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Christen M, Gregor KM, Böttcher-Künneke A, Lombardo MS, Baumgärtner W, Jagannathan V, Puff C, Leeb T. Intragenic MFSD8 duplication and histopathological findings in a rabbit with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Anim Genet 2024; 55:588-598. [PMID: 38712841 DOI: 10.1111/age.13441] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCL) are among the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders of early life in humans. Disease-causing variants have been described for 13 different NCL genes. In this study, a refined pathological characterization of a female rabbit with progressive neurological signs reminiscent of NCL was performed. Cytoplasmic pigment present in neurons was weakly positive with Sudan black B and autofluorescent. Immunohistology revealed astrogliosis, microgliosis and axonal degeneration. During the subsequent genetic investigation, the genome of the affected rabbit was sequenced and examined for private variants in NCL candidate genes. The analysis revealed a homozygous ~10.7 kb genomic duplication on chromosome 15 comprising parts of the MFSD8 gene, NC_013683.1:g.103,727,963_103,738,667dup. The duplication harbors two internal protein coding exons and is predicted to introduce a premature stop codon into the transcript, truncating ~50% of the wild-type MFSD8 open reading frame encoding the major facilitator superfamily domain containing protein 8, XP_002717309.2:p.(Glu235Leufs*23). Biallelic loss-of-function variants in MFSD8 have been described to cause NCL7 in human patients, dogs and a single cat. The available clinical and pathological data, together with current knowledge about MFSD8 variants and their functional impact in other species, point to the MFSD8 duplication as a likely causative defect for the observed phenotype in the affected rabbit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Christen
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Katharina M Gregor
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Mara S Lombardo
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Baumgärtner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Vidhya Jagannathan
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christina Puff
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Tosso Leeb
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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2
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Swier VJ, White KA, Johnson TB, Wang X, Han J, Pearce DA, Singh R, Drack AV, Pfeifer W, Rogers CS, Brudvig JJ, Weimer JM. A novel porcine model of CLN3 Batten disease recapitulates clinical phenotypes. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm050038. [PMID: 37305926 PMCID: PMC10434985 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050038] [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: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mouse models of CLN3 Batten disease, a rare lysosomal storage disorder with no cure, have improved our understanding of CLN3 biology and therapeutics through their ease of use and a consistent display of cellular pathology. However, the translatability of murine models is limited by disparities in anatomy, body size, life span and inconsistent subtle behavior deficits that can be difficult to detect in CLN3 mutant mouse models, thereby limiting their use in preclinical studies. Here, we present a longitudinal characterization of a novel miniswine model of CLN3 disease that recapitulates the most common human pathogenic variant, an exon 7-8 deletion (CLN3Δex7/8). Progressive pathology and neuron loss is observed in various regions of the CLN3Δex7/8 miniswine brain and retina. Additionally, mutant miniswine present with retinal degeneration and motor abnormalities, similar to deficits seen in humans diagnosed with the disease. Taken together, the CLN3Δex7/8 miniswine model shows consistent and progressive Batten disease pathology, and behavioral impairment mirroring clinical presentation, demonstrating its value in studying the role of CLN3 and safety/efficacy of novel disease-modifying therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki J. Swier
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | - Katherine A. White
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | - Tyler B. Johnson
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | | | - Jimin Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - David A. Pearce
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | - Ruchira Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Arlene V. Drack
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Wanda Pfeifer
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | | | - Jon J. Brudvig
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, USA
| | - Jill M. Weimer
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, USA
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3
