1
|
Iacomino N, Tarasco MC, Berni A, Ronchi J, Mantegazza R, Cavalcante P, Foti M. Non-Coding RNAs in Myasthenia Gravis: From Immune Regulation to Personalized Medicine. Cells 2024; 13:1550. [PMID: 39329732 PMCID: PMC11430632 DOI: 10.3390/cells13181550] [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: 08/07/2024] [Revised: 09/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an antibody-mediated autoimmune disorder characterized by altered neuromuscular transmission, which causes weakness and fatigability in the skeletal muscles. The etiology of MG is complex, being associated with multiple genetic and environmental factors. Over recent years, progress has been made in understanding the immunological alterations implicated in the disease, but the exact pathogenesis still needs to be elucidated. A pathogenic interplay between innate immunity and autoimmunity contributes to the intra-thymic MG development. Epigenetic changes are critically involved in both innate and adaptive immune response regulation. They can act as (i) pathological factors besides genetic predisposition and (ii) co-factors contributing to disease phenotypes or patient-specific disease course/outcomes. This article reviews the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) as epigenetic factors implicated in MG. Particular attention is dedicated to microRNAs (miRNAs), whose expression is altered in MG patients' thymuses and circulating blood. The long ncRNA (lncRNA) contribution to MG, although not fully characterized yet, is also discussed. By summarizing the most recent and fast-growing findings on ncRNAs in MG, we highlight the therapeutic potential of these molecules for achieving immune regulation and their value as biomarkers for the development of personalized medicine approaches to improve disease care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Iacomino
- Neurology 4-Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscolar Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Tarasco
- Neurology 4-Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscolar Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Ph.D. Program in Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Alessia Berni
- Neurology 4-Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscolar Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Jacopo Ronchi
- Ph.D. Program in Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
- BicOMICs, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Renato Mantegazza
- Neurology 4-Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscolar Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Cavalcante
- Neurology 4-Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscolar Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Foti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
- BicOMICs, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kong X, Wu T, Cai H, Chen Z, Wang Y, He P, Liu P, Li L, Peng S, Xu F, Wang J, Zhang H, Wang L. Construction of ceRNA network mediated by circRNAs screening from microarray and identification of novel biomarkers for myasthenia gravis. Gene 2024; 918:148463. [PMID: 38631652 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148463] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have revealed that circRNA can serve as ceRNA to participate in multiple autoimmune diseases. Our study aims to explore the key circRNA as ceRNA and biomarker for MG. METHODS We used circRNA microarray to explore differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs) from MG and compare with control. Then, we predicted the target miRNA associated with DECs and screened miRNAs by the algorithm of random walk with restart (RWR). Next, we constructed the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA regulated network (CMMC) to identify the hub objects. Following, we detected the expression of hub-circRNAs by RT-PCR. We verify has_circ_0004183 (circFRMD4) sponging miR-145-5p regulate cells proliferation using luciferase assay and CCK-8. RESULTS We found that the expression level of circFRMD4 and has_circ_0035381 (circPIGB) were upregulated and has_circ_0089153(circ NUP214) had the lowest expression level in MG. Finally, we proved circFRMD4 sponging miR-145-5p regulate Jurkat cells proliferation. CircFRMD4 take part in the genesis and development of MG via circFRMD4/miR145-5p axis. CONCLUSIONS We found that circFRMD4, circPIGB and circNUP214 can be considered as valuable potential novel biomarkers for AchR + MG. CircFRMD4 participate in the development of AchR + MG via targeting binding with miR-145-5p.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Kong
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hanlu Cai
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Zhimin Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China; Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Harbin, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Ping He
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Harbin, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Peifang Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Shanshan Peng
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Fanfan Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Jianjian Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.
| | - Huixue Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.
| | - Lihua Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang B, Zhu Y, Liu D, Hu C, Zhu R. The intricate dance of non-coding RNAs in myasthenia gravis pathogenesis and treatment. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1342213. [PMID: 38605954 PMCID: PMC11007667 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1342213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) stands as a perplexing autoimmune disorder affecting the neuromuscular junction, driven by a multitude of antibodies targeting postsynaptic elements. However, the mystery of MG pathogenesis has yet to be completely uncovered, and its heterogeneity also challenges diagnosis and treatment. Growing evidence shows the differential expression of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in MG has played an essential role in the development of MG in recent years. Remarkably, these aberrantly expressed ncRNAs exhibit distinct profiles within diverse clinical subgroups and among patients harboring various antibody types. Furthermore, they have been implicated in orchestrating the production of inflammatory cytokines, perturbing the equilibrium of T helper 1 cells (Th1), T helper 17 cells (Th17), and regulatory T cells (Tregs), and inciting B cells to generate antibodies. Studies have elucidated that certain ncRNAs mirror the clinical severity of MG, while others may hold therapeutic significance, showcasing a propensity to return to normal levels following appropriate treatments or potentially foretelling the responsiveness to immunosuppressive therapies. Notably, the intricate interplay among these ncRNAs does not follow a linear trajectory but rather assembles into a complex network, with competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) emerging as a prominent hub in some cases. This comprehensive review consolidates the landscape of dysregulated ncRNAs in MG, briefly delineating their pivotal role in MG pathogenesis. Furthermore, it explores their promise as prospective biomarkers, aiding in the elucidation of disease subtypes, assessment of disease severity, monitoring therapeutic responses, and as novel therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ruixia Zhu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Huang EJC, Wu MH, Wang TJ, Huang TJ, Li YR, Lee CY. Myasthenia Gravis: Novel Findings and Perspectives on Traditional to Regenerative Therapeutic