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Duarte-Silva S, Da Silva JD, Monteiro-Fernandes D, Costa MD, Neves-Carvalho A, Raposo M, Soares-Cunha C, Correia JS, Nogueira-Goncalves G, Fernandes HS, Oliveira S, Ferreira-Fernandes AR, Rodrigues F, Pereira-Sousa J, Vilasboas-Campos D, Guerreiro S, Campos J, Meireles-Costa L, Rodrigues CM, Cabantous S, Sousa SF, Lima M, Teixeira-Castro A, Maciel P. Glucocorticoid receptor-dependent therapeutic efficacy of tauroursodeoxycholic acid in preclinical models of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e162246. [PMID: 38227368 PMCID: PMC10904051 DOI: 10.1172/jci162246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is an adult-onset neurodegenerative disease caused by a polyglutamine expansion in the ataxin-3 (ATXN3) gene. No effective treatment is available for this disorder, other than symptom-directed approaches. Bile acids have shown therapeutic efficacy in neurodegenerative disease models. Here, we pinpointed tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) as an efficient therapeutic, improving the motor and neuropathological phenotype of SCA3 nematode and mouse models. Surprisingly, transcriptomic and functional in vivo data showed that TUDCA acts in neuronal tissue through the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), but independently of its canonical receptor, the farnesoid X receptor (FXR). TUDCA was predicted to bind to the GR, in a similar fashion to corticosteroid molecules. GR levels were decreased in disease-affected brain regions, likely due to increased protein degradation as a consequence of ATXN3 dysfunction being restored by TUDCA treatment. Analysis of a SCA3 clinical cohort showed intriguing correlations between the peripheral expression of GR and the predicted age at disease onset in presymptomatic subjects and FKBP5 expression with disease progression, suggesting this pathway as a potential source of biomarkers for future study. We have established a novel in vivo mechanism for the neuroprotective effects of TUDCA in SCA3 and propose this readily available drug for clinical trials in SCA3 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Duarte-Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Jorge Diogo Da Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Medical Genetics Center Dr. Jacinto de Magalhães, Santo António University Hospital Center, Porto, Portugal
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute, Porto University, Porto, Portugal
| | - Daniela Monteiro-Fernandes
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Marta Daniela Costa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Andreia Neves-Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Raposo
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade dos Açores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Carina Soares-Cunha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Joana S. Correia
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo Nogueira-Goncalves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Henrique S. Fernandes
- UCIBIO – Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, BioSIM – Departamento de Biomedicina and
- Associate Laboratory i4HB – Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Stephanie Oliveira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Ferreira-Fernandes
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Fernando Rodrigues
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Joana Pereira-Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Daniela Vilasboas-Campos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Sara Guerreiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Jonas Campos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Liliana Meireles-Costa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Cecilia M.P. Rodrigues
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Stephanie Cabantous
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse (CRCT), Inserm, Université de Toulouse, UPS, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Sergio F. Sousa
- UCIBIO – Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, BioSIM – Departamento de Biomedicina and
- Associate Laboratory i4HB – Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuela Lima
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade dos Açores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Andreia Teixeira-Castro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Patricia Maciel
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
