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Alkhazaali-Ali Z, Sahab-Negah S, Boroumand AR, Tavakol-Afshari J. MicroRNA (miRNA) as a biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics molecules in neurodegenerative disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:116899. [PMID: 38889636 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116899] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases that include Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), and multiple sclerosis (MS) that arise due to numerous causes like protein accumulation and autoimmunity characterized by neurologic depletion which lead to incapacity in normal physiological function such as thinking and movement in these patients. Glial cells perform an important role in protective neuronal function; in the case of neuroinflammation, glial cell dysfunction can promote the development of neurodegenerative diseases. miRNA that participates in gene regulation and plays a vital role in many biological processes in the body; in the central nervous system (CNS), it can play an essential part in neural maturation and differentiation. In neurodegenerative diseases, miRNA dysregulation occurs, enhancing the development of these diseases. In this review, we discuss neurodegenerative disease (Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and multiple sclerosis (MS)) and how miRNA is preserved as a diagnostic biomarker or therapeutic agent in these disorders. Finally, we highlight miRNA as therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahraa Alkhazaali-Ali
- Department of Immunology, Immunology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sajad Sahab-Negah
- Neuroscience Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Reza Boroumand
- Neuroscience Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Jalil Tavakol-Afshari
- Department of Immunology, Immunology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Dash BP, Freischmidt A, Weishaupt JH, Hermann A. An integrative miRNA-mRNA expression analysis identifies miRNA signatures associated with SOD1 and TARDBP patient-derived motor neurons. Hum Mol Genet 2024; 33:1300-1314. [PMID: 38676626 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddae072] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a subset of small non-coding single-stranded RNA molecules involved in the regulation of post-transcriptional gene expression of a variety of transcript targets. Therefore altered miRNA expression may result in the dysregulation of key genes and biological pathways that has been reported with the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is marked by a progressive degeneration of motor neurons (MNs) present in the spinal cord, brain stem and motor cortex. Although the pathomechanism underlying molecular interactions of ALS remains poorly understood, alterations in RNA metabolism, including dysregulation of miRNA expression in familial as well as sporadic forms are still scarcely studied. In this study, we performed combined transcriptomic data and miRNA profiling in MN samples of the same samples of iPSC-derived MNs from SOD1- and TARDBP (TDP-43 protein)-mutant-ALS patients and healthy controls. We report a global upregulation of mature miRNAs, and suggest that differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs have a significant impact on mRNA-level in SOD1-, but not in TARDBP-linked ALS. Furthermore, in SOD1-ALS we identified dysregulated miRNAs such as miR-124-3p, miR-19b-3p and miR-218 and their potential targets previously implicated in important functional process and pathogenic pathways underlying ALS. These miRNAs may play key roles in the neuronal development and cell survival related functions in SOD1-ALS. Altogether, we provide evidence of miRNA regulated genes expression mainly in SOD1 rather than TDP43-ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banaja P Dash
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht Kossel", Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, Rostock 18147, Germany
| | - Axel Freischmidt
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Jochen H Weishaupt
- Division of Neurodegeneration, Department of Neurology, Mannheim Center for Translational Neurosciences, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, Mannheim 68167, Germany
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht Kossel", Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, Rostock 18147, Germany
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock, University Medical Center Rostock, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, Rostock 18147, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) Rostock/Greifswald, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, Rostock 18147, Germany
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3
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Caldi Gomes L, Hänzelmann S, Hausmann F, Khatri R, Oller S, Parvaz M, Tzeplaeff L, Pasetto L, Gebelin M, Ebbing M, Holzapfel C, Columbro SF, Scozzari S, Knöferle J, Cordts I, Demleitner AF, Deschauer M, Dufke C, Sturm M, Zhou Q, Zelina P, Sudria-Lopez E, Haack TB, Streb S, Kuzma-Kozakiewicz M, Edbauer D, Pasterkamp RJ, Laczko E, Rehrauer H, Schlapbach R, Carapito C, Bonetto V, Bonn S, Lingor P. Multiomic ALS signatures highlight subclusters and sex differences suggesting the MAPK pathway as therapeutic target. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4893. [PMID: 38849340 PMCID: PMC11161513 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49196-y] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a debilitating motor neuron disease and lacks effective disease-modifying treatments. This study utilizes a comprehensive multiomic approach to investigate the early and sex-specific molecular mechanisms underlying ALS. By analyzing the prefrontal cortex of 51 patients with sporadic ALS and 50 control subjects, alongside four transgenic mouse models (C9orf72-, SOD1-, TDP-43-, and FUS-ALS), we have uncovered significant molecular alterations associated with the disease. Here, we show that males exhibit more pronounced changes in molecular pathways compared to females. Our integrated analysis of transcriptomes, (phospho)proteomes, and miRNAomes also identified distinct ALS subclusters in humans, characterized by variations in immune response, extracellular matrix composition, mitochondrial function, and RNA processing. The molecular signatures of human subclusters were reflected in specific mouse models. Our study highlighted the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway as an early disease mechanism. We further demonstrate that trametinib, a MAPK inhibitor, has potential therapeutic benefits in vitro and in vivo, particularly in females, suggesting a direction for developing targeted ALS treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Caldi Gomes
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, rechts der Isar Hospital, Clinical Department of Neurology, Munich, Germany
| | - Sonja Hänzelmann
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Center for Biomedical AI, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Hausmann
- Center for Biomedical AI, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Robin Khatri
- Center for Biomedical AI, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sergio Oller
- Center for Biomedical AI, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mojan Parvaz
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, rechts der Isar Hospital, Clinical Department of Neurology, Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Tzeplaeff
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, rechts der Isar Hospital, Clinical Department of Neurology, Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Pasetto
- Research Center for ALS, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Marie Gebelin
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse Bio-Organique, Université de Strasbourg, Infrastructure Nationale de Protéomique, Strasbourg, France
| | - Melanie Ebbing
- Center for Biomedical AI, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Constantin Holzapfel
- Center for Biomedical AI, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Serena Scozzari
- Research Center for ALS, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Johanna Knöferle
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, rechts der Isar Hospital, Clinical Department of Neurology, Munich, Germany
| | - Isabell Cordts
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, rechts der Isar Hospital, Clinical Department of Neurology, Munich, Germany
| | - Antonia F Demleitner
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, rechts der Isar Hospital, Clinical Department of Neurology, Munich, Germany
| | - Marcus Deschauer
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, rechts der Isar Hospital, Clinical Department of Neurology, Munich, Germany
| | - Claudia Dufke
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marc Sturm
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Qihui Zhou
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), München, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Pavol Zelina
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Emma Sudria-Lopez
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tobias B Haack
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Streb
- Functional Genomics Center Zürich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Dieter Edbauer
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), München, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - R Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Endre Laczko
- Functional Genomics Center Zürich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Hubert Rehrauer
- Functional Genomics Center Zürich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ralph Schlapbach
- Functional Genomics Center Zürich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Christine Carapito
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse Bio-Organique, Université de Strasbourg, Infrastructure Nationale de Protéomique, Strasbourg, France
| | - Valentina Bonetto
- Research Center for ALS, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefan Bonn
- Center for Biomedical AI, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Paul Lingor
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, rechts der Isar Hospital, Clinical Department of Neurology, Munich, Germany.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), München, Germany.
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany.
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Lauria G, Curcio R, Tucci P. A Machine Learning Approach for Highlighting microRNAs as Biomarkers Linked to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Diagnosis and Progression. Biomolecules 2023; 14:47. [PMID: 38254647 PMCID: PMC10813207 DOI: 10.3390/biom14010047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. The early diagnosis of ALS can be challenging, as it usually depends on clinical examination and the exclusion of other possible causes. In this regard, the analysis of miRNA expression profiles in biofluids makes miRNAs promising non-invasive clinical biomarkers. Due to the increasing amount of scientific literature that often provides controversial results, this work aims to deepen the understanding of the current state of the art on this topic using a machine-learning-based approach. A systematic literature search was conducted to analyze a set of 308 scientific articles using the MySLR digital platform and the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) algorithm. Two relevant topics were identified, and the articles clustered in each of them were analyzed and discussed in terms of biomolecular mechanisms, as well as in translational and clinical settings. Several miRNAs detected in the tissues and biofluids of ALS patients, including blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), have been linked to ALS diagnosis and progression. Some of them may represent promising non-invasive clinical biomarkers. In this context, future scientific priorities and goals have been proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosita Curcio
- Correspondence: (R.C.); (P.T.); Tel.: +39-0984493046 (R.C.); +39-0984493185 (P.T.)
| | - Paola Tucci
- Correspondence: (R.C.); (P.T.); Tel.: +39-0984493046 (R.C.); +39-0984493185 (P.T.)
