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Bellamy KKL, Skedsmo FS, Hultman J, Jansen JH, Lingaas F. Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis in a Schapendoes dog is caused by a missense variant in CLN6. Anim Genet 2024; 55:612-620. [PMID: 38866396 DOI: 10.1111/age.13457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) is a group of neurodegenerative disorders that occur in humans, dogs, and several other species. NCL is characterised clinically by progressive deterioration of cognitive and motor function, epileptic seizures, and visual impairment. Most forms present early in life and eventually lead to premature death. Typical pathological changes include neuronal accumulation of autofluorescent, periodic acid-Schiff- and Sudan black B-positive lipopigments, as well as marked loss of neurons in the central nervous system. Here, we describe a 19-month-old Schapendoes dog, where clinical signs were indicative of lysosomal storage disease, which was corroborated by pathological findings consistent with NCL. Whole genome sequencing of the affected dog and both parents, followed by variant calling and visual inspection of known NCL genes, identified a missense variant in CLN6 (c.386T>C). The variant is located in a highly conserved region of the gene and predicted to be harmful, which supports a causal relationship. The identification of this novel CLN6 variant enables pre-breeding DNA-testing to prevent future cases of NCL6 in the Schapendoes breed, and presents a potential natural model for NCL6 in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fredrik S Skedsmo
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Josefin Hultman
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Johan Høgset Jansen
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Frode Lingaas
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
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2
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Mitchell NL, Russell KN, Barrell GK, Tammen I, Palmer DN. Characterization of neuropathology in ovine CLN5 and CLN6 neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (Batten disease). Dev Neurobiol 2023; 83:127-142. [PMID: 37246363 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22918] [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: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Sheep with naturally occurring CLN5 and CLN6 forms of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (Batten disease) share the key clinical features of the human disease and represent an ideal model system in which the clinical efficacy of gene therapies is developed and test. However, it was first important to characterize the neuropathological changes that occur with disease progression in affected sheep. This study compared neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, and lysosomal storage accumulation in CLN5 affected Borderdale, CLN6 affected South Hampshire, and Merino sheep brains from birth to end-stage disease at ≤24 months of age. Despite very different gene products, mutations, and subcellular localizations, the pathogenic cascade was remarkably similar for all three disease models. Glial activation was present at birth in affected sheep and preceded neuronal loss, with both spreading from the visual and parieto-occipital cortices most prominently associated with clinical symptoms to the entire cortical mantle by end-stage disease. In contrast, the subcortical regions were less involved, yet lysosomal storage followed a near-linear increase across the diseased sheep brain with age. Correlation of these neuropathological changes with published clinical data identified three potential therapeutic windows in affected sheep-presymptomatic (3 months), early symptomatic (6 months), and a later symptomatic disease stage (9 months of age)-beyond which the extensive depletion of neurons was likely to diminish any chance of therapeutic benefit. This comprehensive natural history of the neuropathological changes in ovine CLN5 and CLN6 disease will be integral in determining what impact treatment has at each of these disease stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia L Mitchell
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln, New Zealand
| | - Katharina N Russell
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln, New Zealand
| | - Graham K Barrell
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln, New Zealand
| | - Imke Tammen
- Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David N Palmer
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln, New Zealand
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3
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Nittari G, Tomassoni D, Roy P, Martinelli I, Tayebati SK, Amenta F. Batten disease through different in vivo and in vitro models: A review. J Neurosci Res 2023; 101:298-315. [PMID: 36434776 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25147] [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: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Batten disease consists of a family of primarily autosomal recessive, progressive neuropediatric disorders, also known as neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs). These pathologies are characterized by seizures and visual, cognitive and motor decline, and premature death. The pathophysiology of this rare disease is still unclear despite the years of trials and financial aids. This paper has reviewed advantages and limits of in vivo and in vitro models of Batten disease from murine and larger animal models to primitive unicellular models, until the most recently developed patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells. For each model advantages, limits and applications were analyzed. The first prototypes investigated were murine models that due to their limits were replaced by larger animals. In vitro models gradually replaced animal models for practical, cost, and ethical reasons. Using induced pluripotent stem cells to study neurodegeneration is a new way of studying the disease, since they can be distinguished into differentiating elements like neurons, which are susceptible to neurodegeneration. In vivo and in vitro models have contributed to clarifying to some extent the pathophysiology of the disease. The collection and sharing of suitable human bio samples likely through biobanks can contribute to a better understanding, prevention, and to identify possible treatment strategies of Batten disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Nittari
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, Clinical Research, Telemedicine and Telepharmacy Center, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Daniele Tomassoni
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Proshanta Roy
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Ilenia Martinelli
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, Clinical Research, Telemedicine and Telepharmacy Center, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Seyed Khosrow Tayebati
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, Clinical Research, Telemedicine and Telepharmacy Center, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Francesco Amenta
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, Clinical Research, Telemedicine and Telepharmacy Center, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
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Murray SJ, Almuqbel MM, Felton SA, Palmer NJ, Myall DJ, Shoorangiz R, Ella A, Keller M, Palmer DN, Melzer TR, Mitchell NL. Progressive MRI brain volume changes in ovine models of CLN5 and CLN6 neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Brain Commun 2023; 5:fcac339. [PMID: 36632184 PMCID: PMC9830986 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (Batten disease) are a group of inherited lysosomal storage disorders characterized by progressive neurodegeneration leading to motor and cognitive dysfunction, seizure activity and blindness. The disease can be caused by mutations in 1 of 13 ceroid lipofuscinosis neuronal (CLN) genes. Naturally occurring sheep models of the CLN5 and CLN6 neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses recapitulate the clinical disease progression and post-mortem pathology of the human disease. We used longitudinal MRI to assess global and regional brain volume changes in CLN5 and CLN6 affected sheep compared to age-matched controls over 18 months. In both models, grey matter volume progressively decreased over time, while cerebrospinal fluid volume increased in affected sheep compared with controls. Total grey matter volume showed a strong positive correlation with clinical scores, while cerebrospinal fluid volume was negatively correlated with clinical scores. Cortical regions in affected animals showed significant atrophy at baseline (5 months of age) and progressively declined over the disease course. Subcortical regions were relatively spared with the exception of the caudate nucleus in CLN5 affected animals that degenerated rapidly at end-stage disease. Our results, which indicate selective vulnerability and provide a timeline of degeneration of specific brain regions in two sheep models of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses, will provide a clinically relevant benchmark for assessing therapeutic efficacy in subsequent trials of gene therapy for CLN5 and CLN6 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Murray
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln 7647, New Zealand
| | - Mustafa M Almuqbel
- Pacific Radiology Group, Christchurch 8014, New Zealand,New Zealand Brain Research Institute, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Daniel J Myall
- New Zealand Brain Research Institute, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
| | - Reza Shoorangiz
- New Zealand Brain Research Institute, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
| | | | - Matthieu Keller
- UMR Physiologie de la Reproduction & des Comportements, INRAE/CNRS/University of Tours, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - David N Palmer
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln 7647, New Zealand
| | | | - Nadia L Mitchell
- Correspondence to: Nadia Mitchell Faculty of Agricultural and Life Sciences, PO Box 85084, Lincoln University Lincoln 7647, Canterbury, New Zealand E-mail:
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Wei J, Zhang W, Li J, Jin Y, Qiu Z. Application of the transgenic pig model in biomedical research: A review. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1031812. [PMID: 36325365 PMCID: PMC9618879 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1031812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The large animal model has gradually become an essential part of preclinical research studies, relating to exploring the disease pathological mechanism, genic function, pharmacy, and other subjects. Although the mouse model has already been widely accepted in clinical experiments, the need for finding an animal model with high similarity compared with a human model is urgent due to the different body functions and systems between mice and humans. The pig is an optimal choice for replacement. Therefore, enhancing the production of pigs used for models is an important part of the large animal model as well. Transgenic pigs show superiority in pig model creation because of the progress in genetic engineering. Successful cases of transgenic pig models occur in the clinical field of metabolic diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and genetic diseases. In addition, the choice of pig breed influences the effort and efficiency of reproduction, and the mini pig has relative obvious advantages in pig model production. Indeed, pig models in these diseases provide great value in studies of their causes and treatments, especially at the genetic level. This review briefly outlines the method used to create transgenic pigs and species of producing transgenic pigs and provides an overview of their applications on different diseases and limitations for present pig model developments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ye Jin
- *Correspondence: Ye Jin, ; Zhidong Qiu,
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Swier VJ, White KA, Johnson TB, Sieren JC, Johnson HJ, Knoernschild K, Wang X, Rohret FA, Rogers CS, Pearce DA, Brudvig JJ, Weimer JM. A Novel Porcine Model of CLN2 Batten Disease that Recapitulates Patient Phenotypes. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:1905-1919. [PMID: 36100791 PMCID: PMC9723024 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01296-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CLN2 Batten disease is a lysosomal disorder in which pathogenic variants in CLN2 lead to reduced activity in the enzyme tripeptidyl peptidase 1. The disease typically manifests around 2 to 4 years of age with developmental delay, ataxia, seizures, inability to speak and walk, and fatality between 6 and 12 years of age. Multiple Cln2 mouse models exist to better understand the etiology of the disease; however, these models are unable to adequately recapitulate the disease due to differences in anatomy and physiology, limiting their utility for therapeutic testing. Here, we describe a new CLN2R208X/R208X porcine model of CLN2 disease. We present comprehensive characterization showing behavioral, pathological, and visual phenotypes that recapitulate those seen in CLN2 patients. CLN2R208X/R208X miniswine present with gait abnormalities at 6 months of age, ERG waveform declines at 6-9 months, vision loss at 11 months, cognitive declines at 12 months, seizures by 15 months, and early death at 18 months due to failure to thrive. CLN2R208X/R208X miniswine also showed classic storage material accumulation and glial activation in the brain at 6 months, and cortical atrophy at 12 months. Thus, the CLN2R208X/R208X miniswine model is a valuable resource for biomarker discovery and therapeutic development in CLN2 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki J Swier
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Katherine A White
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Tyler B Johnson
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Jessica C Sieren
- Department of Radiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Hans J Johnson
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Kevin Knoernschild
- Department of Radiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | | | | | - David A Pearce
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Jon J Brudvig
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Jill M Weimer
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, USA.