Interventions. Aging Dis 2023; 14:1070-1092. [PMID: 37163445 PMCID: PMC10389825 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2022.1215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of myasthenia gravis (MG), an autoimmune disorder, is increasing among all subsets of the population leading to an elevated economic and social burden. The pathogenesis of MG is characterized by the synthesis of autoantibodies against the acetylcholine receptor (AChR), low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (LRP4), or muscle-specific kinase at the neuromuscular junction, thereby leading to muscular weakness and fatigue. Based on clinical and laboratory examinations, the research is focused on distinguishing MG from other autoimmune, genetic diseases of neuromuscular transmission. Technological advancements in machine learning, a subset of artificial intelligence (AI) have been assistive in accurate diagnosis and management. Besides, addressing the clinical needs of MG patients is critical to improving quality of life (QoL) and satisfaction. Lifestyle changes including physical exercise and traditional Chinese medicine/herbs have also been shown to exert an ameliorative impact on MG progression. To achieve enhanced therapeutic efficacy, cholinesterase inhibitors, immunosuppressive drugs, and steroids in addition to plasma exchange therapy are widely recommended. Under surgical intervention, thymectomy is the only feasible alternative to removing thymoma to overcome thymoma-associated MG. Although these conventional and current therapeutic approaches are effective, the associated adverse events and surgical complexity limit their wide application. Moreover, Restivo et al. also, to increase survival and QoL, further recent developments revealed that antibody, gene, and regenerative therapies (such as stem cells and exosomes) are currently being investigated as a safer and more efficacious alternative. Considering these above-mentioned points, we have comprehensively reviewed the recent advances in pathological etiologies of MG including COVID-19, and its therapeutic management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Jou-Chen Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Meng-Huang Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Tsung-Jen Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Tsung-Jen Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Yan-Rong Li
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Ching-Yu Lee
- Department of Orthopedics, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- International PhD Program for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Du Y, Luo WJ, Zhan JL, Huang YL, Liang QW, Qu XS, Dong ZM. Anti-inflammatory effect of miR-125a-5p on experimental optic neuritis by promoting the differentiation of Treg cells. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:451-455. [PMID: 35900445 PMCID: PMC9396506 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.346462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylprednisolone pulse treatment is currently used for optic neuritis. It can speed visual recovery, but does not improve the ultimate visual outcomes. Recent studies have reported that miR-125a-5p has immunomodulatory effects on autoimmune diseases. However, it remains unclear whether miR-125a-5p has effects on optic neuritis. In this study, we used adeno-associated virus to overexpress or silence miR-125a-5p in mice. We found that silencing miR-125a-5p increased the latency of visual evoked potential and aggravated inflammation of the optic nerve. Overexpression of miR-125a-5p suppressed inflammation of the optic nerve, protected retinal ganglion cells, and increased the percentage of Treg cells. Our findings show that miR-125a-5p exhibits anti-inflammatory effects through promoting the differentiation of Treg cells.
Collapse
|
6
|
Saghazadeh A, Rezaei N. MicroRNA expression profiles of peripheral blood and mononuclear cells in myasthenia gravis: A systematic review. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 112:109205. [PMID: 36087508 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have described the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in thymic function, along with directly observing the altered expression of miRNAs in thymuses of myasthenia gravis (MG) patients; so, miRNAs became a core component in the pathophysiology of MG. However, because the miRNA analysis results are contradictory, the identification of MG-related miRNAs is daunting. OBJECTIVE We did a systematic review of studies analyzing the miRNA expression profile of peripheral blood and mononuclear cells for patients with MG. METHODS We ran a database search in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science on August 17, 2021. Original articles that analyzed miRNA profiles in peripheral blood (serum, plasma, and whole blood) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) for patients with MG in comparison with a non-MG or healthy control (HC) group were eligible. The quality of studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2). RESULTS 26 studies were included. The quality of studies was fair (median score, 5). Among 226 different miRNAs that were deregulated in at least one study (range, 1-87), ten miRNAs were significantly deregulated in three or more studies. Five miRNAs (50%) showed the same deregulation: miR-106b-3p and miR-21-5p were consistently upregulated, and miR-20b, miR-15b, and miR-16 were consistently downregulated. Also, there were five miRNAs that were mostly upregulated, miR-150-5p, miR-146a, miR-30e-5p, and miR-338-3p, or downregulated, miR-324-3p, across studies. CONCLUSION These miRNAs contribute to different pathways, importantly neural apoptosis and autophagy, inflammation, T regulatory cell development, and T helper cell balance. Prior to being used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, it is required to pursue molecular mechanisms these consistently and mostly dysregulated miRNAs specifically use in the context of MG.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amene Saghazadeh
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Expert Group (SRMEG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy, and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang F, Zhang H, Qiu G, Li Z, Wang Y. The LINC00452/miR-204/CHST4 Axis Regulating Thymic Tregs Might Be Involved in the Progression of Thymoma-Associated Myasthenia Gravis. Front Neurol 2022; 13:828970. [PMID: 35432149 PMCID: PMC9005856 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.828970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease that mainly affects neuromuscular junctions and is usually associated with immune disorders in the thymoma. The competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) hypothesis has been demonstrated to be an intrinsic mechanism regulating the development of several autoimmune diseases; however, the mechanism where the ceRNA network regulates immune cells in patients with thymoma-associated MG (TAMG) has rarely been explored. Methods RNA-seq data and clinical information of 124 patients with thymoma were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they were diagnosed with MG. We applied the propensity score matching method to reduce the incidence of baseline confounders. We then constructed a ceRNA network with differentially expressed RNAs between the groups based on four public databases. The expression of genes of interest was validated by qPCR. Moreover, we predicted the immune cells that infiltrated the thymoma and then analyzed the association between immune cells and RNA in the ceRNA network. To further determine the function of the mRNAs associated with immune cells in patients with TAMG, we performed gene set