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Gomes BC, Peixinho N, Pisco R, Gromicho M, Pronto-Laborinho AC, Rueff J, de Carvalho M, Rodrigues AS. Differential Expression of miRNAs in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:7104-7117. [PMID: 37531027 PMCID: PMC10657797 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03520-7] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive motor neuron disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control, muscle atrophy and in later stages, death. Diagnosis has an average delay of 1 year after symptoms onset, which impairs early management. The identification of a specific disease biomarker could help decrease the diagnostic delay. MicroRNA (miRNA) expression levels have been proposed as ALS biomarkers, and altered function has been reported in ALS pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to assess the differential expression of plasma miRNAs in ALS patients and two control populations (healthy controls and ALS-mimic disorders). For that, 16 samples from each group were pooled, and then 1008 miRNAs were assessed through reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). From these, ten candidate miRNAs were selected and validated in 35 ALS patients, 16 ALS-mimic disorders controls and 15 healthy controls. We also assessed the same miRNAs in two different time points of disease progression. Although we were unable to determine a miRNA signature to use as disease or condition marker, we found that miR-7-2-3p, miR-26a-1-3p, miR-224-5p and miR-206 are good study candidates to understand the pathophysiology of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Costa Gomes
- Instituto de Fisiologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
- ToxOmics, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Nuno Peixinho
- ToxOmics, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rita Pisco
- ToxOmics, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marta Gromicho
- Instituto de Fisiologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Catarina Pronto-Laborinho
- Instituto de Fisiologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - José Rueff
- ToxOmics, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mamede de Carvalho
- Instituto de Fisiologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital de Santa Maria CHULN, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - António Sebastião Rodrigues
- ToxOmics, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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Wan L, Zhu S, Chen Z, Qiu R, Tang B, Jiang H. Multidimensional biomarkers for multiple system atrophy: an update and future directions. Transl Neurodegener 2023; 12:38. [PMID: 37501056 PMCID: PMC10375766 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00370-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a fatal progressive neurodegenerative disease. Biomarkers are urgently required for MSA to improve the diagnostic and prognostic accuracy in clinic and facilitate the development and monitoring of disease-modifying therapies. In recent years, significant research efforts have been made in exploring multidimensional biomarkers for MSA. However, currently few biomarkers are available in clinic. In this review, we systematically summarize the latest advances in multidimensional biomarkers for MSA, including biomarkers in fluids, tissues and gut microbiota as well as imaging biomarkers. Future directions for exploration of novel biomarkers and promotion of implementation in clinic are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Wan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- National International Collaborative Research Center for Medical Metabolomics, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Sudan Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Zhao Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Rong Qiu
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Beisha Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China.
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha, 410008, China.
- National International Collaborative Research Center for Medical Metabolomics, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
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Bagyinszky E, Hulme J, An SSA. Studies of Genetic and Proteomic Risk Factors of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Inspire Biomarker Development and Gene Therapy. Cells 2023; 12:1948. [PMID: 37566027 PMCID: PMC10417729 DOI: 10.3390/cells12151948] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable neurodegenerative disease affecting the upper and lower motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness, motor impairments, disabilities and death. Approximately 5-10% of ALS cases are associated with positive family history (familial ALS or fALS), whilst the remainder are sporadic (sporadic ALS, sALS). At least 50 genes have been identified as causative or risk factors for ALS. Established pathogenic variants include superoxide dismutase type 1 (SOD1), chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (c9orf72), TAR DNA Binding Protein (TARDBP), and Fused In Sarcoma (FUS); additional ALS-related genes including Charged Multivesicular Body Protein 2B (CHMP2B), Senataxin (SETX), Sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1), TANK Binding Kinase 1 (TBK1) and NIMA Related Kinase 1 (NEK1), have been identified. Mutations in these genes could impair different mechanisms, including vesicle transport, autophagy, and cytoskeletal or mitochondrial functions. So far, there is no effective therapy against ALS. Thus, early diagnosis and disease risk predictions remain one of the best options against ALS symptomologies. Proteomic biomarkers, microRNAs, and extracellular vehicles (EVs) serve as promising tools for disease diagnosis or progression assessment. These markers are relatively easy to obtain from blood or cerebrospinal fluids and can be used to identify potential genetic causative and risk factors even in the preclinical stage before symptoms appear. In addition, antisense oligonucleotides and RNA gene therapies have successfully been employed against other diseases, such as childhood-onset spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which could also give hope to ALS patients. Therefore, an effective gene and biomarker panel should be generated for potentially "at risk" individuals to provide timely interventions and better treatment outcomes for ALS patients as soon as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Bagyinszky
- Graduate School of Environment Department of Industrial and Environmental Engineering, Gachon University, Seongnam-si 13120, Republic of Korea;
| | - John Hulme
- Graduate School of Environment Department of Industrial and Environmental Engineering, Gachon University, Seongnam-si 13120, Republic of Korea;
| | - Seong Soo A. An
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam-si 13120, Republic of Korea
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Koike Y, Onodera O. Implications of miRNAs dysregulation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Challenging for clinical applications. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1131758. [PMID: 36895420 PMCID: PMC9989161 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1131758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the selective degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons. Currently, there are no effective biomarkers and fundamental therapies for this disease. Dysregulation in RNA metabolism plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of ALS. With the contribution of Next Generation Sequencing, the functions of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have gained increasing interests. Especially, micro RNAs (miRNAs), which are tissue-specific small ncRNAs of about 18-25 nucleotides, have emerged as key regulators of gene expression to target multiple molecules and pathways in the central nervous system (CNS). Despite intensive recent research in this field, the crucial links between ALS pathogenesis and miRNAs remain unclear. Many studies have revealed that ALS-related RNA binding proteins (RBPs), such as TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) and fused in sarcoma/translocated in liposarcoma (FUS), regulate miRNAs processing in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. Of interest, Cu2+/Zn2+ superoxide dismutase (SOD1), a non-RBP associated with familial ALS, shows partially similar properties to these RBPs via the dysregulation of miRNAs in the cellular pathway related to ALS. The identification and validation of miRNAs are important to understand the physiological gene regulation in the CNS, and the pathological implications in ALS, leading to a new avenue for early diagnosis and gene therapies. Here, we offer a recent overview regarding the mechanism underlying the functions of multiple miRNAs across TDP-43, FUS, and SOD1 with the context of cell biology, and challenging for clinical applications in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Koike
- Department of Neurology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Osamu Onodera
- Department of Neurology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
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9
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Brusati A, Ratti A, Pensato V, Peverelli S, Gentilini D, Dalla Bella E, Sorce MN, Meneri M, Gagliardi D, Corti S, Gellera C, Lauria Pinter G, Ticozzi N, Silani V. Analysis of miRNA rare variants in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and in silico prediction of their biological effects. Front Genet 2022; 13:1055313. [PMID: 36568378 PMCID: PMC9768194 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1055313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease affecting upper and/or lower motor neurons and characterized by complex etiology. Familial cases show high genetic heterogeneity and sporadic cases (90%) are associated with several genetic and environmental risk factors. Among the genetic risk factors, the contribution of non-coding elements, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), to ALS disease susceptibility remains largely unexplored. Aim: This work aims to identify rare variants in miRNA genes in sporadic ALS (sALS) patients which may cause a defective miRNA maturation or altered target gene recognition by changing miRNA secondary structure or seed sequence, respectively. Methods: Rare variants located in miRNA loci with a minor allele frequency (MAF) < 0.01 were extracted from whole genome sequencing (WGS) data of 100 sALS patients. The secondary pre-miRNA structures were predicted using MiRVas to evaluate the impact of the variants on RNA folding process. Human TargetScan was used to retrieve all the potential target genes of miRNAs with variants in the seed region. Over Representation Analysis (ORA) was conducted to compare the lists of target genes for the reference and mutated miRNAs in the seed sequence. Results: Our analysis identified 86 rare variants in 77 distinct miRNAs and distributed in different parts of the miRNA precursors. The presence of these variants changed miRNA secondary structures in ∼70% of MiRVas predictions. By focusing on the 6 rare variants mapping within the seed sequence, the predicted target genes increased in number compared to the reference miRNA and included novel targets in a proportion ranging from 30 to 82%. Interestingly, ORA revealed significant changes in gene set enrichment only for mutated miR-509-1 and miR-941-3 for which the Gene Ontology term related to "nervous system development" was absent and present, respectively, compared to target lists of the reference miRNA. Conclusion: We here developed a workflow to study miRNA rare variants from WGS data and to predict their biological effects on miRNA folding, maturation and target gene recognition. Although this in silico approach certainly needs functional validation in vitro and in vivo, it may help define the role of miRNA variability in ALS and complex diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Brusati
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy,Department Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonia Ratti
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy,Department Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy,*Correspondence: Antonia Ratti,
| | - Viviana Pensato
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Peverelli
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Gentilini
- Department Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy,Bioinformatics and Statistical Genomics Unit,IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano,Milan,Italy
| | | | - Marta Nice Sorce
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Megi Meneri
- Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Delia Gagliardi
- Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Cinzia Gellera
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lauria Pinter
- Department Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy,Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Nicola Ticozzi
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Silani
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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10