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Munesue Y, Ageyama N, Kimura N, Takahashi I, Nakayama S, Okabayashi S, Katakai Y, Koie H, Yagami KI, Ishii K, Tamaoka A, Yasutomi Y, Shimozawa N. Cynomolgus macaque model of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 disease. Exp Neurol 2023; 363:114381. [PMID: 36918063 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are autosomal-recessive fatal neurodegenerative diseases that occur in children and young adults, with symptoms including ataxia, seizures and visual impairment. We report the discovery of cynomolgus macaques carrying the CLN2/TPP1 variant and our analysis of whether the macaques could be a new non-human primate model for NCL type 2 (CLN2) disease. Three cynomolgus macaques presented progressive neuronal clinical symptoms such as limb tremors and gait disturbance after about 2 years of age. Morphological analyses using brain MRI at the endpoint of approximately 3 years of age revealed marked cerebellar and cerebral atrophy of the gray matter, with sulcus dilation, gyrus thinning, and ventricular enlargement. Histopathological analyses of three affected macaques revealed severe neuronal loss and degeneration in the cerebellar and cerebral cortices, accompanied by glial activation and/or changes in axonal morphology. Neurons observed throughout the central nervous system contained autofluorescent cytoplasmic pigments, which were identified as ceroid-lipofuscin based on staining properties, and the cerebral cortex examined by transmission electron microscopy had curvilinear profiles, the typical ultrastructural pattern of CLN2. These findings are commonly observed in all forms of NCL. DNA sequencing analysis identified a homozygous single-base deletion (c.42delC) of the CLN2/TPP1 gene, resulting in a frameshifted premature stop codon. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that tissue from the affected macaques lacked a detectable signal against TPP1, the product of the CLN2/TPP1 gene. Analysis for transmission of the CLN2/TPP1 mutated gene revealed that 47 (49.5%) and 48 (50.5%) of the 95 individuals genotyped in the CLN2-affected macaque family were heterozygous carriers and homozygous wild-type individuals, respectively. Thus, we identified cynomolgus macaques as a non-human primate model of CLN2 disease. The CLN2 macaques reported here could become a useful resource for research and the development of drugs and methods for treating CLN2 disease, which involves severe symptoms in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiko Munesue
- Division of Clinical Medicine, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Naohide Ageyama
- Tsukuba Primate Research Center, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, 1-1 Hachimandai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0843, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Kimura
- Tsukuba Primate Research Center, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, 1-1 Hachimandai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0843, Japan; Department of Veterinary Associated Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, 1-3 Ikoinooka, Imabari, Ehime 794-8555, Japan
| | - Ichiro Takahashi
- Tsukuba Primate Research Center, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, 1-1 Hachimandai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0843, Japan
| | - Shunya Nakayama
- Tsukuba Primate Research Center, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, 1-1 Hachimandai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0843, Japan; Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology/Pathophysiology, Nihon University, College of Bioresource Science, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Sachi Okabayashi
- The Corporation for Production and Research of Laboratory Primates, 1-16-2 Sakura, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0843, Japan
| | - Yuko Katakai
- The Corporation for Production and Research of Laboratory Primates, 1-16-2 Sakura, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0843, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Koie
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology/Pathophysiology, Nihon University, College of Bioresource Science, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Yagami
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Ishii
- Division of Clinical Medicine, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Akira Tamaoka
- Division of Clinical Medicine, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Yasutomi
- Tsukuba Primate Research Center, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, 1-1 Hachimandai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0843, Japan; Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Shimozawa
- Tsukuba Primate Research Center, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, 1-1 Hachimandai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0843, Japan.