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Cunha-Garcia D, Monteiro-Fernandes D, Correia JS, Neves-Carvalho A, Vilaça-Ferreira AC, Guerra-Gomes S, Viana JF, Oliveira JF, Teixeira-Castro A, Maciel P, Duarte-Silva S. Genetic Ablation of Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor Type 2 (IP 3R2) Fails to Modify Disease Progression in a Mouse Model of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10606. [PMID: 37445783 PMCID: PMC10341520 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a rare neurodegenerative disease caused by an abnormal polyglutamine expansion within the ataxin-3 protein (ATXN3). This leads to neurodegeneration of specific brain and spinal cord regions, resulting in a progressive loss of motor function. Despite neuronal death, non-neuronal cells, including astrocytes, are also involved in SCA3 pathogenesis. Astrogliosis is a common pathological feature in SCA3 patients and animal models of the disease. However, the contribution of astrocytes to SCA3 is not clearly defined. Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 2 (IP3R2) is the predominant IP3R in mediating astrocyte somatic calcium signals, and genetically ablation of IP3R2 has been widely used to study astrocyte function. Here, we aimed to investigate the relevance of IP3R2 in the onset and progression of SCA3. For this, we tested whether IP3R2 depletion and the consecutive suppression of global astrocytic calcium signalling would lead to marked changes in the behavioral phenotype of a SCA3 mouse model, the CMVMJD135 transgenic line. This was achieved by crossing IP3R2 null mice with the CMVMJD135 mouse model and performing a longitudinal behavioral characterization of these mice using well-established motor-related function tests. Our results demonstrate that IP3R2 deletion in astrocytes does not modify SCA3 progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Cunha-Garcia
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (D.C.-G.); (D.M.-F.); (J.S.C.); (A.N.-C.); (A.C.V.-F.); (S.G.-G.); (J.F.V.); (J.F.O.); (A.T.-C.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Daniela Monteiro-Fernandes
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (D.C.-G.); (D.M.-F.); (J.S.C.); (A.N.-C.); (A.C.V.-F.); (S.G.-G.); (J.F.V.); (J.F.O.); (A.T.-C.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Joana Sofia Correia
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (D.C.-G.); (D.M.-F.); (J.S.C.); (A.N.-C.); (A.C.V.-F.); (S.G.-G.); (J.F.V.); (J.F.O.); (A.T.-C.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Andreia Neves-Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (D.C.-G.); (D.M.-F.); (J.S.C.); (A.N.-C.); (A.C.V.-F.); (S.G.-G.); (J.F.V.); (J.F.O.); (A.T.-C.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Ana Catarina Vilaça-Ferreira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (D.C.-G.); (D.M.-F.); (J.S.C.); (A.N.-C.); (A.C.V.-F.); (S.G.-G.); (J.F.V.); (J.F.O.); (A.T.-C.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Sónia Guerra-Gomes
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (D.C.-G.); (D.M.-F.); (J.S.C.); (A.N.-C.); (A.C.V.-F.); (S.G.-G.); (J.F.V.); (J.F.O.); (A.T.-C.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - João Filipe Viana
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (D.C.-G.); (D.M.-F.); (J.S.C.); (A.N.-C.); (A.C.V.-F.); (S.G.-G.); (J.F.V.); (J.F.O.); (A.T.-C.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - João Filipe Oliveira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (D.C.-G.); (D.M.-F.); (J.S.C.); (A.N.-C.); (A.C.V.-F.); (S.G.-G.); (J.F.V.); (J.F.O.); (A.T.-C.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
- IPCA-EST-2Ai, Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Applied Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Campus of IPCA, 4750-810 Barcelos, Portugal
| | - Andreia Teixeira-Castro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (D.C.-G.); (D.M.-F.); (J.S.C.); (A.N.-C.); (A.C.V.-F.); (S.G.-G.); (J.F.V.); (J.F.O.); (A.T.-C.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Maciel
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (D.C.-G.); (D.M.-F.); (J.S.C.); (A.N.-C.); (A.C.V.-F.); (S.G.-G.); (J.F.V.); (J.F.O.); (A.T.-C.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Sara Duarte-Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (D.C.-G.); (D.M.-F.); (J.S.C.); (A.N.-C.); (A.C.V.-F.); (S.G.-G.); (J.F.V.); (J.F.O.); (A.T.-C.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
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Mayoral-Palarz K, Neves-Carvalho A, Duarte-Silva S, Monteiro-Fernandes D, Maciel P, Khodakhah K. Cerebellar neuronal dysfunction accompanies early motor symptoms in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:275597. [PMID: 35660856 PMCID: PMC9367011 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is an adult-onset, progressive ataxia. SCA3 presents with ataxia before any gross neuropathology. A feature of many cerebellar ataxias is aberrant cerebellar output that contributes to motor dysfunction. We examined whether abnormal cerebellar output was present in the CMVMJD135 SCA3 mouse model and, if so, whether it correlated with the disease onset and progression. In vivo recordings showed that the activity of deep cerebellar nuclei neurons, the main output of the cerebellum, was altered. The aberrant activity correlated with the onset of ataxia. However, although the severity of ataxia increased with age, the severity of the aberrant cerebellar output was not progressive. The abnormal cerebellar output, however, was accompanied by non-progressive abnormal activity of their upstream synaptic inputs, the Purkinje cells. In vitro recordings indicated that alterations in intrinsic Purkinje cell pacemaking and in their synaptic inputs contributed to abnormal Purkinje cell activity. These findings implicate abnormal cerebellar physiology as an early, consistent contributor to pathophysiology in SCA3, and suggest that the aberrant cerebellar output could be an appropriate therapeutic target in SCA3. Summary: In a mouse model of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), aberrant cerebellar physiology is apparent early in disease, prior to cerebellar neuronal pathology. Aberrant cerebellar output could be a therapeutic target in SCA3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Mayoral-Palarz