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Wang ZY, Wen ZJ, Xu HM, Zhang Y, Zhang YF. Exosomal noncoding RNAs in central nervous system diseases: biological functions and potential clinical applications. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1004221. [PMID: 36438184 PMCID: PMC9681831 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1004221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) disease is a general term for a series of complex and diverse diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), CNS tumors, stroke, epilepsy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Interneuron and neuron-glia cells communicate with each other through their homeostatic microenvironment. Exosomes in the microenvironment have crucial impacts on interneuron and neuron-glia cells by transferring their contents, such as proteins, lipids, and ncRNAs, constituting a novel form of cell-to-cell interaction and communication. Exosomal noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), regulate physiological functions and maintain CNS homeostasis. Exosomes are regarded as extracellular messengers that transfer ncRNAs between neurons and body fluids due to their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. This review aims to summarize the current understanding of exosomal ncRNAs in CNS diseases, including prospective diagnostic biomarkers, pathological regulators, therapeutic strategies and clinical applications. We also provide an all-sided discussion of the comparison with some similar CNS diseases and the main limitations and challenges for exosomal ncRNAs in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Yu Wang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zeng-Jin Wen
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hai-Ming Xu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control of Ningxia, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yin-Feng Zhang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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11
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Dysregulated miRNAs as Biomarkers and Therapeutical Targets in Neurodegenerative Diseases. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12050770. [PMID: 35629192 PMCID: PMC9143965 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12050770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) are representative neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) characterized by degeneration of selective neurons, as well as the lack of effective biomarkers and therapeutic treatments. In the last decade, microRNAs (miRNAs) have gained considerable interest in diagnostics and therapy of NDs, owing to their aberrant expression and their ability to target multiple molecules and pathways. Here, we provide an overview of dysregulated miRNAs in fluids (blood or cerebrospinal fluid) and nervous tissue of AD, PD, and ALS patients. By emphasizing those that are commonly dysregulated in these NDs, we highlight their potential role as biomarkers or therapeutical targets and describe the use of antisense oligonucleotides as miRNA therapies.
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12
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Rizzuti M, Melzi V, Gagliardi D, Resnati D, Meneri M, Dioni L, Masrori P, Hersmus N, Poesen K, Locatelli M, Biella F, Silipigni R, Bollati V, Bresolin N, Comi GP, Van Damme P, Nizzardo M, Corti S. Insights into the identification of a molecular signature for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis exploiting integrated microRNA profiling of iPSC-derived motor neurons and exosomes. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:189. [PMID: 35286466 PMCID: PMC8921154 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04217-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons (MNs). Most cases are sporadic, whereas 10% are familial. The pathological mechanisms underlying the disease are partially understood, but it is increasingly being recognized that alterations in RNA metabolism and deregulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression occur in ALS. In this study, we performed miRNA expression profile analysis of iPSC-derived MNs and related exosomes from familial patients and healthy subjects. We identified dysregulation of miR-34a, miR-335 and miR-625-3p expression in both MNs and exosomes. These miRNAs regulate genes and pathways which correlate with disease pathogenesis, suggesting that studying miRNAs deregulation can contribute to deeply investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease. We also assayed the expression profile of these miRNAs in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of familial (fALS) and sporadic patients (sALS) and we identified a significant dysregulation of miR-34a-3p and miR-625-3p levels in ALS compared to controls. Taken together, all these findings suggest that miRNA analysis simultaneously performed in different human biological samples could represent a promising molecular tool to understand the etiopathogenesis of ALS and to develop new potential miRNA-based strategies in this new propitious therapeutic era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mafalda Rizzuti
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Melzi
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Delia Gagliardi
- Department of Physiopathology and Transplants, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Resnati
- Department of Physiopathology and Transplants, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Megi Meneri
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Dioni
- EPIGET LAB, Unit of Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, IRCCS Ca' Granda Foundation Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Pegah Masrori
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Center for Brain and Disease, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Neurology Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nicole Hersmus
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Center for Brain and Disease, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Koen Poesen
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory for Molecular Neurobiomarker Research, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Martina Locatelli
- Department of Physiopathology and Transplants, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Biella
- Department of Physiopathology and Transplants, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Silipigni
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Ca' Granda Foundation Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Bollati
- EPIGET LAB, Unit of Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, IRCCS Ca' Granda Foundation Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Nereo Bresolin
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy.,Department of Physiopathology and Transplants, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Pietro Comi
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy.,Department of Physiopathology and Transplants, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy.,Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neuromuscular and Rare Diseases Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Philip Van Damme
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Center for Brain and Disease, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Neurology Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Monica Nizzardo
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy. .,Department of Physiopathology and Transplants, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy.
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13
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Yang C, Qiao T, Yu J, Wang H, Guo Y, Salameh J, Metterville J, Parsi S, Yusuf I, Brown RH, Cai H, Xu Z. Low-level overexpression of wild type TDP-43 causes late-onset, progressive neurodegeneration and paralysis in mice. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0255710. [PMID: 35113871 PMCID: PMC8812852 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Modestly increased expression of transactive response DNA binding protein (TDP-43) gene have been reported in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and other neuromuscular diseases. However, whether this modest elevation triggers neurodegeneration is not known. Although high levels of TDP-43 overexpression have been modeled in mice and shown to cause early death, models with low-level overexpression that mimic the human condition have not been established. In this study, transgenic mice overexpressing wild type TDP-43 at less than 60% above the endogenous CNS levels were constructed, and their phenotypes analyzed by a variety of techniques, including biochemical, molecular, histological, behavioral techniques and electromyography. The TDP-43 transgene was expressed in neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes in the cortex and predominantly in astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in the spinal cord. The mice developed a reproducible progressive weakness ending in paralysis in mid-life. Detailed analysis showed ~30% loss of large pyramidal neurons in the layer V motor cortex; in the spinal cord, severe demyelination was accompanied by oligodendrocyte injury, protein aggregation, astrogliosis and microgliosis, and elevation of neuroinflammation. Surprisingly, there was no loss of lower motor neurons in the lumbar spinal cord despite the complete paralysis of the hindlimbs. However, denervation was detected at the neuromuscular junction. These results demonstrate that low-level TDP-43 overexpression can cause diverse aspects of ALS, including late-onset and progressive motor dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. Our findings suggest that persistent modest elevations in TDP-43 expression can lead to ALS and other neurological disorders involving TDP-43 proteinopathy. Because of the predictable and progressive clinical paralytic phenotype, this transgenic mouse model will be useful in preclinical trial of therapeutics targeting neurological disorders associated with elevated levels of TDP-43.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxing Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Tao Qiao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jia Yu
- Transgenics Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Hongyan Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Yansu Guo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Johnny Salameh
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jake Metterville
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sepideh Parsi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Issa Yusuf
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Robert H. Brown
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
- RNA Therapeutic Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Neuroscience Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Huaibin Cai
- Transgenics Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Zuoshang Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
- RNA Therapeutic Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Neuroscience Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
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14
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Identification of let-7f and miR-338 as plasma-based biomarkers for sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using meta-analysis and empirical validation. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1373. [PMID: 35082326 PMCID: PMC8791978 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05067-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a lethal neurodegenerative disease that in most cases occurs sporadic (sALS). The disease is not curable, and its pathogenesis mechanisms are not well understood yet. Given the intricacy of underlying molecular interactions and heterogeneity of ALS, the discovery of molecules contributing to disease onset and progression will open a new avenue for advancement in early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention. Here we conducted a meta-analysis of 12 circulating miRNA profiling studies using the robust rank aggregation (RRA) method, followed by enrichment analysis and experimental verification. We identified miR-451a and let-7f-5p as meta-signature miRNAs whose targets are involved in critical pathogenic pathways underlying ALS, including ‘FoxO signaling pathway’, ‘MAPK signaling pathway’, and ‘apoptosis’. A systematic review of 7 circulating gene profiling studies elucidated that 241 genes up-regulated in sALS circulation with concomitant being targets of the meta-signature miRNAs. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis of the candidate targets using MCODE algorithm revealed the main subcluster is involved in multiple cascades eventually leads apoptosis, including ‘positive regulation of neuron apoptosis. Besides, we validated the meta-analysis results using RT-qPCR. Indeed, relative expression analysis verified let-7f-5p and miR-338-3p as significantly down-regulated and up-regulated biomarkers in the plasma of sALS patients, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis also highlighted the let-7f-5p and miR-338-3p potential as robustness plasma biomarkers for diagnosis and potential therapeutic targets of sALS disease.