enrichment analysis in thymoma patients with MG. Results After matching, 94 patients were included in the following analysis. A total of 847 mRNAs, 409 lncRNAs, and 45 miRNAs were differentially expressed between the groups. The ceRNA network, including 18 lncRNAs, four miRNAs, and 13 mRNAs, was then constructed. We then confirmed that CHST4 and LINC00452, miR-204-3p and miR-204-5p were differentially expressed between patients with TAMG and thymoma patients without MG (NMG) by qPCR. Moreover, we found that the percentage of predicted regulatory T (Treg) cells was significantly decreased in patients with TAMG. Further analysis indicated that the LINC00452/miR-204/CHST4 axis might regulate thymic regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the progression of MG. Conclusions In this research, we constructed a ceRNA network involved in the progression of TAMG, discovered that thymic Tregs were significantly decreased in patients with TAMG, and assumed that the LINC00452/miR-204/CHST4 axis may regulate thymic Tregs in the development of TAMG. These findings may deepen our understanding of the roles of the ceRNA network in regulating TAMG and highlight the function of CHST4 in recruiting peripheral T cells in the progression of TAMG.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fuqiang Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hanlu Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guanghao Qiu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhiyang Li
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yun Wang
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Huijbers MG, Marx A, Plomp JJ, Le Panse R, Phillips WD. Advances in the understanding of disease mechanisms of autoimmune neuromuscular junction disorders. Lancet Neurol 2022; 21:163-175. [DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(21)00357-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
|
9
|
Ghafouri-Fard S, Azimi T, Hussen BM, Taheri M, Jalili Khoshnoud R. A Review on the Role of Non-Coding RNAs in the Pathogenesis of Myasthenia Gravis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12964. [PMID: 34884767 PMCID: PMC8657981 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune condition related to autoantibodies against certain proteins in the postsynaptic membranes in the neuromuscular junction. This disorder has a multifactorial inheritance. The connection between environmental and genetic factors can be established by epigenetic factors, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). XLOC_003810, SNHG16, IFNG-AS1, and MALAT-1 are among the lncRNAs with a possible role in the pathoetiology of MG. Moreover, miR-150-5p, miR-155, miR-146a-5p, miR-20b, miR-21-5p, miR-126, let-7a-5p, and let-7f-5p are among miRNAs whose roles in the pathogenesis of MG has been assessed. In the current review, we summarize the impact of miRNAs and lncRNAs in the development or progression of MG.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19835-35511, Iran;
| | - Tahereh Azimi
- Phytochemistry Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19835-35511, Iran;
| | - Bashdar Mahmud Hussen
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil 44001, Iraq;
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Reza Jalili Khoshnoud
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19835-35511, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Thomas S, Fayet OM, Truffault F, Fadel E, Provost B, Hamza A, Berrih-Aknin S, Bonnefont JP, Le Panse R. Altered expression of fragile X mental retardation-1 (FMR1) in the thymus in autoimmune myasthenia gravis. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:270. [PMID: 34789272 PMCID: PMC8597299 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02311-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Predisposition to autoimmunity and inflammatory disorders is observed in patients with fragile X-associated syndromes. These patients have increased numbers of CGG triplets in the 5’ UTR region of FMR1 (Fragile X Mental Retardation 1) gene, that affects its expression. FMR1 is decreased in the thymus of myasthenia gravis (MG) patients, a prototypical autoimmune disease. We thus analyzed the number of CGG triplets in FMR1 in MG, and explored the regulatory mechanisms affecting thymic FMR1 expression. We measured the number of CGGs using thymic DNA from MG and controls, but no abnormalities in CGGs were found in MG that could explain thymic decrease of FMR1. We next analyzed by RT-PCR the expression of FMR1 and its transcription factors in thymic samples, and in thymic epithelial cell cultures in response to inflammatory stimuli. In control thymuses, FMR1 expression was higher in males than females, and correlated with CTCF (CCCTC-binding factor) expression. In MG thymuses, decreased expression of FMR1 was correlated with both CTCF and MAX (Myc-associated factor X) expression. Changes in FMR1 expression were supported by western blot analyses for FMRP. In addition, we demonstrated that FMR1, CTCF and MAX expression in thymic epithelial cells was also sensitive to inflammatory signals. Our results suggest that FMR1 could play a central role in the thymus and autoimmunity. First, in relation with the higher susceptibility of females to autoimmune diseases. Second, due to the modulation of its expression by inflammatory signals that are known to be altered in MG thymuses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott Thomas
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, Institute of Myology, Center of Research in Myology, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Odessa-Maud Fayet
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, Institute of Myology, Center of Research in Myology, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Frédérique Truffault
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, Institute of Myology, Center of Research in Myology, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Elie Fadel
- Marie Lannelongue Hospital, Paris-Sud University, Le Plessis-Robinson, France
| | - Bastien Provost
- Marie Lannelongue Hospital, Paris-Sud University, Le Plessis-Robinson, France
| | - Abderaouf Hamza
- Université de Paris, Institut Imagine UMR1163, Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Sonia Berrih-Aknin
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, Institute of Myology, Center of Research in Myology, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Paul Bonnefont
- Université de Paris, Institut Imagine UMR1163, Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Rozen Le Panse
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, Institute of Myology, Center of Research in Myology, F-75013, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Qian K, Xu JX, Deng Y, Peng H, Peng J, Ou CM, Liu Z, Jiang LH, Tai YH. Signaling pathways of genetic variants and miRNAs in the pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis. Gland Surg 2020; 9:1933-1944. [PMID: 33447544 PMCID: PMC7804555 DOI: 10.21037/gs-20-39] [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] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder causing muscle weakness and characterized by a defect in synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction. The pathogenesis of this disease remains unclear. We aimed to predict the key signaling pathways of genetic variants and miRNAs in the pathogenesis of MG, and identify the key genes among them. METHODS We searched published information regarding associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and differentially-expressed miRNAs in MG cases. We search of SNPs and miRNAs in literature databases about MG, then we used bioinformatic tools to predict target genes of miRNAs. Moreover, functional enrichment analysis for key genes was carried out utilizing the Cytoscape-plugin, known as ClueGO. These key genes were mapped to STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Then a miRNA-target gene regulatory network was established to screen key genes. RESULTS Five genes containing SNPs associated with MG risk were involved in the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) signaling pathway, and FoxP3 was the key gene. MAPK1, SMAD4, SMAD2 and BCL2 were predicted to be targeted by the 18 miRNAs and to act as the key genes in adherens, junctions, apoptosis, or cancer-related pathways respectively. These five key genes containing SNPs or targeted by miRNAs were found to be involved in negative regulation of T cell differentiation. CONCLUSIONS We speculate that SNPs cause the genes to be defective or the miRNAs to downregulate the factors that subsequently negatively regulate regulatory T cells and trigger the onset of MG.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Qian