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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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5
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Rowe AA, Chen X, Nettesheim ER, Issioui Y, Dong T, Hu Y, Messahel S, Kayani SN, Gray SJ, Wert KJ. Long-term progression of retinal degeneration in a preclinical model of CLN7 Batten disease as a baseline for testing clinical therapeutics. EBioMedicine 2022; 85:104314. [PMID: 36374771 PMCID: PMC9626557 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Batten disease is characterized by cognitive and motor impairment, retinal degeneration, and seizures leading to premature death. Recent studies have shown efficacy for a gene therapy approach for CLN7 Batten disease. This gene therapy approach is promising to treat cognitive and motor impairment, but is not likely to delay vision loss. Additionally, the natural progression of retinal degeneration in CLN7 Batten disease patients is not well-known. METHODS We performed visual examinations on five patients with CLN7 Batten disease and found that patients were far progressed in degeneration within their first five years of life. To better understand the disease progression, we characterized the retina of a preclinical mouse model of CLN7 Batten disease, through the age at which mice present with paralysis and premature death. FINDINGS We found that this preclinical model shows signs of photoreceptor to bipolar synaptic defects early, and displays rod-cone dystrophy with late loss of bipolar cells. This vision loss could be followed not only via histology, but using clinical live imaging similar to that used in human patients. INTERPRETATION Natural history studies of rare paediatric neurodegenerative conditions are complicated by the rapid degeneration and limited availability of patients. Characterization of degeneration in the preclinical model allows for future experiments to better understand the mechanisms underlying the retinal disease progression in order to find therapeutics to treat patients, as well as to evaluate these therapeutic options for future human clinical trials. FUNDING Van Sickle Family Foundation Inc., NIHP30EY030413, Morton Fichtenbaum Charitable Trust and 5T32GM131945-03.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley A Rowe
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA; Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Emily R Nettesheim
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Yacine Issioui
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Thomas Dong
- Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Yuhui Hu
- Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Souad Messahel
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Saima N Kayani
- Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA; Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA; Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA; Children's Health, Children's Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Steven J Gray
- Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA; Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA; Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA; McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Katherine J Wert
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA; Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA; Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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6
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Seizures in PPT1 Knock-In Mice Are Associated with Inflammatory Activation of Microglia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105586. [PMID: 35628400 PMCID: PMC9144763 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (INCL), the most severe form of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses, is caused by mutations in the lysosomal enzyme palmitoyl protein thioesterase 1 (PPT1). Typical symptoms of this disease include progressive psychomotor developmental retardation, visual failure, seizures, and premature death. Here, we investigated seizure activity and relevant pathological changes in PPT1 knock-in mice (PPT1 KI). The behavior studies in this study demonstrated that PPT1 KI mice had no significant seizure activity until 7 months of age, and local field potentials also displayed epileptiform activity at the same age. The expression levels of Iba-1 and CD68 demonstrated, by Western blot analysis, the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α content measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the number of microglia demonstrated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) were significantly increased at age of 7 months, all of which indicate microglia activation at an age of seizure onset. The increased expression of GFAP were seen at an earlier age of 4 months, and such an increase reached its peak at age of 6 months, indicating that astrocyte activation precedes microglia. The purinergic P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is an ATP-sensitive ionic channel that is highly expressed in microglia and is fundamental to microglial activation, proliferation, cytokines release and epilepsy. We show that the ATP concentration in hippocampal tissue in PPT1 KI mice was increased using an enhanced ATP assay kit and demonstrated that the antagonist of P2X7R, A-438079, significantly reduced seizures in PPT1 KI mice. In contrast to glial cell activation and proliferation, a significant reduction in synaptic proteins GABAAR was seen in PPT1 KI mice. These results indicate that seizure in PPT1 KI mice may be associated with microglial activation involved in ATP-sensitive P2X7R signaling and impaired inhibitory neurotransmission.