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Andreia Neves-Carvalho
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.,Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Sara Duarte-Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Daniela Monteiro-Fernandes
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Maciel
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Kamran Khodakhah
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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Aripiprazole Offsets Mutant ATXN3-Induced Motor Dysfunction by Targeting Dopamine D2 and Serotonin 1A and 2A Receptors in C. elegans. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020370. [PMID: 35203579 PMCID: PMC8962381 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The atypical antipsychotic aripiprazole is a Food and Drug Administration-approved drug for the treatment of psychotic, mood, and other psychiatric disorders. Previous drug discovery efforts pinpointed aripiprazole as an effective suppressor of Machado–Joseph disease (MJD) pathogenesis, as its administration resulted in a reduced abundance and aggregation of mutant Ataxin-3 (ATXN3) proteins. Dopamine partial agonism and functional selectivity have been proposed as the main pharmacological mechanism of action of aripiprazole in the treatment of psychosis; however, this mechanism remains to be determined in the context of MJD. Here, we focus on confirming the efficacy of aripiprazole to reduce motor dysfunction in vivo, using a Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model of MJD, and on unveiling the drug targets required for its positive action against mutant ATXN3 pathogenesis. We employed pharmacogenetics and pharmacological approaches to identify which dopamine and serotonin receptors are critical for aripiprazole-mediated improvements in motor function. We demonstrated that dopamine D2-like and serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors play important roles in this process. Our findings strengthen the relevance of dopaminergic and serotoninergic signaling modulation against mutant ATXN3-mediated pathogenesis. The identification of aripiprazole’s cellular targets, relevant for MJD and perhaps other neurodegenerative diseases, may pave the way for prospective drug discovery and development campaigns aiming to improve the features of this prototypical compound and reduce side effects not negligible in the case of aripiprazole.
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Preclinical Assessment of Mesenchymal-Stem-Cell-Based Therapies in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121754. [PMID: 34944570 PMCID: PMC8698556 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121754] [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] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The low regeneration potential of the central nervous system (CNS) represents a challenge for the development of new therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases, including spinocerebellar ataxias. Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3)—or Machado–Joseph disease (MJD)—is the most common dominant ataxia, being mainly characterized by motor deficits; however, SCA3/MJD has a complex and heterogeneous pathophysiology, involving many CNS brain regions, contributing to the lack of effective therapies. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been proposed as a potential therapeutic tool for CNS disorders. Beyond their differentiation potential, MSCs secrete a broad range of neuroregulatory factors that can promote relevant neuroprotective and immunomodulatory actions in different pathophysiological contexts. The objective of this work was to study the effects of (1) human MSC transplantation and (2) human MSC secretome (CM) administration on disease progression in vivo, using the CMVMJD135 mouse model of SCA3/MJD. Our results showed that a single CM administration was more beneficial than MSC transplantation—particularly in the cerebellum and basal ganglia—while no motor improvement was observed when these cell-based therapeutic approaches were applied in the spinal cord. However, the effects observed were mild and transient, suggesting that continuous or repeated administration would be needed, which should be further tested.