- Faculty of Life and Biotechnology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Institute of The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Jia-Xin Xu
- Department of Cardiovascular surgery, Yan’ an Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yi Deng
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Peng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Institute of The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Jun Peng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Institute of The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Chun-Mei Ou
- Department of Cardiovascular surgery, Institute of the First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Zu Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular surgery, Yan’ an Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Li-Hong Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Institute of The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Yong-Hang Tai
- School of Electronic Information in the Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cron MA, Payet CA, Fayet OM, Maillard S, Truffault F, Fadel E, Guihaire J, Berrih-Aknin S, Liston A, Le Panse R. Decreased expression of miR-29 family associated with autoimmune myasthenia gravis. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:294. [PMID: 33032631 PMCID: PMC7545844 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01958-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune disease mainly mediated by autoantibodies against the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) at the neuromuscular junction. The thymus is the effector organ, and its removal alleviates the symptoms of the disease. In the early-onset form of MG, the thymus displays functional and morphological abnormalities such as B cell infiltration leading to follicular hyperplasia, and the production of AChR antibodies. Type-I interferon (IFN-I), especially IFN-β, is the orchestrator of thymic changes observed in MG. As Dicer and miR-29 subtypes play a role in modulating the IFN-I signalization in mouse thymus, we investigated their expression in MG thymus. Methods The expression of DICER and miR-29 subtypes were thoroughly investigated by RT-PCR in human control and MG thymuses, and in thymic epithelial cells (TECs). Using miR-29a/b-1-deficient mice, with lower miR-29a/b-1 expression, we investigated their susceptibility to experimental autoimmune MG (EAMG) as compared to wild-type mice. Results DICER mRNA and all miR-29 subtypes were down-regulated in the thymus of MG patients and DICER expression was correlated with the lower expression of miR-29a-3p. A decreased expression of miR-29 subtypes was similarly observed in MG TECs; a decrease also induced in TECs upon IFN-β treatment. We demonstrated that miR-29a/b-1-deficient mice were more susceptible to EAMG without higher levels of anti-AChR IgG subtypes. In the thymus, if no B cell infiltration was observed, an increased expression of Ifn-β associated with Baff expression and the differentiation of Th17 cells associated with increased expression of Il-6, Il-17a and Il-21 and decreased Tgf-β1 mRNA were demonstrated in miR-29a/b-1-deficient EAMG mice. Conclusions It is not clear if the decreased expression of miR-29 subtypes in human MG is a consequence or a causative factor of thymic inflammation. However, our results from the EAMG mouse model indicated that a reduction in miR-29a/b1 may contribute to the pathophysiological process involved in MG by favoring the increased expression of IFN-β and the emergence of pro-inflammatory Th17 cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie A Cron
- Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology, UMRS 974, Paris, France
| | - Cloé A Payet
- Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology, UMRS 974, Paris, France
| | - Odessa-Maud Fayet
- Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology, UMRS 974, Paris, France
| | - Solène Maillard
- Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology, UMRS 974, Paris, France
| | - Frédérique Truffault
- Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology, UMRS 974, Paris, France
| | - Elie Fadel
- Marie Lannelongue Hospital, Paris-Sud University, Le Plessis-Robinson, France
| | - Julien Guihaire
- Marie Lannelongue Hospital, Paris-Sud University, Le Plessis-Robinson, France
| | - Sonia Berrih-Aknin
- Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology, UMRS 974, Paris, France
| | - Adrian Liston
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Lymphocyte Signalling and Development, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Rozen Le Panse
- Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology, UMRS 974, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cavalcante P, Mantegazza R, Bernasconi P. Pharmacogenetic and pharmaco-miR biomarkers for tailoring and monitoring myasthenia gravis treatments. EXPERT REVIEW OF PRECISION MEDICINE AND DRUG DEVELOPMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/23808993.2020.1804865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Cavalcante
- Neurology IV Unit ‒ Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Renato Mantegazza
- Neurology IV Unit ‒ Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Pia Bernasconi
- Neurology IV Unit ‒ Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article provides an update on the most recent advances in diagnostic procedures and therapeutic approaches for myasthenia gravis, spanning from autoantibody and neuroelectrophysiological tests as diagnostic tools, to innovative and promising treatments based on biological drugs. RECENT FINDINGS Novel studies performed by cell-based assays (CBAs) indicate an improvement in the chance of identifying serum autoantibodies in myasthenic patients. Clinical trials on the use of biological drugs were recently concluded, providing important data on safety and efficacy of eculizumab, efgartigimod and amifampridine phosphate: the first, a complement blocker, showed long-term safety and efficacy in acetylcholine receptor (AChR)-positive myasthenic patients with refractory generalized disease; the second, the neonatal Fc receptor blocker, was well tolerated and clinically effective in both AChR-specific and muscle-specific kinase receptor (MuSK)-positive patients; the third, a blocker of presynaptic potassium channels, was found to be well tolerated and effective in MuSK-positive patients. SUMMARY CBAs can lead to a significant reduction of seronegative patients, improving myasthenia gravis diagnostic process. New biological drugs offer innovative approaches to treat myasthenic patients with generalized disease, promising to change the paradigm of treatment and to significantly enhance therapeutic success within a precision medicine framework.