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7
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Bartsch U, Storch S. Experimental Therapeutic Approaches for the Treatment of Retinal Pathology in Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses. Front Neurol 2022; 13:866983. [PMID: 35509995 PMCID: PMC9058077 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.866983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a group of childhood-onset neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorders mainly affecting the brain and the retina. In the NCLs, disease-causing mutations in 13 different ceroid lipofuscinoses genes (CLN) have been identified. The clinical symptoms include seizures, progressive neurological decline, deterioration of motor and language skills, and dementia resulting in premature death. In addition, the deterioration and loss of vision caused by progressive retinal degeneration is another major hallmark of NCLs. To date, there is no curative therapy for the treatment of retinal degeneration and vision loss in patients with NCL. In this review, the key findings of different experimental approaches in NCL animal models aimed at attenuating progressive retinal degeneration and the decline in retinal function are discussed. Different approaches, including experimental enzyme replacement therapy, gene therapy, cell-based therapy, and immunomodulation therapy were evaluated and showed encouraging therapeutic benefits. Recent experimental ocular gene therapies in NCL animal models with soluble lysosomal enzyme deficiencies and transmembrane protein deficiencies have shown the strong potential of gene-based approaches to treat retinal dystrophies in NCLs. In CLN3 and CLN6 mouse models, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-mediated delivery of CLN3 and CLN6 to bipolar cells has been shown to attenuate the retinal dysfunction. Therapeutic benefits of ocular enzyme replacement therapies were evaluated in CLN2 and CLN10 animal models. Since brain-targeted gene or enzyme replacement therapies will most likely not attenuate retinal neurodegeneration, there is an unmet need for treatment options additionally targeting the retina in patients with NCL. The long-term benefits of these therapeutic interventions aimed at attenuating retinal degeneration and vision loss in patients with NCL remain to be investigated in future clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udo Bartsch
- Department of Ophthalmology, Experimental Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Storch
- University Children's Research@Kinder-UKE, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Stephan Storch
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8
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Morsy A, Carmona AV, Trippier PC. Patient-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Models for Phenotypic Screening in the Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26206235. [PMID: 34684815 PMCID: PMC8538546 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26206235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Batten disease or neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) is a group of rare, fatal, inherited neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorders. Numerous genes (CLN1–CLN8, CLN10–CLN14) were identified in which mutations can lead to NCL; however, the underlying pathophysiology remains elusive. Despite this, the NCLs share some of the same features and symptoms but vary in respect to severity and onset of symptoms by age. Some common symptoms include the progressive loss of vision, mental and motor deterioration, epileptic seizures, premature death, and in the rare adult-onset, dementia. Currently, all forms of NCL are fatal, and no curative treatments are available. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can differentiate into any cell type of the human body. Cells reprogrammed from a patient have the advantage of acquiring disease pathogenesis along with recapitulation of disease-associated phenotypes. They serve as practical model systems to shed new light on disease mechanisms and provide a phenotypic screening platform to enable drug discovery. Herein, we provide an overview of available iPSC models for a number of different NCLs. More specifically, we highlight findings in these models that may spur target identification and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Morsy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA; (A.M.); (A.V.C.)
| | - Angelica V. Carmona
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA; (A.M.); (A.V.C.)
| | - Paul C. Trippier
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA; (A.M.); (A.V.C.)
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA
- UNMC Center for Drug Discovery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA
- Correspondence:
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9
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Cotman SL, Lefrancois S. CLN3, at the crossroads of endocytic trafficking. Neurosci Lett 2021; 762:136117. [PMID: 34274435 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The CLN3 gene was identified over two decades ago, but the primary function of the CLN3 protein remains unknown. Recessive inheritance of loss of function mutations in CLN3 are responsible for juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (Batten disease, or CLN3 disease), a fatal childhood onset neurodegenerative disease causing vision loss, seizures, progressive dementia, motor function loss and premature death. CLN3 is a multipass transmembrane protein that primarily localizes to endosomes and lysosomes. Defects in endocytosis, autophagy, and lysosomal function are common findings in CLN3-deficiency model systems. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these defects have not yet been fully elucidated. In this mini-review, we will summarize the current understanding of the CLN3 protein interaction network and discuss how this knowledge is starting to delineate the molecular pathogenesis of CLN3 disease. Accumulating evidence strongly points towards CLN3 playing a role in regulation of the cytoskeleton and cytoskeletal associated proteins to tether cellular membranes, regulation of membrane complexes such as channels/transporters, and modulating the function of small GTPases to effectively mediate vesicular movement and membrane dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan L Cotman
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Mass General Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St., Boston, MA 02114, United States.
| | - Stéphane Lefrancois
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Laval H7V 1B7, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal H3A 0C7, Canada; Centre d'Excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines - Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal H2X 3Y7, Canada.