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Kozlowska U, Nichols C, Wiatr K, Figiel M. From psychiatry to neurology: Psychedelics as prospective therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders. J Neurochem 2021; 162:89-108. [PMID: 34519052 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The studies of psychedelics, especially psychedelic tryptamines like psilocybin, are rapidly gaining interest in neuroscience research. Much of this interest stems from recent clinical studies demonstrating that they have a unique ability to improve the debilitating symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) long-term after only a single treatment. Indeed, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently designated two Phase III clinical trials studying the ability of psilocybin to treat forms of MDD with "Breakthrough Therapy" status. If successful, the use of psychedelics to treat psychiatric diseases like depression would be revolutionary. As more evidence appears in the scientific literature to support their use in psychiatry to treat MDD on and substance use disorders (SUD), recent studies with rodents revealed that their therapeutic effects might extend beyond treating MDD and SUD. For example, psychedelics may have efficacy in the treatment and prevention of brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease. Preclinical work has highlighted psychedelics' ability to induce neuroplasticity and synaptogenesis, and neural progenitor cell proliferation. Psychedelics may also act as immunomodulators by reducing levels of proinflammatory biomarkers, including IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Their exact molecular mechanisms, and induction of cellular interactions, especially between neural and glial cells, leading to therapeutic efficacy, remain to be determined. In this review, we discuss recent findings and information on how psychedelics may act therapeutically on cells within the central nervous system (CNS) during brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Kozlowska
- Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland.,Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Charles Nichols
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Kalina Wiatr
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Maciej Figiel
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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Pereira-Sousa J, Ferreira-Lomba B, Bellver-Sanchis A, Vilasboas-Campos D, Fernandes JH, Costa MD, Varney MA, Newman-Tancredi A, Maciel P, Teixeira-Castro A. Identification of the 5-HT 1A serotonin receptor as a novel therapeutic target in a C. elegans model of Machado-Joseph disease. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 152:105278. [PMID: 33516872 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) or Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement coordination leading to a premature death. Despite several efforts, no disease-modifying treatment is yet available for this disease. Previous studies pinpointed the modulation of serotonergic signaling, through pharmacological inhibition of the serotonin transporter SERT, as a promising therapeutic approach for MJD/SCA3. Here, we describe the 5-HT1A receptor as a novel therapeutic target in MJD, using a C. elegans model of ATXN3 proteotoxicity. Chronic and acute administration of befiradol (also known as NLX-112), a highly specific 5-HT1A agonist, rescued motor function and suppressed mutant ATXN3 aggregation. This action required the 5-HT1A receptor orthologue in the nematode, SER-4. Tandospirone, a clinically tested 5-HT1A receptor partial agonist, showed a limited impact on animals' motor dysfunction on acute administration and a broader receptor activation profile upon chronic treatment, its effect depending on 5-HT1A but also on the 5-HT6/SER-5 and 5-HT7/SER-7 receptors. Our results support high potency and specificity of befiradol for activation of 5-HT1A/SER-4 receptors and highlight the contribution of the auto- and hetero-receptor function to the therapeutic outcome in this MJD model. Our study deepens the understanding of serotonergic signaling modulation in the suppression of ATXN3 proteotoxicity and suggests that a potent and selective 5-HT1A receptor agonist such as befiradol could constitute a promising therapeutic agent for MJD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Pereira-Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory Braga/Guimarães, Portugal; Behavioral & Molecular Lab (Bn'ML), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Bruna Ferreira-Lomba
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Aina Bellver-Sanchis
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Daniela Vilasboas-Campos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Jorge H Fernandes
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Marta D Costa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | | | | | - Patrícia Maciel
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Andreia Teixeira-Castro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