Collapse
|
15
|
Cron MA, Guillochon É, Kusner L, Le Panse R. Role of miRNAs in Normal and Myasthenia Gravis Thymus. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1074. [PMID: 32587589 PMCID: PMC7297979 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus, a primary lymphoid organ, provides a complex environment essential for the generation of the T-cell repertoire. Thymic alterations occur during life either in the context of thymic involution upon aging or the pathophysiological context of Myasthenia Gravis (MG). These changes involve complicated regulatory networks, in which microRNAs (miRNAs) are key players. Here, we analyzed the role of miRNAs in thymocyte maturation and differentiation sustained by thymic epithelial cells. We compared data from the literature regarding the role of mouse thymic miRNAs and original data obtained from a human thymic miRnome study. We identified a set of highly expressed miRNAs defined as ThymiRs and investigated miRNA expression in infants as compared to adults to determine those associated with human thymic involution. Thymic changes are also frequently observed in MG, an autoimmune disease which results in the production of anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies that lead to muscle weaknesses. Alterations such as thymoma in late-onset MG patients and hyperplasia with ectopic germinal centers (GCs) in early-onset (EOMG) patients are found. Thymic miRNA expression has been studied in AChR-MG patients both in thymoma-associated MG (TAMG) and EOMG, and their function through their mRNA targets investigated. Most of the dysregulated thymic miRNAs in EOMG are associated with GC development, such as miR-7, miR-24, miR-139, miR-143, miR-145, miR-146, miR-150, miR-452, miR-548 or thymic inflammation, such as miR-125b, miR-146, or miR-29. Understanding these pathways may provide therapeutic targets or biomarkers of disease manifestations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie A Cron
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology, Center of Research in Myology, Paris, France
| | - Émilie Guillochon
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology, Center of Research in Myology, Paris, France
| | - Linda Kusner
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Rozen Le Panse
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology, Center of Research in Myology, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Yang Z, Liu S, Wang Y, Chen Y, Zhang P, Liu Y, Zhang H, Zhang P, Tao Z, Xiong K. High expression of KITLG is a new hallmark activating the MAPK pathway in type A and AB thymoma. Thorac Cancer 2020; 11:1944-1954. [PMID: 32463597 PMCID: PMC7327682 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.13486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background KIT proto‐oncogene ligand (KITLG) is a pleiotropic factor which is found in diverse cancers and is involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. However, the value of KITLG in thymoma remains unclear. Methods A total of 121 thymoma samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas Thymoma (TCGA‐THYM) dataset were used to analyze KITLG related genome‐wide expression profiles, and microRNA profiles and methylation alterations and a GEO dataset‐GSE29695, including 37 samples was used as verification. For cell‐based studies, specific small interfering RNA targeting KITLG or a KITLG overexpression vector were used to clarify the changes of the MAPK pathway in an AB thymoma cell line Thy0517. Results Both datasets showed that high expression of KITLG was significantly associated with type A and AB thymoma. Through multiomic analysis of the TCGA‐THYM, it was found that with the high expression of KITLG, there were 220 upregulated and 72 downregulated genes at the mRNA level, 79 positive and 78 negative miRNAs, 28 hypermethylation and 163 hypomethylation regions. In the thymoma cell line Thy0517, it was found that the expression of GRB2 and the phosphorylation levels of BRAF, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2 in the MAPK pathway were positively correlated with the change in KITLG. Conclusions High expression of KITLG is a new hallmark of WHO type A and AB thymomas in which it might play a critical role through the activation of the MAPK signaling pathway. Additionally, it is hoped that KITLG will become a potential target for the diagnosis of type A and AB thymoma through further research in the future. Key points Significant findings of the study KIT proto‐oncogene ligand (KITLG) is a new hallmark of type A and AB thymomas which induce a series of aberrant alteration of mRNA, miRNA and DNA methylation. The expression of KITLG is significantly higher in type A and AB than other subtypes of thymoma. What this study adds KITLG activated the MAPK signaling pathway to promote type A and AB thymoma which might be a potential diagnostic biomarker or target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyu Yang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Shinan Liu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuanguo Wang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yimei Liu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ziyou Tao
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Kai Xiong
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wang L, Zhang L. Emerging Roles of Dysregulated MicroRNAs in Myasthenia Gravis. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:507. [PMID: 32508584 PMCID: PMC7253668 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare acquired autoimmune neuromuscular disease. Autoantibodies, cellular immunity, complement, and cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of MG. It is characterized by the dysfunction of neuromuscular junction transmission and skeletal muscle weakness. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding small molecule ribonucleic acids that regulate various biological processes (e.g., development, differentiation, and immunity) at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels of gene expression. miRNAs play an important regulatory role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including MG. In recent studies, the functional mechanisms underlying the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of MG have received increasing attention. miRNAs are highly stable and have high specificity in peripheral body fluids. Therefore, the miRNAs in body fluids may represent promising biomarkers for determining the prognosis of MG and the efficacy of treatment. This article reviews the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of MG, highlights the potential of miRNAs as new biomarkers for the diagnosis of MG, and deepens our understanding of disease processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Bortone F, Scandiffio L, Marcuzzo S, Bonanno S, Frangiamore R, Motta T, Antozzi C, Mantegazza R, Cavalcante P, Bernasconi P. miR-146a in Myasthenia Gravis Thymus Bridges Innate Immunity With Autoimmunity and Is Linked to Therapeutic Effects of Corticosteroids. Front Immunol 2020; 11:142. [PMID: 32210951 PMCID: PMC7075812 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated innate immune responses are critically involved in the pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis (MG), an autoimmune disorder affecting neuromuscular junction mainly mediated by antiacetylcholine receptor antibodies. Considerable evidence indicate that uncontrolled TLR activation and chronic inflammation significantly contribute to hyperplastic changes and germinal center (GC) formation in the MG thymus, ultimately leading to autoantibody production and autoimmunity. miR-146a is a key modulator of innate immunity, whose dysregulation has been associated with autoimmune diseases. It acts as inhibitor of TLR pathways, mainly by targeting the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling transducers, interleukin 1 receptor associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6); miR-146a is also able to target c-REL, inducible T-cell costimulator (ICOS), and Fas cell surface death receptor (FAS), known to regulate B-cell function and GC response. Herein, we investigated the miR-146a contribution to the intrathymic MG pathogenesis. By real-time PCR, we found that miR-146a expression was significantly downregulated in hyperplastic MG compared to control thymuses; contrariwise, IRAK1, TRAF6, c-REL, and ICOS messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were upregulated and negatively correlated with miR-146a levels. Microdissection experiments revealed that miR-146a deficiency in hyperplastic MG thymuses was not due to GCs, but restricted to the GC-surrounding medulla, characterized by IRAK1 overexpression. We also showed higher c-REL and ICOS mRNA levels, and lower FAS mRNA levels, in GCs than in the remaining medulla, according to the contribution of these molecules in GC formation. By double immunofluorescence, an increased proportion of IRAK1-expressing dendritic cells and macrophages was found in hyperplastic MG compared to control thymuses, along with GC immunoreactivity for c-REL. Interestingly, in corticosteroid-treated MG patients intrathymic miR-146a and mRNA target levels were comparable to those of controls, suggesting that immunosuppressive therapy may restore the microRNA (miRNA) levels. Indeed, an effect of prednisone on miR-146a expression was demonstrated in vitro on peripheral blood cells. Serum miR-146a levels were lower in MG patients compared to controls, indicating dysregulation of the circulating miRNA. Our overall findings strongly suggest that defective miR-146a expression could contribute to persistent TLR activation, lack of inflammation resolution, and hyperplastic changes in MG thymuses, thus linking TLR-mediated innate immunity to B-cell-mediated autoimmunity. Furthermore, they unraveled a new mechanism of action of corticosteroids in inducing control of autoimmunity in MG via miR-146a.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Bortone
- Neurology IV-Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Letizia Scandiffio
- Neurology IV-Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Marcuzzo
- Neurology IV-Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Bonanno
- Neurology IV-Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Rita Frangiamore
- Neurology IV-Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Teresio Motta
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, ASST-Bergamo Est Ospedale Bolognini Seriate, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Carlo Antozzi
- Neurology IV-Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Renato Mantegazza
- Neurology IV-Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Cavalcante
- Neurology IV-Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Pia Bernasconi
- Neurology IV-Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Sabre L, Punga T, Punga AR. Circulating miRNAs as Potential Biomarkers in Myasthenia Gravis: Tools for Personalized Medicine. Front Immunol 2020; 11:213. [PMID: 32194544 PMCID: PMC7065262 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease caused by antibodies which attack receptors at the neuromuscular junction. One of the main difficulties in predicting the clinical course of MG is the heterogeneity of the disease, where disease progression differs greatly depending on the subgroup that the patient is classified into. MG subgroups are classified according to: age of onset [early-onset MG (EOMG; onset ≤ 50 years) versus late-onset MG (LOMG; onset > 50 years]; the presence of a thymoma (thymoma-associated MG); antibody subtype [acetylcholine receptor antibody seropositive (AChR+) and muscle-specific tyrosine kinase antibody seropositive (MuSK+)]; as well as clinical subtypes (ocular versus generalized MG). The diagnostic tests for MG, such as antibody titers, neurophysiological tests, and objective clinical fatigue score, do not necessarily reflect disease progression. Hence, there is a great need for reliable objective biomarkers in MG to follow the disease course as well as the individualized response to therapy toward personalized medicine. In this regard, circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as promising potential biomarkers due to their accessibility in body fluids and unique profiles in different diseases, including autoimmune disorders. Several studies on circulating miRNAs in MG subtypes have revealed specific miRNA profiles in patients’ sera. In generalized AChR+ EOMG, miR-150-5p and miR-21-5p are the most elevated miRNAs, with lower levels observed upon treatment with immunosuppression and thymectomy. In AChR+ generalized LOMG, the miR-150-5p, miR-21-5p, and miR-30e-5p levels are elevated and decrease in accordance with the clinical response after immunosuppression. In ocular MG, higher levels of miR-30e-5p discriminate patients who will later generalize from those remaining ocular. In contrast, in MuSK+ MG, the levels of the let-7 miRNA family members are elevated. Studies of circulating miRNA profiles in Lrp4 or agrin antibody-seropositive MG are still lacking. This review summarizes the present knowledge of circulating miRNAs in different subgroups of MG.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liis Sabre
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Neuroscience, Clinical Neurophysiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tanel Punga
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Rostedt Punga
- Department of Neuroscience, Clinical Neurophysiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Evangelatos G, Fragoulis GE, Koulouri V, Lambrou GI. MicroRNAs in rheumatoid arthritis: From pathogenesis to clinical impact. Autoimmun Rev 2019; 18:102391. [PMID: 31520804 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2019.102391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decade, many epigenetic mechanisms that contribute in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders have been revealed. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding, RNA molecules that bind to messenger RNAs and disrupt the transcription of target genes. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease in which a plethora of epigenetic changes take place. Current research on RA epigenetics has focused mainly on miRNAs. Genetic variance of some miRNA genes, especially miR-499, might predispose an individual to RA development. Additionally, altered expression of many miRNAs has been discovered in several cells, tissues and body fluids in patients with RA. MiRNAs expression also differs depending on disease's stage and activity. Serum miR-22 and miR-103a might predict RA development in susceptible individuals (pre-RA), while serum miR-16, miR-24, miR-125a and miR-223 levels are altered in early RA (disease duration <12 months) patients compared to established RA or healthy individuals. Moreover, serum miR-223 levels have been associated with RA activity and disease relapse. What is more, serum levels of several miRNAs, including miR-125b and miR-223, could be used to predict response to RA treatment. Finally, miRNA analogs or antagonists have been used as therapeutic regimens in experimental arthritis models and have demonstrated promising results. In conclusion, the research on the miRNA alterations in RA sheds light to several aspects of RA pathogenesis, introduces new biomarkers for RA diagnosis and treatment response prediction and offers the opportunity to discover new, targeted drugs for patients with RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerasimos Evangelatos
- Rheumatology Department, 417 Army Share Fund Hospital (NMTS), Athens, Greece; Postgraduate Program "Metabolic Bone Diseases", School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece.
