1
|
Elango R, Banaganapalli B, Mujalli A, AlRayes N, Almaghrabi S, Almansouri M, Sahly A, Jadkarim GA, Malik MZ, Kutbi HI, Shaik NA, Alefishat E. Potential Biomarkers for Parkinson Disease from Functional Enrichment and Bioinformatic Analysis of Global Gene Expression Patterns of Blood and Substantia Nigra Tissues. Bioinform Biol Insights 2023; 17:11779322231166214. [PMID: 37153842 PMCID: PMC10155030 DOI: 10.1177/11779322231166214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The Parkinson disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder affecting the central nervous system and motor functions. The biological complexity of PD is yet to reveal potential targets for intervention or to slow the disease severity. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the fidelity of blood to substantia nigra (SN) tissue gene expression from PD patients to provide a systematic approach to predict role of the key genes of PD pathobiology. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from multiple microarray data sets of PD blood and SN tissue from GEO database are identified. Using the theoretical network approach and variety of bioinformatic tools, we prioritized the key genes from DEGs. A total of 540 and 1024 DEGs were identified in blood and SN tissue samples, respectively. Functional pathways closely related to PD such as ERK1 and ERK2 cascades, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, Wnt, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and PI3K-Akt signaling were observed by enrichment analysis. Expression patterns of 13 DEGs were similar in both blood and SN tissues. Comprehensive network topological analysis and gene regulatory networks identified additional 10 DEGs functionally connected with molecular mechanisms of PD through the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), autophagy, and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathways. Potential drug molecules were identified by chemical-protein network and drug prediction analysis. These potential candidates can be further validated in vitro/in vivo to be used as biomarkers and/or novel drug targets for the PD pathology and/or to arrest or delay the neurodegeneration over the years, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramu Elango
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Faculty
of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Princess Al-Jawhara Al-Brahim Center of
Excellence in Research of Hereditary Disorders, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah,
Saudi Arabia
| | - Babajan Banaganapalli
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Faculty
of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Princess Al-Jawhara Al-Brahim Center of
Excellence in Research of Hereditary Disorders, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah,
Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman Mujalli
- Department of Laboratory Medicine,
Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi
Arabia
| | - Nuha AlRayes
- Princess Al-Jawhara Al-Brahim Center of
Excellence in Research of Hereditary Disorders, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah,
Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory
Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah,
Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Almaghrabi
- Department of Medical Laboratory
Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah,
Saudi Arabia
- Center of Innovation in Personalized
Medicine (CIPM), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majid Almansouri
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry,
Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Sahly
- Princess Al-Jawhara Al-Brahim Center of
Excellence in Research of Hereditary Disorders, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah,
Saudi Arabia
| | - Gada Ali Jadkarim
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Faculty
of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md Zubbair Malik
- School of Computational and Integrative
Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Hussam Ibrahim Kutbi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice,
Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noor Ahmad Shaik
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Faculty
of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Princess Al-Jawhara Al-Brahim Center of
Excellence in Research of Hereditary Disorders, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah,
Saudi Arabia
| | - Eman Alefishat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology,