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Neves-Carvalho A, Duarte-Silva S, Teixeira-Castro A, Maciel P. Polyglutamine spinocerebellar ataxias: emerging therapeutic targets. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:1099-1119. [PMID: 32962458 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1827394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Six of the most frequent dominantly inherited spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) worldwide - SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, SCA6, SCA7, and SCA17 - are caused by an expansion of a polyglutamine (polyQ) tract in the corresponding proteins. While the identification of the causative mutation has advanced knowledge on the pathogenesis of polyQ SCAs, effective therapeutics able to mitigate the severe clinical manifestation of these highly incapacitating disorders are not yet available. AREAS COVERED This review provides a comprehensive and critical perspective on well-established and emerging therapeutic targets for polyQ SCAs; it aims to inspire prospective drug discovery efforts. EXPERT OPINION The landscape of polyQ SCAs therapeutic targets and strategies includes (1) the mutant genes and proteins themselves, (2) enhancement of endogenous protein quality control responses, (3) abnormal protein-protein interactions of the mutant proteins, (4) disturbed neuronal function, (5) mitochondrial function, energy availability and oxidative stress, and (6) glial dysfunction, growth factor or hormone imbalances. Challenges include gaining a clearer definition of therapeutic targets for the drugs in clinical development, the discovery of novel drug-like molecules for challenging key targets, and the attainment of a stronger translation of preclinical findings to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Neves-Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho , Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory , Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Sara Duarte-Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho , Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory , Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Andreia Teixeira-Castro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho , Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory , Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Maciel
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho , Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory , Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
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9
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Costa MDC, Radzwion M, McLoughlin HS, Ashraf NS, Fischer S, Shakkottai VG, Maciel P, Paulson HL, Öz G. In Vivo Molecular Signatures of Cerebellar Pathology in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3. Mov Disord 2020; 35:1774-1786. [PMID: 32621646 PMCID: PMC7572607 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND No treatment exists for the most common dominantly inherited ataxia Machado-Joseph disease, or spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3). Successful evaluation of candidate therapeutics will be facilitated by validated noninvasive biomarkers of disease pathology recapitulated by animal models. OBJECTIVE We sought to identify shared in vivo neurochemical signatures in two mouse models of SCA3 that reflect the human disease pathology. METHODS Cerebellar neurochemical concentrations in homozygous YACMJD84.2 (Q84/Q84) and hemizygous CMVMJD135 (Q135) mice were measured by in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 9.4 tesla. To validate the neurochemical biomarkers, levels of neurofilament medium (NFL; indicator of neuroaxonal integrity) and myelin basic protein (MBP; indicator of myelination) were measured in cerebellar lysates from a subset of mice and patients with SCA3. Finally, NFL and MBP levels were measured in the cerebellar extracts of Q84/Q84 mice upon silencing of the mutant ATXN3 gene. RESULTS Both Q84/Q84 and Q135 mice displayed lower N-acetylaspartate than wild-type littermates, indicating neuroaxonal loss/dysfunction, and lower myo-inositol and total choline, indicating disturbances in phospholipid membrane metabolism and demyelination. Cerebellar NFL and MBP levels were accordingly lower in both models as well as in the cerebellar cortex of patients with SCA3 than controls. Importantly, N-acetylaspartate and total choline correlated with NFL and MPB, respectively, in Q135 mice. Long-term sustained RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated reduction of ATXN3 levels increased NFL and MBP in Q84/Q84 cerebella. CONCLUSIONS N-acetylaspartate, myo-inositol, and total choline levels in the cerebellum are candidate biomarkers of neuroaxonal and oligodendrocyte pathology in SCA3, aspects of pathology that are reversible by RNAi therapy. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Radzwion
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Naila S. Ashraf
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Svetlana Fischer
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Vikram G. Shakkottai
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Departments of Molecular & Integrative Physiology and of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Patrícia Maciel