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15
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Savelieff MG, Noureldein MH, Feldman EL. Systems Biology to Address Unmet Medical Needs in Neurological Disorders. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2486:247-276. [PMID: 35437727 PMCID: PMC9446424 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2265-0_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Neurological diseases are highly prevalent and constitute a significant cause of mortality and disability. Neurological disorders encompass a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative conditions, broadly characterized by injury to the peripheral and/or central nervous system. Although the etiology of neurological diseases varies greatly, they share several characteristics, such as heterogeneity of clinical presentation, non-cell autonomous nature, and diversity of cellular, subcellular, and molecular pathways. Systems biology has emerged as a valuable platform for addressing the challenges of studying heterogeneous neurological diseases. Systems biology has manifold applications to address unmet medical needs for neurological illness, including integrating and correlating different large datasets covering the transcriptome, epigenome, proteome, and metabolome associated with a specific condition. This is particularly useful for disentangling the heterogeneity and complexity of neurological conditions. Hence, systems biology can help in uncovering pathophysiology to develop novel therapeutic targets and assessing the impact of known treatments on disease progression. Additionally, systems biology can identify early diagnostic biomarkers, to help diagnose neurological disease preceded by a long subclinical phase, as well as define the exposome, the collection of environmental toxicants that increase risk of certain neurological diseases. In addition to these current applications, there are numerous potential emergent uses, such as precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masha G Savelieff
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mohamed H Noureldein
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Eva L Feldman
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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16
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RNA Modifications and RNA Metabolism in Neurological Disease Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111870. [PMID: 34769301 PMCID: PMC8584444 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The intrinsic cellular heterogeneity and molecular complexity of the mammalian nervous system relies substantially on the dynamic nature and spatiotemporal patterning of gene expression. These features of gene expression are achieved in part through mechanisms involving various epigenetic processes such as DNA methylation, post-translational histone modifications, and non-coding RNA activity, amongst others. In concert, another regulatory layer by which RNA bases and sugar residues are chemically modified enhances neuronal transcriptome complexity. Similar RNA modifications in other systems collectively constitute the cellular epitranscriptome that integrates and impacts various physiological processes. The epitranscriptome is dynamic and is reshaped constantly to regulate vital processes such as development, differentiation and stress responses. Perturbations of the epitranscriptome can lead to various pathogenic conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular abnormalities and neurological diseases. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing technologies have enabled us to identify and locate modified bases/sugars on different RNA species. These RNA modifications modulate the stability, transport and, most importantly, translation of RNA. In this review, we discuss the formation and functions of some frequently observed RNA modifications—including methylations of adenine and cytosine bases, and isomerization of uridine to pseudouridine—at various layers of RNA metabolism, together with their contributions to abnormal physiological conditions that can lead to various neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders.
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17
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Malacarne C, Galbiati M, Giagnorio E, Cavalcante P, Salerno F, Andreetta F, Cagnoli C, Taiana M, Nizzardo M, Corti S, Pensato V, Venerando A, Gellera C, Fenu S, Pareyson D, Masson R, Maggi L, Dalla Bella E, Lauria G, Mantegazza R, Bernasconi P, Poletti A, Bonanno S, Marcuzzo S. Dysregulation of Muscle-Specific MicroRNAs as Common Pathogenic Feature Associated with Muscle Atrophy in ALS, SMA and SBMA: Evidence from Animal Models and Human Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115673. [PMID: 34073630 PMCID: PMC8198536 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are neurodegenerative disorders characterized by upper and/or lower MN loss. MNDs include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA). Despite variability in onset, progression, and genetics, they share a common skeletal muscle involvement, suggesting that it could be a primary site for MND pathogenesis. Due to the key role of muscle-specific microRNAs (myomiRs) in skeletal muscle development, by real-time PCR we investigated the expression of miR-206, miR-133a, miR-133b, and miR-1, and their target genes, in G93A-SOD1 ALS, Δ7SMA, and KI-SBMA mouse muscle during disease progression. Further, we analyzed their expression in serum of SOD1-mutated ALS, SMA, and SBMA patients, to demonstrate myomiR role as noninvasive biomarkers. Our data showed a dysregulation of myomiRs and their targets, in ALS, SMA, and SBMA mice, revealing a common pathogenic feature associated with muscle impairment. A similar myomiR signature was observed in patients’ sera. In particular, an up-regulation of miR-206 was identified in both mouse muscle and serum of human patients. Our overall findings highlight the role of myomiRs as promising biomarkers in ALS, SMA, and SBMA. Further investigations are needed to explore the potential of myomiRs as therapeutic targets for MND treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Malacarne
- Neurology IV–Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.M.); (E.G.); (P.C.); (F.S.); (F.A.); (L.M.); (R.M.); (P.B.); (S.B.)
- PhD Program in Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Mariarita Galbiati
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Centro di Eccellenza sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti, 9, 20133 Milano, Italy;
| | - Eleonora Giagnorio
- Neurology IV–Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.M.); (E.G.); (P.C.); (F.S.); (F.A.); (L.M.); (R.M.); (P.B.); (S.B.)
- PhD Program in Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Paola Cavalcante
- Neurology IV–Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.M.); (E.G.); (P.C.); (F.S.); (F.A.); (L.M.); (R.M.); (P.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Franco Salerno
- Neurology IV–Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.M.); (E.G.); (P.C.); (F.S.); (F.A.); (L.M.); (R.M.); (P.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Francesca Andreetta
- Neurology IV–Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.M.); (E.G.); (P.C.); (F.S.); (F.A.); (L.M.); (R.M.); (P.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Cinza Cagnoli
- Molecular Neuroanatomy and Pathogenesis Unit, Neurology VII—Clinical and Experimental Epileptology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Michela Taiana
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.T.); (S.C.)
| | - Monica Nizzardo
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Stefania Corti
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.T.); (S.C.)
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Viviana Pensato
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.P.); (A.V.); (C.G.)
| | - Anna Venerando
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.P.); (A.V.); (C.G.)
| | - Cinzia Gellera
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.P.); (A.V.); (C.G.)
| | - Silvia Fenu
- Unit of Rare Neurodegenerative and Neurometabolic Diseases, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.F.); (D.P.)
| | - Davide Pareyson
- Unit of Rare Neurodegenerative and Neurometabolic Diseases, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.F.); (D.P.)
| | - Riccardo Masson
- Developmental Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Lorenzo Maggi
- Neurology IV–Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.M.); (E.G.); (P.C.); (F.S.); (F.A.); (L.M.); (R.M.); (P.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Eleonora Dalla Bella
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (E.D.B.); (G.L.)
| | - Giuseppe Lauria
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (E.D.B.); (G.L.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “Luigi Sacco”, University of Milan, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Renato Mantegazza
- Neurology IV–Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.M.); (E.G.); (P.C.); (F.S.); (F.A.); (L.M.); (R.M.); (P.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Pia Bernasconi
- Neurology IV–Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.M.); (E.G.); (P.C.); (F.S.); (F.A.); (L.M.); (R.M.); (P.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Angelo Poletti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Centro di Eccellenza sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti, 9, 20133 Milano, Italy;
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (S.M.); Tel.: +39-02-5031-8215 (A.P.); Tel.: +39-02-2394-4511 (ext. 4651) (S.M.); Fax: +39-02-70633874 (S.M.)
| | - Silvia Bonanno
- Neurology IV–Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.M.); (E.G.); (P.C.); (F.S.); (F.A.); (L.M.); (R.M.); (P.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Stefania Marcuzzo
- Neurology IV–Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.M.); (E.G.); (P.C.); (F.S.); (F.A.); (L.M.); (R.M.); (P.B.); (S.B.)
