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Lundt S, Ding S. Potential Therapeutic Interventions Targeting NAD + Metabolism for ALS. Cells 2024; 13:1509. [PMID: 39273079 PMCID: PMC11394323 DOI: 10.3390/cells13171509] [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: 08/04/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting both upper and lower motor neurons. While there have been many potential factors implicated for ALS development, such as oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, no exact mechanism has been determined at this time. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is one of the most abundant metabolites in mammalian cells and is crucial for a broad range of cellular functions from DNA repair to energy homeostasis. NAD+ can be synthesized from three different intracellular pathways, but it is the NAD+ salvage pathway that generates the largest proportion of NAD+. Impaired NAD+ homeostasis has been connected to aging and neurodegenerative disease-related dysfunctions. In ALS mice, NAD+ homeostasis is potentially disrupted prior to the appearance of physical symptoms and is significantly reduced in the nervous system at the end stage. Treatments targeting NAD+ metabolism, either by administering NAD+ precursor metabolites or small molecules that alter NAD+-dependent enzyme activity, have shown strong beneficial effects in ALS disease models. Here, we review the therapeutic interventions targeting NAD+ metabolism for ALS and their effects on the most prominent pathological aspects of ALS in animal and cell models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Lundt
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center (DCRC), Columbia, MO 65203, USA
| | - Shinghua Ding
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center (DCRC), Columbia, MO 65203, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering (ChBME), University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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2
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Althaus O, ter Jung N, Stahlke S, Theiss C, Herzog-Niescery J, Vogelsang H, Weber T, Gude P, Matschke V. Region-specific protective effects of monomethyl fumarate in cerebellar and hippocampal organotypic slice cultures following oxygen-glucose deprivation. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0308635. [PMID: 39110748 PMCID: PMC11305562 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0308635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
To date, apart from moderate hypothermia, there are almost no adequate interventions available for neuroprotection in cases of brain damage due to cardiac arrest. Affected persons often have severe limitations in their quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate protective properties of the active compound of dimethyl fumarate, monomethyl fumarate (MMF), on distinct regions of the central nervous system after ischemic events. Dimethyl fumarate is an already established drug in neurology with known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In this study, we chose organotypic slice cultures of rat cerebellum and hippocampus as an ex vivo model. To simulate cardiac arrest and return of spontaneous circulation we performed oxygen-glucose-deprivation (OGD) followed by treatments with different concentrations of MMF (1-30 μM in cerebellum and 5-30 μM in hippocampus). Immunofluorescence staining with propidium iodide (PI) and 4',6-diamidine-2-phenylindole (DAPI) was performed to analyze PI/DAPI ratio after imaging with a spinning disc confocal microscope. In the statistical analysis, the relative cell death of the different groups was compared. In both, the cerebellum and hippocampus, the MMF-treated group showed a significantly lower PI/DAPI ratio compared to the non-treated group after OGD. Thus, we showed for the first time that both cerebellar and hippocampal slice cultures treated with MMF after OGD are significantly less affected by cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Althaus
- Department of Cytology, Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Nico ter Jung
- Department of Cytology, Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sarah Stahlke
- Department of Cytology, Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Carsten Theiss
- Department of Cytology, Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jennifer Herzog-Niescery
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Heike Vogelsang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Weber
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Philipp Gude
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Veronika Matschke
- Department of Cytology, Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Cihankaya H, Bader V, Winklhofer KF, Vorgerd M, Matschke J, Stahlke S, Theiss C, Matschke V. Elevated NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation Is Associated with Motor Neuron Degeneration in ALS. Cells 2024; 13:995. [PMID: 38920626 PMCID: PMC11202041 DOI: 10.3390/cells13120995] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor neuron degeneration in the central nervous system. Recent research has increasingly linked the activation of nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome to ALS pathogenesis. NLRP3 activation triggers Caspase 1 (CASP 1) auto-activation, leading to the cleavage of Gasdermin D (GSDMD) and pore formation on the cellular membrane. This process facilitates cytokine secretion and ultimately results in pyroptotic cell death, highlighting the complex interplay of inflammation and neurodegeneration in ALS. This study aimed to characterize the NLRP3 inflammasome components and their colocalization with cellular markers using the wobbler mouse as an ALS animal model. Firstly, we checked the levels of miR-223-3p because of its association with NLRP3 inflammasome activity. The wobbler mice showed an increased expression of miR-223-3p in the ventral horn, spinal cord, and cerebellum tissues. Next, increased levels of NLRP3, pro-CASP 1, cleaved CASP 1 (c-CASP 1), full-length GSDMD, and cleaved GDSMD revealed NLRP3 inflammasome activation in wobbler spinal cords, but not in the cerebellum. Furthermore, we investigated the colocalization of the aforementioned proteins with neurons, microglia, and astrocyte markers in the spinal cord tissue. Evidently, the wobbler mice displayed microgliosis, astrogliosis, and motor neuron degeneration in this tissue. Additionally, we showed the upregulation of protein levels and the colocalization of NLRP3, c-CASP1, and GSDMD in neurons, as well as in microglia and astrocytes. Overall, this study demonstrated the involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptotic cell death in the spinal cord tissue of wobbler mice, which could further exacerbate the motor neuron degeneration and neuroinflammation in this ALS mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilal Cihankaya
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (H.C.); (C.T.)