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Portugal
| | - Henry L. Paulson
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gülin Öz
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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10
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), also known as spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), is a fatal, dominantly inherited, neurodegenerative disease caused by expansion of a CAG repeat in the coding region of the ATXN3 gene. No disease-modifying treatment is yet available for MJD/SCA3. This review discusses recently developed therapeutic strategies that hold promise as future effective treatments for this incurable disease. RECENT FINDINGS As a result of the exploration of multiple therapeutic approaches over the last decade, the MJD/SCA3 field is finally starting to see options for disease-modifying treatments for this disease come into view on the horizon. Recently developed strategies include DNA-targeted and RNA-targeted therapies, and approaches targeting protein quality control pathways and cellular homeostasis. SUMMARY While still in preclinical testing stages, antisense oligonucleotides, short hairpin RNAs and citalopram all show promise to reaching testing in clinical trials for MJD/SCA3. Two pharmacological approaches in early stages of development, the slipped-CAG DNA binding compound naphthyridine-azaquinolone and autophagosome-tethering compounds, also show potential therapeutic capacity for MJD/SCA3. Overall, a handful of therapeutic options are currently showing potential as future successful treatments for fatal MJD/SCA3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria do Carmo Costa
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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11
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Santana MM, Paixão S, Cunha-Santos J, Silva TP, Trevino-Garcia A, Gaspar LS, Nóbrega C, Nobre RJ, Cavadas C, Greif H, Pereira de Almeida L. Trehalose alleviates the phenotype of Machado-Joseph disease mouse models. J Transl Med 2020; 18:161. [PMID: 32272938 PMCID: PMC7144062 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02302-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Machado–Joseph disease (MJD), also known as spinocerebellar ataxia type 3, is the most common of the dominantly inherited ataxias worldwide and is characterized by mutant ataxin-3 aggregation and neuronal degeneration. There is no treatment available to block or delay disease progression. In this work we investigated whether trehalose, a natural occurring disaccharide widely used in food and cosmetic industry, would rescue biochemical, behavioral and neuropathological features of an in vitro and of a severe MJD transgenic mouse model. Methods Two MJD animal models, a lentiviral based and a transgenic model, were orally treated with 2% trehalose solution for a period of 4 and 30 weeks, respectively. Motor behavior (rotarod, grip strength and footprint patterns) was evaluated at different time points and neuropathological features were evaluated upon in-life phase termination. Results Trehalose-treated MJD mice equilibrated for a longer time in the rotarod apparatus and exhibited an improvement of ataxic gait in footprint analysis. Trehalose-mediated improvements in motor behaviour were associated with a reduction of the MJD-associated neuropathology, as MJD transgenic mice treated with trehalose presented preservation of cerebellar layers thickness and a decrease in the size of ataxin-3 aggregates in Purkinje cells. In agreement, an improvement of neuropathological features was also observed in the full length lentiviral-based mouse model of MJD submitted to 2% trehalose treatment. Conclusions The present study suggests trehalose as a safety pharmacological strategy to counteract MJD-associated behavioural and neuropathological impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magda M Santana
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,IIIUC - Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Susana Paixão
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Janete Cunha-Santos
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Teresa Pereira Silva
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Allyson Trevino-Garcia
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Laetitia S Gaspar
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,IIIUC - Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Clévio Nóbrega
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine, Centre for Biomedical Research (CBMR), Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Rui Jorge Nobre
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,IIIUC - Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Cavadas
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal. .,CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal. .,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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12