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (S.M.); Tel.: +39-02-5031-8215 (A.P.); Tel.: +39-02-2394-4511 (ext. 4651) (S.M.); Fax: +39-02-70633874 (S.M.)
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18
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Reza AMMT, Yuan YG. microRNAs Mediated Regulation of the Ribosomal Proteins and its Consequences on the Global Translation of Proteins. Cells 2021; 10:110. [PMID: 33435549 PMCID: PMC7827472 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribosomal proteins (RPs) are mostly derived from the energy-consuming enzyme families such as ATP-dependent RNA helicases, AAA-ATPases, GTPases and kinases, and are important structural components of the ribosome, which is a supramolecular ribonucleoprotein complex, composed of Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and RPs, coordinates the translation and synthesis of proteins with the help of transfer RNA (tRNA) and other factors. Not all RPs are indispensable; in other words, the ribosome could be functional and could continue the translation of proteins instead of lacking in some of the RPs. However, the lack of many RPs could result in severe defects in the biogenesis of ribosomes, which could directly influence the overall translation processes and global expression of the proteins leading to the emergence of different diseases including cancer. While microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs and one of the potent regulators of the post-transcriptional gene expression, miRNAs regulate gene expression by targeting the 3' untranslated region and/or coding region of the messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and by interacting with the 5' untranslated region, and eventually finetune the expression of approximately one-third of all mammalian genes. Herein, we highlighted the significance of miRNAs mediated regulation of RPs coding mRNAs in the global protein translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abu Musa Md Talimur Reza
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China;
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5a, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Yu-Guo Yuan
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China;
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis/Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
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19
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Post-Stroke Social Isolation Reduces Cell Proliferation in the Dentate Gyrus and Alters miRNA Profiles in the Aged Female Mice Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010099. [PMID: 33374156 PMCID: PMC7795886 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Social isolation and loneliness are risk factors for stroke. Elderly women are more likely to be isolated. Census data shows that in homeowners over the age of 65, women are much more likely to live alone. However, the underlying mechanisms of the detrimental effects of isolation have not been well studied in older females. In this study, we hypothesized that isolation impairs post-stroke recovery in aged female mice, leading to dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) in the brain, including those previously shown to be involved in response to social isolation (SI). Aged C57BL/6 female mice were subjected to a 60-min middle cerebral artery occlusion and were randomly assigned to either single housing (SI) or continued pair housing (PH) immediately after stroke for 15 days. SI immediately after stroke led to significantly more brain tissue loss after stroke and higher mortality. Furthermore, SI significantly delayed motor and sensory recovery and worsened cognitive function, compared to PH. A decrease in cell proliferation was seen in the dentate gyrus of SI mice assessed by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling. miRNAome data analysis revealed changes in several miRNAs in the brain, such as miR-297a-3p and miR-200c-3p, which are known to regulate pathways involved in cell proliferation. In conclusion, our data suggest that SI can lead to a poor post-stroke recovery in aged females and dysregulation of miRNAs and reduced hippocampal cell proliferation.
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20
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Yelick J, Men Y, Jin S, Seo S, Espejo-Porras F, Yang Y. Elevated exosomal secretion of miR-124-3p from spinal neurons positively associates with disease severity in ALS. Exp Neurol 2020; 333:113414. [PMID: 32712030 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRs) are powerful regulators of CNS development and diseases. Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) miRs have recently been implicated as potential new sources for biomarker development. Previously we showed that miR-124-3p, an essential miR for neuronal identity, is highly abundant in neuronal exosomes and its expression decreases in spinal cord of ALS model SOD1G93A mice. In the current study, we found a disease associated reduction of miR-124-3p levels specifically in spinal neurons using in situ hybridization. By employing our recently developed exosome reporter mice in combination with sciatic nerve injections, we observed an increased association of miR-124-3p with spinal motor neuron-derived exosomes in SOD1G93A mice, even at the pre-symptomatic stage. Sciatic nerve injection delivered miR-124-3p is also more frequently localized outside of spinal motor neurons in SOD1G93A mice. Subsequent quantitative analysis of miR-124-3p levels in CSF exosomes from ALS patients found a significant correlation between CSF exosomal miR-124-3p levels and disease stage (indicated by the ALSFRS-R score) of (male) ALS patients. These results provide preliminary evidence to support the potential use of CSF exosomal miR-124-3p as a disease stage indicator in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Yelick
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111, United States of America; Tufts University, Graudate School of Biomedical Sciences, 145 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111, United States of America
| | - Yuqin Men
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111, United States of America
| | - Shijie Jin
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111, United States of America
| | - Sabrina Seo
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111, United States of America
| | - Francisco Espejo-Porras
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111, United States of America
| | - Yongjie Yang
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111, United States of America; Tufts University, Graudate School of Biomedical Sciences, 145 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111, United States of America.
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21
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Karagiannis P, Inoue H. ALS, a cellular whodunit on motor neuron degeneration. Mol Cell Neurosci 2020; 107:103524. [PMID: 32629110 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2020.103524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that primarily targets motor neurons. Motor neurons from ALS patients show cytoplasmic inclusions that are reflective of an altered RNA metabolism and protein degradation. Causal gene mutations are found in all cell types even though patient motor neurons are by far the most susceptible to the degeneration. Using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, researchers have generated motor neurons with the same genotype as the patient including sporadic ones. They have also generated other cell types associated with the disease such as astrocytes, microglia and oligodendrocytes. These cells provide not only new insights on the mechanisms of the disease from the early stage, but also a platform for drug screening that has led to several clinical trials. This review examines the knowledge gained from iPSC studies using patient cells on the gene mutations and cellular networks in ALS and relevant experimental therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Karagiannis
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.
| | - Haruhisa Inoue
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; iPSC-based Drug Discovery and Development Team, RIKEN BioResource Research Center (BRC), Kyoto, Japan; Medical-risk Avoidance based on iPS Cells Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP), Kyoto, Japan.
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22
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Kadena K, Vlamos P. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Current Status in Diagnostic Biomarkers. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1195:179-187. [PMID: 32468476 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-32633-3_26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare, neurodegenerative disease that affects the human motor system. ALS is a highly heterogeneous disease, depending on several causative factors. The heterogeneity of the disease is also reflected in the variation of the symptoms in ALS patients. The worldwide annual incidence of ALS is about 2.08 per 100,000 with uniform rates in Caucasian populations and lower rates in African, Asian, and Hispanic populations, while the number of individuals with ALS is expected to grow significantly between 2015 and 2040 with an estimated increase of 69% (Chio et al. 2013a; Arthur et al. 2016).
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Kadena
- Department of Informatics, Ionian University, Corfu, Greece.
