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Eisel MLS, Burns M, Ashizawa T, Byrne B, Corti M, Subramony SH. Emerging therapies in hereditary ataxias. Trends Mol Med 2024:S1471-4914(24)00194-1. [PMID: 39153956 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2024.07.008] [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: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Recent investigations have defined the pathophysiological basis of many hereditary ataxias (HAs), including loss-of-function as well as gain-of-function mechanisms at either the RNA or protein level. Preclinical studies have assessed gene editing, gene and protein replacement, gene enhancement, and gene knockdown strategies. Methodologies include viral vector delivery of genes, oligonucleotide therapies, cell-penetrating peptides, synthetic transcription factors, and technologies to deliver therapies to defined targets. In this review, we focus on Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) and the polyglutamine ataxias in which translational research is active. However, much remains to be done to identify safe and effective molecules, create ideal delivery methods, and perform innovative clinical trials to prove the safety and efficacy of treatments for these rare but devastating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallory L S Eisel
- Department of Neurology and the Fixel Institute for Neurological Disorders, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Matthew Burns
- Department of Neurology and the Fixel Institute for Neurological Disorders, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Tetsuo Ashizawa
- Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine at Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Barry Byrne
- Department of Pediatrics and the Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Manuela Corti
- Department of Pediatrics and the Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Sub H Subramony
- Department of Neurology and the Fixel Institute for Neurological Disorders, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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2
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Schuster KH, Zalon AJ, DiFranco DM, Putka AF, Stec NR, Jarrah SI, Naeem A, Haque Z, Zhang H, Guan Y, McLoughlin HS. ASOs are an effective treatment for disease-associated oligodendrocyte signatures in premanifest and symptomatic SCA3 mice. Mol Ther 2024; 32:1359-1372. [PMID: 38429929 PMCID: PMC11081874 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.02.033] [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: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is the most common dominantly inherited ataxia. Currently, no preventive or disease-modifying treatments exist for this progressive neurodegenerative disorder, although efforts using gene silencing approaches are under clinical trial investigation. The disease is caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the mutant gene, ATXN3, producing an enlarged polyglutamine tract in the mutant protein. Similar to other paradigmatic neurodegenerative diseases, studies evaluating the pathogenic mechanism focus primarily on neuronal implications. Consequently, therapeutic interventions often overlook non-neuronal contributions to disease. Our lab recently reported that oligodendrocytes display some of the earliest and most progressive dysfunction in SCA3 mice. Evidence of disease-associated oligodendrocyte signatures has also been reported in other neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. Here, we assess the effects of anti-ATXN3 antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) treatment on oligodendrocyte dysfunction in premanifest and symptomatic SCA3 mice. We report a severe, but modifiable, deficit in oligodendrocyte maturation caused by the toxic gain-of-function of mutant ATXN3 early in SCA3 disease that is transcriptionally, biochemically, and functionally rescued with anti-ATXN3 ASO. Our results highlight the promising use of an ASO therapy across neurodegenerative diseases that requires glial targeting in addition to affected neuronal populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen H Schuster
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Annie J Zalon
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Alexandra F Putka
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Nicholas R Stec
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sabrina I Jarrah
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Arsal Naeem
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Zaid Haque
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Hanrui Zhang
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Yuanfang Guan
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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3
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Pilotto F, Del Bondio A, Puccio H. Hereditary Ataxias: From Bench to Clinic, Where Do We Stand? Cells 2024; 13:319. [PMID: 38391932 PMCID: PMC10886822 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cerebellar ataxias are a wide heterogeneous group of movement disorders. Within this broad umbrella of diseases, there are both genetics and sporadic forms. The clinical presentation of these conditions can exhibit a diverse range of symptoms across different age groups, spanning from pure cerebellar manifestations to sensory ataxia and multisystemic diseases. Over the last few decades, advancements in our understanding of genetics and molecular pathophysiology related to both dominant and recessive ataxias have propelled the field forward, paving the way for innovative therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing and arresting the progression of these diseases. Nevertheless, the rarity of certain forms of ataxia continues to pose challenges, leading to limited insights into the etiology of the disease and the identification of target pathways. Additionally, the lack of suitable models hampers efforts to comprehensively understand the molecular foundations of disease's pathophysiology and test novel therapeutic interventions. In the following review, we describe the epidemiology, symptomatology, and pathological progression of hereditary ataxia, including both the prevalent and less common forms of these diseases. Furthermore, we illustrate the diverse molecular pathways and therapeutic approaches currently undergoing investigation in both pre-clinical studies and clinical trials. Finally, we address the existing and anticipated challenges within this field, encompassing both basic research and clinical endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Pilotto