College of Medicine, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Najafi S, Najafi P, Kaffash Farkhad N, Hosseini Torshizi G, Assaran Darban R, Boroumand AR, Sahab-Negah S, Khodadoust MA, Tavakol-Afshari J. Mesenchymal stem cell therapy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients: A comprehensive review of disease information and future perspectives. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2023; 26:872-881. [PMID: 37427325 PMCID: PMC10329242 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2023.66364.14572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare deadly progressive neurological disease that primarily affects the upper and lower motor neurons with an annual incidence rate of 0.6 to 3.8 per 100,000 people. Weakening and gradual atrophy of the voluntary muscles are the first signs of the disease onset affecting all aspects of patients' lives, including eating, speaking, moving, and even breathing. Only 5-10% of patients have a familial type of the disease and show an autosomal dominant pattern, but the cause of the disease is unknown in the remaining 90% of patients (Sporadic ALS). However, in both types of disease, the patient's survival is 2 to 5 years from the disease onset. Some clinical and molecular biomarkers, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), blood or urine test, muscle biopsy, and genetic testing are complementary methods for disease diagnosis. Unfortunately, with the exception of Riluzole, the only medically approved drug for the management of this disease, there is still no definitive cure for it. In this regard, the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for the treatment or management of the disease has been common in preclinical and clinical studies for many years. MSCs are multipotent cells having immunoregulatory, anti-inflammatory, and differentiation ability that makes them a good candidate for this purpose. This review article aims to discuss multiple aspects of ALS disease and focus on MSCs' role in disease management based on performed clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahrzad Najafi
- Department of Biology, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Parizad Najafi
- Department of Biology, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Najmeh Kaffash Farkhad
- Immunology Research Center, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Reza Assaran Darban
- Department of Biology, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Reza Boroumand
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sajad Sahab-Negah
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Khodadoust
- Immunology Research Center, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Jalil Tavakol-Afshari
- Immunology Research Center, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chakraborty A, Diwan A. Biomarkers and molecular mechanisms of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. AIMS Neurosci 2022; 9:423-443. [PMID: 36660079 PMCID: PMC9826749 DOI: 10.3934/neuroscience.2022023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease in adults involving non-demyelinating motor disorders. About 90% of ALS cases are sporadic, while 10-12% of cases are due to some genetic reasons. Mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), TAR, c9orf72 (chromosome 9 open reading frame 72) and VAPB genes are commonly found in ALS patients. Therefore, the mechanism of ALS development involves oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, glutamate excitotoxicity and aggregation of proteins, neuro-inflammation and defective RNA function. Cholesterol and LDL/HDL levels are also associated with ALS development. As a result, sterols could be a suitable biomarker for this ailment. The main mechanisms of ALS development are reticulum stress, neuroinflammation and RNA metabolism. The multi-nature development of ALS makes it more challenging to pinpoint a treatment.
Collapse
|
4
|
Contribution of Apaf-1 to the pathogenesis of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Biochimie 2021; 190:91-110. [PMID: 34298080 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2021.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Deregulation of apoptosis is associated with various pathologies, such as neurodegenerative disorders at one end of the spectrum and cancer at the other end. Generally speaking, differentiated cells like cardiomyocytes, skeletal myocytes and neurons exhibit low levels of Apaf-1 (Apoptotic protease activating factor 1) protein suggesting that down-regulation of Apaf-1 is an important event contributing to the resistance of these cells to apoptosis. Nonetheless, upregulation of Apaf-1 has not emerged as a common phenomenon in pathologies associated with enhanced neuronal cell death, i.e., neurodegenerative diseases. In cancer, on the other hand, Apaf-1 downregulation is a common phenomenon, which occurs through various mechanisms including mRNA hyper-methylation, gene methylation, Apaf-1 localization in lipid rafts, inhibition by microRNAs, phosphorylation, and interaction with specific inhibitors. Due to the diversity of these mechanisms and involvement of other factors, defining the exact contribution of Apaf-1 to the development of cancer in general and neurodegenerative disorders, in particular, is complicated. The current review is an attempt to provide a comprehensive image of Apaf-1's contribution to the pathologies observed in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases with the emphasis on the therapeutic aspects of Apaf-1 as an important target in these pathologies.
