic heterogeneity of motor neuron and neurological diseases associated with rare VRK1 pathogenic variants. KEY MESSAGES: VRK1 variants implicated in motor neuron diseases are functionally different. The L200P variant is kinase inactive, and the R387H variant is partially active. VRK1 variants alter H4K16 acetylation and loss of coilin and BAF phosphorylation. VRK1 variants alter Cajal bodies and DNA damage responses. VRK1 variant combination determines the neurological phenotype heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurora Campos-Díaz
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Patricia Morejón-García
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Eva Monte-Serrano
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - David Ros-Pardo
- Molecular Modeling Group, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CBMSO (CSIC-UAM), 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Iñigo Marcos-Alcalde
- Molecular Modeling Group, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CBMSO (CSIC-UAM), 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paulino Gómez-Puertas
- Molecular Modeling Group, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CBMSO (CSIC-UAM), 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro A Lazo
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain.
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Di Martino P, Marcozzi V, Bibbò S, Ghinassi B, Di Baldassarre A, Gaggi G, Di Credico A. Unraveling the Epigenetic Landscape: Insights into Parkinson's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Multiple Sclerosis. Brain Sci 2024; 14:553. [PMID: 38928553 PMCID: PMC11202179 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14060553] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are examples of neurodegenerative movement disorders (NMDs), which are defined by a gradual loss of motor function that is frequently accompanied by cognitive decline. Although genetic abnormalities have long been acknowledged as significant factors, new research indicates that epigenetic alterations are crucial for the initiation and development of disease. This review delves into the complex interactions that exist between the pathophysiology of NMDs and epigenetic mechanisms such DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs. Here, we examine how these epigenetic changes could affect protein aggregation, neuroinflammation, and gene expression patterns, thereby influencing the viability and functionality of neurons. Through the clarification of the epigenetic terrain underpinning neurodegenerative movement disorders, this review seeks to enhance comprehension of the underlying mechanisms of the illness and augment the creation of innovative therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Di Martino
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (P.D.M.); (V.M.); (S.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Valentina Marcozzi
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (P.D.M.); (V.M.); (S.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Sandra Bibbò
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (P.D.M.); (V.M.); (S.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.); (A.D.C.)
- Cell Reprogramming and Differentiation Lab, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Barbara Ghinassi
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (P.D.M.); (V.M.); (S.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.); (A.D.C.)
- Cell Reprogramming and Differentiation Lab, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- UdA-Tech Lab, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Angela Di Baldassarre
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (P.D.M.); (V.M.); (S.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.); (A.D.C.)
- Cell Reprogramming and Differentiation Lab, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- UdA-Tech Lab, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giulia Gaggi
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (P.D.M.); (V.M.); (S.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.); (A.D.C.)
- Cell Reprogramming and Differentiation Lab, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- UdA-Tech Lab, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Credico
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (P.D.M.); (V.M.); (S.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.); (A.D.C.)
- Cell Reprogramming and Differentiation Lab, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- UdA-Tech Lab, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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Yuan Y, Bailey JM, Rivera-Lopez GM, Atchison WD. Preferential potentiation of AMPA-mediated currents in brainstem hypoglossal motoneurons by subchronic exposure of mice expressing the human superoxide dismutase 1 G93A gene mutation to neurotoxicant methylmercury in vivo. Neurotoxicology 2024; 100:72-84. [PMID: 38065418 PMCID: PMC10877233 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.12.002] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The exact causes of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive and fatal neurological disorder due to loss of upper and/or lower motoneurons, remain elusive. Gene-environment interactions are believed to be an important factor in the development of ALS. We previously showed that in vivo exposure of mice overexpressing the human superoxide dismutase 1 (hSOD1) gene mutation (hSOD1G93A; G93A), a mouse model for ALS, to environmental neurotoxicant methylmercury (MeHg) accelerated the onset of ALS-like phenotype. Here we examined the time-course of effects of MeHg on AMPA receptor (AMPAR)-mediated currents in hypoglossal motoneurons in brainstem slices prepared from G93A, hSOD1wild-type (hWT) and non-carrier WT mice following in vivo exposure to MeHg. Mice were exposed daily to 3 ppm (approximately 0.7 mg/kg/day) MeHg via drinking water beginning at postnatal day 28 (P28) and continued until P47, 64 or 84, then acute brainstem slices were prepared, and spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) or AMPA-evoked currents were examined using whole cell patch-clamp recording technique. Brainstem slices of untreated littermates were prepared at the same time points to serve as control. MeHg exposure had no significant effect on either sEPSCs or AMPA-evoked currents in slices from hWT or WT mice during any of those exposure time periods under our experimental conditions. MeHg also did not cause any significant effect on sEPSCs or AMPA-currents in G93A hypoglossal motoneurons at P47 and P64. However, at P84, MeHg significantly increased amplitudes of both sEPSCs and AMPA-evoked currents in hypoglossal motineurons from G93A mice (p < 0.05), but not the sEPSC frequency, suggesting a postsynaptic action on AMPARs. MeHg exposure did not cause any significant effect on GABAergic spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs). Therefore, MeHg exposure in vivo caused differential effects on AMPARs in hypoglossal motoneurons from mice with different genetic backgrounds. MeHg appears to preferentially stimulate the AMPAR-mediated currents in G93A hypoglossal motoneurons in an exposure time-dependent manner, which may contribute to the AMPAR-mediated motoneuron excitotoxicity, thereby facilitating development of ALS-like phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukun Yuan
- Department of Pharmacology/Toxicology, Michigan State University, Life Sciences Building, 1355 Bogue Street, East Lansing, MI 48824-1317, USA.