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10
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Bassal M, Liu J, Jankowiak W, Saftig P, Bartsch U. Rapid and Progressive Loss of Multiple Retinal Cell Types in Cathepsin D-Deficient Mice-An Animal Model of CLN10 Disease. Cells 2021; 10:696. [PMID: 33800998 PMCID: PMC8003850 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Vision loss is among the characteristic symptoms of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL), a fatal neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder. Here, we performed an in-depth analysis of retinal degeneration at the molecular and cellular levels in mice lacking the lysosomal aspartyl protease cathepsin D, an animal model of congenital CLN10 disease. We observed an early-onset accumulation of storage material as indicated by elevated levels of saposin D and subunit C of the mitochondrial ATP synthase. The accumulation of storage material was accompanied by reactive astrogliosis and microgliosis, elevated expression of the autophagy marker sequestosome 1/p62 and a dysregulated expression of several lysosomal proteins. The number of cone photoreceptor cells was reduced as early as at postnatal day 5. At the end stage of the disease, the outer nuclear layer was almost atrophied, and all cones were lost. A significant loss of rod and cone bipolar cells, amacrine cells and ganglion cells was found at advanced stages of the disease. Results demonstrate that cathepsin D deficiency results in an early-onset and rapidly progressing retinal dystrophy that involves all retinal cell types. Data of the present study will serve as a reference for studies aimed at developing treatments for retinal degeneration in CLN10 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Bassal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Experimental Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (M.B.); (J.L.); (W.J.)
| | - Junling Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Experimental Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (M.B.); (J.L.); (W.J.)
| | - Wanda Jankowiak
- Department of Ophthalmology, Experimental Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (M.B.); (J.L.); (W.J.)
| | - Paul Saftig
- Institute of Biochemistry, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, 24118 Kiel, Germany;
| | - Udo Bartsch
- Department of Ophthalmology, Experimental Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (M.B.); (J.L.); (W.J.)
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11
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[Experimental therapeutic approaches for the treatment of retinal dystrophy in neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis]. Ophthalmologe 2021; 118:106-112. [PMID: 33030566 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-020-01237-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) is a group of rare and fatal neurodegenerative lysosomal storage diseases. Progressive retinal degeneration and loss of vision are among the characteristic symptoms of affected patients. A brain-directed enzyme replacement therapy has been shown to significantly attenuate the neurological symptoms in CLN2 patients and is currently the only approved therapy for NCL; however, there is presently no treatment option for retinal dystrophy in NCL. OBJECTIVE This short review aims to give an overview of preclinical studies that have developed and evaluated therapeutic strategies for the treatment of retinal dystrophy in animal models of different NCL forms. MATERIAL AND METHODS The key findings of preclinical studies that have achieved positive therapeutic effects on retinal structure and/or function using different treatment strategies are summarized and discussed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The published data on preclinical studies demonstrate the efficacy of different therapeutic strategies to attenuate retinal degeneration and vision loss in animal models for different NCL forms. It remains to be seen whether these promising results can be confirmed in future clinical studies.
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12
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Visualisation of cholesterol and ganglioside GM1 in zebrafish models of Niemann-Pick type C disease and Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome using light sheet microscopy. Histochem Cell Biol 2020; 154:565-578. [PMID: 33079236 PMCID: PMC7609433 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-020-01925-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Lysosomal storage diseases are the most common cause of neurodegeneration in children. They are characterised at the cellular level by the accumulation of storage material within lysosomes. There are very limited therapeutic options, and the search for novel therapies has been hampered as few good small animal models are available. Here, we describe the use of light sheet microscopy to assess lipid storage in drug and morpholino induced zebrafish models of two diseases of cholesterol homeostasis with lysosomal dysfunction: First, Niemann–Pick type C disease (NPC), caused by mutations in the lysosomal transmembrane protein NPC1, characterised by intralysosomal accumulation of cholesterol and several other lipids. Second, Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome (SLOS), caused by mutations in 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase, which catalyses the last step of cholesterol biosynthesis and is characterised by intralysosomal accumulation of dietary cholesterol. This is the first description of a zebrafish SLOS model. We find that zebrafish accurately model lysosomal storage and disease-specific phenotypes in both diseases. Increased cholesterol and ganglioside GM1 were observed in sections taken from NPC model fish, and decreased cholesterol in SLOS model fish, but these are of limited value as resolution is poor, and accurate anatomical comparisons difficult. Using light sheet microscopy, we were able to observe lipid changes in much greater detail and identified an unexpected accumulation of ganglioside GM1 in SLOS model fish. Our data demonstrate, for the first time in zebrafish, the immense potential that light sheet microscopy has in aiding the resolution of studies involving lysosomal and lipid disorders.