- Institut Neuromyogène, Pathophysiology and Genetics of Neuron and Muscle, Inserm U1315, CNRS-Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 UMR5261, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Andrea Del Bondio
- Institut Neuromyogène, Pathophysiology and Genetics of Neuron and Muscle, Inserm U1315, CNRS-Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 UMR5261, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Hélène Puccio
- Institut Neuromyogène, Pathophysiology and Genetics of Neuron and Muscle, Inserm U1315, CNRS-Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 UMR5261, 69008 Lyon, France
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4
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Perumal N, Yurugi H, Dahm K, Rajalingam K, Grus FH, Pfeiffer N, Manicam C. Proteome landscape and interactome of voltage-gated potassium channel 1.6 (Kv1.6) of the murine ophthalmic artery and neuroretina. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 257:128464. [PMID: 38043654 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
The voltage-gated potassium channel 1.6 (Kv1.6) plays a vital role in ocular neurovascular beds and exerts its modulatory functions via interaction with other proteins. However, the interactome and their potential roles remain unknown. Here, the global proteome landscape of the ophthalmic artery (OA) and neuroretina was mapped, followed by the determination of Kv1.6 interactome and validation of its functionality and cellular localization. Microfluorimetric analysis of intracellular [K+] and Western blot validated the native functionality and cellular expression of the recombinant Kv1.6 channel protein. A total of 54, 9 and 28 Kv1.6-interacting proteins were identified in the mouse OA and, retina of mouse and rat, respectively. The Kv1.6-protein partners in the OA, namely actin cytoplasmic 2, alpha-2-macroglobulin and apolipoprotein A-I, were implicated in the maintenance of blood vessel integrity by regulating integrin-mediated adhesion to extracellular matrix and Ca2+ flux. Many retinal protein interactors, particularly the ADP/ATP translocase 2 and cytoskeleton protein tubulin, were involved in endoplasmic reticulum stress response and cell viability. Three common interactors were found in all samples comprising heat shock cognate 71 kDa protein, Ig heavy constant gamma 1 and Kv1.6 channel. This foremost in-depth investigation enriched and identified the elusive Kv1.6 channel and, elucidated its complex interactome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natarajan Perumal
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Hajime Yurugi
- Cell Biology Unit, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany
| | - Katrin Dahm
- Cell Biology Unit, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany
| | - Krishnaraj Rajalingam
- Cell Biology Unit, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany
| | - Franz H Grus
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Norbert Pfeiffer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Caroline Manicam
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
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Kumar A, Lin CC, Kuo SH, Pan MK. Physiological Recordings of the Cerebellum in Movement Disorders. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 22:985-1001. [PMID: 36070135 PMCID: PMC10354710 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-022-01473-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The cerebellum plays an important role in movement disorders, specifically in symptoms of ataxia, tremor, and dystonia. Understanding the physiological signals of the cerebellum contributes to insights into the pathophysiology of these movement disorders and holds promise in advancing therapeutic development. Non-invasive techniques such as electroencephalogram and magnetoencephalogram can record neural signals with high temporal resolution at the millisecond level, which is uniquely suitable to interrogate cerebellar physiology. These techniques have recently been implemented to study cerebellar physiology in healthy subjects as well as individuals with movement disorders. In the present review, we focus on the current understanding of cerebellar physiology using these techniques to study movement disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami Kumar
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, 650 W 168thStreet, Room 305, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Initiative for Columbia Ataxia and Tremor, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chih-Chun Lin
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, 650 W 168thStreet, Room 305, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Initiative for Columbia Ataxia and Tremor, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sheng-Han Kuo
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, 650 W 168thStreet, Room 305, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
- Initiative for Columbia Ataxia and Tremor, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Ming-Kai Pan
- Cerebellar Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yun-Lin Branch, Yun-Lin, 64041, Taiwan.
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 10002, Taiwan.
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei City, 11529, Taiwan.