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23
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Glaesel K, May C, Marcus K, Matschke V, Theiss C, Theis V. miR-129-5p and miR-130a-3p Regulate VEGFR-2 Expression in Sensory and Motor Neurons during Development. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21113839. [PMID: 32481647 PMCID: PMC7312753 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The wide-ranging influence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) within the central (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), for example through effects on axonal growth or neuronal cell survival, is mainly mediated by VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2). However, the regulation of VEGFR-2 expression during development is not yet well understood. As microRNAs are considered to be key players during neuronal maturation and regenerative processes, we identified the two microRNAs (miRNAs)-miR-129-5p and miR-130a-3p-that may have an impact on VEGFR-2 expression in young and mature sensory and lower motor neurons. The expression level of VEGFR-2 was analyzed by using in situ hybridization, RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry in developing rats. microRNAs were validated within the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia. To unveil the molecular impact of our candidate microRNAs, dissociated cell cultures of sensory and lower motor neurons were transfected with mimics and inhibitors. We depicted age-dependent VEGFR-2 expression in sensory and lower motor neurons. In detail, in lower motor neurons, VEGFR-2 expression was significantly reduced during maturation, in conjunction with an increased level of miR-129-5p. In sensory dorsal root ganglia, VEGFR-2 expression increased during maturation and was accompanied by an overexpression of miR-130a-3p. In a second step, the functional significance of these microRNAs with respect to VEGFR-2 expression was proven. Whereas miR-129-5p seems to decrease VEGFR-2 expression in a direct manner in the CNS, miR-130a-3p might indirectly control VEGFR-2 expression in the PNS. A detailed understanding of genetic VEGFR-2 expression control might promote new strategies for the treatment of severe neurological diseases like ischemia or peripheral nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Glaesel
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany; (K.G.); (V.M.); (V.T.)
| | - Caroline May
- Medical Proteom-Center, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, NRW, Germany; (C.M.); (K.M.)
| | - Katrin Marcus
- Medical Proteom-Center, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, NRW, Germany; (C.M.); (K.M.)
| | - Veronika Matschke
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany; (K.G.); (V.M.); (V.T.)
| | - Carsten Theiss
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany; (K.G.); (V.M.); (V.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-234-32-25018
| | - Verena Theis
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany; (K.G.); (V.M.); (V.T.)
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24
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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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25
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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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26
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Bonanno S, Marcuzzo S, Malacarne C, Giagnorio E, Masson R, Zanin R, Arnoldi MT, Andreetta F, Simoncini O, Venerando A, Gellera C, Pantaleoni C, Mantegazza R, Bernasconi P, Baranello G, Maggi L. Circulating MyomiRs as Potential Biomarkers to Monitor Response to Nusinersen in Pediatric SMA Patients. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8020021. [PMID: 31991852 PMCID: PMC7168147 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8020021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in survival motor neuron (SMN) 1 gene, resulting in a truncated SMN protein responsible for degeneration of brain stem and spinal motor neurons. The paralogous SMN2 gene partially compensates full-length SMN protein production, mitigating the phenotype. Antisense oligonucleotide nusinersen (Spinraza®) enhances SMN2 gene expression. SMN is involved in RNA metabolism and biogenesis of microRNA (miRNA), key gene expression modulators, whose dysregulation contributes to neuromuscular diseases. They are stable in body fluids and may reflect distinct pathophysiological states, thus acting as promising biomarkers. Muscle-specific miRNAs (myomiRs) as biomarkers for clinical use in SMA have not been investigated yet. Here, we analyzed the expression of miR-133a, -133b, -206 and -1, in serum of 21 infantile SMA patients at baseline and after 6 months of nusinersen treatment, and correlated molecular data with response to therapy evaluated by the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE). Our results demonstrate that myomiR serological levels decrease over disease course upon nusinersen treatment. Notably, miR-133a reduction predicted patients’ response to therapy. Our findings identify myomiRs as potential biomarkers to monitor disease progression and therapeutic response in SMA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Bonanno
- Neurology IV–Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.M.); (E.G.); (F.A.); (O.S.); (P.B.); (L.M.)
- Correspondence: (S.B.); (S.M.); Tel.: +39-02-2394-2284 (S.B.); +39-02-2394-4651 (S.M.); Fax: +39-02-70633874 (S.B. & S.M.)
| | - Stefania Marcuzzo
- Neurology IV–Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.M.); (E.G.); (F.A.); (O.S.); (P.B.); (L.M.)
- Correspondence: (S.B.); (S.M.); Tel.: +39-02-2394-2284 (S.B.); +39-02-2394-4651 (S.M.); Fax: +39-02-70633874 (S.B. & S.M.)
| | - Claudia Malacarne
- Neurology IV–Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.M.); (E.G.); (F.A.); (O.S.); (P.B.); (L.M.)
- PhD Program in Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Eleonora Giagnorio
- Neurology IV–Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.M.); (E.G.); (F.A.); (O.S.); (P.B.); (L.M.)
- PhD Program in Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Riccardo Masson
- Developmental Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (R.M.); (R.Z.); (M.T.A.); (C.P.); (G.B.)
| | - Riccardo Zanin
- Developmental Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (R.M.); (R.Z.); (M.T.A.); (C.P.); (G.B.)
| | - Maria Teresa Arnoldi
- Developmental Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (R.M.); (R.Z.); (M.T.A.); (C.P.); (G.B.)
| | - Francesca Andreetta
- Neurology IV–Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.M.); (E.G.); (F.A.); (O.S.); (P.B.); (L.M.)
| | - Ornella Simoncini
- Neurology IV–Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.M.); (E.G.); (F.A.); (O.S.); (P.B.); (L.M.)
| | - Anna Venerando
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.G.); (A.V.)
| | - Cinzia Gellera
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.G.); (A.V.)
| | - Chiara Pantaleoni
- Developmental Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (R.M.); (R.Z.); (M.T.A.); (C.P.); (G.B.)
| | - Renato Mantegazza
- Neurology IV–Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.M.); (E.G.); (F.A.); (O.S.); (P.B.); (L.M.)
| | - Pia Bernasconi
- Neurology IV–Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.M.); (E.G.); (F.A.); (O.S.); (P.B.); (L.M.)
| | - Giovanni Baranello
- Developmental Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (R.M.); (R.Z.); (M.T.A.); (C.P.); (G.B.)
- The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL NIHR GOSH Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Lorenzo Maggi
- Neurology IV–Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.M.); (E.G.); (F.A.); (O.S.); (P.B.); (L.M.)
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27
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Xiang C, Han S, Nao J, Cong S. MicroRNAs Dysregulation and Metabolism in Multiple System Atrophy. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1103. [PMID: 31680837 PMCID: PMC6811505 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is an adult onset, fatal disease, characterized by an accumulation of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) in oligodendroglial cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs involved in post-translational regulation and several biological processes. Disruption of miRNA-related pathways in the central nervous system (CNS) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including MSA. While the exact mechanisms underlying miRNAs in the pathogenesis of MSA remain unclear, it is known that miRNAs can repress the translation of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) that regulate the following pathogenesis associated with MSA: autophagy, neuroinflammation, α-syn accumulation, synaptic transmission, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. In this review, the metabolism of miRNAs and their functional roles in the pathogenesis of MSA are discussed, thereby highlighting miRNAs as potential new biomarkers for the diagnosis of MSA and in increasing our understanding of the disease process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunchen Xiang
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shunchang Han
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jianfei Nao
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shuyan Cong
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Kaifer KA, Villalón E, O'Brien BS, Sison SL, Smith CE, Simon ME, Marquez J, O'Day S, Hopkins AE, Neff R, Rindt H, Ebert AD, Lorson CL. AAV9-mediated delivery of miR-23a reduces disease severity in Smn2B/-SMA model mice. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 28:3199-3210. [PMID: 31211843 PMCID: PMC6859438 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disease caused by deletions or mutations in survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1). The molecular mechanisms underlying motor neuron degeneration in SMA remain elusive, as global cellular dysfunction obscures the identification and characterization of disease-relevant pathways and potential therapeutic targets. Recent reports have implicated microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation as a potential contributor to the pathological mechanism in SMA. To characterize miRNAs that are differentially regulated in SMA, we profiled miRNA levels in SMA induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived motor neurons. From this array, miR-23a downregulation was identified selectively in SMA motor neurons, consistent with previous reports where miR-23a functioned in neuroprotective and muscle atrophy-antagonizing roles. Reintroduction of miR-23a expression in SMA patient iPSC-derived motor neurons protected against degeneration, suggesting a potential miR-23a-specific disease-modifying effect. To assess this activity in vivo, miR-23a was expressed using a self-complementary adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (scAAV9) viral vector in the Smn2B/- SMA mouse model. scAAV9-miR-23a significantly reduced the pathology in SMA mice, including increased motor neuron size, reduced neuromuscular junction pathology, increased muscle fiber area, and extended survival. These experiments demonstrate that miR-23a is a novel protective modifier of SMA, warranting further characterization of miRNA dysfunction in SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin A Kaifer
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Eric Villalón
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Benjamin S O'Brien
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Samantha L Sison
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Caley E Smith
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Madeline E Simon
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Jose Marquez
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Siri O'Day
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Abigail E Hopkins
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Rachel Neff
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Hansjörg Rindt
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Allison D Ebert
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Christian L Lorson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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Klatt CL, Theis V, Hahn S, Theiss C, Matschke V. Deregulated miR-29b-3p Correlates with Tissue-Specific Activation of Intrinsic Apoptosis in An Animal Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2019; 8:cells8091077. [PMID: 31547454 PMCID: PMC6770833 DOI: 10.3390/cells8091077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is one of the most common incurable motor neuron disorders in adults. The majority of all ALS cases occur sporadically (sALS). Symptoms of ALS are caused by a progressive degeneration of motor neurons located in the motor cortex and spinal cord. The question arises why motor neurons selectively degenerate in ALS, while other cells and systems appear to be spared the disease. Members of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway are frequent targets of altered microRNA expression. Therefore, microRNAs and their effects on cell survival are subject of controversial debates. In this study, we investigated the expression of numerous members of the intrinsic apoptotic cascade by qPCR, western blot, and immunostaining in two different regions of the CNS of wobbler mice. Further we addressed the expression of miR-29b-3p targeting BMF, Bax, and, Bak, members of the apoptotic pathway. We show a tissue-specific differential expression of BMF, Bax, and cleaved-Caspase 3 in wobbler mice. An opposing regulation of miR-29b-3p expression in the cerebellum and cervical spinal cord of wobbler mice suggests different mechanisms regulating the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Based on our findings, it could be speculated that miR-29b-3p might regulate antiapoptotic survival mechanisms in CNS areas that are not affected by neurodegeneration in the wobbler mouse ALS model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina L Klatt
- Ruhr University Bochum, Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy, Department of Cytology, 44801 Bochum, Germany.