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN), Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Verian Bader
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Medical Faculty, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Konstanze F. Winklhofer
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN), Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany;
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Medical Faculty, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Matthias Vorgerd
- Department of Neurology, Heimer Institute for Muscle Research, University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Buerkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Johann Matschke
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany;
| | - Sarah Stahlke
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (H.C.); (C.T.)
| | - Carsten Theiss
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (H.C.); (C.T.)
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN), Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Veronika Matschke
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (H.C.); (C.T.)
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN), Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany;
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Lundt S, Zhang N, Polo-Parada L, Wang X, Ding S. Dietary NMN supplementation enhances motor and NMJ function in ALS. Exp Neurol 2024; 374:114698. [PMID: 38266764 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114698] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset neurodegenerative disease that causes the degeneration of motor neurons in the motor cortex and spinal cord. Patients with ALS experience muscle weakness and atrophy in the limbs which eventually leads to paralysis and death. NAD+ is critical for energy metabolism, such as glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, but is also involved in non-metabolic cellular reactions. In the current study, we determined whether the supplementation of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), an NAD+ precursor, in the diet had beneficial impacts on disease progression using a SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS. We found that the ALS mice fed with an NMN-supplemented diet (ALS+NMN mice) had modestly extended lifespan and exhibited delayed motor dysfunction. Using electrophysiology, we studied the effect of NMN on synaptic transmission at neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) in symptomatic of ALS mice (18 weeks old). ALS+NMN mice had larger end-plate potential (EPP) amplitudes and maintained better responses than ALS mice, and also had restored EPP facilitation. While quantal content was not affected by NMN, miniature EPP (mEPP) amplitude and frequency were elevated in ALS+NMN mice. NMN supplementation in diet also improved NMJ morphology, innervation, mitochondrial structure, and reduced reactive astrogliosis in the ventral horn of the lumbar spinal cord. Overall, our results indicate that dietary consumption of NMN can slow motor impairment, enhance NMJ function and improve healthspan of ALS mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Lundt
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States of America; Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States of America
| | - Nannan Zhang
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States of America
| | - Luis Polo-Parada
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States of America; Department of Medical, Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States of America
| | - Xinglong Wang
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States of America
| | - Shinghua Ding
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States of America; Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States of America; Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States of America.