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13
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kleine Holthaus SM, Aristorena M, Maswood R, Semenyuk O, Hoke J, Hare A, Smith AJ, Mole SE, Ali RR. Gene Therapy Targeting the Inner Retina Rescues the Retinal Phenotype in a Mouse Model of CLN3 Batten Disease. Hum Gene Ther 2020; 31:709-718. [PMID: 32578444 PMCID: PMC7404834 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), often referred to as Batten disease, are inherited lysosomal storage disorders that represent the most common neurodegeneration during childhood. Symptoms include seizures, vision loss, motor and cognitive decline, and premature death. The development of brain-directed treatments for NCLs has made noteworthy progress in recent years. Clinical trials are currently ongoing or planned for different forms of the disease. Despite these promising advances, it is unlikely that therapeutic interventions targeting the brain will prevent loss of vision in patients as retinal cells remain untreated and will continue to degenerate. Here, we demonstrate that Cln3Δex7/8 mice, a mouse model of CLN3 Batten disease with juvenile onset, suffer from a decline in inner retinal function resulting from the death of rod bipolar cells, interneurons vital for signal transmission from photoreceptors to ganglion cells in the retina. We also show that this ocular phenotype can be treated by adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated expression of CLN3 in cells of the inner retina, leading to significant survival of bipolar cells and preserved retinal function. In contrast, the treatment of photoreceptors, which are lost in patients at late disease stages, was not therapeutic in Cln3Δex7/8 mice, underlining the notion that CLN3 disease is primarily a disease of the inner retina with secondary changes in the outer retina. These data indicate that bipolar cells play a central role in this disease and identify this cell type as an important target for ocular AAV-based gene therapies for CLN3 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mikel Aristorena
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ryea Maswood
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Olha Semenyuk
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Justin Hoke
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Aura Hare
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander J. Smith
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sara E. Mole
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- UCL Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
- UCL Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robin R. Ali
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Correspondence: Prof. Robin R. Ali, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom.
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14
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Cooper JD, Mole SE. Future perspectives: What lies ahead for Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis research? Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165681. [PMID: 31926264 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Progress is being made in all aspects of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL) research, resulting in many recent advances. These advances encompass several areas that were previously thought intractable, ranging from basic science, through to a better understanding of the clinical presentation of different forms of NCL, therapeutic development, and new clinical trials that are underway. Increasing numbers of original NCL research papers continue to be published, and this new sense of momentum is greatly encouraging for the field. Here, we make some predictions as to what we can anticipate in the next few years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Cooper
- Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics and Genomics, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| | - Sara E Mole
- UCL MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology and UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
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15
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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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16
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Cardiac pathology in neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCL): More than a mere co-morbidity. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1866:165643. [PMID: 31863828 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.165643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are mostly seen as diseases affecting the central nervous system, but there is accumulating evidence that they have co-morbidities outside the brain. One of these co-morbidities is a decline in cardiac function. This is becoming increasingly recognised in teenagers and adolescents with juvenile CLN3, but it may also occur in individuals with other NCLs. The purpose of this review is to summarise the current knowledge of the structural and functional changes found in the hearts of animal models and people diagnosed with NCL. In addition, we present evidence of structural changes that were observed in a systematic comparison of the cardiomyocytes from CLN3Δex7/8 mice.