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Barry LA, Kay GW, Mitchell NL, Murray SJ, Jay NP, Palmer DN. Aggregation chimeras provide evidence of in vivo intercellular correction in ovine CLN6 neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (Batten disease). PLoS One 2022; 17:e0261544. [PMID: 35404973 PMCID: PMC9000108 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs; Batten disease) are fatal, mainly childhood, inherited neurodegenerative lysosomal storage diseases. Sheep affected with a CLN6 form display progressive regionally defined glial activation and subsequent neurodegeneration, indicating that neuroinflammation may be causative of pathogenesis. In this study, aggregation chimeras were generated from homozygous unaffected normal and CLN6 affected sheep embryos, resulting in seven chimeric animals with varied proportions of normal to affected cells. These sheep were classified as affected-like, recovering-like or normal-like, based on their cell-genotype ratios and their clinical and neuropathological profiles. Neuropathological examination of the affected-like animals revealed intense glial activation, prominent storage body accumulation and severe neurodegeneration within all cortical brain regions, along with vision loss and decreasing intracranial volumes and cortical thicknesses consistent with ovine CLN6 disease. In contrast, intercellular communication affecting pathology was evident at both the gross and histological level in the normal-like and recovering-like chimeras, resulting in a lack of glial activation and rare storage body accumulation in only a few cells. Initial intracranial volumes of the recovering-like chimeras were below normal but progressively recovered to about normal by two years of age. All had normal cortical thicknesses, and none went blind. Extended neurogenesis was evident in the brains of all the chimeras. This study indicates that although CLN6 is a membrane bound protein, the consequent defect is not cell intrinsic. The lack of glial activation and inflammatory responses in the normal-like and recovering-like chimeras indicate that newly generated cells are borne into a microenvironment conducive to maturation and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Anne Barry
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Graham William Kay
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Nadia Lesley Mitchell
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Canterbury, New Zealand
- Department of Radiology, University of Otago, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Samantha Jane Murray
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Nigel P. Jay
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - David Norris Palmer
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Canterbury, New Zealand
- Department of Radiology, University of Otago, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
- * E-mail:
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Murray SJ, Mitchell NL. Natural history of retinal degeneration in ovine models of CLN5 and CLN6 neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3670. [PMID: 35256654 PMCID: PMC8901734 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07612-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCL; Batten disease) are a group of inherited neurodegenerative diseases with a common set of symptoms including cognitive and motor decline and vision loss. Naturally occurring sheep models of CLN5 and CLN6 disease display the key clinical features of NCL, including a progressive loss of vision. We assessed retinal histology, astrogliosis, and lysosomal storage accumulation in CLN5 affected (CLN5-/-) and CLN6 affected (CLN6-/-) sheep eyes and age-matched controls at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months of age to determine the onset and progression of retinal pathology in NCL sheep. The retina of CLN5-/- sheep shows progressive atrophy of the outer retinal layers, widespread gliosis, and accumulation of lysosomal storage in retinal ganglion cells late in disease. In contrast, CLN6-/- retina shows significant atrophy of all retinal layers, progressive gliosis, and earlier accumulation of lysosomal storage. This study has highlighted the differential vulnerability of retinal layers and the time course of retinal atrophy in two distinct models of NCL disease. This data will be valuable in determining potential targets for ocular therapies and the optimal timing of these therapies for protection from retinal dysfunction and degeneration in NCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Murray
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, PO Box 85084, Lincoln, Canterbury, 7647, New Zealand
| | - N L Mitchell
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, PO Box 85084, Lincoln, Canterbury, 7647, New Zealand.
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Murray SJ, Mitchell NL. The Translational Benefits of Sheep as Large Animal Models of Human Neurological Disorders. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:831838. [PMID: 35242840 PMCID: PMC8886239 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.831838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The past two decades have seen a considerable rise in the use of sheep to model human neurological disorders. While each animal model has its merits, sheep have many advantages over small animal models when it comes to studies on the brain. In particular, sheep have brains more comparable in size and structure to the human brain. They also have much longer life spans and are docile animals, making them useful for a wide range of in vivo studies. Sheep are amenable to regular blood and cerebrospinal fluid sampling which aids in biomarker discovery and monitoring of treatment efficacy. Several neurological diseases have been found to occur naturally in sheep, however sheep can also be genetically engineered or experimentally manipulated to recapitulate disease or injury. Many of these types of sheep models are currently being used for pre-clinical therapeutic trials, particularly gene therapy, with studies from several models culminating in potential treatments moving into clinical trials. This review will provide an overview of the benefits of using sheep to model neurological conditions, and highlight naturally occurring and experimentally induced sheep models that have demonstrated translational validity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Murray
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Nadia L Mitchell
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand
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Kim WD, Wilson-Smillie MLDM, Thanabalasingam A, Lefrancois S, Cotman SL, Huber RJ. Autophagy in the Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (Batten Disease). Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:812728. [PMID: 35252181 PMCID: PMC8888908 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.812728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), also referred to as Batten disease, are a family of neurodegenerative diseases that affect all age groups and ethnicities around the globe. At least a dozen NCL subtypes have been identified that are each linked to a mutation in a distinct ceroid lipofuscinosis neuronal (CLN) gene. Mutations in CLN genes cause the accumulation of autofluorescent lipoprotein aggregates, called ceroid lipofuscin, in neurons and other cell types outside the central nervous system. The mechanisms regulating the accumulation of this material are not entirely known. The CLN genes encode cytosolic, lysosomal, and integral membrane proteins that are associated with a variety of cellular processes, and accumulated evidence suggests they participate in shared or convergent biological pathways. Research across a variety of non-mammalian and mammalian model systems clearly supports an effect of CLN gene mutations on autophagy, suggesting that autophagy plays an essential role in the development and progression of the NCLs. In this review, we summarize research linking the autophagy pathway to the NCLs to guide future work that further elucidates the contribution of altered autophagy to NCL pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- William D. Kim
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada
| | | | - Aruban Thanabalasingam
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada
| | - Stephane Lefrancois
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de La Recherche Scientifique, Laval, QC, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre D'Excellence en Recherche sur Les Maladies Orphelines–Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université Du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Susan L. Cotman
- Department of Neurology, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Robert J. Huber
- Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Robert J. Huber,
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Dalton DL, Pretorius C, de Klerk-Lorist LM, Reininghaus B, Buss P, Mitchell EP. Absence of 2899C<T Mutation in the WNK4 Gene in a Free-Ranging Lion (Panthera leo) with Polymyopathy. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12030389. [PMID: 35158718 PMCID: PMC8833707 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Samples from an African lion cub in the Greater Kruger National Park area (South Africa), which could not walk, were tested for a gene mutation that causes one type of muscle weakness in domestic cats. The cause of the muscle weakness is believed to be genetic, but our study showed that the mutation that is found in similarly affected domestic cats was not present in the cub. Genetic diseases are more common in inbred animal populations, so this condition needs to be further evaluated to assist in the conservation of these magnificent creatures. Abstract Polyphasic skeletal muscle degeneration, necrosis and mineralization of skeletal muscle was diagnosed in eight juvenile free-ranging lions (Panthera leo), from five different litters in the Greater Kruger National Park area that were unable to walk properly. A detailed investigation was not possible in free-ranging lions, so the cause could not be determined. The cases resembled hypokalemic polymyopathy in domestic cats with muscle weakness. A candidate-gene approach previously identified a nonsense mutation in the gene coding for the enzyme lysine-deficient 4 protein kinase (WNK4) associated with the disease in Burmese and Tonkinese cats. In this study, we sequenced all 19 exons of the gene in one case, and two control samples, to identify possible mutations that may be associated with polymyopathy in free-ranging lions. Here, no mutations were detected in any of the exons sequenced. Our findings indicate that the WNK4 gene is not a major contributor to the condition in these lions. Further studies into the pathogenesis of this condition are needed to inform conservation policies for this vulnerable, iconic African species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desiré L. Dalton
- South African National Biodiversity Institute, P.O. Box 754, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; (D.L.D.); (C.P.)