Collapse
|
5
|
Avrutsky MI, Troy CM. Caspase-9: A Multimodal Therapeutic Target With Diverse Cellular Expression in Human Disease. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:701301. [PMID: 34305609 PMCID: PMC8299054 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.701301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Caspase-9, a cysteine-aspartic protease known for its role as an initiator of intrinsic apoptosis, regulates physiological cell death and pathological tissue degeneration. Its nonapoptotic functions, including regulation of cellular differentiation/maturation, innate immunity, mitochondrial homeostasis, and autophagy, reveal a multimodal landscape of caspase-9 functions in health and disease. Recent work has demonstrated that caspase-9 can drive neurovascular injury through nonapoptotic endothelial cell dysfunction. CASP9 polymorphisms have been linked with various cancers, neurological disorders, autoimmune pathologies and lumbar disc disease. Clinical reports suggest alterations in caspase-9 expression, activity or function may be associated with acute and chronic neurodegeneration, retinal neuropathy, slow-channel myasthenic syndrome, lumbar disc disease, cardiomyopathies, atherosclerosis and autoimmune disease. Healthy tissues maintain caspase-9 activity at low basal levels, rendering supraphysiological caspase-9 activation a tractable target for therapeutic interventions. Strategies for selective inhibition of caspase-9 include dominant negative caspase-9 mutants and pharmacological inhibitors derived from the XIAP protein, whose Bir3 domain is an endogenous highly selective caspase-9 inhibitor. However, the mechanistic implications of caspase-9 expression and activation remain indeterminate in many pathologies. By assembling clinical reports of caspase-9 genetics, signaling and cellular localization in human tissues, this review identifies gaps between experimental and clinical studies on caspase-9, and presents opportunities for further investigations to examine the consequences of caspase activity in human disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria I Avrutsky
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Carol M Troy
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.,The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
McCombe PA, Lee JD, Woodruff TM, Henderson RD. The Peripheral Immune System and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Neurol 2020; 11:279. [PMID: 32373052 PMCID: PMC7186478 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severe neurodegenerative disease that is defined by loss of upper and lower motor neurons, associated with accumulation of protein aggregates in cells. There is also pathology in extra-motor areas of the brain, Possible causes of cell death include failure to deal with the aggregated proteins, glutamate toxicity and mitochondrial failure. ALS also involves abnormalities of metabolism and the immune system, including neuroinflammation in the brain and spinal cord. Strikingly, there are also abnormalities of the peripheral immune system, with alterations of T lymphocytes, monocytes, complement and cytokines in the peripheral blood of patients with ALS. The precise contribution of the peripheral immune system in ALS pathogenesis is an active area of research. Although some trials of immunomodulatory agents have been negative, there is strong preclinical evidence of benefit from immune modulation and further trials are currently underway. Here, we review the emerging evidence implicating peripheral immune alterations contributing to ALS, and their potential as future therapeutic targets for clinical intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pamela A. McCombe
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Wesley Medical Research, The Wesley Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - John D. Lee
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Trent M. Woodruff
- Wesley Medical Research, The Wesley Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Raloxifene, a promising estrogen replacement, limits TDP-25 cell death by enhancing autophagy and suppressing apoptosis. Brain Res Bull 2018; 140:281-290. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2018.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
8
|
Cerebrospinal Fluid from Patients with Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Induces Degeneration of Motor Neurons Derived from Human Embryonic Stem Cells. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:1014-1034. [PMID: 29858777 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1149-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Disease modeling has become challenging in the context of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as obtaining viable spinal motor neurons from postmortem patient tissue is an unlikely possibility. Limitations in the animal models due to their phylogenetic distance from human species hamper the success of translating possible findings into therapeutic options. Accordingly, there is a need for developing humanized models as a lead towards identifying successful therapeutic possibilities. In this study, human embryonic stem cells-BJNHem20-were differentiated into motor neurons expressing HB9, Islet1, and choline acetyl transferase using retinoic acid and purmorphamine. These motor neurons discharged spontaneous action potentials with two different frequencies (< 5 and > 5 Hz), and majority of them were principal neurons firing with < 5 Hz. Exposure to cerebrospinal fluid from ALS patients for 48 h induced several degenerative changes in the motor neurons as follows: cytoplasmic changes such as beading of neurites and vacuolation; morphological alterations, viz., dilation and vacuolation of mitochondria, curled and closed Golgi architecture, dilated endoplasmic reticulum, and chromatin condensation in the nucleus; lowered activity of different mitochondrial complex enzymes; reduced expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor; up-regulated neurofilament phosphorylation and hyperexcitability represented by increased number of spikes. All these changes along with the enhanced expression of pro-apoptotic proteins-Bax and caspase 9-culminated in the death of motor neurons.