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McLoughlin HS, Gundry K, Rainwater O, Schuster KH, Wellik IG, Zalon AJ, Benneyworth MA, Eberly LE, Öz G. Antisense Oligonucleotide Silencing Reverses Abnormal Neurochemistry in Spinocerebellar Ataxia 3 Mice. Ann Neurol 2023; 94:658-671. [PMID: 37243335 PMCID: PMC10543567 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is the most common dominantly inherited ataxia, and biomarkers are needed to noninvasively monitor disease progression and treatment response. Anti-ATXN3 antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) treatment has been shown to mitigate neuropathology and rescue motor phenotypes in SCA3 mice. Here, we investigated whether repeated ASO administration reverses brainstem and cerebellar neurochemical abnormalities by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). METHODS Symptomatic SCA3 mice received intracerebroventricular treatment of ASO or vehicle and were compared to wild-type vehicle-treated littermates. To quantify neurochemical changes in treated mice, longitudinal 9.4T MRS of cerebellum and brainstem was performed. Acquired magnetic resonance (MR) group means were analyzed by 2-way analysis of variance mixed-effects sex-adjusted analysis with post hoc Sidak correlation for multiple comparisons. Pearson correlations were used to relate SCA3 pathology and behavior. RESULTS MR spectra yielded 15 to 16 neurochemical concentrations in the cerebellum and brainstem. ASO treatment in SCA3 mice resulted in significant total choline rescue and partial reversals of taurine, glutamine, and total N-acetylaspartate across both regions. Some ASO-rescued neurochemicals correlated with reduction in diseased protein and nuclear ATXN3 accumulation. ASO-corrected motor activity correlated with total choline and total N-acetylaspartate levels early in disease. INTERPRETATION SCA3 mouse cerebellar and brainstem neurochemical trends parallel those in patients with SCA3. Decreased total choline may reflect oligodendrocyte abnormalities, decreased total N-acetylaspartate highlights neuronal health disturbances, and high glutamine may indicate gliosis. ASO treatment fully or partially reversed select neurochemical abnormalities in SCA3 mice, indicating the potential for these measures to serve as noninvasive treatment biomarkers in future SCA3 gene silencing trials. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:658-671.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katherine Gundry
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Orion Rainwater
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Isabel G. Wellik
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Annie J. Zalon
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Lynn E. Eberly
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Gülin Öz
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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7
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Huang H, Shakkottai VG. Targeting Ion Channels and Purkinje Neuron Intrinsic Membrane Excitability as a Therapeutic Strategy for Cerebellar Ataxia. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1350. [PMID: 37374132 DOI: 10.3390/life13061350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In degenerative neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, a convergence of widely varying insults results in a loss of dopaminergic neurons and, thus, the motor symptoms of the disease. Dopamine replacement therapy with agents such as levodopa is a mainstay of therapy. Cerebellar ataxias, a heterogeneous group of currently untreatable conditions, have not been identified to have a shared physiology that is a target of therapy. In this review, we propose that perturbations in cerebellar Purkinje neuron intrinsic membrane excitability, a result of ion channel dysregulation, is a common pathophysiologic mechanism that drives motor impairment and vulnerability to degeneration in cerebellar ataxias of widely differing genetic etiologies. We further propose that treatments aimed at restoring Purkinje neuron intrinsic membrane excitability have the potential to be a shared therapy in cerebellar ataxia akin to levodopa for Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Huang
- Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Vikram G Shakkottai
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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8
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Srinivasan SR. Targeting Circuit Abnormalities in Neurodegenerative Disease. Mol Pharmacol 2023; 103:38-44. [PMID: 36310030 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.122.000563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite significant improvement in our ability to diagnose both common and rare neurodegenerative diseases and understand their underlying biologic mechanisms, there remains a disproportionate lack of effective treatments, reflecting the complexity of these disorders. Successfully advancing novel treatments for neurodegenerative disorders will require reconsideration of traditional approaches, which to date have focused largely on specific disease proteins or cells of origin. This article proposes reframing these diseases as conditions of dysfunctional circuitry as a complement to ongoing efforts. Specifically reviewed is how aberrant spiking is a common downstream mechanism in numerous neurodegenerative diseases, often driven by dysfunction in specific ion channels. Surgical modification of this electrical activity via deep brain stimulation is already an approved modality for many of these disorders. Therefore, restoring proper electrical activity by targeting these channels pharmacologically represents a viable strategy for intervention, not only for symptomatic management but also as a potential disease-modifying therapy. Such an approach is likely to be a promising route to treating these devastating disorders, either as monotherapy or in conjunction with current drugs. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Despite extensive research and improved understanding of the biology driving neurodegenerative disease, there has not been a concomitant increase in approved therapies. Accordingly, it is time to shift our perspective and recognize these diseases also as disorders of circuitry to further yield novel drug targets and new interventions. An approach focused on treating dysfunctional circuitry has the potential to reduce or reverse patient symptoms and potentially modify disease course.