| | - Chantelle Pretorius
- South African National Biodiversity Institute, P.O. Box 754, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; (D.L.D.); (C.P.)
| | - Lin-Mari de Klerk-Lorist
- Skukuza State Veterinary Office & Laboratory, Directorate Animal Health, Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Kruger National Park, P.O. Box 12, Skukuza 1350, South Africa;
| | - Bjorn Reininghaus
- Mpumulanga Veterinary Services, Thulamahashe, P/Bag X11309, Mbombela 1200, South Africa;
| | - Peter Buss
- Veterinary Wildlife Services, South African National Parks, P.O. Box 86, Skukuza 1350, South Africa;
| | - Emily P. Mitchell
- South African National Biodiversity Institute, P.O. Box 754, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; (D.L.D.); (C.P.)
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, P/Bag X01, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
- Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Research, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, P/Bag X01, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
- Correspondence:
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12
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Murray SJ, Russell KN, Melzer TR, Gray SJ, Heap SJ, Palmer DN, Mitchell NL. Intravitreal gene therapy protects against retinal dysfunction and degeneration in sheep with CLN5 Batten disease. Exp Eye Res 2021; 207:108600. [PMID: 33930398 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCL; Batten disease) are a group of inherited neurodegenerative diseases primarily affecting children. A common feature across most NCLs is the progressive loss of vision. We performed intravitreal injections of self-complementary AAV9 vectors packaged with either ovine CLN5 or CLN6 into one eye of 3-month-old CLN5-/- or CLN6-/- animals, respectively. Electroretinography (ERG) was performed every month following treatment, and retinal histology was assessed post-mortem in the treated compared to untreated eye. In CLN5-/- animals, ERG amplitudes were normalised in the treated eye whilst the untreated eye declined in a similar manner to CLN5 affected controls. In CLN6-/- animals, ERG amplitudes in both eyes declined over time although the treated eye showed a slower decline. Post-mortem examination revealed significant attenuation of retinal atrophy and lysosomal storage body accumulation in the treated eye compared with the untreated eye in CLN5-/- animals. This proof-of-concept study provides the first observation of efficacious intravitreal gene therapy in a large animal model of NCL. In particular, the single administration of AAV9-mediated intravitreal gene therapy can successfully ameliorate retinal deficits in CLN5-/- sheep. Combining ocular gene therapy with brain-directed therapy presents a promising treatment strategy to be used in future sheep trials aiming to halt neurological and retinal disease in CLN5 Batten disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Murray
- Faculty of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln, 7647, New Zealand
| | - Katharina N Russell
- Faculty of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln, 7647, New Zealand
| | - Tracy R Melzer
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch and the New Zealand Brain Research Institute, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand
| | - Steven J Gray
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Stephen J Heap
- McMaster & Heap Veterinary Practice, Christchurch, 8025, New Zealand
| | - David N Palmer
- Faculty of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln, 7647, New Zealand; Department of Radiology, University of Otago, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
| | - Nadia L Mitchell
- Faculty of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln, 7647, New Zealand; Department of Radiology, University of Otago, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand.
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Katz ML, Buckley RM, Biegen V, O'Brien DP, Johnson GC, Warren WC, Lyons LA. Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis in a Domestic Cat Associated with a DNA Sequence Variant That Creates a Premature Stop Codon in CLN6. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2020; 10:2741-2751. [PMID: 32518081 PMCID: PMC7407459 DOI: 10.1534/g3.120.401407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
A neutered male domestic medium-haired cat presented at a veterinary neurology clinic at 20 months of age due to progressive neurological signs that included visual impairment, focal myoclonus, and frequent severe generalized seizures that were refractory to treatment with phenobarbital. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse global brain atrophy. Due to the severity and frequency of its seizures, the cat was euthanized at 22 months of age. Microscopic examination of the cerebellum, cerebral cortex and brainstem revealed pronounced intracellular accumulations of autofluorescent storage material and inflammation in all 3 brain regions. Ultrastructural examination of the storage material indicated that it consisted almost completely of tightly-packed membrane-like material. The clinical signs and neuropathology strongly suggested that the cat suffered from a form of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL). Whole exome sequence analysis was performed on genomic DNA from the affected cat. Comparison of the sequence data to whole exome sequence data from 39 unaffected cats and whole genome sequence data from an additional 195 unaffected cats revealed a homozygous variant in CLN6 that was unique to the affected cat. This variant was predicted to cause a stop gain in the transcript due to a guanine to adenine transition (ENSFCAT00000025909:c.668G > A; XM_003987007.5:c.668G > A) and was the sole loss of function variant detected. CLN6 variants in other species, including humans, dogs, and sheep, are associated with the CLN6 form of NCL. Based on the affected cat's clinical signs, neuropathology and molecular genetic analysis, we conclude that the cat's disorder resulted from the loss of function of CLN6. This study is only the second to identify the molecular genetic basis of a feline NCL. Other cats exhibiting similar signs can now be screened for the CLN6 variant. This could lead to establishment of a feline model of CLN6 disease that could be used in therapeutic intervention studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin L Katz
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Laboratory and Department of Ophthalmology,
| | | | | | | | | | - Wesley C Warren
- Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO and
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Nelvagal HR, Cooper JD. An update on the progress of preclinical models for guiding therapeutic management of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2019.1703672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hemanth Ramesh Nelvagal
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of genetics and genomics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jonathan D Cooper
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of genetics and genomics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
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Huber RJ, Hughes SM, Liu W, Morgan A, Tuxworth RI, Russell C. The contribution of multicellular model organisms to neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis research. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1866:165614. [PMID: 31783156 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.165614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The NCLs (neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis) are forms of neurodegenerative disease that affect people of all ages and ethnicities but are most prevalent in children. Commonly known as Batten disease, this debilitating neurological disorder is comprised of 13 different subtypes that are categorized based on the particular gene that is mutated (CLN1-8, CLN10-14). The pathological mechanisms underlying the NCLs are not well understood due to our poor understanding of the functions of NCL proteins. Only one specific treatment (enzyme replacement therapy) is approved, which is for the treating the brain in CLN2 disease. Hence there remains a desperate need for further research into disease-modifying treatments. In this review, we present and evaluate the genes, proteins and studies performed in the social amoeba, nematode, fruit fly, zebrafish, mouse and large animals pertinent to NCL. In particular, we highlight the use of multicellular model organisms to study NCL protein function, pathology and pathomechanisms. Their use in testing novel therapeutic approaches is also presented. With this information, we highlight how future research in these systems may be able to provide new insight into NCL protein functions in human cells and aid in the development of new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Huber
- Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario K9L 0G2, Canada
| | - Stephanie M Hughes
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences, Brain Health Research Centre and Genetics Otago, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Wenfei Liu
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Alan Morgan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Crown St., Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Richard I Tuxworth
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Claire Russell
- Dept. Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London NW1 0TU, UK.
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CRISPR/Cas9 mediated generation of an ovine model for infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN1 disease). Sci Rep 2019; 9:9891. [PMID: 31289301 PMCID: PMC6616324 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45859-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a group of devastating monogenetic lysosomal disorders that affect children and young adults with no cure or effective treatment currently available. One of the more severe infantile forms of the disease (INCL or CLN1 disease) is due to mutations in the palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1 (PPT1) gene and severely reduces the child's lifespan to approximately 9 years of age. In order to better translate the human condition than is possible in mice, we sought to produce a large animal model employing CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology. Three PPT1 homozygote sheep were generated by insertion of a disease-causing PPT1 (R151X) human mutation into the orthologous sheep locus. This resulted in a morphological, anatomical and biochemical disease phenotype that closely resembles the human condition. The homozygous sheep were found to have significantly reduced PPT1 enzyme activity and accumulate autofluorescent storage material, as is observed in CLN1 patients. Clinical signs included pronounced behavioral deficits as well as motor deficits and complete loss of vision, with a reduced lifespan of 17 ± 1 months at a humanely defined terminal endpoint. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed a significant decrease in motor cortical volume as well as increased ventricular volume corresponding with observed brain atrophy and a profound reduction in brain mass of 30% at necropsy, similar to alterations observed in human patients. In summary, we have generated the first CRISPR/Cas9 gene edited NCL model. This novel sheep model of CLN1 disease develops biochemical, gross morphological and in vivo brain alterations confirming the efficacy of the targeted modification and potential relevance to the human condition.