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Bresque M, Esteve D, Pehar M, Vargas MR. Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD +)-Dependent Signaling in Neurological Disorders. Antioxid Redox Signal 2023; 39:1150-1166. [PMID: 37288742 PMCID: PMC10715441 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2023.0241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Significance: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) participates in redox reactions and NAD+-dependent signaling processes, which couples the enzymatic degradation of NAD+ to posttranslational modifications of proteins or the production of second messengers. Cellular NAD+ levels are dynamically controlled by synthesis and degradation, and dysregulation of this balance has been associated with acute and chronic neuronal dysfunction. Recent Advances: A decline in NAD+ has been observed during normal aging and since aging is the primary risk factor for many neurological disorders, NAD+ metabolism has become a promising therapeutic target and prolific research field in recent years. Critical Issues: In many neurological disorders, either as a primary feature or as consequence of the pathological process, neuronal damage is accompanied by dysregulated mitochondrial homeostasis, oxidative stress, or metabolic reprogramming. Modulating NAD+ availability appears to have a protective effect against such changes observed in acute neuronal damage and age-related neurological disorders. Such beneficial effects could be, at least in part, due to the activation of NAD+-dependent signaling processes. Future Directions: While in many instances the protective effect has been ascribed to the activation of sirtuins, approaches that directly test the role of sirtuins or that target the NAD+ pool in a cell-type-specific manner may be able to provide further mechanistic insight. Likewise, these approaches may afford greater efficacy to strategies aimed at harnessing the therapeutic potential of NAD+-dependent signaling in neurological disorders. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 39, 1150-1166.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Bresque
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Daniel Esteve
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Mariana Pehar
- Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Marcelo R. Vargas
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Wunsch FT, Metzler-Nolte N, Theiss C, Matschke V. Defects in Glutathione System in an Animal Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12051014. [PMID: 37237880 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12051014] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progredient neurodegenerative disease characterized by a degeneration of the first and second motor neurons. Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased levels of glutathione, which are important defense mechanisms against ROS, have been reported in the central nervous system (CNS) of ALS patients and animal models. The aim of this study was to determine the cause of decreased glutathione levels in the CNS of the ALS model wobbler mouse. We analyzed changes in glutathione metabolism in the spinal cord, hippocampus, cerebellum, liver, and blood samples of the ALS model, wobbler mouse, using qPCR, Western Blot, HPLC, and fluorometric assays. Here, we show for the first time a decreased expression of enzymes involved in glutathione synthesis in the cervical spinal cord of wobbler mice. We provide evidence for a deficient glutathione metabolism, which is not restricted to the nervous system, but can be seen in various tissues of the wobbler mouse. This deficient system is most likely the reason for an inefficient antioxidative system and, thus, for elevated ROS levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska T Wunsch
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN), Ruhr-University Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Nils Metzler-Nolte
- Inorganic Chemistry I-Bioinorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr-University Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Carsten Theiss
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN), Ruhr-University Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Veronika Matschke
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
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Matschke V, Kürten K, Gude AC, Christian Epplen A, Stein J, Theiss C. Dysregulated expression and distribution of Kif5α in neurites of wobbler motor neurons. Neural Regen Res 2023. [PMID: 35799535 PMCID: PMC9241431 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.343883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Impaired axonal transport has been observed in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and in animal models, suggesting that transport proteins likely play a critical role in the pathological mechanism of ALS. Dysregulation of Kinesin-family-member 5α (Kif5α), a neuron-specific isoform of heavy chain kinesin family, has been described in several neurological disorders, in humans and animal models, including ALS. In this study, we determined Kif5α expression by gene sequencing, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and western blot assay in the cervical spinal cord of wobbler mice and immunofluorescence staining in dissociated cultures of the ventral horn. Further, we observed the distribution of Kif5α and mitochondria along motor neuronal branches by confocal imaging. Our results showed that Kif5α expression was greatly dysregulated in wobbler mice, which resulted in altered distribution of Kif5α along motor neuronal branches with an abnormal mitochondrial distribution. Thus, our results indicate that dysregulation of Kif5 and therefore abnormal transport in motor neuronal branches in this ALS model could be causative for several pathological findings at the cellular level, like misallocation of cytoskeletal proteins or organelles like mitochondria.