| | - Jordan M Bailey
- Department of Pharmacology/Toxicology, Michigan State University, Life Sciences Building, 1355 Bogue Street, East Lansing, MI 48824-1317, USA
| | - Gretchen M Rivera-Lopez
- Department of Pharmacology/Toxicology, Michigan State University, Life Sciences Building, 1355 Bogue Street, East Lansing, MI 48824-1317, USA
| | - William D Atchison
- Department of Pharmacology/Toxicology, Michigan State University, Life Sciences Building, 1355 Bogue Street, East Lansing, MI 48824-1317, USA
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5
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Rizzuti M, Sali L, Melzi V, Scarcella S, Costamagna G, Ottoboni L, Quetti L, Brambilla L, Papadimitriou D, Verde F, Ratti A, Ticozzi N, Comi GP, Corti S, Gagliardi D. Genomic and transcriptomic advances in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 92:102126. [PMID: 37972860 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102126] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder and the most common motor neuron disease. ALS shows substantial clinical and molecular heterogeneity. In vitro and in vivo models coupled with multiomic techniques have provided important contributions to unraveling the pathomechanisms underlying ALS. To date, despite promising results and accumulating knowledge, an effective treatment is still lacking. Here, we provide an overview of the literature on the use of genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics and microRNAs to deeply investigate the molecular mechanisms developing and sustaining ALS. We report the most relevant genes implicated in ALS pathogenesis, discussing the use of different high-throughput sequencing techniques and the role of epigenomic modifications. Furthermore, we present transcriptomic studies discussing the most recent advances, from microarrays to bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing. Finally, we discuss the use of microRNAs as potential biomarkers and promising tools for molecular intervention. The integration of data from multiple omic approaches may provide new insights into pathogenic pathways in ALS by shedding light on diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, helping to stratify patients into clinically relevant subgroups, revealing novel therapeutic targets and supporting the development of new effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mafalda Rizzuti
- Neurology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Sali
- Neurology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Melzi
- Neurology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Scarcella
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Dino Ferrari Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Costamagna
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Dino Ferrari Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Linda Ottoboni
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Dino Ferrari Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Quetti
- Neurology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Brambilla
- Neurology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Federico Verde
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Dino Ferrari Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonia Ratti
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Ticozzi
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Dino Ferrari Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Pietro Comi
- Neurology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Dino Ferrari Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Neuromuscular and Rare Diseases Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Neurology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Dino Ferrari Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Delia Gagliardi
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Dino Ferrari Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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Belosludtseva NV, Matveeva LA, Belosludtsev KN. Mitochondrial Dyshomeostasis as an Early Hallmark and a Therapeutic Target in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16833. [PMID: 38069154 PMCID: PMC10706047 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal multisystem disease characterized by progressive death of motor neurons, loss of muscle mass, and impaired energy metabolism. More than 40 genes are now known to be associated with ALS, which together account for the majority of familial forms of ALS and only 10% of sporadic ALS cases. To date, there is no consensus on the pathogenesis of ALS, which makes it difficult to develop effective therapy. Accumulating evidence indicates that mitochondria, which play an important role in cellular homeostasis, are the earliest targets in ALS, and abnormalities in their structure and functions contribute to the development of bioenergetic stress and disease progression. Mitochondria are known to be highly dynamic organelles, and their stability is maintained through a number of key regulatory pathways. Mitochondrial homeostasis is dynamically regulated via mitochondrial biogenesis, clearance, fission/fusion, and trafficking; however, the processes providing "quality control" and distribution of the organelles are prone to dysregulation in ALS. Here, we systematically summarized changes in mitochondrial turnover, dynamics, calcium homeostasis, and alterations in mitochondrial transport and functions to provide in-depth insights into disease progression pathways, which may have a significant impact on current symptomatic therapies and personalized treatment programs for patients with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia V. Belosludtseva
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya 3, Pushchino 142290, Russia;
| | - Lyudmila A. Matveeva
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Microbiology, Mari State University, pl. Lenina 1, Yoshkar-Ola 424001, Russia;
| | - Konstantin N. Belosludtsev
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya 3, Pushchino 142290, Russia;
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Microbiology, Mari State University, pl. Lenina 1, Yoshkar-Ola 424001, Russia;
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7
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Pérez-Cabello JA, Silvera-Carrasco L, Franco JM, Capilla-González V, Armaos A, Gómez-Lima M, García-García R, Yap XW, Leal-Lasarte M, Lall D, Baloh RH, Martínez S, Miyata Y, Tartaglia GG, Sawarkar R, García-Domínguez M, Pozo D, Roodveldt C. MAPK/MAK/MRK overlapping kinase (MOK) controls microglial inflammatory/type-I IFN responses via Brd4 and is involved in ALS. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2302143120. [PMID: 37399380 PMCID: PMC10334760 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2302143120] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal and incurable neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons and characterized by microglia-mediated neurotoxic inflammation whose underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. In this work, we reveal that MAPK/MAK/MRK overlapping kinase (MOK), with an unknown physiological substrate, displays an immune function by controlling inflammatory and type-I interferon (IFN) responses in microglia which are detrimental to primary motor neurons. Moreover, we uncover the epigenetic reader bromodomain-containing protein 4 (Brd4) as an effector protein regulated by MOK, by promoting Ser492-phospho-Brd4 levels. We further demonstrate that MOK regulates Brd4 functions by supporting its binding to cytokine gene promoters, therefore enabling innate immune responses. Remarkably, we show that MOK levels are increased in the ALS spinal cord, particularly in microglial cells, and that administration of a chemical MOK inhibitor to ALS model mice can modulate Ser492-phospho-Brd4 levels, suppress microglial activation, and modify the disease course, indicating a pathophysiological role of MOK kinase in ALS and neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús A. Pérez-Cabello
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa, Universidad de Sevilla-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville41092, Spain
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Seville, Seville41009, Spain
| | - Lucía Silvera-Carrasco
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa, Universidad de Sevilla-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville41092, Spain
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Seville, Seville41009, Spain
| | - Jaime M. Franco
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa, Universidad de Sevilla-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville41092, Spain
| | - Vivian Capilla-González
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa, Universidad de Sevilla-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville41092, Spain
| | - Alexandros Armaos
- Center for Human Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova16152, Italy
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova16152, Italy
| | - María Gómez-Lima
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa, Universidad de Sevilla-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville41092, Spain
| | - Raquel García-García
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa, Universidad de Sevilla-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville41092, Spain
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Seville, Seville41009, Spain
| | - Xin Wen Yap
- The Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB1 2QR, United Kingdom
| | - Magdalena Leal-Lasarte
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa, Universidad de Sevilla-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville41092, Spain
| | - Deepti Lall
- Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA90048
| | - Robert H. Baloh
- Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA90048
| | - Salvador Martínez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche-CSIC, Alicante03550, Spain
| | - Yoshihiko Miyata
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto606-8501, Japan
| | - Gian G. Tartaglia
- Center for Human Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova16152, Italy
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova16152, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, University Sapienza Rome, Rome00185, Italy
| | - Ritwick Sawarkar
- The Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB1 2QR, United Kingdom
| | - Mario García-Domínguez
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa, Universidad de Sevilla-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville41092, Spain
| | - David Pozo
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa, Universidad de Sevilla-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville41092, Spain
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Seville, Seville41009, Spain
| | - Cintia Roodveldt
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa, Universidad de Sevilla-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville41092, Spain
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Seville, Seville41009, Spain
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A Perspective on the Link between Mitochondria-Associated Membranes (MAMs) and Lipid Droplets Metabolism in Neurodegenerative Diseases. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12030414. [PMID: 36979106 PMCID: PMC10045954 DOI: 10.3390/biology12030414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria interact with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) through contacts called mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs), which control several processes, such as the ER stress response, mitochondrial and ER dynamics, inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy. MAMs represent an important platform for transport of non-vesicular phospholipids and cholesterol. Therefore, this region is highly enriched in proteins involved in lipid metabolism, including the enzymes that catalyze esterification of cholesterol into cholesteryl esters (CE) and synthesis of triacylglycerols (TAG) from fatty acids (FAs), which are then stored in lipid droplets (LDs). LDs, through contact with other organelles, prevent the toxic consequences of accumulation of unesterified (free) lipids, including lipotoxicity and oxidative stress, and serve as lipid reservoirs that can be used under multiple metabolic and physiological conditions. The LDs break down by autophagy releases of stored lipids for energy production and synthesis of membrane components and other macromolecules. Pathological lipid deposition and autophagy disruption have both been reported to occur in several neurodegenerative diseases, supporting that lipid metabolism alterations are major players in neurodegeneration. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of MAMs structure and function, focusing on their roles in lipid metabolism and the importance of autophagy in LDs metabolism, as well as the changes that occur in neurogenerative diseases.