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Ella A, Barrière DA, Adriaensen H, Palmer DN, Melzer TR, Mitchell NL, Keller M. The development of brain magnetic resonance approaches in large animal models for preclinical research. Anim Front 2019; 9:44-51. [PMID: 32002261 PMCID: PMC6951960 DOI: 10.1093/af/vfz024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Arsène Ella
- Physiologie de la Reproduction & des Comportements, INRA/CNRS/Université de Tours, France.,MRC Cognition and Brain Science Unit, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - David A Barrière
- Physiologie de la Reproduction & des Comportements, INRA/CNRS/Université de Tours, France.,Neurospin, CEA, France
| | - Hans Adriaensen
- Physiologie de la Reproduction & des Comportements, INRA/CNRS/Université de Tours, France
| | - David N Palmer
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, New Zealand
| | - Tracy R Melzer
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, and New Zealand Brain Research Institute, New Zealand
| | - Nadia L Mitchell
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, New Zealand.,Department of Radiology, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Matthieu Keller
- Physiologie de la Reproduction & des Comportements, INRA/CNRS/Université de Tours, France
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Johnson TB, Cain JT, White KA, Ramirez-Montealegre D, Pearce DA, Weimer JM. Therapeutic landscape for Batten disease: current treatments and future prospects. Nat Rev Neurol 2019; 15:161-178. [PMID: 30783219 PMCID: PMC6681450 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-019-0138-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Batten disease (also known as neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses) constitutes a family of devastating lysosomal storage disorders that collectively represent the most common inherited paediatric neurodegenerative disorders worldwide. Batten disease can result from mutations in 1 of 13 genes. These mutations lead to a group of diseases with loosely overlapping symptoms and pathology. Phenotypically, patients with Batten disease have visual impairment and blindness, cognitive and motor decline, seizures and premature death. Pathologically, Batten disease is characterized by lysosomal accumulation of autofluorescent storage material, glial reactivity and neuronal loss. Substantial progress has been made towards the development of effective therapies and treatments for the multiple forms of Batten disease. In 2017, cerliponase alfa (Brineura), a tripeptidyl peptidase enzyme replacement therapy, became the first globally approved treatment for CLN2 Batten disease. Here, we provide an overview of the promising therapeutic avenues for Batten disease, highlighting current FDA-approved clinical trials and prospective future treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler B Johnson
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Jacob T Cain
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Katherine A White
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | | | - David A Pearce
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, USA.
| | - Jill M Weimer
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, USA.
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Donsante A, Boulis NM. Progress in gene and cell therapies for the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2018; 18:755-764. [PMID: 29936867 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1492544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a subset of lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) that cause myoclonic epilepsy, loss of cognitive and motor function, degeneration of the retina leading to blindness, and early death. Most are caused by loss-of-function mutations in either lysosomal proteins or transmembrane proteins. Current therapies are supportive in nature. NCLs involving lysosomal enzymes are amenable to therapies that provide an exogenous source of protein, as has been used for other LSDs. Those that involve transmembrane proteins, however, require new approaches. AREAS COVERED This review will discuss potential gene and cell therapy approaches that have been, are, or may be in development for these disorders and those that have entered clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION In animal models, gene therapy approaches have produced remarkable improvements in neurological function and lifespan. However, a complete cure has not been reached for any NCL, and a better understanding of the limits of the current crop of vectors is needed to more fully address these diseases. The prospects for gene therapy, particularly those that can be delivered systemically and treat both the brain and peripheral tissue, are high. The future is beginning to look bright for NCL patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Donsante
- a Department of Neurosurgery , Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Nicholas M Boulis
- a Department of Neurosurgery , Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
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Sima N, Li R, Huang W, Xu M, Beers J, Zou J, Titus S, Ottinger EA, Marugan JJ, Xie X, Zheng W. Neural stem cells for disease modeling and evaluation of therapeutics for infantile (CLN1/PPT1) and late infantile (CLN2/TPP1) neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2018; 13:54. [PMID: 29631617 PMCID: PMC5891977 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-018-0798-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infantile and late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are lysosomal storage diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS). The infantile NCL (INCL) is caused by mutations in the PPT1 gene and late-infantile NCL (LINCL) is due to mutations in the TPP1 gene. Deficiency in PPT1 or TPP1 enzyme function results in lysosomal accumulation of pathological lipofuscin-like material in the patient cells. There is currently no small-molecular drug treatment for NCLs. RESULTS We have generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) from three patient dermal fibroblast lines and further differentiated them into neural stem cells (NSCs). Using these new disease models, we evaluated the effect of δ-tocopherol (DT) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPBCD) with the enzyme replacement therapy as the control. Treatment with the relevant recombinant enzyme or DT significantly ameliorated the lipid accumulation and lysosomal enlargement in the disease cells. A combination therapy of δ-tocopherol and HPBCD further improved the effect compared to that of either drug used as a single therapy. CONCLUSION The results demonstrate that these patient iPSC derived NCL NSCs are valid cell- based disease models with characteristic disease phenotypes that can be used for study of disease pathophysiology and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni Sima
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.,Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Li
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Wei Huang
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.,Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Miao Xu
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Jeanette Beers
- iPSC core, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jizhong Zou
- iPSC core, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Steven Titus
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Ottinger
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Juan J Marugan
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Xing Xie
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zheng
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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White C, Mortier J, Verin R, Maddox T, Goncalves R, Sanchez-Masian D. MRI findings of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis in a cat. JFMS Open Rep 2018. [PMID: 29531776 PMCID: PMC5843104 DOI: 10.1177/2055116918757330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Case summary A 2-year-old male domestic shorthair cat presented to the University of Liverpool Small Animal Teaching Hospital with a 2 week history of altered mentation, blindness and focal epileptic seizures. MRI examination revealed generalised cerebral and cerebellar atrophy, diffuse T2-weighted hyperintensity of the white matter and meningeal thickening. Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis was confirmed on post-mortem examination. Relevance and novel information This is the first report of the MRI findings of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis in a cat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal White
- Leahurst Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Jeremy Mortier
- Leahurst Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Ranieri Verin
- Leahurst Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Thomas Maddox
- Leahurst Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Rita Goncalves
- Leahurst Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
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Katz ML, Rustad E, Robinson GO, Whiting REH, Student JT, Coates JR, Narfstrom K. Canine neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses: Promising models for preclinical testing of therapeutic interventions. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 108:277-287. [PMID: 28860089 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are devastating inherited progressive neurodegenerative diseases, with most forms having a childhood onset of clinical signs. The NCLs are characterized by progressive cognitive and motor decline, vision loss, seizures, respiratory and swallowing impairment, and ultimately premature death. Different forms of NCL result from mutations in at least 13 genes. The clinical signs of some forms overlap significantly, so genetic testing is the only way to definitively determine which form an individual patient suffers from. At present, an effective treatment is available for only one form of NCL. Evidence of NCL has been documented in over 20 canine breeds and in mixed-breed dogs. To date, 12 mutations in 8 different genes orthologous to the human NCL genes have been found to underlie NCL in a variety of dog breeds. A Dachshund model with a null mutation in one of these genes is being utilized to investigate potential therapeutic interventions, including enzyme replacement and gene therapies. Demonstration of the efficacy of enzyme replacement therapy in this model led to successful completion of human clinical trials of this treatment. Further research into the other canine NCLs, with in-depth characterization and understanding of the disease processes, will likely lead to the development of successful therapeutic interventions for additional forms of NCL, for both human patients and animals with these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin L Katz
- Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA.