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Junghans M, John F, Cihankaya H, Schliebs D, Winklhofer KF, Bader V, Matschke J, Theiss C, Matschke V. ROS scavengers decrease γH2ax spots in motor neuronal nuclei of ALS model mice in vitro. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:963169. [PMID: 36119129 PMCID: PMC9470831 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.963169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of motor neurons in cerebral cortex, brainstem and spinal cord. Numerous studies have demonstrated signs of oxidative stress in postmortem neuronal tissue, cerebrospinal fluid, plasma and urine of ALS patients, without focusing on the specific processes within motor neurons. Thus, we aimed to investigate the relevance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification mechanisms and its consequences on the formation of toxic/lethal DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) in the ALS model of the Wobbler mouse. Methods: Live cell imaging in dissociated motor neuronal cultures was used to investigate the production of ROS using Dihydroethidium (DHE). The expression levels of ROS detoxifying molecules were investigated by qPCR as well as Western blots. Furthermore, the expression levels of DNA damage response proteins p53bp1 and H2ax were investigated using qPCR and immunofluorescence staining. Proof-of-principle experiments using ROS scavengers were performed in vitro to decipher the influence of ROS on the formation of DNA double strand breaks quantifying the γH2ax spots formation. Results: Here, we verified an elevated ROS-level in spinal motor neurons of symptomatic Wobbler mice in vitro. As a result, an increased number of DNA damage response proteins p53bp1 and γH2ax in dissociated motor neurons of the spinal cord of Wobbler mice was observed. Furthermore, we found a significantly altered expression of several antioxidant molecules in the spinal cord of Wobbler mice, suggesting a deficit in ROS detoxification mechanisms. This hypothesis could be verified by using ROS scavenger molecules in vitro to reduce the number of γH2ax foci in dissociated motor neurons and thus counteract the harmful effects of ROS. Conclusion: Our data indicate that maintenance of redox homeostasis may play a key role in the therapy of the neurodegenerative disease ALS. Our results underline a necessity for multimodal treatment approaches to prolong the average lifespan of motor neurons and thus slow down the progression of the disease, since a focused intervention in one pathomechanism seems to be insufficient in ALS therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Junghans
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Felix John
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Hilal Cihankaya
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Daniel Schliebs
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Konstanze F. Winklhofer
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESOLV, Bochum, Germany
| | - Verian Bader
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Johann Matschke
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Carsten Theiss
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Veronika Matschke
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- *Correspondence: Veronika Matschke
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Beirowski B. Emerging evidence for compromised axonal bioenergetics and axoglial metabolic coupling as drivers of neurodegeneration. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 170:105751. [PMID: 35569720 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105751] [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: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Impaired bioenergetic capacity of the nervous system is thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative diseases (NDD). Since neuronal synapses are believed to be the major energy consumers in the nervous system, synaptic derangements resulting from energy deficits have been suggested to play a central role for the development of many of these disorders. However, long axons constitute the largest compartment of the neuronal network, require large amounts of energy, are metabolically and structurally highly vulnerable, and undergo early injurious stresses in many NDD. These stresses likely impose additional energy demands for continuous adaptations and repair processes, and may eventually overwhelm axonal maintenance mechanisms. Indeed, pathological axon degeneration (pAxD) is now recognized as an etiological focus in a wide array of NDD associated with bioenergetic abnormalities. In this paper I first discuss the recognition that a simple experimental model for pAxD is regulated by an auto-destruction program that exhausts distressed axons energetically. Provision of the energy substrate pyruvate robustly counteracts this axonal breakdown. Importantly, energy decline in axons is not only a consequence but also an initiator of this program. This opens the intriguing possibility that axon dysfunction and pAxD can be suppressed by preemptively energizing distressed axons. Second, I focus on the emerging concept that axons communicate energetically with their flanking glia. This axoglial metabolic coupling can help offset the axonal energy decline that activates the pAxD program but also jeopardize axon integrity as a result of perturbed glial metabolism. Third, I present compelling evidence that abnormal axonal energetics and compromised axoglial metabolic coupling accompany the activation of the pAxD auto-destruction pathway in models of glaucoma, a widespread neurodegenerative condition with pathogenic overlap to other common NDD. In conclusion, I propose a novel conceptual framework suggesting that therapeutic interventions focused on bioenergetic support of the nervous system should also address axons and their metabolic interactions with glia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Beirowski
- Institute for Myelin and Glia Exploration, New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics & Life Sciences (CBLS), University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA.