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Li QF, Dong Y, Yang L, Xie JJ, Ma Y, Du YC, Cheng HL, Ni W, Wu ZY. Neurofilament light chain is a promising serum biomarker in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3. Mol Neurodegener 2019; 14:39. [PMID: 31684998 PMCID: PMC6829913 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-019-0338-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is the most common subtype of autosomal dominantly inherited spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs). No validated blood biomarker is available to assess either disease progression or therapeutic response. Neurofilament light chain (NfL) was recently proposed as a serum biomarker for many neurodegenerative disorders. The present study investigated whether NfL was a promising serum biomarker for SCA3. METHODS Seventeen SCA3 patients and 9 controls were enrolled in cohort A, and 116 SCA3 individuals (preclinical and patients) and 91 controls were recruited as cohort B. We assessed whether serum NfL correlated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) NfL in cohort A and correlations between serum NfL levels and clinical features and brain volumes were determined in cohort B. The single-molecule array method was used to measure serum NfL levels. Disease severity was determined using the scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA) and the international cooperative ataxia rating scale (ICARS). Cerebellar and brainstem volumes were assessed using MRI neuroimaging measurements. RESULTS Serum/CSF NfL levels in cohort A were elevated in SCA3 patients, and serum and CSF NfL exhibited a significant positive correlation (r = 0.9179, p < 0.0001). Levels of serum NfL in cohort B were significantly higher in preclinical SCA3 (15.03 ± 7.49 vs 6.88 ± 2.72 pg/ mL, p < 0.0001) and manifest SCA3 subjects (37.56 ± 13.47 vs 9.07 ± 6.02 pg/ mL, p < 0.0001) compared to those in controls. Serum NfL concentrations increased from early disease stage to the next stage. Levels of serum NfL in ATXN3 mutation carriers were positively associated with SARA (r = 0.5458, p < 0.0001) and ICARS scores (r = 0.5522, p < 0.0001). Significant negative associations with cerebellar volumes (r = - 0.4217, p = 0.0003) and brainstem volumes (r = - 0.4263, p = 0.0003) were observed. All changes remained significant after adjustment for age and CAG repeat. CONCLUSIONS Levels of serum NfL were significantly elevated in SCA3 individuals and correlated with disease severity. Serum NfL is a promising serum biomarker of disease onset and progression, and a potential candidate biomarker of treatment response in SCA3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan-Fu Li
- Department of Neurology and Research Center of Neurology in Second Affiliated Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Yi Dong
- Department of Neurology and Research Center of Neurology in Second Affiliated Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Lu Yang
- Department of Neurology and Research Center of Neurology in Second Affiliated Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Juan-Juan Xie
- Department of Neurology and Research Center of Neurology in Second Affiliated Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Yin Ma
- Department of Neurology and Research Center of Neurology in Second Affiliated Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Yi-Chu Du
- Department of Neurology and Research Center of Neurology in Second Affiliated Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Hao-Ling Cheng
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wang Ni
- Department of Neurology and Research Center of Neurology in Second Affiliated Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Zhi-Ying Wu
- Department of Neurology and Research Center of Neurology in Second Affiliated Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
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13
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Da Silva JD, Teixeira-Castro A, Maciel P. From Pathogenesis to Novel Therapeutics for Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3: Evading Potholes on the Way to Translation. Neurotherapeutics 2019; 16:1009-1031. [PMID: 31691128 PMCID: PMC6985322 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-019-00798-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), also known as Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a polyglutamine expansion in the ATXN3 gene. In spite of the identification of a clear monogenic cause 25 years ago, the pathological process still puzzles researchers, impairing prospects for an effective therapy. Here, we propose the disruption of protein homeostasis as the hub of SCA3 pathogenesis, being the molecular mechanisms and cellular pathways that are deregulated in SCA3 downstream consequences of the misfolding and aggregation of ATXN3. Moreover, we attempt to provide a realistic perspective on how the translational/clinical research in SCA3 should evolve. This was based on molecular findings, clinical and epidemiological characteristics, studies of proposed treatments in other conditions, and how that information is essential for their (re-)application in SCA3. This review thus aims i) to critically evaluate the current state of research on SCA3, from fundamental to translational and clinical perspectives; ii) to bring up the current key questions that remain unanswered in this disorder; and iii) to provide a frame on how those answers should be pursued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Diogo Da Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Andreia Teixeira-Castro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Maciel