| | - Eline Rustad
- Blue Star Animal Hospital, Göteborg 417 07, Sweden
| | - Grace O Robinson
- Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Rebecca E H Whiting
- Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Jeffrey T Student
- Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Joan R Coates
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Kristina Narfstrom
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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Nelvagal HR, Cooper JD. Translating preclinical models of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis: progress and prospects. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2017.1360182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hemanth R. Nelvagal
- Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan D. Cooper
- Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Torrance, CA, USA
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Best HL, Neverman NJ, Wicky HE, Mitchell NL, Leitch B, Hughes SM. Characterisation of early changes in ovine CLN5 and CLN6 Batten disease neural cultures for the rapid screening of therapeutics. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 100:62-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
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Hirz M, Drögemüller M, Schänzer A, Jagannathan V, Dietschi E, Goebel HH, Hecht W, Laubner S, Schmidt MJ, Steffen F, Hilbe M, Köhler K, Drögemüller C, Herden C. Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) is caused by the entire deletion of CLN8 in the Alpenländische Dachsbracke dog. Mol Genet Metab 2017; 120:269-277. [PMID: 28024876 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2016.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are inherited lysosomal storage diseases that have been described in a variety of dog breeds, where they are caused by different mutations in different genes. However, the causative gene defect in the breed Alpenländische Dachsbracke remained unknown so far. Here we present two confirmed cases of NCL in Alpenländische Dachsbracke dogs from different litters of the same sire with a different dam harboring the same underlying novel mutation in the CLN8 gene. Case 1, a 2-year-old male Alpenländische Dachsbracke was presented with neurological signs including disorientation, character changes including anxiety states and aggressiveness, sudden blindness and reduction of food intake. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans showed cerebral atrophy with dilation of all cerebral ventricles, thinning of the intermediate mass of the thalamus and widening of the cerebral sulci. Postmortem examination of the central nervous system (CNS) showed neuronal loss in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum and spinal cord with massive intracellular deposits of ceroid pigment. Additional ceroid-lipofuscin deposits were observed in the enteric nervous system and in macrophages within spleen, lymph nodes and lung. Ultrastructural analyses confirmed NCL with the presence of osmiophilic membrane bounded lamellar-like structures. Case 2, a 1,5-year old female Alpenländische Dachsbracke was presented with progressive generalized forebrain disease including mental changes such as fearful reactions to various kinds of external stimuli and disorientation. The dog also displayed seizures, absence of menace reactions and negative cotton-ball test with normal pupillary light reactions. The clinical and post mortem examination yielded similar results in the brain as in Case 1. Whole genome sequencing of Case 1 and PCR results of both cases revealed a homozygous deletion encompassing the entire CLN8 gene as the most likely causative mutation for the NCL form observed in both cases. The deletion follows recessive inheritance since the dam and a healthy male littermate of Case 1 were tested as heterozygous carriers. This is the first detailed description of CLN8 gene associated NCL in Alpenländische Dachsbracke dogs and thus provides a novel canine CLN8 model for this lysosomal storage disease. The presence of ceroid lipofuscin in extracerebral tissues may help to confirm the diagnosis of NCL in vivo, especially in new dog breeds where the underlying mutation is not known.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hirz
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany.
| | - M Drögemüller
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - A Schänzer
- Institute of Neuropathology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany
| | - V Jagannathan
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - E Dietschi
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - H H Goebel
- Institute of Neuropathology Charité, University Berlin, Germany
| | - W Hecht
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany
| | - S Laubner
- Clinic for Small Animals - Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany
| | - M J Schmidt
- Clinic for Small Animals - Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany
| | - F Steffen
- Clinic for Small Animals - Neurology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - M Hilbe
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - K Köhler
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany
| | - C Drögemüller
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - C Herden
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany
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Diseases of the Nervous System. Vet Med (Auckl) 2017. [PMCID: PMC7322266 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-7020-5246-0.00014-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Cronin GM, Beganovic DF, Sutton AL, Palmer D, Thomson PC, Tammen I. Manifestation of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis in Australian Merino sheep: observations on altered behaviour and growth. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2016; 175:32-40. [PMID: 26949278 DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2015.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCL) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder in children. Presently there is no effective treatment and the disorder is lethal. NCL occur in a variety of non-human species including sheep, which are recognised as valuable large animal models for NCL. This experiment investigated the progressive postural, behavioural and liveweight changes in NCL-affected lambs, to establish practical, non-invasive biomarkers of disease progression for future preclinical trials in a CLN6 Merino sheep model. A flock of eight lambs at pasture was studied, with the observer blind to the disorder status. Three genotypes were compared: homozygous affected NCL; n = 4), clinically normal heterozygous (Carrier; n = 2) and homozygous normal (non-carrier control (Normal); n = 2). Direct observation during daylight and continuous accelerometer measurements over 72 h were used to quantify lamb posture and behaviour in 11 sessions between 26-60 weeks of age, conducted at 3-5 week intervals. There was a Genotype (G) × Age (A) interaction (P = 0.001) for liveweight of the lambs in the experiment, with NCL, Carrier and Normal lambs gaining 11.8, 16.5 and 23.4 kg, respectively, between 26 and 60 weeks of age. G×A interactions were also found for walking behaviour (means for NCL, Carrier and Normal genotype groups at 26 and 60 weeks, were 1.7 and 7.9%, 3.3 and 3.1%, and 2.5 and 1.9% of observations, P = 0.008) and a composite variable of key behaviours identified in the principal components analysis (P < 0.001), with mean values for NCL lambs increasing three-fold compared to non-affected lambs as age increased. Similarly, NCL lambs became less responsive to visual and auditory stimuli as they aged. Mean responsiveness scores (out of 3) to visual stimuli for the NCL, Carrier and Normal genotypes at 26 and 60 weeks of age were 2.7 and 1.4, 2.8 and 2.9, and 3.0 and 3.0, respectively (G × A, P < 0.001). Changes in response to auditory stimuli were similar to visual stimuli. NCL lambs took more (P = 0.015) steps per 24 h than Carrier and Normal genotype lambs, but there was no G × A interaction. At 26 and 60 weeks of age respectively, NCL lambs took 2724 and 4121 steps per 24 h, compared to Carrier (1708 and 3105 steps) and Normal genotype lambs (2109 and 3506 steps). NCL lambs also performed less (P = 0.018) grazing behaviour than Carrier and Normal genotype lambs (66.5, 72.3 and 72.5% of observations for NCL, Carrier and Normal lambs, respectively). A number of behavioural changes identified in the experiment could form the basis for a protocol for monitoring and evaluation of disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg M Cronin
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Private Bag 4003 Narellan, New South Wales 2567, Australia
| | - Danai F Beganovic
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Private Bag 4003 Narellan, New South Wales 2567, Australia
| | - Amanda L Sutton
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Private Bag 4003 Narellan, New South Wales 2567, Australia
| | - DavidJ Palmer
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Private Bag 4003 Narellan, New South Wales 2567, Australia
| | - Peter C Thomson
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Private Bag 4003 Narellan, New South Wales 2567, Australia
| | - Imke Tammen
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Private Bag 4003 Narellan, New South Wales 2567, Australia
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Pinnapureddy AR, Stayner C, McEwan J, Baddeley O, Forman J, Eccles MR. Large animal models of rare genetic disorders: sheep as phenotypically relevant models of human genetic disease. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2015; 10:107. [PMID: 26329332 PMCID: PMC4557632 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-015-0327-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals that accurately model human disease are invaluable in medical research, allowing a critical understanding of disease mechanisms, and the opportunity to evaluate the effect of therapeutic compounds in pre-clinical studies. Many types of animal models are used world-wide, with the most common being small laboratory animals, such as mice. However, rodents often do not faithfully replicate human disease, despite their predominant use in research. This discordancy is due in part to physiological differences, such as body size and longevity. In contrast, large animal models, including sheep, provide an alternative to mice for biomedical research due to their greater physiological parallels with humans. Completion of the full genome sequences of many species, and the advent of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies, means it is now feasible to screen large populations of domesticated animals for genetic variants that resemble human genetic diseases, and generate models that more accurately model rare human pathologies. In this review, we discuss the notion of using sheep as large animal models, and their advantages in modelling human genetic disease. We exemplify several existing naturally occurring ovine variants in genes that are orthologous to human disease genes, such as the Cln6 sheep model for Batten disease. These, and other sheep models, have contributed significantly to our understanding of the relevant human disease process, in addition to providing opportunities to trial new therapies in animals with similar body and organ size to humans. Therefore sheep are a significant species with respect to the modelling of rare genetic human disease, which we summarize in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish R Pinnapureddy
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, P.O. Box 913, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand.
| | - Cherie Stayner
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, P.O. Box 913, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand.
| | - John McEwan
- AgResearch, Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel, New Zealand.
| | - Olivia Baddeley
- New Zealand Organisation for Rare Disorders, Wellington, New Zealand.
| | - John Forman
- New Zealand Organisation for Rare Disorders, Wellington, New Zealand.
| | - Michael R Eccles
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, P.O. Box 913, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand. .,Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Level 2, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland, New Zealand.