| | - George E Fragoulis
- Rheumatology Unit, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
| | - Vassiliki Koulouri
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - George I Lambrou
- Postgraduate Program "Metabolic Bone Diseases", School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Choremeio Research Laboratory, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Identifying the culprits in neurological autoimmune diseases. J Transl Autoimmun 2019; 2:100015. [PMID: 32743503 PMCID: PMC7388404 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2019.100015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The target organ of neurological autoimmune diseases (NADs) is the central or peripheral nervous system. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common NAD, whereas Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), myasthenia gravis (MG), and neuromyelitis optica (NMO) are less common NADs, but the incidence of these diseases has increased exponentially in the last few years. The identification of a specific culprit in NADs is challenging since a myriad of triggering factors interplay with each other to cause an autoimmune response. Among the factors that have been associated with NADs are genetic susceptibility, epigenetic mechanisms, and environmental factors such as infection, microbiota, vitamins, etc. This review focuses on the most studied culprits as well as the mechanisms used by these to trigger NADs. Neurological autoimmune diseases are caused by a complex interaction between genes, environmental factors, and epigenetic deregulation. Infectious agents can cause an autoimmune reaction to myelin epitopes through molecular mimicry and/or bystander activation. Gut microbiota dysbiosis contributes to neurological autoimmune diseases. Smoking increases the risk of NADs through inflammatory signaling pathways, oxidative stress, and Th17 differentiation. Deficiency in vitamin D favors NAD development through direct damage to the central and peripheral nervous system.
Collapse
|
22
|
Cavalcante P, Mizrachi T, Barzago C, Scandiffio L, Bortone F, Bonanno S, Frangiamore R, Mantegazza R, Bernasconi P, Brenner T, Vaknin-Dembinsky A, Antozzi C. MicroRNA signature associated with treatment response in myasthenia gravis: A further step towards precision medicine. Pharmacol Res 2019; 148:104388. [PMID: 31401213 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder affecting neuromuscular transmission currently treated with chronic immunosuppression. Inter-subject variation in treatment response and side effects highlight the need for personalized therapies by identification of biomarkers predictive of drug efficacy in individual patients, still lacking in MG. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a key role in immune response and drug metabolism modulation. This study, part of an Italian-Israeli collaborative project, aimed to identify specific miRNAs as biomarkers associated with immunosuppressive treatment response in MG patients. Whole miRNome sequencing, followed by miRNA validation by real-time PCR, was performed in peripheral blood from Italian MG patients (n = 40) classified as responder and non-responder to immunosuppressive therapies. MiRNA sequencing identified 41 miRNAs differentially expressed in non-responder compared to responder Italian MG patients. Validation phase pointed out three miRNAs, miR-323b-3p, -409-3p, and -485-3p, clustered on chromosome 14q32.31, the levels of which were significantly decreased in non-responder versus responder patients, whereas miR-181d-5p and -340-3p showed an opposite trend. ROC curve analysis showed sensitivity and specificity performance results indicative of miR-323b-3p, -409-3p, and -485-3p predictive value for responsiveness to immunosuppressive drugs in MG. Validated miRNAs were further analyzed in blood from responder and non-responder MG patients of the Israeli population (n = 33), confirming a role for miR-323b-3p, -409-3p, -485-3p, -181d-5p and -340-3p as biomarkers of drug efficacy. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis, mRNA target prediction, and in silico modeling for function of the identified miRNAs disclosed functional involvement of the five miRNAs, and their putative target genes, in both immune (i.e. neurotrophin TRK and Fc-epsilon receptor signaling pathways) and drug metabolism processes. Our overall findings thus revealed a blood "miR-323b-3p, -409-3p, -485-3p, -181d-5p, and -340-3p" signature associated with drug responsiveness in MG patients. Its identification sets the basis for precision medicine approaches based on "pharmacomiRs" as biomarkers of drug responsiveness in MG, promising to improve therapeutic success in a cost/effective manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Cavalcante
- Neurology IV - Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Tehila Mizrachi
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, The Agnes Ginges Center for Human Neurogenetics, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, PO Box 12000, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Claudia Barzago
- Neurology IV - Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Letizia Scandiffio
- Neurology IV - Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Federica Bortone
- Neurology IV - Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Silvia Bonanno
- Neurology IV - Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Rita Frangiamore
- Neurology IV - Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Renato Mantegazza
- Neurology IV - Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Pia Bernasconi
- Neurology IV - Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Talma Brenner
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, The Agnes Ginges Center for Human Neurogenetics, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, PO Box 12000, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Adi Vaknin-Dembinsky
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, The Agnes Ginges Center for Human Neurogenetics, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, PO Box 12000, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Carlo Antozzi
- Neurology IV - Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease caused by antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor (AChR), muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) or other AChR-related proteins in the postsynaptic muscle membrane. Localized or general muscle weakness is the predominant symptom and is induced by the antibodies. Patients are grouped according to the presence of antibodies, symptoms, age at onset and thymus pathology. Diagnosis is straightforward in most patients with typical symptoms and a positive antibody test, although a detailed clinical and neurophysiological examination is important in antibody-negative patients. MG therapy should be ambitious and aim for clinical remission or only mild symptoms with near-normal function and quality of life. Treatment should be based on MG subgroup and includes symptomatic treatment using acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, thymectomy and immunotherapy. Intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange are fast-acting treatments used for disease exacerbations, and intensive care is necessary during exacerbations with respiratory failure. Comorbidity is frequent, particularly in elderly patients. Active physical training should be encouraged.
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The current article reviews the recent advances in the field of myasthenia gravis, which span from autoantibody profiling and pathogenic mechanisms to therapy innovation. The overview is highlighting specifically the data and the needs of targeted treatments in the light of precision medicine in myasthenia gravis. RECENT FINDINGS Novel data published recently further increased our knowledge on myasthenia gravis. The use of cell-based assays has greatly improved autoantibody detection in myasthenia gravis patients, and the mechanisms of action of these antibodies have been described. The role of Toll-like receptor activation in the generation of thymic alterations and anti-acetylcholine receptor autosensitization has been further investigated implementing our understanding on the relationships between innate immunity and autoimmunity. Additional studies have been focused on the alterations of T-cell/B-cell regulatory mechanisms in thymus and peripheral blood of myasthenia gravis patients. microRNAs and genetic factors are also emerging as key biomarkers in myasthenia gravis pathogenesis and prediction of drug efficacy in individual patients. SUMMARY The recent immunological and pathological findings in myasthenia gravis promise to improve myasthenia gravis treatment, via the development of more precise and personalized therapies.