| | - Verena Theis
- Ruhr University Bochum, Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy, Department of Cytology, 44801 Bochum, Germany.
| | - Stephan Hahn
- Ruhr University Bochum, Clinical Research Center, Department of Molecular Gastrointestinal Oncology, 44801 Bochum, Germany.
| | - Carsten Theiss
- Ruhr University Bochum, Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy, Department of Cytology, 44801 Bochum, Germany.
| | - Veronika Matschke
- Ruhr University Bochum, Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy, Department of Cytology, 44801 Bochum, Germany.
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Plasma microRNA miR-26b as a potential diagnostic biomarker of degenerative myelopathy in Pembroke welsh corgis. BMC Vet Res 2019; 15:192. [PMID: 31182094 PMCID: PMC6558770 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-1944-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease frequently found in Pembroke Welsh Corgis (PWCs). Most DM-affected PWCs are homozygous for the mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) allele; however, the genetic examination for the SOD1 mutation does not exclusively detect symptomatic dogs. In order to identify novel biomarkers, the plasma microRNA (miRNA) profiles of PWCs with DM were investigated. RESULTS Quantification of the plasma levels of 277 miRNAs by an RT-qPCR array identified 11 up-regulated miRNAs and 7 down-regulated miRNAs in DM-affected PWCs from those in wild-type SOD1 PWCs. A pathway analysis identified 3 miRNAs: miR-26b, miR-181a, and miR-196a, which potentially regulate several genes associated with SOD1. In order to validate the diagnostic accuracy of the candidate miRNAs in the aged PWC population, candidate miRNAs in plasma were measured by RT-qPCR and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed. miR-26b had the largest area under the ROC curve for distinguishing DM PWCs from healthy PWCs (sensitivity, 66.7%; specificity, 87.0%). The plasma level of miR-26b was significantly higher in the DM group than in the healthy control group. A positive correlation was observed between increases in the plasma level of miR-26b and disease progression. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that plasma miR-26b is a potential novel diagnostic biomarker of DM.
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Birsa N, Bentham MP, Fratta P. Cytoplasmic functions of TDP-43 and FUS and their role in ALS. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2019; 99:193-201. [PMID: 31132467 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
TAR DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43) and fused in sarcoma (FUS) are RNA binding proteins (RBPs) primarily located in the nucleus, and involved in numerous aspects of RNA metabolism. Both proteins can be found to be depleted from the nucleus and accumulated in cytoplasmic inclusions in two major neurodegenerative conditions, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Recent evidences suggest that, in addition to their nuclear functions, both TDP-43 and FUS are involved in multiple processes in the cytoplasm, including mRNA stability and transport, translation, the stress response, mitochondrial function and autophagy regulation. Here, we review the most recent advances in understanding their functions in the cytoplasm and how these are affected in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicol Birsa
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
| | - Matthew Peter Bentham
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Pietro Fratta
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK; MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
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Gagliardi D, Comi GP, Bresolin N, Corti S. MicroRNAs as regulators of cell death mechanisms in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:1647-1656. [PMID: 30614179 PMCID: PMC6378226 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting upper and lower motor neurons (MNs), resulting in paralysis and precocious death from respiratory failure. Although the causes of ALS are incompletely understood, the role of alterations in RNA metabolism seems central. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNAs implicated in the regulation of gene expression of many relevant physiological processes, including cell death. The recent model of programmed cell death (PCD) encompasses different mechanisms, from apoptosis to regulated necrosis (RN), in particular necroptosis. Both apoptosis and necroptosis play a significant role in the progressive death of MNs in ALS. In this review, we present key research related to miRNAs that modulate apoptosis and RN pathways in ALS. We also discuss whether these miRNAs represent potential targets for therapeutic development in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia Gagliardi
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo P Comi
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Nereo Bresolin
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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RNA Granules and Their Role in Neurodegenerative Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1203:195-245. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-31434-7_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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34
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Foster LA, Salajegheh MK. Motor Neuron Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management. Am J Med 2019; 132:32-37. [PMID: 30075105 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2018.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Patients with motor neuron diseases may present to primary care clinic or may be initially encountered in the inpatient setting. Timely diagnosis of these conditions is a key factor in early intervention and therapy, and accuracy of diagnosis is of extreme importance, in particular for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with its poor prognosis. The aim of this review article is to provide a clinical and diagnostic framework for the diagnosis and evaluation of motor neuron disease for primary care physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Foster
- Department of Medicine/Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Mohammad Kian Salajegheh
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Neurology Service/Division of Neuromuscular Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.
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35
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De Paola E, Verdile V, Paronetto MP. Dysregulation of microRNA metabolism in motor neuron diseases: Novel biomarkers and potential therapeutics. Noncoding RNA Res 2018; 4:15-22. [PMID: 30891533 PMCID: PMC6404378 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last 15 years, several classes of small regulatory RNAs have been identified, uncovering the widespread impact of non-coding elements in the human genome on cell homeostasis and human diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a family of small, non-coding RNAs, which exert silencing of mRNA targets in a sequence-dependent fashion. Many miRNAs are specifically expressed in the central nervous system, where they display roles in differentiation, neuronal survival, neuronal plasticity and learning. On the other hand, deregulated miRNA/mRNA expression networks are deeply involved in neurodegeneration. Recent findings suggest a role for miRNAs in the pathogenesis of motor neuron diseases. In particular, cell-specific changes in miRNA profile are involved in the motor neuron disease phenotype and might be implicated in their selective vulnerability. Exploitation of noncoding RNAs, in particular miRNAs, for therapeutic strategies is being assessed for implementing current therapies. In this regard, the neuroprotective potential of certain miRNAs could represent a promising potential tool to improve therapies for motor-neuron diseases. This review focuses on emerging roles of miRNAs in motor neuron diseases and on their impact on neuron life-span and integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa De Paola
- University of Rome "Foro Italico", Piazza Lauro de Bosis 15, 00135, Rome, Italy.,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Verdile
- University of Rome "Foro Italico", Piazza Lauro de Bosis 15, 00135, Rome, Italy.,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Paronetto
- University of Rome "Foro Italico", Piazza Lauro de Bosis 15, 00135, Rome, Italy.,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143, Rome, Italy
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36
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MicroRNAs as Biomarkers in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2018; 7:cells7110219. [PMID: 30463376 PMCID: PMC6262636 DOI: 10.3390/cells7110219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable and fatal disorder characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons in the cerebral cortex, brain stem, and spinal cord. Sporadic ALS form accounts for the majority of patients, but in 1–13.5% of cases the disease is inherited. The diagnosis of ALS is mainly based on clinical assessment and electrophysiological examinations with a history of symptom progression and is then made with a significant delay from symptom onset. Thus, the identification of biomarkers specific for ALS could be of a fundamental importance in the clinical practice. An ideal biomarker should display high specificity and sensitivity for discriminating ALS from control subjects and from ALS-mimics and other neurological diseases, and should then monitor disease progression within individual patients. microRNAs (miRNAs) are considered promising biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases, since they are remarkably stable in human body fluids and can reflect physiological and pathological processes relevant for ALS. Here, we review the state of the art of miRNA biomarker identification for ALS in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood and muscle tissue; we discuss advantages and disadvantages of different approaches, and underline the limits but also the great potential of this research for future practical applications.