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Sawiak SJ, Perumal SR, Rudiger SR, Matthews L, Mitchell NL, McLaughlan CJ, Bawden CS, Palmer DN, Kuchel T, Morton AJ. Rapid and Progressive Regional Brain Atrophy in CLN6 Batten Disease Affected Sheep Measured with Longitudinal Magnetic Resonance Imaging. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0132331. [PMID: 26161747 PMCID: PMC4498759 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Variant late-infantile Batten disease is a neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis caused by mutations in CLN6. It is a recessive genetic lysosomal storage disease characterised by progressive neurodegeneration. It starts insidiously and leads to blindness, epilepsy and dementia in affected children. Sheep that are homozygous for a natural mutation in CLN6 have an ovine form of Batten disease Here, we used in vivo magnetic resonance imaging to track brain changes in 4 unaffected carriers and 6 affected Batten disease sheep. We scanned each sheep 4 times, between 17 and 22 months of age. Cortical atrophy in all sheep was pronounced at the baseline scan in all affected Batten disease sheep. Significant atrophy was also present in other brain regions (caudate, putamen and amygdala). Atrophy continued measurably in all of these regions during the study. Longitudinal MRI in sheep was sensitive enough to measure significant volume changes over the relatively short study period, even in the cortex, where nearly 40% of volume was already lost at the start of the study. Thus longitudinal MRI could be used to study the dynamics of progression of neurodegenerative changes in sheep models of Batten disease, as well as to assess therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J. Sawiak
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, UK
- Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre, University of Cambridge, Box 65 Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Skye R. Rudiger
- Preclinical, Imaging and Research Laboratories, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Gilles Plains, South Australia
| | - Loren Matthews
- South Australian Research and Development Institute, Roseworthy, South Australia
| | - Nadia L. Mitchell
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Batten Animal Research Network, Lincoln University, Lincoln, New Zealand
| | - Clive J. McLaughlan
- Preclinical, Imaging and Research Laboratories, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Gilles Plains, South Australia
| | - C. Simon Bawden
- Preclinical, Imaging and Research Laboratories, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Gilles Plains, South Australia
| | - David N. Palmer
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Batten Animal Research Network, Lincoln University, Lincoln, New Zealand
| | - Timothy Kuchel
- South Australian Research and Development Institute, Roseworthy, South Australia
| | - A. Jennifer Morton
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, UK
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Palmer DN. The relevance of the storage of subunit c of ATP synthase in different forms and models of Batten disease (NCLs). Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2015; 1852:2287-91. [PMID: 26093153 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2015.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The discoveries of specific protein storage in the NCLs, particularly of subunit c of ATP synthase in most, and the sphingolipid activator proteins, SAPs or saposins A and D in CLN1, CLN10 and an unassigned form are reviewed. The subunit c stored in the relevant NCLs is the complete mature molecule including an unusual modification found only in animal species, trimethylation of its lysine-43. Because of its strongly hydrophobic and lipid-like properties subunit c is easily overlooked or incorrectly described. This is becoming more of a problem as subunit c is not detected in standard proteomic investigations. Methods are reviewed that allow its unequivocal characterisation. Subunit c storage and cellular storage body accumulation do not cause the neuropathology characteristic of these diseases. The function of the trimethyl group on lysine-43 of subunit c is considered, along with some indications of where its normal turnover may be disrupted in the NCLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- David N Palmer
- Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, PO Box 85084, Lincoln 7647, New Zealand; BARN (www.BARN.org.nz).
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Recent studies of ovine neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses from BARN, the Batten Animal Research Network. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2015; 1852:2279-86. [PMID: 26073432 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2015.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Revised: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Studies on naturally occurring New Zealand and Australian ovine models of the neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinoses (Batten disease, NCLs) have greatly aided our understanding of these diseases. Close collaborations between the New Zealand groups at Lincoln University and the University of Otago, Dunedin, and a group at the University of Sydney, Australia, led to the formation of BARN, the Batten Animal Research Network. This review focusses on presentations at the 14th International Conference on Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (Batten Disease), recent relevant background work, and previews of work in preparation for publication. Themes include CLN5 and CLN6 neuronal cell culture studies, studies on tissues from affected and control animals and whole animal in vivo studies. Topics include the effect of a CLN6 mutation on endoplasmic reticulum proteins, lysosomal function and the interactions of CLN6 with other lysosomal activities and trafficking, scoping gene-based therapies, a molecular dissection of neuroinflammation, identification of differentially expressed genes in brain tissue, an attempted therapy with an anti-inflammatory drug in vivo and work towards gene therapy in ovine models of the NCLs. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: "Current Research on the Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (Batten Disease)".
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Faller KME, Gutierrez-Quintana R, Mohammed A, Rahim AA, Tuxworth RI, Wager K, Bond M. The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses: Opportunities from model systems. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2015; 1852:2267-78. [PMID: 25937302 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2015.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Revised: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses are a group of severe and progressive neurodegenerative disorders, generally with childhood onset. Despite the fact that these diseases remain fatal, significant breakthroughs have been made in our understanding of the genetics that underpin these conditions. This understanding has allowed the development of a broad range of models to study disease processes, and to develop new therapeutic approaches. Such models have contributed significantly to our knowledge of these conditions. In this review we will focus on the advantages of each individual model, describe some of the contributions the models have made to our understanding of the broader disease biology and highlight new techniques and approaches relevant to the study and potential treatment of the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: "Current Research on the Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (Batten Disease)".
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiterie M E Faller
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary, Medical and Life Sciences, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Rodrigo Gutierrez-Quintana
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary, Medical and Life Sciences, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Alamin Mohammed
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Ahad A Rahim
- UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Richard I Tuxworth
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Kim Wager
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, The Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Michael Bond
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College of London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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Grubman A, Lidgerwood GE, Duncan C, Bica L, Tan JL, Parker SJ, Caragounis A, Meyerowitz J, Volitakis I, Moujalled D, Liddell JR, Hickey JL, Horne M, Longmuir S, Koistinaho J, Donnelly PS, Crouch PJ, Tammen I, White AR, Kanninen KM. Deregulation of subcellular biometal homeostasis through loss of the metal transporter, Zip7, in a childhood neurodegenerative disorder. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2014; 2:25. [PMID: 24581221 PMCID: PMC4029264 DOI: 10.1186/2051-5960-2-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aberrant biometal metabolism is a key feature of neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Metal modulating compounds are promising therapeutics for neurodegeneration, but their mechanism of action remains poorly understood. Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), caused by mutations in CLN genes, are fatal childhood neurodegenerative lysosomal storage diseases without a cure. We previously showed biometal accumulation in ovine and murine models of the CLN6 variant NCL, but the mechanism is unknown. This study extended the concept that alteration of biometal functions is involved in pathology in these disorders, and investigated molecular mechanisms underlying impaired biometal trafficking in CLN6 disease. Results We observed significant region-specific biometal accumulation and deregulation of metal trafficking pathways prior to disease onset in CLN6 affected sheep. Substantial progressive loss of the ER/Golgi-resident Zn transporter, Zip7, which colocalized with the disease-associated protein, CLN6, may contribute to the subcellular deregulation of biometal homeostasis in NCLs. Importantly, the metal-complex, ZnII(atsm), induced Zip7 upregulation, promoted Zn redistribution and restored Zn-dependent functions in primary mouse Cln6 deficient neurons and astrocytes. Conclusions This study demonstrates the central role of the metal transporter, Zip7, in the aberrant biometal metabolism of CLN6 variants of NCL and further highlights the key contribution of deregulated biometal trafficking to the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases. Importantly, our results suggest that ZnII(atsm) may be a candidate for therapeutic trials for NCLs.
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A murine model of variant late infantile ceroid lipofuscinosis recapitulates behavioral and pathological phenotypes of human disease. PLoS One 2013; 8:e78694. [PMID: 24223841 PMCID: PMC3815212 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2012] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs; also known collectively as Batten Disease) are a family of autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorders. Mutations in as many as 13 genes give rise to ∼10 variants of NCL, all with overlapping clinical symptomatology including visual impairment, motor and cognitive dysfunction, seizures, and premature death. Mutations in CLN6 result in both a variant late infantile onset neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (vLINCL) as well as an adult-onset form of the disease called Type A Kufs. CLN6 is a non-glycosylated membrane protein of unknown function localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In this study, we perform a detailed characterization of a naturally occurring Cln6 mutant (Cln6nclf) mouse line to validate its utility for translational research. We demonstrate that this Cln6nclf mutation leads to deficits in motor coordination, vision, memory, and learning. Pathologically, we demonstrate loss of neurons within specific subregions and lamina of the cortex that correlate to behavioral phenotypes. As in other NCL models, this model displays selective loss of GABAergic interneuron sub-populations in the cortex and the hippocampus with profound, early-onset glial activation. Finally, we demonstrate a novel deficit in memory and learning, including a dramatic reduction in dendritic spine density in the cerebral cortex, which suggests a reduction in synaptic strength following disruption in CLN6. Together, these findings highlight the behavioral and pathological similarities between the Cln6nclf mouse model and human NCL patients, validating this model as a reliable format for screening potential therapeutics.