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Parrella E, Porrini V, Scambi I, Gennari MM, Gussago C, Bankole O, Benarese M, Mariotti R, Pizzi M. Synergistic association of resveratrol and histone deacetylase inhibitors as treatment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1017364. [PMID: 36339574 PMCID: PMC9633661 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1017364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease associated with motor neuron degeneration, progressive paralysis and finally death. Despite the research efforts, currently there is no cure for ALS. In recent years, multiple epigenetic mechanisms have been associated with neurodegenerative diseases. A pathological role for histone hypoacetylation and the abnormal NF-κB/RelA activation involving deacetylation of lysines, with the exclusion of lysine 310, has been established in ALS. Recent findings indicate that the pathological acetylation state of NF-κB/RelA and histone 3 (H3) occurring in the SOD1(G93A) murine model of ALS can be corrected by the synergistic combination of low doses of the AMP-activated kinase (AMPK)-sirtuin 1 pathway activator resveratrol and the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors MS-275 (entinostat) or valproate. The combination of the epigenetic drugs, by rescuing RelA and the H3 acetylation state, promotes a beneficial and sexually dimorphic effect on disease onset, survival and motor neurons degeneration. In this mini review, we discuss the potential of the epigenetic combination of resveratrol with HDAC inhibitors in the ALS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Parrella
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Vanessa Porrini
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Ilaria Scambi
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Michele M. Gennari
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Cristina Gussago
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Oluwamolakun Bankole
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Marina Benarese
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Raffaella Mariotti
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Marina Pizzi
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Panio A, Cava C, D’Antona S, Bertoli G, Porro D. Diagnostic Circulating miRNAs in Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:861960. [PMID: 35602517 PMCID: PMC9121628 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.861960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the neurodegeneration of motoneurons. About 10% of ALS is hereditary and involves mutation in 25 different genes, while 90% of the cases are sporadic forms of ALS (sALS). The diagnosis of ALS includes the detection of early symptoms and, as disease progresses, muscle twitching and then atrophy spreads from hands to other parts of the body. The disease causes high disability and has a high mortality rate; moreover, the therapeutic approaches for the pathology are not effective. miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs, whose activity has a major impact on the expression levels of coding mRNA. The literature identifies several miRNAs with diagnostic abilities on sALS, but a unique diagnostic profile is not defined. As miRNAs could be secreted, the identification of specific blood miRNAs with diagnostic ability for sALS could be helpful in the identification of the patients. In the view of personalized medicine, we performed a meta-analysis of the literature in order to select specific circulating miRNAs with diagnostic properties and, by bioinformatics approaches, we identified a panel of 10 miRNAs (miR-193b, miR-3911, miR-139-5p, miR-193b-1, miR-338-5p, miR-3911-1, miR-455-3p, miR-4687-5p, miR-4745-5p, and miR-4763-3p) able to classify sALS patients by blood analysis. Among them, the analysis of expression levels of the couple of blood miR-193b/miR-4745-5p could be translated in clinical practice for the diagnosis of sALS.
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11
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Immune Signaling Kinases in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413280. [PMID: 34948077 PMCID: PMC8707599 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder of motor neurons in adults, with a median survival of 3-5 years after appearance of symptoms, and with no curative treatment currently available. Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is also an adult-onset neurodegenerative disease, displaying not only clinical overlap with ALS, but also significant similarities at genetic and pathologic levels. Apart from the progressive loss of neurons and the accumulation of protein inclusions in certain cells and tissues, both disorders are characterized by chronic inflammation mediated by activated microglia and astrocytes, with an early and critical impact of neurodegeneration along the disease course. Despite the progress made in the last two decades in our knowledge around these disorders, the underlying molecular mechanisms of such non-cell autonomous neuronal loss still need to be clarified. In particular, immune signaling kinases are currently thought to have a key role in determining the neuroprotective or neurodegenerative nature of the central and peripheral immune states in health and disease. This review provides a comprehensive and updated view of the proposed mechanisms, therapeutic potential, and ongoing clinical trials of immune-related kinases that have been linked to ALS and/or FTD, by covering the more established TBK1, RIPK1/3, RACK I, and EPHA4 kinases, as well as other emerging players in ALS and FTD immune signaling.