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17
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Rosenberg JB, Chen A, Kaminsky SM, Crystal RG, Sondhi D. Advances in the Treatment of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2019; 7:473-500. [PMID: 33365208 PMCID: PMC7755158 DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2019.1684258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCL) represent a class of neurodegenerative disorders involving defective lysosomal processing enzymes or receptors, leading to lysosomal storage disorders, typically characterized by observation of cognitive and visual impairments, epileptic seizures, ataxia, and deterioration of motor skills. Recent success of a biologic (Brineura®) for the treatment of neurologic manifestations of the central nervous system (CNS) has led to renewed interest in therapeutics for NCL, with the goal of ablating or reversing the impact of these devastating disorders. Despite complex challenges associated with CNS therapy, many treatment modalities have been evaluated, including enzyme replacement therapy, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and small molecule pharmacotherapy. Because the clinical endpoints for the evaluation of candidate therapies are complex and often reliant on subjective clinical scales, the development of quantitative biomarkers for NCLs has become an apparent necessity for the validation of potential treatments. We will discuss the latest findings in the search for relevant biomarkers for assessing disease progression. For this review, we will focus primarily on recent pre-clinical and clinical developments for treatments to halt or cure these NCL diseases. Continued development of current therapies and discovery of newer modalities will be essential for successful therapeutics for NCL. AREAS COVERED The reader will be introduced to the NCL subtypes, natural histories, experimental animal models, and biomarkers for NCL progression; challenges and different therapeutic approaches, and the latest pre-clinical and clinical research for therapeutic development for the various NCLs. This review corresponds to the literatures covering the years from 1968 to mid-2019, but primarily addresses pre-clinical and clinical developments for the treatment of NCL disease in the last decade and as a follow-up to our 2013 review of the same topic in this journal. EXPERT OPINION Much progress has been made in the treatment of neurologic diseases, such as the NCLs, including better animal models and improved therapeutics with better survival outcomes. Encouraging results are being reported at symposiums and in the literature, with multiple therapeutics reaching the clinical trial stage for the NCLs. The potential for a cure could be at hand after many years of trial and error in the preclinical studies. The clinical development of enzyme replacement therapy (Brineura® for CLN2), immunosuppression (CellCept® for CLN3), and gene therapy vectors (for CLN1, CLN2, CLN3, and CLN6) are providing encouragement to families that have a child afflicted with NCL. We believe that successful therapies in the future may involve the combination of two or more therapeutic modalities to provide therapeutic benefit especially as the patients grow older.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan B Rosenberg
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Alvin Chen
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Stephen M Kaminsky
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Ronald G Crystal
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Dolan Sondhi
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
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18
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Petcherski A, Chandrachud U, Butz ES, Klein MC, Zhao WN, Reis SA, Haggarty SJ, Ruonala MO, Cotman SL. An Autophagy Modifier Screen Identifies Small Molecules Capable of Reducing Autophagosome Accumulation in a Model of CLN3-Mediated Neurodegeneration. Cells 2019; 8:cells8121531. [PMID: 31783699 PMCID: PMC6953052 DOI: 10.3390/cells8121531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in the autophagosomal–lysosomal pathway are a major pathophysiological feature of CLN3 disease, which is the most common form of childhood-onset neurodegeneration. Accumulating autofluorescent lysosomal storage material in CLN3 disease, consisting of dolichols, lipids, biometals, and a protein that normally resides in the mitochondria, subunit c of the mitochondrial ATPase, provides evidence that autophagosomal–lysosomal turnover of cellular components is disrupted upon loss of CLN3 protein function. Using a murine neuronal cell model of the disease, which accurately mimics the major gene defect and the hallmark features of CLN3 disease, we conducted an unbiased search for modifiers of autophagy, extending previous work by further optimizing a GFP-LC3 based assay and performing a high-content screen on a library of ~2000 bioactive compounds. Here we corroborate our earlier screening results and identify expanded, independent sets of autophagy modifiers that increase or decrease the accumulation of autophagosomes in the CLN3 disease cells, highlighting several pathways of interest, including the regulation of calcium signaling, microtubule dynamics, and the mevalonate pathway. Follow-up analysis on fluspirilene, nicardipine, and verapamil, in particular, confirmed activity in reducing GFP-LC3 vesicle burden, while also demonstrating activity in normalizing lysosomal positioning and, for verapamil, in promoting storage material clearance in CLN3 disease neuronal cells. This study demonstrates the potential for cell-based screening studies to identify candidate molecules and pathways for further work to understand CLN3 disease pathogenesis and in drug development efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Petcherski
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (A.P.); (U.C.); (E.S.B.); (M.C.K.); (W.-N.Z.); (S.A.R.); (S.J.H.)