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NCL disease mechanisms. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2013; 1832:1882-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2013.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2012] [Revised: 05/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Progressive retinal degeneration and glial activation in the CLN6 (nclf) mouse model of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis: a beneficial effect of DHA and curcumin supplementation. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75963. [PMID: 24124525 PMCID: PMC3790850 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) is a group of neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorders characterized by vision loss, mental and motor deficits, and spontaneous seizures. Neuropathological analyses of autopsy material from NCL patients and animal models revealed brain atrophy closely associated with glial activity. Earlier reports also noticed loss of retinal cells and reactive gliosis in some forms of NCL. To study this phenomenon in detail, we analyzed the ocular phenotype of CLN6nclf mice, an established mouse model for variant-late infantile NCL. Retinal morphometry, immunohistochemistry, optokinetic tracking, electroretinography, and mRNA expression were used to characterize retinal morphology and function as well as the responses of Müller cells and microglia. Our histological data showed a severe and progressive degeneration in the CLN6nclf retina co-inciding with reactive Müller glia. Furthermore, a prominent phenotypic transformation of ramified microglia to phagocytic, bloated, and mislocalized microglial cells was identified in CLN6nclf retinas. These events overlapped with a rapid loss of visual perception and retinal function. Based on the strong microglia reactivity we hypothesized that dietary supplementation with immuno-regulatory compounds, curcumin and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), could ameliorate microgliosis and reduce retinal degeneration. Our analyses showed that treatment of three-week-old CLN6nclf mice with either 5% DHA or 0.6% curcumin for 30 weeks resulted in a reduced number of amoeboid reactive microglia and partially improved retinal function. DHA-treatment also improved the morphology of CLN6nclf retinas with a preserved thickness of the photoreceptor layer in most regions of the retina. Our results suggest that microglial reactivity closely accompanies disease progression in the CLN6nclf retina and both processes can be attenuated with dietary supplemented immuno-modulating compounds.
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Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses, collectively referred to as Batten disease, make up a group of inherited childhood disorders that result in blindness, motor and cognitive regression, brain atrophy, and seizures, ultimately leading to premature death. So far more than 10 genes have been implicated in different forms of the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses. Most related research has involved mouse models, but several naturally occurring large animal models have recently been discovered. In this review, we discuss the different large animal models and their significance in Batten disease research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystal Weber
- Sanford Children's Health Research Center, Sanford Research/University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - David A. Pearce
- Sanford Children's Health Research Center, Sanford Research/University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
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Kay GW, Palmer DN. Chronic oral administration of minocycline to sheep with ovine CLN6 neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis maintains pharmacological concentrations in the brain but does not suppress neuroinflammation or disease progression. J Neuroinflammation 2013; 10:97. [PMID: 23899308 PMCID: PMC3733893 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-10-97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs; or Batten disease) are fatal inherited human neurodegenerative diseases affecting an estimated 1:12,500 live births worldwide. They are caused by mutations in at least 11 different genes. Currently, there are no effective treatments. Progress into understanding pathogenesis and possible therapies depends on studying animal models. The most studied animals are the CLN6 South Hampshire sheep, in which the course of neuropathology closely follows that in affected children. Neurodegeneration, a hallmark of the disease, has been linked to neuroinflammation and is consequent to it. Activation of astrocytes and microglia begins prenatally, starting from specific foci associated with the later development of progressive cortical atrophy and the development of clinical symptoms, including the occipital cortex and blindness. Both neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation generalize and become more severe with increasing age and increasing clinical severity. The purpose of this study was to determine if chronic administration of an anti-inflammatory drug, minocycline, from an early age would halt or reverse the development of disease. METHOD Minocycline, a tetracycline family antibiotic with activity against neuroinflammation, was tested by chronic oral administration of 25 mg minocycline/kg/day to presymptomatic lambs affected with CLN6 NCL at 3 months of age to 14 months of age, when clinical symptoms are obvious, to determine if this would suppress neuroinflammation or disease progression. RESULTS Minocycline was absorbed without significant rumen biotransformation to maintain pharmacological concentrations of 1 μM in plasma and 400 nM in cerebrospinal fluid, but these did not result in inhibition of microglial activation or astrocytosis and did not change the neuronal loss or clinical course of the disease. CONCLUSION Oral administration is an effective route for drug delivery to the central nervous system in large animals, and model studies in these animals should precede highly speculative procedures in humans. Minocycline does not inhibit a critical step in the neuroinflammatory cascade in this form of Batten disease. Identification of the critical steps in the neuroinflammatory cascade in neurodegenerative diseases, and targeting of specific drugs to them, will greatly increase the likelihood of success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham W Kay
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, PO Box 85084, Lincoln 7647, New Zealand
| | - David N Palmer
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, PO Box 85084, Lincoln 7647, New Zealand
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Increased zinc and manganese in parallel with neurodegeneration, synaptic protein changes and activation of Akt/GSK3 signaling in ovine CLN6 neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e58644. [PMID: 23516525 PMCID: PMC3597713 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0058644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2012] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the CLN6 gene cause a variant late infantile form of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL; Batten disease). CLN6 loss leads to disease clinically characterized by vision impairment, motor and cognitive dysfunction, and seizures. Accumulating evidence suggests that alterations in metal homeostasis and cellular signaling pathways are implicated in several neurodegenerative and developmental disorders, yet little is known about their role in the NCLs. To explore the disease mechanisms of CLN6 NCL, metal concentrations and expression of proteins implicated in cellular signaling pathways were assessed in brain tissue from South Hampshire and Merino CLN6 sheep. Analyses revealed increased zinc and manganese concentrations in affected sheep brain in those regions where neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration first occur. Synaptic proteins, the metal-binding protein metallothionein, and the Akt/GSK3 and ERK/MAPK cellular signaling pathways were also altered. These results demonstrate that altered metal concentrations, synaptic protein changes, and aberrant modulation of cellular signaling pathways are characteristic features in the CLN6 ovine form of NCL.
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Use of model organisms for the study of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2013; 1832:1842-65. [PMID: 23338040 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2013.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2012] [Revised: 01/07/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses are a group of fatal progressive neurodegenerative diseases predominantly affecting children. Identification of mutations that cause neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, and subsequent functional and pathological studies of the affected genes, underpins efforts to investigate disease mechanisms and identify and test potential therapeutic strategies. These functional studies and pre-clinical trials necessitate the use of model organisms in addition to cell and tissue culture models as they enable the study of protein function within a complex organ such as the brain and the testing of therapies on a whole organism. To this end, a large number of disease models and genetic tools have been identified or created in a variety of model organisms. In this review, we will discuss the ethical issues associated with experiments using model organisms, the factors underlying the choice of model organism, the disease models and genetic tools available, and the contributions of those disease models and tools to neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis research. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses or Batten Disease.
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Lühken G. Genetic testing for phenotype-causing variants in sheep and goats. Mol Cell Probes 2012; 26:231-7. [PMID: 22554501 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2012.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2011] [Revised: 04/10/2012] [Accepted: 04/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This review gives an overview on ovine and caprine defects/disorders, disease predispositions, production traits and coat colours for which causal gene variants are known. Most phenotypes are inherited autosomal-recessive or dominant and in the majority are caused by single nucleotide substitutions or deletions. Causative sequence variants mainly were identified by sequencing candidate genes in the past, and recently also by whole genome analysis using the ovine 50k SNP chip. While PCR-fragment length polymorphism analyses were developed for the majority of causative sequence variants, other low- to medium-throughput PCR-based methods as PCR-single strand conformation analysis and allele-specific PCR were also established frequently. For processing large sample numbers, high-throughput methods as MALDI-ToF MS or real-time PCR are available for some gene variants. Further progress in development of ovine and caprine genome sequences and SNP chips will be beneficial for the discovery of additional causative variants in these two species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gesine Lühken
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Ludwigstrasse 21B, 35390 Giessen, Germany.