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12
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Hartung T, Rhein M, Kalmbach N, Thau-Habermann N, Naujock M, Müschen L, Frieling H, Sterneckert J, Hermann A, Wegner F, Petri S. Methylation and Expression of Mutant FUS in Motor Neurons Differentiated From Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells From ALS Patients. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:774751. [PMID: 34869374 PMCID: PMC8640347 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.774751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive disease leading to degeneration of motor neurons (MNs). Epigenetic modification of gene expression is increasingly recognized as potential disease mechanism. In the present study we generated motor neurons from induced pluripotent stem cells from ALS patients carrying a mutation in the fused in sarcoma gene (FUS) and analyzed expression and promoter methylation of the FUS gene and expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) compared to healthy control cell lines. While mutant FUS neural progenitor cells (NPCs) did not show a difference in FUS and DNMT expression compared to healthy controls, differentiated mutant FUS motor neurons showed significantly lower FUS expression, higher DNMT expression and higher methylation of the proximal FUS gene promoter. Immunofluorescence revealed perceived proximity of cytoplasmic FUS aggregates in ALS MNs together with 5-methylcytosin (5-mC). Targeting disturbed methylation in ALS may therefore restore transcriptional alterations and represent a novel therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Hartung
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - M Rhein
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hanover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - N Kalmbach
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - N Thau-Habermann
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - M Naujock
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Evotec International GmbH, Göttingen, Germany
| | - L Müschen
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - H Frieling
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hanover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - J Sterneckert
- Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - A Hermann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht Kossel", Department of Neurology and Center for Transdisciplinary Neuroscience (CTNR), University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Rostock/Greifswald, Rostock, Germany
| | - F Wegner
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - S Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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13
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When Good Kinases Go Rogue: GSK3, p38 MAPK and CDKs as Therapeutic Targets for Alzheimer's and Huntington's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115911. [PMID: 34072862 PMCID: PMC8199025 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a mostly sporadic brain disorder characterized by cognitive decline resulting from selective neurodegeneration in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex whereas Huntington's disease (HD) is a monogenic inherited disorder characterized by motor abnormalities and psychiatric disturbances resulting from selective neurodegeneration in the striatum. Although there have been numerous clinical trials for these diseases, they have been unsuccessful. Research conducted over the past three decades by a large number of laboratories has demonstrated that abnormal actions of common kinases play a key role in the pathogenesis of both AD and HD as well as several other neurodegenerative diseases. Prominent among these kinases are glycogen synthase kinase (GSK3), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and some of the cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). After a brief summary of the molecular and cell biology of AD and HD this review covers what is known about the role of these three groups of kinases in the brain and in the pathogenesis of the two neurodegenerative disorders. The potential of targeting GSK3, p38 MAPK and CDKS as effective therapeutics is also discussed as is a brief discussion on the utilization of recently developed drugs that simultaneously target two or all three of these groups of kinases. Multi-kinase inhibitors either by themselves or in combination with strategies currently being used such as immunotherapy or secretase inhibitors for AD and knockdown for HD could represent a more effective therapeutic approach for these fatal neurodegenerative diseases.
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The Novel Regulatory Role of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA Axis in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: An Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2021; 2021:5526179. [PMID: 33953791 PMCID: PMC8067776 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5526179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects motor neurons, causing muscle atrophy, bulbar palsy, and pyramidal tract signs. However, the aetiology and pathogenesis of ALS have not been elucidated to date. In this study, a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed by analyzing the expression profiles of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that were matched by 7 ALS samples and 4 control samples, and then a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to identify the genes related to ALS. Gene Ontology (GO) was used to study the potential functions of differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) in the ceRNA network. For the ALS and control groups, 247177 potential lncRNA-mRNA ceRNA relationship pairs were screened. Analysis of significant relationship pairs demonstrated that the PPI modules formed by the MALAT1-regulated SYNRG, ITSN2, PICALM, AP3B1, and AAK1 genes may play important roles in the pathogenesis of ALS, and these results may help to characterize the pathogenesis of ALS.
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15
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Petrozziello T, Mills AN, Vaine CA, Penney EB, Fernandez-Cerado C, Legarda GPA, Velasco-Andrada MS, Acuña PJ, Ang MA, Muñoz EL, Diesta CCE, Macalintal-Canlas R, Acuña-Sunshine G, Ozelius LJ, Sharma N, Bragg DC, Sadri-Vakili G. Neuroinflammation and histone H3 citrullination are increased in X-linked Dystonia Parkinsonism post-mortem prefrontal cortex. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 144:105032. [PMID: 32739252 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation plays a pathogenic role in neurodegenerative diseases and recent findings suggest that it may also be involved in X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism (XDP) pathogenesis. Previously, fibroblasts and neuronal stem cells derived from XDP patients demonstrated hypersensitivity to TNF-α, dysregulation in NFκB signaling, and an increase in several pro-inflammatory markers. However, the role of inflammatory processes in XDP patient brain remains unknown. Here we demonstrate that there is a significant increase in astrogliosis and microgliosis in human post-mortem XDP prefrontal cortex (PFC) compared to control. Furthermore, there is a significant increase in histone H3 citrullination (H3R2R8R17cit3) with a concomitant increase in peptidylarginine deaminase 2 (PAD2) and 4 (PAD4), the enzymes catalyzing citrullination, in XDP post-mortem PFC. While there is a significant increase in myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels in XDP PFC, neutrophil elastase (NE) levels are not altered, suggesting that MPO may be released by activated microglia or reactive astrocytes in the brain. Similarly, there was an increase in H3R2R8R17cit3, PAD2 and PAD4 levels in XDP-derived fibroblasts. Importantly, treatment of fibroblasts with Cl-amidine, a pan inhibitor of PAD enzymes, reduced histone H3 citrullination and pro-inflammatory chemokine expression, without affecting cell survival. Taken together, our results demonstrate that inflammation is increased in XDP post-mortem brain and fibroblasts and unveil a new epigenetic potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Petrozziello
- NeuroEpigenetics Laboratory, Healey Center for ALS at Mass General, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, United States of America
| | - Alexandra N Mills
- NeuroEpigenetics Laboratory, Healey Center for ALS at Mass General, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, United States of America
| | - Christine A Vaine
- The Collaborative Center for X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, United States of America
| | - Ellen B Penney
- The Collaborative Center for X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, United States of America
| | | | | | | | - Patrick J Acuña
- The Collaborative Center for X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, United States of America; Sunshine Care Foundation, Roxas City, 5800, Capiz, Philippines
| | - Mark A Ang
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
| | - Edwin L Muñoz
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
| | | | | | - Geraldine Acuña-Sunshine
- The Collaborative Center for X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, United States of America; Sunshine Care Foundation, Roxas City, 5800, Capiz, Philippines
| | - Laurie J Ozelius
- The Collaborative Center for X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, United States of America
| | - Nutan Sharma
- The Collaborative Center for X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, United States of America
| | - D Cristopher Bragg
- The Collaborative Center for X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, United States of America
| | - Ghazaleh Sadri-Vakili
- NeuroEpigenetics Laboratory, Healey Center for ALS at Mass General, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, United States of America.