Collapse
|
9
|
Lee H, Shin EA, Lee JH, Ahn D, Kim CG, Kim JH, Kim SH. Caspase inhibitors: a review of recently patented compounds (2013-2015). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2017; 28:47-59. [DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2017.1378426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hyemin Lee
- Cancer Molecular Targeted Herbal Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eun Ah Shin
- Cancer Molecular Targeted Herbal Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae Hee Lee
- Department of East West Medical Science, Graduate School of East West Medical Science Kyung Hee University, Yongin, South Korea
| | - Deoksoo Ahn
- Cancer Molecular Targeted Herbal Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chang Geun Kim
- Cancer Molecular Targeted Herbal Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ju-Ha Kim
- Cancer Molecular Targeted Herbal Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sung-Hoon Kim
- Cancer Molecular Targeted Herbal Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yan J, Xu Y, Zhang L, Zhao H, Jin L, Liu WG, Weng LH, Li ZH, Chen L. Increased Expressions of Plasma Galectin-3 in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Chin Med J (Engl) 2017; 129:2797-2803. [PMID: 27900991 PMCID: PMC5146785 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.194656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High expressions of galectin-3 were identified recently in the end stage of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, which suggested that immune reactivity and inflammatory mechanisms might play an important role in the pathogenesis of ALS. The purpose of this study was to investigate plasma galectin-3 levels in different groups and stages of ALS patients and the association with related clinical characteristics. METHODS A total of 51 patients with ALS and 60 normal controls (NCs) were recruited in this study. Plasma galectin-3 levels were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients with ALS were divided into several groups according to their clinical characteristics: gender, type of disease onset, duration of disease, and clinical conditions of disease. Statistical analyses of the differences of galectin-3 levels between groups and the association with the clinical characteristics of disease were performed. RESULTS As compared with the NCs (201.64 [22.35-401.63] ng/ml), plasma galectin-3 levels were significantly elevated in the patients with duration >12 months (341.17 [69.12-859.22] ng/ml, P< 0.05), and the patients with limb onset of disease (254.14 [69.12-859.22] ng/ml, P< 0.05); however, no difference was found in the patients with duration ≤12 months (250.62 [109.77-334.92] ng/ml, P > 0.05), and the patients with bulbar onset of disease (251.79 [109.20-404.76] ng/ml, P > 0.05). In addition, galectin-3 levels were significantly increased in the female patients (263.27 [123.32-859.22] ng/ml, P< 0.05) while no difference was found in the male patients (220.39 [69.12-748.73] ng/ml, P > 0.05). The further statistical analyses showed that plasma galectin-3 levels were positively correlated with the duration of disease (r = 0.293, P = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS Plasma galectin-3 levels were significantly increased in ALS patients with limb onset of disease, especially in ALS female patients, and positively correlated with the duration of disease, which suggested that plasma galectin-3 might be an interesting and useful factor associated with ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yan
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Department of Neurology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
| | - Yun Xu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
| | - Ling Jin
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Wei-Guo Liu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Lei-Hua Weng
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
| | - Zuo-Han Li
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Skardoutsou A, Primikiris P, Tsentidis C, Marmarinos A, Gourgiotis D. Bcl-2 and caspase-9 serum levels in children and adolescents with idiopathic epilepsy and active seizures. Minerva Pediatr (Torino) 2017. [PMID: 28643990 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5276.17.04787-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the present study we investigated the levels of proapoptotic caspase-9 and antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins in the sera of children and adolescents with idiopathic epilepsy and tried to relate the findings to the patients' clinical parameters. METHODS This retrospective study consisted of 118 children and adolescents with idiopathic epilepsy, categorized according to type and number of seizures, duration of the disease and the control of seizures and 30 age- and sex-matched controls. The relapse of seizures was taken into consideration. RESULTS