Collapse
|
25
|
Cron MA, Maillard S, Truffault F, Gualeni AV, Gloghini A, Fadel E, Guihaire J, Behin A, Berrih-Aknin S, Le Panse R. Causes and Consequences of miR-150-5p Dysregulation in Myasthenia Gravis. Front Immunol 2019; 10:539. [PMID: 30984166 PMCID: PMC6450174 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic neuromuscular disease mainly due to antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) at the neuromuscular junction that induce invalidating muscle weaknesses. In early-onset MG, the thymus is the effector organ and is often characterized by B-cell infiltrations leading to ectopic germinal center (GC) development. The microRNA miR-150-5p has been previously characterized as a biomarker in MG due to its increase in the serum of patients and its decrease after thymectomy, correlated with an improvement of symptoms. Here, we investigated the causes and consequences of the miR-150 increase in the serum of early-onset MG patients. We observed that miR-150 expression was upregulated in MG thymuses in correlation with the presence of thymic B cells and showed by in situ hybridization experiments, that miR-150 was mainly expressed by cells of the mantle zone of GCs. However, we did not observe any correlation between the degree of thymic hyperplasia and the serum levels in MG patients. In parallel, we also investigated the expression of miR-150 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from MG patients. We observed that miR-150 was down-regulated, especially in CD4+ T cells compared to controls. These results suggest that the increased serum levels of miR-150 could result from a release from activated peripheral CD4+ T cells. Next, we demonstrated that the in vitro treatment of PBMCs with miR-150 or antimiR-150 oligonucleotides, respectively, decreased or increased the expression of one of its major target gene: the proto-oncogene MYB, a well-known actor of hematopoiesis. These results revealed that increased serum levels of miR-150 in MG patients could have a functional effect on PBMCs. We also showed that antimiR-150 caused increased cellular death of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, along with the overexpression of pro-apoptotic genes targeted by miR-150 suggesting that miR-150 controlled the survival of these cells. Altogether, these results showed that miR-150 could play a role in MG both at the thymic level and in periphery by modulating the expression of target genes and peripheral cell survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie A Cron
- Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology - UMRS 974, Paris, France
| | - Solène Maillard
- Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology - UMRS 974, Paris, France
| | - Frédérique Truffault
- Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology - UMRS 974, Paris, France
| | - Ambra Vittoria Gualeni
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Annunziata Gloghini
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Elie Fadel
- Marie Lannelongue Hospital, Paris-Sud University, Le Plessis-Robinson, France
| | - Julien Guihaire
- Marie Lannelongue Hospital, Paris-Sud University, Le Plessis-Robinson, France
| | - Anthony Behin
- Neuromuscular Disease Center, AIM, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Sonia Berrih-Aknin
- Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology - UMRS 974, Paris, France
| | - Rozen Le Panse
- Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology - UMRS 974, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Koneczny I, Rennspiess D, Marcuse F, Dankerlui N, Abdul Hamid M, Mané-Damas M, Maessen J, Van Schil P, Saxena A, Zisimopoulou P, Lazaridis K, Woodhall M, Karagiorgou K, Tzartos J, Tzartos S, De Baets MH, Molenaar PC, Marx A, Zur Hausen A, Losen M, Martinez-Martinez P. Characterization of the thymus in Lrp4 myasthenia gravis: Four cases. Autoimmun Rev 2018; 18:50-55. [PMID: 30414949 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2018.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease of the neuromuscular junction. Most patients have pathogenic autoantibodies against the acetylcholine receptor (AChR). In the last years a novel subpopulation of MG patients has been described that harbors antibodies against low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (Lrp4), another postsynaptic neuromuscular antigen. In early-onset AChR MG (EOMG), the thymus plays an important role in immunopathogenesis, and early thymectomy is beneficial. It is still unknown if the thymus plays any role in Lrp4-MG. In this pilot study, we compared thymus samples from four patients with Lrp4-MG (one pre-treated with immunosuppressive drugs), four non-MG controls and five EOMG patients (not pretreated with immunosuppressive drugs). Immunohistochemistry of the Lrp4-MG thymi revealed normal architecture, with normal numbers and distribution of B-cells, lymphoid follicles and Hassall's corpuscles. Primary CD23+ lymphoid follicles were similarly infrequent in Lrp4-MG and control thymic sections. In none of the control or Lrp4-MG thymi did we find secondary follicles with CD10+ germinal centers. These were evident in 2 of the 5 EOMG thymi, where primary lymphoid follicles were also more frequent on average, thus showing considerable heterogeneity between patients. Even if characteristic pathological thymic changes were not observed in the Lrp4 subgroup, we cannot exclude a role for the thymus in Lrp4-MG pathogenesis, since one Lrp4-MG patient went into clinical remission after thymectomy alone (at one year follow-up) and one more improved after thymectomy in combination with immunosuppressive therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inga Koneczny
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Dorit Rennspiess
- Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229 HX Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Florit Marcuse
- Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229 HX Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Nathalie Dankerlui
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Myurgia Abdul Hamid
- Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229 HX Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Marina Mané-Damas
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Jos Maessen
- Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229 HX Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Paul Van Schil
- Dept. of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Antwerp, Wilrijkstraat 10, Edegem (Antwerp), B- 2650, Belgium
| | - Abhishek Saxena
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Paraskevi Zisimopoulou
- Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 127 Vas. Sofias Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Lazaridis
- Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 127 Vas. Sofias Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Mark Woodhall
- Neurosciences Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Level 6, West Wing, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | | | - John Tzartos
- Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 127 Vas. Sofias Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece; Tzartos Neuro Diagnostics, 3 Eslin Street, 11523 Athens, Greece
| | - Socrates Tzartos
- Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 127 Vas. Sofias Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Marc H De Baets
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Peter C Molenaar
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Alexander Marx
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, D-68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Axel Zur Hausen
- Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229 HX Maastricht, the Netherlands; GROW: School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6200 MD Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Mario Losen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Pilar Martinez-Martinez
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|