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Evans EE, Jones MP, Crews AJ, Newkirk K. Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis in a Mallard Duck (Anas platyrhynchos). J Avian Med Surg 2012; 26:22-8. [DOI: 10.1647/2010-045.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Thelen M, Fehr S, Schweizer M, Braulke T, Galliciotti G. High expression of disease-related Cln6 in the cerebral cortex, purkinje cells, dentate gyrus, and hippocampal ca1 neurons. J Neurosci Res 2011; 90:568-74. [PMID: 22012656 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.22773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2011] [Revised: 07/22/2011] [Accepted: 07/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the CLN6 gene cause a variant form of late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, a relentless neurodegenerative disease that is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait in humans and in the naturally occurring nclf mouse strain. The CLN6 protein is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum, but it has an unknown function. To develop a molecular understanding of neurodegeneration induced by mutations in CLN6, we examined the spatial and temporal distribution of Cln6 mRNA expression in murine brain. By using Northern blot and tissue qPCR array techniques, a single Cln6 transcript was detected throughout the adult brain, with greatest expression in the cerebellum and hypothalamus. Real-time qPCR showed 2.4-4-fold increases in Cln6 mRNA levels in the cortex and cerebellum during the first 28 days of life, with less prominent enhancement of expression in the hippocampus. In situ hybridization analyses demonstrated Cln6 expression in brainstem, dentate gyrus, and hippocampal neurons of newborn P0 mice. From P14 onward, Cln6 expression is widely distributed throughout the brain and is most prominent in cells of cortical layers II-VI, the Purkinje cell layer, dentate gyrus, and hippocampal CA1 region of adult mice. In different regions of the brain in P0 and P28 nclf mice, the Cln6 mRNA abundance was reduced by 30-40% compared with control mice. These findings implicate Cln6 in the survival and maturation of specific neuronal populations during development and make it possible to compare regional Cln6 expression with the distribution of subsequent pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Thelen
- Department of Biochemistry, Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Windsor PA, Kessell AE, Finnie JW. Review of neurological diseases of ruminant livestock in Australia. VI: postnatal bovine, and ovine and caprine, neurogenetic disorders. Aust Vet J 2011; 89:432-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2011.00834.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Wöhlke A, Philipp U, Bock P, Beineke A, Lichtner P, Meitinger T, Distl O. A one base pair deletion in the canine ATP13A2 gene causes exon skipping and late-onset neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis in the Tibetan terrier. PLoS Genet 2011; 7:e1002304. [PMID: 22022275 PMCID: PMC3192819 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2010] [Accepted: 08/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by brain and retinal atrophy and the intracellular accumulation of autofluorescent lysosomal storage bodies resembling lipofuscin in neurons and other cells. Tibetan terriers show a late-onset lethal form of NCL manifesting first visible signs at 5–7 years of age. Genome-wide association analyses for 12 Tibetan-terrier-NCL-cases and 7 Tibetan-terrier controls using the 127K canine Affymetrix SNP chip and mixed model analysis mapped NCL to dog chromosome (CFA) 2 at 83.71–84.72 Mb. Multipoint linkage and association analyses in 376 Tibetan terriers confirmed this genomic region on CFA2. A mutation analysis for 14 positional candidate genes in two NCL-cases and one control revealed a strongly associated single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the MAPK PM20/PM21 gene and a perfectly with NCL associated single base pair deletion (c.1620delG) within exon 16 of the ATP13A2 gene. The c.1620delG mutation in ATP13A2 causes skipping of exon 16 presumably due to a broken exonic splicing enhancer motif. As a result of this mutation, ATP13A2 lacks 69 amino acids. All known 24 NCL cases were homozygous for this deletion and all obligate 35 NCL-carriers were heterozygous. In a sample of 144 dogs from eleven other breeds, the c.1620delG mutation could not be found. Knowledge of the causative mutation for late-onset NCL in Tibetan terrier allows genetic testing of these dogs to avoid matings of carrier animals. ATP13A2 mutations have been described in familial Parkinson syndrome (PARK9). Tibetan terriers with these mutations provide a valuable model for a PARK9-linked disease and possibly for manganese toxicity in synucleinopathies. The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) is a neurodegenerative storage diseases characterized by psychomotor retardation, blindness, and premature death. NCL has been reported in several dog breeds. NCL is characterized by progressive brain and retinal atrophy and the intracellular accumulation of autofluorescent lysosomal storage bodies resembling lipofuscin. Tibetan terriers show a late-onset and lethal NCL (age of onset 5–7 years) with an autosomal recessive inheritance. The most frequently described first symptom is blindness in twilight. In the disease progress the affected dogs often appear nervous or anxious and the lack of motor coordination becomes more severe. In the final stages of this disease, mild but also severe seizures have been observed by the owner. There are no treatment options for affected dogs. Through a genome-wide association analysis using the 127K canine Affymetrix SNP chip, we found a 1 Mb candidate genomic region and identified ATP13A2 as the most likely candidate for NCL. A 1-base pair deletion mutation within exon 16 of the ATP13A2 gene caused the loss of an exonic splicing enhancer and, consequently, the alternative splicing lead to skipping of exon 16. This study provides a suitable animal model for PARK9 in man to develop therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Wöhlke
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ute Philipp
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Patricia Bock
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Beineke
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Lichtner
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Human Genetics, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Meitinger
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Human Genetics, Neuherberg, Germany
- Technische Universität München, Institute of Human Genetics, München, Germany
| | - Ottmar Distl
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Shariflou MR, Wade CM, Windsor PA, Tammen I, James JW, Nicholas FW. Lethal genetic disorder in Poll Merino/Merino sheep in Australia. Aust Vet J 2011; 89:254-9. [PMID: 21696373 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2011.00789.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Characterise a lethal genetic disorder in Poll Merino/Merino sheep DESIGN Pathological description of a new congenital multisystem disorder in a commercial sheep flock, and analysis of breeding data collected each lambing season between 2004 and mid-lambing season 2010. PROCEDURE Necropsies were conducted on six affected lambs and the mode of inheritance of the disorder was determined by pedigree and segregation analyses. RESULTS The affected lambs were dwarfs with multiple defects in several organs, including skeleton, heart, liver and kidneys. The disorder has been named brachygnathia, cardiomegaly and renal hypoplasia syndrome (BCRHS). Segregation analysis suggests the disorder is transmitted as an autosomal trait with a recessive mode of inheritance. An annual incidence of the disorder in the discovery flock of up to 2.5% was recorded. CONCLUSIONS As a lethal disorder, the occurrence of BCRHS raises potential ethical and economic concerns for Merino breeders. The development of a DNA test would be useful to investigate its distribution in the Australian wool-sheep population. As the disorder affects both the skeleton and several critical organs, including the heart, it may provide a potential animal model for investigating key developmental processes in humans and other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Shariflou
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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Linterman KS, Palmer DN, Kay GW, Barry LA, Mitchell NL, McFarlane RG, Black MA, Sands MS, Hughes SM. Lentiviral-mediated gene transfer to the sheep brain: implications for gene therapy in Batten disease. Hum Gene Ther 2011; 22:1011-20. [PMID: 21595499 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2011.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs; Batten disease) are inherited neurodegenerative lysosomal storage diseases with common clinical features of blindness and seizures culminating in premature death. Gene-therapy strategies for these diseases depend on whether the missing activity is a secreted lysosomal protein taken up by neighboring cells, or an intramembrane protein that requires careful targeting. Therapies are best developed in animal models with large complex human-like brains. Lentiviral-mediated gene delivery to neural cell cultures from normal sheep and sheep affected with an NCL resulted in green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression in neurons and neuroblasts, more efficiently than in astrocytes. Similar transgene expression was obtained from two constitutive promoters, the viral MND promoter and the human EF1α promoter. In vivo studies showed stable and persistent GFP expression throughout the cell bodies, axons, and dendrites from intracortical injections and indicated ependymal and subependymal transduction. The sheep showed no ill effects from the injections. These data support continuing gene-therapy trials in the sheep models of Batten disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn S Linterman
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
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Abstract
The NCLs (neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses) (also known as Batten disease) are a group of at least ten fatal inherited storage disorders. Despite the identification of many of the disease-causing genes, very little is known about the underlying disease mechanisms. However, now that we have mouse or large-animal models for most forms of NCL, we can investigate pathogenesis and compare what happens in the brain in different types of the disease. Broadly similar neuropathological themes have emerged, including the highly selective nature of neuron loss, early effects upon the presynaptic compartment, together with an early and localized glial activation. These events are especially pronounced within the thalamocortical system, but it is clear that where and when they occur varies markedly between different forms of NCL. It is now becoming apparent that, despite having pathological endpoints that resemble one another, these are reached by a sequence of events that is specific to each subtype of NCL.
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A missense mutation in canine CLN6 in an Australian shepherd with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. J Biomed Biotechnol 2010; 2011:198042. [PMID: 21234413 PMCID: PMC3014706 DOI: 10.1155/2011/198042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2010] [Accepted: 10/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The childhood neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are inherited neurodegenerative diseases that are progressive and ultimately fatal. An Australian Shepherd that exhibited a progressive neurological disorder with signs similar to human NCL was evaluated. The cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and retina were found to contain massive accumulations of autofluorescent inclusions characteristic of the NCLs. Nucleotide sequence analysis of DNA from the affected dog identified a T to C variant (c.829T>C) in exon 7 of CLN6. Mutations in the human ortholog underlie a late-infantile form of NCL in humans. The T-to-C transition results in a tryptophan to arginine amino acid change in the predicted protein sequence. Tryptophans occur at homologous positions in the CLN6 proteins from all 13 other vertebrates evaluated. The c.829T>C transition is a strong candidate for the causative mutation in this NCL-affected dog. Dogs with this mutation could serve as a model for the analogous human disorder.
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