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16
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Calió ML, Henriques E, Siena A, Bertoncini CRA, Gil-Mohapel J, Rosenstock TR. Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Neurogenesis, and Epigenetics: Putative Implications for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Neurodegeneration and Treatment. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:679. [PMID: 32760239 PMCID: PMC7373761 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and devastating multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder. Although the pathogenesis of ALS is still not completely understood, numerous studies suggest that mitochondrial deregulation may be implicated in its onset and progression. Interestingly, mitochondrial deregulation has also been associated with changes in neural stem cells (NSC) proliferation, differentiation, and migration. In this review, we highlight the importance of mitochondrial function for neurogenesis, and how both processes are correlated and may contribute to the pathogenesis of ALS; we have focused primarily on preclinical data from animal models of ALS, since to date no studies have evaluated this link using human samples. As there is currently no cure and no effective therapy to counteract ALS, we have also discussed how improving neurogenic function by epigenetic modulation could benefit ALS. In support of this hypothesis, changes in histone deacetylation can alter mitochondrial function, which in turn might ameliorate cellular proliferation as well as neuronal differentiation and migration. We propose that modulation of epigenetics, mitochondrial function, and neurogenesis might provide new hope for ALS patients, and studies exploring these new territories are warranted in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elisandra Henriques
- Department of Physiological Science, Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Science, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amanda Siena
- Department of Physiological Science, Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Science, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Clélia Rejane Antonio Bertoncini
- CEDEME, Center of Development of Experimental Models for Medicine and Biology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joana Gil-Mohapel
- Division of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Victoria and Island Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Tatiana Rosado Rosenstock
- Department of Physiological Science, Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Science, São Paulo, Brazil
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17
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Liscic RM, Alberici A, Cairns NJ, Romano M, Buratti E. From basic research to the clinic: innovative therapies for ALS and FTD in the pipeline. Mol Neurodegener 2020; 15:31. [PMID: 32487123 PMCID: PMC7268618 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-020-00373-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) are neurodegenerative disorders, related by deterioration of motor and cognitive functions and short survival. Aside from cases with an inherited pathogenic mutation, the causes of the disorders are still largely unknown and no effective treatment currently exists. It has been shown that FTD may coexist with ALS and this overlap occurs at clinical, genetic, and molecular levels. In this work, we review the main pathological aspects of these complex diseases and discuss how the integration of the novel pathogenic molecular insights and the analysis of molecular interaction networks among all the genetic players represents a critical step to shed light on discovering novel therapeutic strategies and possibly tailoring personalized medicine approaches to specific ALS and FTD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajka Maria Liscic
- Department of Neurology, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria
- School of Medicine, University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Antonella Alberici
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neurological Sciences and Vision, ASST-Spedali Civili-University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Nigel John Cairns
- College of Medicine and Health and Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Maurizio Romano
- Department of Life Sciences, Via Valerio 28, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Emanuele Buratti
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano 99, 34149, Trieste, Italy.
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18
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Paez-Colasante X, Figueroa-Romero C, Rumora AE, Hur J, Mendelson FE, Hayes JM, Backus C, Taubman GF, Heinicke L, Walter NG, Barmada SJ, Sakowski SA, Feldman EL. Cytoplasmic TDP43 Binds microRNAs: New Disease Targets in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:117. [PMID: 32477070 PMCID: PMC7235295 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal, and incurable neurodegenerative disease. Recent studies suggest that dysregulation of gene expression by microRNAs (miRNAs) may play an important role in ALS pathogenesis. The reversible nature of this dysregulation makes miRNAs attractive pharmacological targets and a potential therapeutic avenue. Under physiological conditions, miRNA biogenesis, which begins in the nucleus and includes further maturation in the cytoplasm, involves trans-activation response element DNA/RNA-binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP43). However, TDP43 mutations or stress trigger TDP43 mislocalization and inclusion formation, a hallmark of most ALS cases, that may lead to aberrant protein/miRNA interactions in the cytoplasm. Herein, we demonstrated that TDP43 exhibits differential binding affinity for select miRNAs, which prompted us to profile miRNAs that preferentially bind cytoplasmic TDP43. Using cellular models expressing TDP43 variants and miRNA profiling analyses, we identified differential levels of 65 cytoplasmic TDP43-associated miRNAs. Of these, approximately 30% exhibited levels that differed by more than 3-fold in the cytoplasmic TDP43 models relative to our control model. The hits included both novel miRNAs and miRNAs previously associated with ALS that potentially regulate several predicted genes and pathways that may be important for pathogenesis. Accordingly, these findings highlight specific miRNAs that may shed light on relevant disease pathways and could represent potential biomarkers and reversible treatment targets for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amy E. Rumora
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Junguk Hur
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Faye E. Mendelson
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - John M. Hayes
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Carey Backus
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Laurie Heinicke
- Single Molecule Analysis Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Nils G. Walter
- Single Molecule Analysis Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Sami J. Barmada
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Stacey A. Sakowski
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Eva L. Feldman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Gois AM, Mendonça DMF, Freire MAM, Santos JR. IN VITRO AND IN VIVO MODELS OF AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS: AN UPDATED OVERVIEW. Brain Res Bull 2020; 159:32-43. [PMID: 32247802 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2020.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of upper motor neurons (UMN) and lower motor neurons (LMN). Disease affects people all over the world and is more prevalent in men. Patients with ALS develop extensive muscle wasting, paralysis and ultimately death, with a median survival of usually fewer than five years after disease onset. ALS may be sporadic (sALS, 90%) or familial (fALS, 10%). The large majority of fALS cases are associated with genetic alterations, which are mainly related to the genes SOD1, TDP-43, FUS, and C9ORF72. In vitro and in vivo models have helped elucidate ALS etiology and pathogenesis, as well as its molecular, cellular, and physiological mechanisms. Many studies in cell cultures and animal models, such as Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, zebrafish, rodents, and non-human primates have been performed to clarify the relationship of these genes to ALS disease. However, there are inherent limitations to consider when using experimental models. In this review, we provide an updated overview of the most used in vitro and in vivo studies that have contributed to a better understanding of the different ALS pathogenic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Auderlan M Gois
- Behavioral and Evolutionary Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Itabaiana, SE, Brazil
| | - Deise M F Mendonça
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Itabaiana, SE, Brazil
| | - Marco Aurelio M Freire
- Postgraduation Program in Health and Society, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Mossoró, RN, Brazil
| | - Jose R Santos
- Behavioral and Evolutionary Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Itabaiana, SE, Brazil.
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20
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Ravnik-Glavač M, Glavač D. Circulating RNAs as Potential Biomarkers in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21051714. [PMID: 32138249 PMCID: PMC7084402 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a complex multi-system neurodegenerative disorder with currently limited diagnostic and no therapeutic options. Despite the intense efforts no clinically applicable biomarkers for ALS are yet established. Most current research is thus focused, in particular, in identifying potential non-invasive circulating biomarkers for more rapid and accurate diagnosis and monitoring of the disease. In this review, we have focused on messenger RNA (mRNA), non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), micro RNAs (miRNAs) and circular RNA (circRNAs) as potential biomarkers for ALS in peripheral blood serum, plasma and cells. The most promising miRNAs include miR-206, miR-133b, miR-27a, mi-338-3p, miR-183, miR-451, let-7 and miR-125b. To test clinical potential of this miRNA panel, a useful approach may be to perform such analysis on larger multi-center scale using similar experimental design. However, other types of RNAs (lncRNAs, circRNAs and mRNAs) that, together with miRNAs, represent RNA networks, have not been yet extensively studied in blood samples of patients with ALS. Additional research has to be done in order to find robust circulating biomarkers and therapeutic targets that will distinguish key RNA interactions in specific ALS-types to facilitate diagnosis, predict progression and design therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Metka Ravnik-Glavač
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence: (M.R.-G.); (D.G.)
| | - Damjan Glavač
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence: (M.R.-G.); (D.G.)