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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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Martinez-Rojas VA, Juarez-Hernandez LJ, Musio C. Ion channels and neuronal excitability in polyglutamine neurodegenerative diseases. Biomol Concepts 2022; 13:183-199. [DOI: 10.1515/bmc-2022-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases are a family composed of nine neurodegenerative inherited disorders (NDDs) caused by pathological expansions of cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) trinucleotide repeats which encode a polyQ tract in the corresponding proteins. CAG polyQ repeat expansions produce neurodegeneration via multiple downstream mechanisms; among those the neuronal activity underlying the ion channels is affected directly by specific channelopathies or indirectly by secondary dysregulation. In both cases, the altered excitability underlies to gain- or loss-of-function pathological effects. Here we summarize the repertoire of ion channels in polyQ NDDs emphasizing the biophysical features of neuronal excitability and their pathogenic role. The aim of this review is to point out the value of a deeper understanding of those functional mechanisms and processes as crucial elements for the designing and targeting of novel therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir A. Martinez-Rojas
- Institute of Biophysics (IBF), Trento Unit, National Research Council (CNR) , Via Sommarive 18 , 38123 Trento , Italy
| | - Leon J. Juarez-Hernandez
- Institute of Biophysics (IBF), Trento Unit, National Research Council (CNR) , Via Sommarive 18 , 38123 Trento , Italy
| | - Carlo Musio
- Institute of Biophysics (IBF), Trento Unit, National Research Council (CNR) , Via Sommarive 18 , 38123 Trento , Italy
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11
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Jansen-West K, Todd TW, Daughrity LM, Yue M, Tong J, Carlomagno Y, Del Rosso G, Kurti A, Jones CY, Dunmore JA, Castanedes-Casey M, Dickson DW, Wszolek ZK, Fryer JD, Petrucelli L, Prudencio M. Plasma PolyQ-ATXN3 Levels Associate With Cerebellar Degeneration and Behavioral Abnormalities in a New AAV-Based SCA3 Mouse Model. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:863089. [PMID: 35386195 PMCID: PMC8977414 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.863089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a dominantly inherited cerebellar ataxia caused by the expansion of a polyglutamine (polyQ) repeat in the gene encoding ATXN3. The polyQ expansion induces protein inclusion formation in the neurons of patients and results in neuronal degeneration in the cerebellum and other brain regions. We used adeno-associated virus (AAV) technology to develop a new mouse model of SCA3 that recapitulates several features of the human disease, including locomotor defects, cerebellar-specific neuronal loss, polyQ-expanded ATXN3 inclusions, and TDP-43 pathology. We also found that neurofilament light is elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the SCA3 animals, and the expanded polyQ-ATXN3 protein can be detected in the plasma. Interestingly, the levels of polyQ-ATXN3 in plasma correlated with measures of cerebellar degeneration and locomotor deficits in 6-month-old SCA3 mice, supporting the hypothesis that this factor could act as a biomarker for SCA3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Jansen-West
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Tiffany W. Todd
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
- Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | | | - Mei Yue
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Jimei Tong
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Yari Carlomagno
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
- Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Giulia Del Rosso
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
- Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Aishe Kurti
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Caroline Y. Jones
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Judith A. Dunmore
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | | | - Dennis W. Dickson
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
- Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | | | - John D. Fryer
- Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
| | - Leonard Petrucelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
- Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Mercedes Prudencio
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
- Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
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12
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Bunting EL, Hamilton J, Tabrizi SJ. Polyglutamine diseases. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2022; 72:39-47. [PMID: 34488036 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2021.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Polyglutamine diseases are a collection of nine CAG trinucleotide expansion disorders, presenting with a spectrum of neurological and clinical phenotypes. Recent human, mouse and cell studies of Huntington's disease have highlighted the role of DNA repair genes in somatic expansion of the CAG repeat region, modifying disease pathogenesis. Incomplete splicing of the HTT gene has also been shown to occur in humans, with the resulting exon 1 fragment most probably contributing to the Huntington's disease phenotype. In the spinocerebellar ataxias, studies have converged on transcriptional dysregulation of ion channels as a key disease modifier. In addition, advances have been made in understanding how increased levels of toxic, polyglutamine-expanded proteins can arise in the spinocerebellar ataxias through post-transcriptional and -translational modifications and autophagic mechanisms. Recent studies in spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy implicate similar pathogenic pathways to the more common polyglutamine diseases, highlighting autophagy stimulation as a potential therapeutic target. Finally, the therapeutic use of antisense oligonucleotides in several polyglutamine diseases has shown preclinical benefits and serves as potential future therapies in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Bunting