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Lundt S, Ding S. NAD + Metabolism and Diseases with Motor Dysfunction. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1776. [PMID: 34828382 PMCID: PMC8625820 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases result in the progressive deterioration of the nervous system, with motor and cognitive impairments being the two most observable problems. Motor dysfunction could be caused by motor neuron diseases (MNDs) characterized by the loss of motor neurons, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, or other neurodegenerative diseases with the destruction of brain areas that affect movement, such as Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is one of the most abundant metabolites in the human body and is involved with numerous cellular processes, including energy metabolism, circadian clock, and DNA repair. NAD+ can be reversibly oxidized-reduced or directly consumed by NAD+-dependent proteins. NAD+ is synthesized in cells via three different paths: the de novo, Preiss-Handler, or NAD+ salvage pathways, with the salvage pathway being the primary producer of NAD+ in mammalian cells. NAD+ metabolism is being investigated for a role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss cellular NAD+ homeostasis, looking at NAD+ biosynthesis and consumption, with a focus on the NAD+ salvage pathway. Then, we examine the research, including human clinical trials, focused on the involvement of NAD+ in MNDs and other neurodegenerative diseases with motor dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Lundt
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Shinghua Ding
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;
- Department of Biomedical, Biological and Chemical Engineering, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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Increased ROS-Dependent Fission of Mitochondria Causes Abnormal Morphology of the Cell Powerhouses in a Murine Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:6924251. [PMID: 34691359 PMCID: PMC8531774 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6924251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common motor neuron disease in humans and remains to have a fatal prognosis. Recent studies in animal models and human ALS patients indicate that increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the pathogenesis. Considering previous studies revealing the influence of ROS on mitochondrial physiology, our attention was focused on mitochondria in the murine ALS model, wobbler mouse. The aim of this study was to investigate morphological differences between wild-type and wobbler mitochondria with aid of superresolution structured illumination fluorescence microscopy, TEM, and TEM tomography. To get an insight into mitochondrial dynamics, expression studies of corresponding proteins were performed. Here, we found significantly smaller and degenerated mitochondria in wobbler motor neurons at a stable stage of the disease. Our data suggest a ROS-regulated, Ox-CaMKII-dependent Drp1 activation leading to disrupted fission-fusion balance, resulting in fragmented mitochondria. These changes are associated with numerous impairments, resulting in an overall self-reinforcing decline of motor neurons. In summary, our study provides common pathomechanisms with other ALS models and human ALS cases confirming mitochondria and related dysfunctions as a therapeutic target for the treatment of ALS.
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Cheng XS, Shi FX, Zhao KP, Lin W, Li XY, Zhang J, Bu YY, Zhu R, Li XH, Duan DX, Ji XY, Wei JS, Wang JZ, Du J, Zhou XW. Nmnat2 attenuates amyloidogenesis and up-regulates ADAM10 in AMPK activity-dependent manner. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:23620-23636. [PMID: 34644262 PMCID: PMC8580354 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulating is considered as a causative factor for formation of senile plaque in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but its mechanism is still elusive. The Nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase 2 (Nmnat2), a key redox cofactor for energy metabolism, is reduced in AD. Accumulative evidence has shown that the decrease of α-secretase activity, a disintegrin and metalloprotease domain 10 (ADAM10), is responsible for the increase of Aβ productions in AD patient’s brain. Here, we observe that the activity of α-secretase ADAM10 and levels of Nmnat2 are significantly decreased, meanwhile there is a simultaneous elevation of Aβ in Tg2576 mice. Over-expression of Nmnat2 increases the mRNA expression of α-secretase ADAM10 and its activity and inhibits Aβ production in N2a/APPswe cells, which can be abolished by Compound C, an AMPK antagonist, suggesting that AMPK is involved in over-expression of Nmnat2 against Aβ production. The further assays demonstrate that Nmnat2 activates AMPK by up-regulating the ratio of NAD+/NADH, moreover AMPK agonist AICAR can also increase ADAM10 activity and reduces Aβ1-40/1-42. Taken together, Nmnat2 suppresses Aβ production and up-regulates ADAM10 in AMPK activity-dependent manner, suggesting that Nmnat2 may serve as a new potential target in arresting AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Shu Cheng
- Department of Neurology, Translational Medicine Center, Huaihe Hospital Affiliated to Henan University, Kaifeng 475000, Henan, China.,Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of National Education Ministry and Hubei Province, Institute for Brain Research, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.,Brain Research Laboratory, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, Henan, China
| | - Fang-Xiao Shi
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of National Education Ministry and Hubei Province, Institute for Brain Research, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Kun-Peng Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of National Education Ministry and Hubei Province, Institute for Brain Research, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.,Department of Psychiatry, Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, Henan Mental Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453002, Henan, China
| | - Wang Lin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of National Education Ministry and Hubei Province, Institute for Brain Research, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Xiao-Ying Li