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
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14
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Antisense oligonucleotide therapy rescues aggresome formation in a novel spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 human embryonic stem cell line. Stem Cell Res 2019; 39:101504. [PMID: 31374463 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2019.101504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a fatal, late-onset neurodegenerative disorder characterized by selective neuropathology in the brainstem, cerebellum, spinal cord, and substantia nigra. Here we report the first NIH-approved human embryonic stem cell (hESC) line derived from an embryo harboring the SCA3 mutation. Referred to as SCA3-hESC, this line is heterozygous for the mutant polyglutamine-encoding CAG repeat expansion in the ATXN3 gene. We observed relevant molecular hallmarks of the human disease at all differentiation stages from stem cells to cortical neurons, including robust ATXN3 aggregation and altered expression of key components of the protein quality control machinery. In addition, SCA3-hESCs exhibit nuclear accumulation of mutant ATXN3 and form p62-positive aggresomes. Finally, antisense oligonucleotide-mediated reduction of ATXN3 markedly suppressed aggresome formation. The SCA3-hESC line offers a unique and highly relevant human disease model that holds strong potential to advance understanding of SCA3 disease mechanisms and facilitate the evaluation of candidate therapies for SCA3.
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15
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Ashraf NS, Duarte-Silva S, Shaw ED, Maciel P, Paulson HL, Teixeira-Castro A, Costa MDC. Citalopram Reduces Aggregation of ATXN3 in a YAC Transgenic Mouse Model of Machado-Joseph Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:3690-3701. [PMID: 30187384 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1331-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Machado-Joseph disease, also known as spinocerebellar ataxia type 3, is a fatal polyglutamine disease with no disease-modifying treatment. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor citalopram was shown in nematode and mouse models to be a compelling repurposing candidate for Machado-Joseph disease therapeutics. We sought to confirm the efficacy of citalopram to decrease ATXN3 aggregation in an unrelated mouse model of Machado-Joseph disease. Four-week-old YACMJD84.2 mice and non-transgenic littermates were given citalopram 8 mg/kg in drinking water or water for 10 weeks. At the end of treatment, brains were collected for biochemical and pathological analyses. Brains of citalopram-treated YACMJD84.2 mice showed an approximate 50% decrease in the percentage of cells containing ATXN3-positive inclusions in the substantia nigra and three examined brainstem nuclei compared to controls. No differences in ATXN3 inclusion load were observed in deep cerebellar nuclei of mice. Citalopram effect on ATXN3 aggregate burden was corroborated by immunoblotting analysis. While lysates from the brainstem and cervical spinal cord of citalopram-treated mice showed a decrease in all soluble forms of ATXN3 and a trend toward reduction of insoluble ATXN3, no differences in ATXN3 levels were found between cerebella of citalopram-treated and vehicle-treated mice. Citalopram treatment altered levels of select components of the cellular protein homeostatic machinery that may be expected to enhance the capacity to refold and/or degrade mutant ATXN3. The results here obtained in a second independent mouse model of Machado-Joseph disease further support citalopram as a potential drug to be repurposed for this fatal disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naila S Ashraf
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, A. Alfred Taubman Biomedical Sciences Research Building, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2200, USA
| | - Sara Duarte-Silva
- School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Emily D Shaw
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, A. Alfred Taubman Biomedical Sciences Research Building, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2200, USA
| | - Patrícia Maciel
- School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Henry L Paulson
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, A. Alfred Taubman Biomedical Sciences Research Building, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2200, USA
| | - Andreia Teixeira-Castro
- School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Braga, Portugal. .,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal. .,Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA.
| | - Maria do Carmo Costa
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, A. Alfred Taubman Biomedical Sciences Research Building, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2200, USA.
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