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21
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Wang T, Morency DT, Harris N, Davis GW. Epigenetic Signaling in Glia Controls Presynaptic Homeostatic Plasticity. Neuron 2020; 105:491-505.e3. [PMID: 31810838 PMCID: PMC7518042 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.10.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic gene regulation shapes neuronal fate in the embryonic nervous system. Post-embryonically, epigenetic signaling within neurons has been associated with impaired learning, autism, ataxia, and schizophrenia. Epigenetic factors are also enriched in glial cells. However, little is known about epigenetic signaling in glia and nothing is known about the intersection of glial epigenetic signaling and presynaptic homeostatic plasticity. During a screen for genes involved in presynaptic homeostatic synaptic plasticity, we identified an essential role for the histone acetyltransferase and deubiquitinase SAGA complex in peripheral glia. We present evidence that the SAGA complex is necessary for homeostatic plasticity, demonstrating involvement of four new genes in homeostatic plasticity. This is also evidence that glia participate in presynaptic homeostatic plasticity, invoking previously unexplored intercellular, homeostatic signaling at a tripartite synapse. We show, mechanistically, SAGA signaling regulates the composition of and signaling from the extracellular matrix during homeostatic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Danielle T Morency
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Nathan Harris
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Graeme W Davis
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
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22
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Dios AM, Babu S, Granucci EJ, Mueller KA, Mills AN, Alshikho MJ, Zürcher NR, Cernasov P, Gilbert TM, Glass JD, Berry JD, Atassi N, Hooker JM, Sadri-Vakili G. Class I and II histone deacetylase expression is not altered in human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Neuropathological and positron emission tomography molecular neuroimaging evidence. Muscle Nerve 2019; 60:443-452. [PMID: 31241177 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is an unmet need for mechanism-based biomarkers and effective disease modifying treatments in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Previous findings have provided evidence that histone deacetylases (HDAC) are altered in ALS, providing a rationale for testing HDAC inhibitors as a therapeutic option. METHODS We measured class I and II HDAC protein and transcript levels together with acetylation levels of downstream substrates by using Western blotting in postmortem tissue of ALS and controls. [11 C]Martinostat, a novel HDAC positron emission tomography ligand, was also used to assess in vivo brain HDAC alterations in patients with ALS and healthy controls (HC). RESULTS There was no significant difference in HDAC levels between patients with ALS and controls as measured by Western blotting and reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Similarly, no differences were detected in [11 C]Martinostat-positron emission tomography uptake in ALS participants compared with HCs. DISCUSSION These findings provide evidence that alterations in HDAC isoforms are not a dominant pathological feature at the bulk tissue level in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Dios
- Sean M Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Mass General, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Suma Babu
- Sean M Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Mass General, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eric J Granucci
- Sean M Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Mass General, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kaly A Mueller
- Sean M Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Mass General, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alexandra N Mills
- Sean M Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Mass General, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mohamad J Alshikho
- Sean M Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Mass General, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nicole R Zürcher
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Paul Cernasov
- Sean M Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Mass General, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tonya M Gilbert
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jonathan D Glass
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - James D Berry
- Sean M Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Mass General, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nazem Atassi
- Sean M Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Mass General, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Sanofi-Genzyme, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jacob M Hooker
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ghazaleh Sadri-Vakili
- Sean M Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Mass General, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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23
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Mannini B, Vecchi G, Labrador-Garrido A, Fabre B, Fani G, Franco JM, Lilley K, Pozo D, Vendruscolo M, Chiti F, Dobson CM, Roodveldt C. Differential Interactome and Innate Immune Response Activation of Two Structurally Distinct Misfolded Protein Oligomers. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:3464-3478. [PMID: 31313906 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The formation of misfolded protein oligomers during early stages of amyloid aggregation and the activation of neuroinflammatory responses are two key events associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Although it has been established that misfolded oligomers are involved in the neuroinflammatory process, the links between their structural features and their functional effects on the immune response remain unknown. To explore such links, we took advantage of two structurally distinct soluble oligomers (type A and B) of protein HypF-N and compared the elicited microglial inflammatory responses. By using confocal microscopy, protein pull-down, and high-throughput mass spectrometry, we found that, even though both types bound to a common pool of microglial proteins, type B oligomers-with a lower solvent-exposed hydrophobicity-showed enhanced protein binding, correlating with the observed inflammatory response. Furthermore, the interactome associated with inflammatory-mediated neurodegeneration revealed previously unidentified receptors and signaling molecules likely to be involved in the oligomer-elicited innate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Mannini
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CB2 1EW Cambridge, U.K
| | - Giulia Vecchi
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CB2 1EW Cambridge, U.K
| | - Adahir Labrador-Garrido
- Andalusian Center for Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CABIMER) - Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41092 Seville, Spain
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, University of Seville, 41092 Seville, Spain
| | - Bertrand Fabre
- Cambridge Centre for Proteomics, Systems Biology Centre, Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, CB2 1GA Cambridge, U.K
| | - Giulia Fani
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CB2 1EW Cambridge, U.K
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Jaime M. Franco
- Andalusian Center for Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CABIMER) - Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41092 Seville, Spain
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, University of Seville, 41092 Seville, Spain
| | - Kathryn Lilley
- Cambridge Centre for Proteomics, Systems Biology Centre, Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, CB2 1GA Cambridge, U.K
| | - David Pozo
- Andalusian Center for Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CABIMER) - Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41092 Seville, Spain
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, University of Seville, 41092 Seville, Spain
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CB2 1EW Cambridge, U.K
| | - Fabrizio Chiti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Christopher M. Dobson
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CB2 1EW Cambridge, U.K
| | - Cintia Roodveldt
- Andalusian Center for Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CABIMER) - Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41092 Seville, Spain
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, University of Seville, 41092 Seville, Spain
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24
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Naveed M, Zhou QG, Han F. Cerebrovascular inflammation: A critical trigger for neurovascular injury? Neurochem Int 2019; 126:165-177. [PMID: 30890409 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2019.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The cerebrovascular system is not only inert bystandard that support the metabolic demands of the brain but also elicit the barrier functions against risk factors mediated neurovascular injury. The onsets of cerebrovascular inflammation are considered as stimuli that can provoke the host defense system and trigger the development of neurological disorders. Homeostasis of the brain function is regulated by the movement of endothelial, glial, and neuronal cells within the neurovascular unit (NVU), which acts as a "platform" for the coordinated action of anti- and pro-inflammatory mechanisms. The cerebrovascular system plays an integral role in the inflammatory response by either producing or expressing a variety of cytokines, adhesion molecules, metalloproteinases, and serine proteases. Excessive inflammatory cytokine production can further be affecting the blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and lead to brain tissue damage. In this review, we summarize the more recent evidence highlighting the importance of cerebrovascular injury in terms of risk prediction, and the mechanisms mediating the upregulation of inflammatory mediators in cerebrovascular dysfunction and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Naveed
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Qi-Gang Zhou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu Province, PR China; Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Feng Han
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu Province, PR China.