- UCL Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Joseph Hamilton
- UCL Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Sarah J Tabrizi
- UCL Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
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Vázquez-Mojena Y, León-Arcia K, González-Zaldivar Y, Rodríguez-Labrada R, Velázquez-Pérez L. Gene Therapy for Polyglutamine Spinocerebellar Ataxias: Advances, Challenges, and Perspectives. Mov Disord 2021; 36:2731-2744. [PMID: 34628681 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) comprise a heterogeneous group of six autosomal dominant ataxias caused by cytosine-adenine-guanine repeat expansions in the coding region of single genes. Currently, there is no curative or disease-slowing treatment for these disorders, but their monogenic inheritance has informed rationales for development of gene therapy strategies. In fact, RNA interference strategies have shown promising findings in cellular and/or animal models of SCA1, SCA3, SCA6, and SCA7. In addition, antisense oligonucleotide therapy has provided encouraging proofs of concept in models of SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, and SCA7, but they have not yet progressed to clinical trials. On the contrary, the gene editing strategies, such as the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR/Cas9), have been introduced to a limited extent in these disorders. In this article, we review the available literature about gene therapy in polyglutamine SCAs and discuss the main technological and ethical challenges toward the prospect of their use in future clinical trials. Although antisense oligonucleotide therapies are further along the path to clinical phases, the recent failure of three clinical trials in Huntington's disease may delay their utilization for polyglutamine SCAs, but they offer lessons that could optimize the likelihood of success in potential future clinical studies. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Identification of the Prodromal Symptoms and Pre-Ataxic Stage in Cerebellar Disorders: The Next Challenge. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph181910057. [PMID: 34639359 PMCID: PMC8507858 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Cerebellar ataxias (CAs) manifest with a combination of motor incoordination, cognitive, affective and recently identified social symptoms. Novel therapies aim to stop the progression of the subgroup of the degenerative ataxias, or even to cure the disease with a functional and anatomical restoration of the cerebellar circuitry in the near future. The goal of stopping the progression of the disease is particularly relevant if applied at a very early stage of the disease, when the cerebellar reserve is only slightly impaired. Therefore, the search of the prodromal phase or pre-ataxic stage of CAs represents a very important challenge for the scientific community. The identification of pre-manifest individuals and the recruitment of individuals at risk has become a key-challenge to address neuroprotective therapies. The feasibility is high due to the recent progress in the biological and morphological biomarkers of CAs.
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Hommersom MP, Buijsen RAM, van Roon-Mom WMC, van de Warrenburg BPC, van Bokhoven H. Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Modelling of Spinocerebellar Ataxias. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 18:441-456. [PMID: 34031815 PMCID: PMC8930896 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10184-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Dominant spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) constitute a large group of phenotypically and genetically heterogeneous disorders that mainly present with dysfunction of the cerebellum as their main hallmark. Although animal and cell models have been highly instrumental for our current insight into the underlying disease mechanisms of these neurodegenerative disorders, they do not offer the full human genetic and physiological context. The advent of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and protocols to differentiate these into essentially every cell type allows us to closely model SCAs in a human context. In this review, we systematically summarize recent findings from studies using hiPSC-based modelling of SCAs, and discuss what knowledge has been gained from these studies. We conclude that hiPSC-based models are a powerful tool for modelling SCAs as they contributed to new mechanistic insights and have the potential to serve the development of genetic therapies. However, the use of standardized methods and multiple clones of isogenic lines are essential to increase validity and reproducibility of the insights gained. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina P Hommersom
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald A M Buijsen
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Willeke M C van Roon-Mom
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bart P C van de Warrenburg
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Hans van Bokhoven
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. .,Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
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