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37
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The Role of MicroRNAs in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. J Mol Neurosci 2018; 66:617-628. [PMID: 30415446 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-018-1204-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a serious neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons and leads to death within 2 to 3 years after the first symptoms manifest. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression in fundamental cellular processes and, post-transcriptionally, the translation levels of target mRNA transcripts. We searched PubMed for studies that examined miRNAs in ALS patients and attempted to group the results in order to find the strongest miRNA candidate for servings as an ALS biomarker. The studies on humans so far have been diverse, yielding considerably heterogeneous results, as they were performed on a wide variety of tissues and subjects. Among the miRNAs that were found consistently deregulated are miR-206, miR-133, miR-149, and miR-338-3p. Additively, the deregulation of some specific miRNAs seems to compose a miRNA expression profile that is specific for ALS. More research is required in order for the scientific community to reach a consensus.
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38
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Garcia-Santibanez R, Burford M, Bucelli RC. Hereditary Motor Neuropathies and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: a Molecular and Clinical Update. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2018; 18:93. [DOI: 10.1007/s11910-018-0901-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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39
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MicroRNA expression analysis identifies a subset of downregulated miRNAs in ALS motor neuron progenitors. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10105. [PMID: 29973608 PMCID: PMC6031650 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28366-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurological disorder that is characterized by a progressive degeneration of motor neurons (MNs). The pathomechanism underlying the disease is largely unknown, even though increasing evidence suggests that RNA metabolism, including microRNAs (miRNAs) may play an important role. In this study, human ALS induced pluripotent stem cells were differentiated into MN progenitors and their miRNA expression profiles were compared to those of healthy control cells. We identified 15 downregulated miRNAs in patients’ cells. Gene ontology and molecular pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the predicted target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs were involved in neurodegeneration-related pathways. Among the 15 examined miRNAs, miR-34a and miR504 appeared particularly relevant due to their involvement in the p53 pathway, synaptic vesicle regulation and general involvement in neurodegenerative diseases. Taken together our results demonstrate that the neurodegenerative phenotype in ALS can be associated with a dysregulation of miRNAs involved in the control of disease-relevant genetic pathways, suggesting that targeting entire gene networks can be a potential strategy to treat complex diseases such as ALS.
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40
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RNA-Targeted Therapies and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Biomedicines 2018; 6:biomedicines6010009. [PMID: 29342921 PMCID: PMC5874666 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines6010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal motor disease in adults. Its pathophysiology remains mysterious, but tremendous advances have been made with the discovery of the most frequent mutations of its more common familial form linked to the C9ORF72 gene. Although most cases are still considered sporadic, these genetic mutations have revealed the role of RNA production, processing and transport in ALS, and may be important players in all ALS forms. There are no disease-modifying treatments for adult human neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS. As in spinal muscular atrophy, RNA-targeted therapies have been proposed as potential strategies for treating this neurodegenerative disorder. Successes achieved in various animal models of ALS have proven that RNA therapies are both safe and effective. With careful consideration of the applicability of such therapies in humans, it is possible to anticipate ongoing in vivo research and clinical trial development of RNA therapies for treating ALS.
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41
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Lehmkuhl EM, Zarnescu DC. Lost in Translation: Evidence for Protein Synthesis Deficits in ALS/FTD and Related Neurodegenerative Diseases. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2018; 20:283-301. [PMID: 29916024 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-89689-2_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Cells utilize a complex network of proteins to regulate translation, involving post-transcriptional processing of RNA and assembly of the ribosomal unit. Although the complexity provides robust regulation of proteostasis, it also offers several opportunities for translational dysregulation, as has been observed in many neurodegenerative disorders. Defective mRNA localization, mRNA sequatration, inhibited ribogenesis, mutant tRNA synthetases, and translation of hexanucleotide expansions have all been associated with neurodegenerative disease. Here, we review dysregulation of translation in the context of age-related neurodegeneration and discuss novel methods to interrogate translation. This review primarily focuses on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a spectrum disorder heavily associated with RNA metabolism, while also analyzing translational inhibition in the context of related neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease and the translation-related pathomechanisms common in neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik M Lehmkuhl
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Daniela C Zarnescu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA. .,Department of Neuroscience, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA. .,Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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42
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Zhou F, Zhang C, Guan Y, Chen Y, Lu Q, Jie L, Gao H, Du H, Zhang H, Liu Y, Wang X. Screening the expression characteristics of several miRNAs in G93A-SOD1
transgenic mouse: altered expression of miRNA-124 is associated with astrocyte differentiation by targeting Sox2 and Sox9. J Neurochem 2017; 145:51-67. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fenghua Zhou
- Department of Pathology; Weifang Medical University; Weifang Shandong China
| | - Caixia Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology; Weifang Medical University; Weifang Shandong China
| | - Yingjun Guan
- Department of Histology and Embryology; Weifang Medical University; Weifang Shandong China
| | - Yanchun Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology; Weifang Medical University; Weifang Shandong China
- Department of Neurosurgery; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Qiang Lu
- Department of Pathology; Weifang Medical University; Weifang Shandong China
| | - Linlin Jie
- Department of Histology and Embryology; Weifang Medical University; Weifang Shandong China
| | - Hailing Gao
- Department of Histology and Embryology; Weifang Medical University; Weifang Shandong China
| | - Hongmei Du
- Department of Histology and Embryology; Weifang Medical University; Weifang Shandong China
| | - Haoyun Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology; Weifang Medical University; Weifang Shandong China
| | - Yongxin Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology; Weifang Medical University; Weifang Shandong China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology; Weifang Medical University; Weifang Shandong China
- Department of Neurosurgery; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston Massachusetts USA
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43
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Novel miR-b2122 regulates several ALS-related RNA-binding proteins. Mol Brain 2017; 10:46. [PMID: 28969660 PMCID: PMC5625648 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-017-0326-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Common pathological features of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) include cytoplasmic aggregation of several RNA-binding proteins. Out of these RNA-binding proteins, TDP-43, FUS/TLS and RGNEF have been shown to co-aggregate with one another within motor neurons of sporadic ALS (sALS) patients, suggesting that there may be a common regulatory network disrupted. MiRNAs have been a recent focus in ALS research as they have been identified to be globally down-regulated in the spinal cord of ALS patients. The objective of this study was to identify if there are miRNA(s) dysregulated in sALS that are responsible for regulating the TDP-43, FUS/TLS and RGNEF network. In this study, we identify miR-194 and miR-b2122 to be significantly down-regulated in sALS patients, and were predicted to regulate TARDBP, FUS/TLS and RGNEF expression. Reporter gene assays and RT-qPCR revealed that miR-b2122 down-regulates the reporter gene through direct interactions with either the TARDBP, FUS/TLS, or RGNEF 3’UTR, while miR-194 down-regulates firefly expression when it contained either the TARDBP or FUS/TLS 3’UTR. Further, we showed that miR-b2122 regulates endogenous expression of all three of these genes in a neuronal-derived cell line. Also, an ALS-associated mutation in the FUS/TLS 3’UTR ablates the ability of miR-b2122 to regulate reporter gene linked to FUS/TLS 3’UTR, and sALS samples which showed a down-regulation in miR-b2122 also showed an increase in FUS/TLS protein expression. Overall, we have identified a novel miRNA that is down-regulated in sALS that appears to be a central regulator of disease-related RNA-binding proteins, and thus its dysregulation likely contributes to TDP-43, FUS/TLS and RGNEF pathogenesis in sALS.
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