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25
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Bedlack RS, Wicks P, Vaughan T, Opie A, Blum R, Dios A, Sadri-Vakili G. Lunasin does not slow ALS progression: results of an open-label, single-center, hybrid-virtual 12-month trial. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2019; 20:285-293. [PMID: 30663902 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2018.1556698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Lunasin, a soy peptide that reportedly alters histone acetylation in vitro, was associated with a single ALS reversal in the media. Following an ALSUntangled report, we sought to determine whether Lunasin altered histone acetylation and improved progression in people with ALS, and whether patient-centric trial design features might improve enrollment and retention. Methods: This single-center, year-long trial (NCT02709330) featured broad inclusion criteria, historical controls, primarily virtual data collection, and real-time results. Participants measured their own ALSFRS-R score, weight and perceived efficacy, and recorded these monthly on PatientsLikeMe. Blood tests at screening and month 1 assessed alterations in histone H3 and H4 acetylation. The protocol was published online, empowering patients outside the study to self-experiment. Results: Fifty participants enrolled in 5.5 months. Although this population had more advanced disease compared to other trials, retention and adherence were very high. There was no significant effect of Lunasin treatment on histone acetylation or disease progression. A cohort following our protocol outside the trial reported similar side effects and perceived effectiveness; however, their compliance with data entry was markedly lower. Conclusions: While Lunasin's lack of efficacy is disappointing, our novel trial design had the highest ALS trial enrollment rate ever recorded, with excellent retention and adherence. Low data density from patients who are self-experimenting outside a formal protocol casts doubt on the possibility of gathering useful information from unsupervised expanded access programs or "right to try" initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- R S Bedlack
- a Department of Neurology , Duke University , Durham , NC , USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Amanda Dios
- c NeuroEpigenetics Laboratory , MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease , Charlestown , MA , USA
| | - Ghazaleh Sadri-Vakili
- c NeuroEpigenetics Laboratory , MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease , Charlestown , MA , USA
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26
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Masala A, Sanna S, Esposito S, Rassu M, Galioto M, Zinellu A, Carru C, Carrì MT, Iaccarino C, Crosio C. Epigenetic Changes Associated with the Expression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Causing Genes. Neuroscience 2018; 390:1-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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27
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Stoccoro A, Mosca L, Carnicelli V, Cavallari U, Lunetta C, Marocchi A, Migliore L, Coppedè F. Mitochondrial DNA copy number and D-loop region methylation in carriers of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis gene mutations. Epigenomics 2018; 10:1431-1443. [PMID: 30088417 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2018-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number and D-loop region methylation in carriers of SOD1, TARDBP, FUS and C9orf72 mutations. METHODS Investigations were performed in blood DNA from 114 individuals, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, presymptomatic carriers and noncarrier family members. RESULTS Increased mtDNA copy number (p = 0.0001) was observed in ALS patients, and particularly in those with SOD1 or C9orf72 mutations. SOD1 mutation carriers showed also a significant decrease in D-loop methylation levels (p = 0.003). An inverse correlation between D-loop methylation levels and the mtDNA copy number (p = 0.0005) was observed. CONCLUSION Demethylation of the D-loop region could represent a compensatory mechanism for mtDNA upregulation in carriers of ALS-linked SOD1 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Stoccoro
- Department of Translational Research & New Technologies in Medicine & Surgery, Medical Genetics Laboratory, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Doctoral School in Genetics Oncology & Clinical Medicine, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Lorena Mosca
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Laboratory Medicine, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Vittoria Carnicelli
- Department of Surgical, Medical & Molecular Pathology & Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ugo Cavallari
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Laboratory Medicine, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Christian Lunetta
- NEuroMuscular Omnicentre (NEMO), ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Marocchi
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Laboratory Medicine, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia Migliore
- Department of Translational Research & New Technologies in Medicine & Surgery, Medical Genetics Laboratory, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Coppedè
- Department of Translational Research & New Technologies in Medicine & Surgery, Medical Genetics Laboratory, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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28
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Mayer J, Harz C, Sanchez L, Pereira GC, Maldener E, Heras SR, Ostrow LW, Ravits J, Batra R, Meese E, García-Pérez JL, Goodier JL. Transcriptional profiling of HERV-K(HML-2) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and potential implications for expression of HML-2 proteins. Mol Neurodegener 2018; 13:39. [PMID: 30068350 PMCID: PMC6091006 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-018-0275-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder. About 90% of ALS cases are without a known genetic cause. The human endogenous retrovirus multi-copy HERV-K(HML-2) group was recently reported to potentially contribute to neurodegeneration and disease pathogenesis in ALS because of transcriptional upregulation and toxic effects of HML-2 Envelope (Env) protein. Env and other proteins are encoded by some transcriptionally active HML-2 loci. However, more detailed information is required regarding which HML-2 loci are transcribed in ALS, which of their proteins are expressed, and differences between the disease and non-disease states. METHODS For brain and spinal cord tissue samples from ALS patients and controls, we identified transcribed HML-2 loci by generating and mapping HML-2-specific cDNA sequences. We predicted expression of HML-2 env gene-derived proteins based on the observed cDNA sequences. Furthermore, we determined overall HML-2 transcript levels by RT-qPCR and investigated presence of HML-2 Env protein in ALS and control tissue samples by Western blotting. RESULTS We identified 24 different transcribed HML-2 loci. Some of those loci are transcribed at relatively high levels. However, significant differences in HML-2 loci transcriptional activities were not seen when comparing ALS and controls. Likewise, overall HML-2 transcript levels, as determined by RT-qPCR, were not significantly different between ALS and controls. Indeed, we were unable to detect full-length HML-2 Env protein in ALS and control tissue samples despite reasonable sensitivity. Rather our analyses suggest that a number of HML-2 protein variants other than full-length Env may potentially be expressed in ALS patients. CONCLUSIONS Our results expand and refine recent publications on HERV-K(HML-2) and ALS. Some of our results are in conflict with recent findings and call for further specific analyses. Our profiling of HML-2 transcription in ALS opens up the possibility that HML-2 proteins other than canonical full-length Env may have to be considered when studying the role of HML-2 in ALS disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Mayer
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Christian Harz
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Laura Sanchez
- GENYO. Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer, University of Granada, Andalusian Regional Government, Granada, Spain
| | - Gavin C. Pereira
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Esther Maldener
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Sara R. Heras
- GENYO. Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer, University of Granada, Andalusian Regional Government, Granada, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Lyle W. Ostrow