- Department of Neurology, Translational Medicine Center, Huaihe Hospital Affiliated to Henan University, Kaifeng 475000, Henan, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Translational Medicine Center, Huaihe Hospital Affiliated to Henan University, Kaifeng 475000, Henan, China
| | - Yao-Yao Bu
- Department of Neurology, Translational Medicine Center, Huaihe Hospital Affiliated to Henan University, Kaifeng 475000, Henan, China
| | - Rui Zhu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of National Education Ministry and Hubei Province, Institute for Brain Research, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of National Education Ministry and Hubei Province, Institute for Brain Research, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Dong-Xiao Duan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of National Education Ministry and Hubei Province, Institute for Brain Research, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.,Department of Physiology, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
| | - Xin-Ying Ji
- Department of Microbiology, Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, Henan, China
| | - Jian-She Wei
- Brain Research Laboratory, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, Henan, China
| | - Jian-Zhi Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of National Education Ministry and Hubei Province, Institute for Brain Research, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Jin Du
- Department of Neurology, Translational Medicine Center, Huaihe Hospital Affiliated to Henan University, Kaifeng 475000, Henan, China.,Department of Respiratory, Huaihe Hospital Affiliated to Henan University, Kaifeng 475000, Henan, China.,Brain Research Laboratory, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, Henan, China
| | - Xin-Wen Zhou
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of National Education Ministry and Hubei Province, Institute for Brain Research, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
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13
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Wolters A, Reuther J, Gude P, Weber T, Theiss C, Vogelsang H, Matschke V. Teriflunomide provides protective properties after oxygen-glucose-deprivation in hippocampal and cerebellar slice cultures. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:2243-2249. [PMID: 33818508 PMCID: PMC8354112 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.310689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the major challenges in emergency medicine is out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Every year, about 53-62/100 000 people worldwide suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with serious consequences, whereas persistent brain injury is a major cause of morbidity and mortality of those surviving a cardiac arrest. Today, only few and insufficient strategies are known to limit neurological damage of ischemia and reperfusion injury. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether teriflunomide, an approved drug for treatment of relapsing-remitting-multiple-sclerosis, exerts a protective effect on brain cells in an in vitro model of ischemia. Therefore, organotypic slice cultures from rat hippocampus and cerebellum were exposed to oxygen-glucose-deprivation and subsequently treated with teriflunomide. The administration of teriflunomide in the reperfusion time on both hippocampal and cerebellar slice cultures significantly decreased the amount of detectable propidium iodide signal compared with an untreated culture, indicating that more cells survive after oxygen-glucose-deprivation. However, hippocampal slice cultures showed a higher vulnerability to ischemic conditions and a more sensitive response to teriflunomide compared with cerebellar slice cultures. Our study suggests that teriflunomide, applied as a post-treatment after an oxygen-glucose-deprivation, has a protective effect on hippocampal and cerebellar cells in organotypic slice cultures of rats. All procedures were conducted under established standards of the German federal state of North Rhine Westphalia, in accordance with the European Communities Council Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wolters
- Institute of Anatomy, Department of Cytology, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Judith Reuther
- Institute of Anatomy, Department of Cytology, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Philipp Gude
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, St. Josef Hospital, Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Weber
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, St. Josef Hospital, Bochum, Germany
| | - Carsten Theiss
- Institute of Anatomy, Department of Cytology, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Heike Vogelsang
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, St. Josef Hospital, Bochum, Germany
| | - Veronika Matschke
- Institute of Anatomy, Department of Cytology, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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14
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Zwilling M, Theiss C, Matschke V. Caffeine and NAD + Improve Motor Neural Integrity of Dissociated Wobbler Cells In Vitro. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9060460. [PMID: 32471290 PMCID: PMC7346375 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9060460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a common degenerative disease of the central nervous system concerning a progressive loss of upper and lower motor neurons. While 5%–10% of patients are diagnosed with the inherited form of the disease, the vast majority of patients suffer from the less characterized sporadic form of ALS (sALS). As the wobbler mouse and the ALS show striking similarities in view of phenotypical attributes, the mouse is rated as an animal model for the disease. Recent investigations show the importance of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and its producing enzyme nicotinic acid mononucleotide transferase 2 (Nmnat2) for neurodegeneration as well as for the preservation of health of the neuronal cells. Furthermore, it is newly determined that these molecules show significant downregulations in the spinal cord of wobbler mice in the stable phase of disease development. Here, we were able to prove a positive benefit on affected motor neurons from an additional NAD+ supply as well as an increase in the Nmnat2 level through caffeine treatment in cells in vitro. In addition, first assumptions about the importance of endogenous and exogenous factors that have an influence on the wellbeing of motor nerve cells in the model of ALS can be considered.