Mean serum level between Bcl-2 and caspase-9 was significantly higher only in Bcl-2 patients, compared to controls (P≤0.0001) and (P=0.987) respectively. Significant difference in Bcl-2 level was found among the different types of focal seizures. Caspase-9 level was statistically different in patients with two or more seizures per month compared to those with one seizure per month (P=0.048). No correlation was found between Bcl-2 and caspase-9 levels and age, gender, seizure frequency, total number of seizures and the duration of epilepsy. No significant difference was found in patients with and without drug treatment. CONCLUSIONS Bcl-2 displays an association with apoptosis and highlights the potential of being a surrogate biomarker for active seizures and epilepsy. There is a significant difference in Bcl-2 serum level among the different types of focal seizures. Proapoptotic caspase-9 cannot act as a marker of active seizures and epilepsy. Caspase-9 serum level is increased acutely in controlled cases after a single relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki Skardoutsou
- Second Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University Medical School, P. and A. Kyriakou Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Primikiris
- Second Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University Medical School, P. and A. Kyriakou Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Charalampos Tsentidis
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Second Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University Medical School, P. and A. Kyriakou Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Antonios Marmarinos
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Second Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University Medical School, P. and A. Kyriakou Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Gourgiotis
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Second Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University Medical School, P. and A. Kyriakou Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece -
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Truncation of the TAR DNA-binding protein 43 is not a prerequisite for cytoplasmic relocalization, and is suppressed by caspase inhibition and by introduction of the A90V sequence variant. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177181. [PMID: 28510586 PMCID: PMC5433705 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 04/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The RNA-binding and -processing protein TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is heavily linked to the underlying causes and pathology of neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. In these diseases, TDP-43 is mislocalized, hyperphosphorylated, ubiquitinated, aggregated and cleaved. The importance of TDP-43 cleavage in the disease pathogenesis is still poorly understood. Here we detail the use of D-sorbitol as an exogenous stressor that causes TDP-43 cleavage in HeLa cells, resulting in a 35 kDa truncated product that accumulates in the cytoplasm within one hour of treatment. We confirm that the formation of this 35 kDa cleavage product is mediated by the activation of caspases. Inhibition of caspases blocks the cleavage of TDP-43, but does not prevent the accumulation of full-length protein in the cytoplasm. Using D-sorbitol as a stressor and caspase activator, we also demonstrate that the A90V variant of TDP-43, which lies adjacent to the caspase cleavage site within the nuclear localization sequence of TDP-43, confers partial resistance against caspase-mediated generation of the 35 kDa cleavage product.
Collapse
|
13
|
Ramírez-Jarquín UN, Tapia R. Neuropathological characterization of spinal motor neuron degeneration processes induced by acute and chronic excitotoxic stimulus in vivo. Neuroscience 2016; 331:78-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Revised: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
14
|
Alves CJ, Dariolli R, Jorge FM, Monteiro MR, Maximino JR, Martins RS, Strauss BE, Krieger JE, Callegaro D, Chadi G. Gene expression profiling for human iPS-derived motor neurons from sporadic ALS patients reveals a strong association between mitochondrial functions and neurodegeneration. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:289. [PMID: 26300727 PMCID: PMC4523944 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that leads to widespread motor neuron death, general palsy and respiratory failure. The most prevalent sporadic ALS form is not genetically inherited. Attempts to translate therapeutic strategies have failed because the described mechanisms of disease are based on animal models carrying specific gene mutations and thus do not address sporadic ALS. In order to achieve a better approach to study the human disease, human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-differentiated motor neurons were obtained from motor nerve fibroblasts of sporadic ALS and non-ALS subjects using the STEMCCA Cre-Excisable Constitutive Polycistronic Lentivirus system and submitted to microarray analyses using a whole human genome platform. DAVID analyses of differentially expressed genes identified molecular function and biological process-related genes through Gene Ontology. REVIGO highlighted the related functions mRNA and DNA binding, GTP binding, transcription (co)-repressor activity, lipoprotein receptor binding, synapse organization, intracellular transport, mitotic cell cycle and cell death. KEGG showed pathways associated with Parkinson's disease and oxidative phosphorylation, highlighting iron homeostasis, neurotrophic functions, endosomal trafficking and ERK signaling. The analysis of most dysregulated genes and those representative of the majority of categorized genes indicates a strong association between mitochondrial function and cellular processes possibly related to motor neuron degeneration. In conclusion, iPSC-derived motor neurons from motor nerve fibroblasts of sporadic ALS patients may recapitulate key mechanisms of neurodegeneration and may offer an opportunity for translational investigation of sporadic ALS. Large gene profiling of differentiated motor neurons from sporadic ALS patients highlights mitochondrial participation in the establishment of autonomous mechanisms associated with sporadic ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chrystian J Alves
- Department of Neurology, Neuroregeneration Center, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, University of São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Dariolli
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Cardiology/LIM13, Heart Institute, University of São Paulo School of Medicine São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Frederico M Jorge
- Department of Neurology, Neuroregeneration Center, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, University of São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Matheus R Monteiro
- Department of Neurology, Neuroregeneration Center, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, University of São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jessica R Maximino
- Department of Neurology, Neuroregeneration Center, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, University of São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roberto S Martins
- Department of Neurosurgery, Surgical Center of Functional Neurosurgery, Clinics Hospital of University of São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bryan E Strauss
- Viral Vector Laboratory, Center for Translational Investigation in Oncology/LIM24, Cancer Institute of São Paulo, University of São Paulo School of Medicine São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José E Krieger
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Cardiology/LIM13, Heart Institute, University of São Paulo School of Medicine São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Dagoberto Callegaro
- Department of Neurology, Neuroregeneration Center, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, University of São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gerson Chadi
- Department of Neurology, Neuroregeneration Center, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, University of São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Blood biomarkers for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: myth or reality? BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:525097. [PMID: 24991560 PMCID: PMC4060749 DOI: 10.1155/2014/525097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal condition primarily characterized by the selective loss of upper and lower motor neurons. At present, the diagnosis and monitoring of ALS is based on clinical examination, electrophysiological findings, medical history, and exclusion of confounding disorders. There is therefore an undeniable need for molecular biomarkers that could give reliable information on the onset and progression of ALS in clinical practice and therapeutic trials. From a practical point of view, blood offers a series of advantages, including easy handling and multiple testing at a low cost, that make it an ideal source of biomarkers. In this review, we revisited the findings of many studies that investigated the presence of systemic changes at the molecular and cellular level in patients with ALS. The results of these studies reflect the diversity in the pathological mechanisms contributing to disease (e.g., excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and neurodegeneration, among others) and provide relatively successful evidence of the usefulness of a wide-ranging panel of molecules as potential biomarkers. More studies, hopefully internationally coordinated, would be needed, however, to translate the application of these biomarkers into benefit for patients.