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 28217 USA
| | - John Ravits
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, UCSD, San Diego, CA USA
| | - Ranjan Batra
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, UCSD, San Diego, CA USA
| | - Eckart Meese
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Jose Luis García-Pérez
- GENYO. Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer, University of Granada, Andalusian Regional Government, Granada, Spain
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine (IGMM), University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - John L. Goodier
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
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29
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Sharma S, Young RJ, Chen J, Chen X, Oh EC, Schiller MR. Minimotifs dysfunction is pervasive in neurodegenerative disorders. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2018; 4:414-432. [PMID: 30225339 PMCID: PMC6139474 DOI: 10.1016/j.trci.2018.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Minimotifs are modular contiguous peptide sequences in proteins that are important for posttranslational modifications, binding to other molecules, and trafficking to specific subcellular compartments. Some molecular functions of proteins in cellular pathways can be predicted from minimotif consensus sequences identified through experimentation. While a role for minimotifs in regulating signal transduction and gene regulation during disease pathogenesis (such as infectious diseases and cancer) is established, the therapeutic use of minimotif mimetic drugs is limited. In this review, we discuss a general theme identifying a pervasive role of minimotifs in the pathomechanism of neurodegenerative diseases. Beyond their longstanding history in the genetics of familial neurodegeneration, minimotifs are also major players in neurotoxic protein aggregation, aberrant protein trafficking, and epigenetic regulation. Generalizing the importance of minimotifs in neurodegenerative diseases offers a new perspective for the future study of neurodegenerative mechanisms and the investigation of new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surbhi Sharma
- Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- School of Life Sciences, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Richard J. Young
- Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- School of Life Sciences, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Jingchun Chen
- Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Xiangning Chen
- Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- Department of Psychology, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Edwin C. Oh
- Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Martin R. Schiller
- Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- School of Life Sciences, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
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30
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Recent advances in the mechanisms of neuroinflammation and their roles in neurodegeneration. Neurochem Int 2018; 120:13-20. [PMID: 30016687 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2018.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is associated with the pathogenesis of many neurological disorders including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Huntington disease. Current studies in this area have advanced the mechanism of neuroinflammation and its role in neurodegeneration. Studies from epidemiologic, clinical and animal models also contributed in the various new mechanisms of neuroinflammation. In this line, activation of monocytes is an important emerging mechanism that has a, profound role in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Ion channels, matrix metalloproteases and microRNAs are also found to be the key players in the pathogenesis of neuroinflammation. In particular, microRNA-32 regulates microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and thus neurodegeneration. Notably, some important studies describe the role of Th17 cells in neuroinflammation, but, very little knowledge is available about their mechanism of action. Particularly, the role of autophagy gets emphasized, which plays a very critical role in protein aggregation and neurodegeneration. In this review, we highlight and discuss the mechanisms of these mediators of inflammation by which they contribute to the disease progression. In conclusion, we focus on the various newer molecular mechanisms that are associated with the basic understanding of neuroinflammation in neurodegeneration.
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31
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Mendioroz M, Martínez-Merino L, Blanco-Luquin I, Urdánoz A, Roldán M, Jericó I. Liquid biopsy: a new source of candidate biomarkers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2018; 5:763-768. [PMID: 29928659 PMCID: PMC5989775 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Noninvasive tests to diagnose and monitor the progression of neurodegenerative disorders have been a challenge for decades. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of applying liquid biopsy procedures to patients with a neurodegenerative disease such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We isolated plasma cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) in 20 ALS patients and 20 controls and used cfDNA to identify a novel differentially methylated mark in RHBDF2 gene in ALS patients compared to controls. Our findings support the notion that liquid biopsy may be applied to living patients as a source of potential epigenetic biomarkers for neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maite Mendioroz
- Department of Neurology Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research) Pamplona Spain.,Neuroepigenetics Laboratory- Navarrabiomed Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN) Public University of Navarre (UPNA) IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research Pamplona Spain
| | - Leyre Martínez-Merino
- Department of Neurology Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research) Pamplona Spain
| | - Idoia Blanco-Luquin
- Neuroepigenetics Laboratory- Navarrabiomed Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN) Public University of Navarre (UPNA) IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research Pamplona Spain
| | - Amaya Urdánoz
- Neuroepigenetics Laboratory- Navarrabiomed Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN) Public University of Navarre (UPNA) IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research Pamplona Spain
| | - Miren Roldán
- Neuroepigenetics Laboratory- Navarrabiomed Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN) Public University of Navarre (UPNA) IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research Pamplona Spain
| | - Ivonne Jericó
- Department of Neurology Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research) Pamplona Spain
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Dorst J, Ludolph AC, Huebers A. Disease-modifying and symptomatic treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2017; 11:1756285617734734. [PMID: 29399045 PMCID: PMC5784546 DOI: 10.1177/1756285617734734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we summarize the most important recent developments in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In terms of disease-modifying treatment options, several drugs such as dexpramipexole, pioglitazone, lithium, and many others have been tested in large multicenter trials, albeit with disappointing results. Therefore, riluzole remains the only directly disease-modifying drug. In addition, we discuss antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) as a new and potentially causal treatment option. Progress in symptomatic treatments has been more important. Nutrition and ventilation are now an important focus of ALS therapy. Several studies have firmly established that noninvasive ventilation improves patients' quality of life and prolongs survival. On the other hand, there is still no consensus regarding best nutritional management, but big multicenter trials addressing this issue are currently ongoing. Evidence regarding secondary symptoms like spasticity, muscle cramps or sialorrhea remains generally scarce, but some new insights will also be discussed. Growing evidence suggests that multidisciplinary care in specialized clinics improves survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Dorst
- Universitätsklinik Ulm, RKU, Oberer Eselsberg 45, D-89081 Ulm, Germany
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