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15
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Tang BL. Why is NMNAT Protective against Neuronal Cell Death and Axon Degeneration, but Inhibitory of Axon Regeneration? Cells 2019; 8:cells8030267. [PMID: 30901919 PMCID: PMC6468476 DOI: 10.3390/cells8030267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase (NMNAT), a key enzyme for NAD+ synthesis, is well known for its activity in neuronal survival and attenuation of Wallerian degeneration. Recent investigations in invertebrate models have, however, revealed that NMNAT activity negatively impacts upon axon regeneration. Overexpression of Nmnat in laser-severed Drosophila sensory neurons reduced axon regeneration, while axon regeneration was enhanced in injured mechanosensory axons in C. elegansnmat-2 null mutants. These diametrically opposite effects of NMNAT orthologues on neuroprotection and axon regeneration appear counterintuitive as there are many examples of neuroprotective factors that also promote neurite outgrowth, and enhanced neuronal survival would logically facilitate regeneration. We suggest here that while NMNAT activity and NAD+ production activate neuroprotective mechanisms such as SIRT1-mediated deacetylation, the same mechanisms may also activate a key axonal regeneration inhibitor, namely phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). SIRT1 is known to deacetylate and activate PTEN which could, in turn, suppress PI3 kinase–mTORC1-mediated induction of localized axonal protein translation, an important process that determines successful regeneration. Strategic tuning of Nmnat activity and NAD+ production in axotomized neurons may thus be necessary to promote initial survival without inhibiting subsequent regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bor Luen Tang
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore.
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore.
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Matschke V, Theiss C, Matschke J. Oxidative stress: the lowest common denominator of multiple diseases. Neural Regen Res 2019; 14:238-241. [PMID: 30531003 PMCID: PMC6301174 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.244780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxygen is essential to the human life and life of all aerobic organisms. The complete oxidation of nutrients for the biological energy supply is one of the most important prerequisites for the formation of higher life forms. However, cells that benefit from oxidative respiration also suffer from reactive oxygen species because they adapted to oxygen as an energy source. Healthy cells balance the formation and elimination of reactive oxygen species thereby creating and keeping reactive oxygen species-homeostasis. When the concentration of free radicals exceeds a critical level and homeostasis is disturbed, oxidative stress occurs leading to damage of multiple cellular molecules and compartments. Therefore, oxidative stress plays an important role in the physiology and pathology of various diseases. Often, the antioxidant protection system becomes pathologically unbalanced in the genesis of several diseases, leading to functional losses of the organism, as in the case of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or cells develop metabolic mechanisms to use this system as protection against external influences, such as in the case of glioblastoma cells. Either way, understanding the underlying deregulated mechanisms of the oxidative protection system would allow the development of novel treatment strategies for various diseases. Thus, regardless of the direction in which the reactive oxygen species-homeostasis disequilibrate, the focus should be on the oxidative protection system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Matschke
- Institute of Anatomy, Department of Cytology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Carsten Theiss
- Institute of Anatomy, Department of Cytology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Johann Matschke
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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17
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Sasaki Y. Metabolic aspects of neuronal degeneration: From a NAD + point of view. Neurosci Res 2018; 139:9-20. [PMID: 30006197 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cellular metabolism maintains the life of cells, allowing energy production required for building cellular constituents and maintaining homeostasis under constantly changing external environments. Neuronal cells maintain their structure and function for the entire life of organisms and the loss of neurons, with limited neurogenesis in adults, directly causes loss of complexity in the neuronal networks. The nervous system organizes the neurons by placing cell bodies containing nuclei of similar types of neurons in discrete regions. Accordingly, axons must travel great distances to connect different types of neurons and peripheral organs. The enormous surface area of neurons makes them high-energy demanding to keep their membrane potential. Distal axon survival is dependent on axonal transport that is another energy demanding process. All of these factors make metabolic stress a potential risk factor for neuronal death and neuronal degeneration often associated with metabolic diseases. This review discusses recent findings on metabolic dysregulations under neuronal degeneration and pathways protecting neurons in these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yo Sasaki
- Department of Genetics, Washington University in St. Louis, Couch Biomedical Research Building, 4515 McKinley Ave., Saint Louis, MO, 63110, United States
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