Collapse
|
16
|
Vaz AR, Cunha C, Gomes C, Schmucki N, Barbosa M, Brites D. Glycoursodeoxycholic acid reduces matrix metalloproteinase-9 and caspase-9 activation in a cellular model of superoxide dismutase-1 neurodegeneration. Mol Neurobiol 2014; 51:864-77. [PMID: 24848512 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-014-8731-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects mainly motor neurons (MNs). NSC-34 MN-like cells carrying the G93A mutation in human superoxide dismutase-1 (hSOD1(G93A)) are a common model to study the molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration in ALS. Although the underlying pathways of MN failure still remain elusive, increased apoptosis and oxidative stress seem to be implicated. Riluzole, the only approved drug, only slightly delays ALS progression. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), as well as its glycine (glycoursodeoxycholic acid, GUDCA) and taurine (TUDCA) conjugated species, have shown therapeutic efficacy in neurodegenerative models and diseases. Pilot studies in ALS patients indicate safety and tolerability for UDCA oral administration. We explored the mechanisms associated with superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) accumulation and MN degeneration in NSC-34/hSOD1(G93A) cells differentiated for 4 days in vitro (DIV). We examined GUDCA efficacy in preventing such pathological events and in restoring MN functionality by incubating cells with 50 μM GUDCA at 0 DIV and at 2 DIV, respectively. Increased cytosolic SOD1 inclusions were observed in 4 DIV NSC-34/hSOD1(G93A) cells together with decreased mitochondria viability (1.2-fold, p < 0.01), caspase-9 activation (1.8-fold, p < 0.05), and apoptosis (2.1-fold, p < 0.01). GUDCA exerted preventive effects (p < 0.05) while also reduced caspase-9 levels when added at 2 DIV (p < 0.05). ATP depletion (2-fold, p < 0.05), increased nitrites (1.6-fold, p < 0.05) and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activation (1.8-fold, p < 0.05), but no changes in MMP-2, were observed in the extracellular media of 4 DIV NSC-34/hSOD1(G93A) cells. GUDCA inhibited nitrite production (p < 0.05) while simultaneously prevented and reverted MMP-9 activation (p < 0.05), but not ATP depletion. Data highlight caspase-9 and MMP-9 activation as key pathomechanisms in ALS and GUDCA as a promising therapeutic strategy for slowing disease onset and progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Vaz
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa) and Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zachau AC, Landén M, Mobarrez F, Nybom R, Wallén H, Wetterberg L. Leukocyte-derived microparticles and scanning electron microscopic structures in two fractions of fresh cerebrospinal fluid in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2012; 6:274. [PMID: 22943439 PMCID: PMC3492039 DOI: 10.1186/1752-1947-6-274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2012] [Accepted: 07/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by degeneration of motoneuron cells in anterior spinal horns. There is a need for early and accurate diagnosis with this condition. In this case report we used two complementary methods: scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence-activated cell sorting. This is the first report to our knowledge of microparticles in the cerebrospinal fluid of a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Case presentation An 80-year-old Swedish man of Caucasian ethnicity presented to our facility with symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis starting a year before his first hospital examination, such as muscle weakness and twitching in his right hand progressing to arms, body and leg muscles. Electromyography showed classical neurophysiological findings of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Routine blood sample results were normal. A lumbar puncture was performed as a routine investigation and his cerebrospinal fluid was normal with regard to cell count and protein levels, and there were no signs of inflammation. However, scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence-activated cell sorting showed pronounced abnormalities compared to healthy controls. Flow cytometry analysis of two fractions of cerebrospinal fluid from our patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis was used to measure the specific binding of antibodies to CD42a, CD144 and CD45, and of phosphatidylserine to lactadherin. Our patient displayed over 100 times more phosphatidylserine-positive microparticles and over 400 times more cell-derived microparticles of leukocyte origin in his cerebrospinal fluid compared to healthy control subjects. The first cerebrospinal fluid fraction contained about 50% more microparticles than the second fraction. The scanning electron microscopy filters used with cerebrospinal fluid from our patient were filled with compact aggregates of spherical particles of lipid appearance, sticking together in a viscous batter. The quantitative increase in scanning electron microscopy findings corresponded to the flow cytometry result of an increase in leukocyte-derived microparticles. Conclusions Microparticles represent subcellular arrangements that can influence the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and may serve as biomarkers for underlying cellular disturbances. The increased number of leukocyte-derived microparticles with normal cell counts in cerebrospinal fluid may contribute to the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis inflammatory process by formation of immune complexes of prion-like propagation, possibly due to misfolded proteins. The two complementary methods used in this report may be additional tools for revealing the etiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, for early diagnostic purposes and for evaluation of clinical trials, long-term follow-up studies and elucidating the pathophysiology in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne C Zachau
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Neuroscience at St, Göran, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|