- Center for Membrane Proteomics, Goethe University of Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
| | - Uma Chandrachud
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (A.P.); (U.C.); (E.S.B.); (M.C.K.); (W.-N.Z.); (S.A.R.); (S.J.H.)
| | - Elisabeth S. Butz
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (A.P.); (U.C.); (E.S.B.); (M.C.K.); (W.-N.Z.); (S.A.R.); (S.J.H.)
| | - Madeleine C. Klein
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (A.P.); (U.C.); (E.S.B.); (M.C.K.); (W.-N.Z.); (S.A.R.); (S.J.H.)
| | - Wen-Ning Zhao
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (A.P.); (U.C.); (E.S.B.); (M.C.K.); (W.-N.Z.); (S.A.R.); (S.J.H.)
| | - Surya A. Reis
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (A.P.); (U.C.); (E.S.B.); (M.C.K.); (W.-N.Z.); (S.A.R.); (S.J.H.)
| | - Stephen J. Haggarty
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (A.P.); (U.C.); (E.S.B.); (M.C.K.); (W.-N.Z.); (S.A.R.); (S.J.H.)
| | - Mika O. Ruonala
- Center for Membrane Proteomics, Goethe University of Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
| | - Susan L. Cotman
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (A.P.); (U.C.); (E.S.B.); (M.C.K.); (W.-N.Z.); (S.A.R.); (S.J.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-617-726-9180
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19
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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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20
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Cellular models of Batten disease. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1866:165559. [PMID: 31655107 PMCID: PMC7338907 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.165559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (NCL), otherwise known as Batten disease, are a group of neurodegenerative diseases caused by mutations in 13 known genes. All except one NCL is autosomal recessive in inheritance, with similar aetiology and characterised by the accumulation of autofluorescent storage material in the lysosomes of cells. Age of onset and the rate of progression vary between the NCLs. They are collectively one of the most common lysosomal storage diseases, but the enigma remains of how genetically distinct diseases result in such remarkably similar pathogenesis. Much has been learnt from cellular studies about the function of the proteins encoded by the affected genes. Such research has utilised primitive unicellular models such as yeast and amoeba containing gene orthologues, cells derived from naturally occurring (sheep) and genetically engineered (mouse) animal models or patient-derived cells. Most recently, patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines have been differentiated into neural cell-types to study molecular pathogenesis in the cells most profoundly affected by disease. Here, we review how cell models have informed much of the biochemical understanding of the NCLs and how more complex models are being used to further this understanding and potentially act as platforms for therapeutic efficacy studies in the future. Developments made in cellular models for neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) in basic biology and use as therapeutic platforms. Cellular models elucidating function of NCL proteins. NCL proteins implicated in the mTor signalling pathway. Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines have been differentiated into neural cell-types providing insights into the molecular pathogenesis of NCL.
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21
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Gene Therapy Corrects Brain and Behavioral Pathologies in CLN6-Batten Disease. Mol Ther 2019; 27:1836-1847. [PMID: 31331814 PMCID: PMC6822284 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.06.015] [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: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
CLN6-Batten disease, a form of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis is a rare lysosomal storage disorder presenting with gradual declines in motor, visual, and cognitive abilities and early death by 12–15 years of age. We developed a self-complementary adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (scAAV9) vector expressing the human CLN6 gene under the control of a chicken β-actin (CB) hybrid promoter. Intrathecal delivery of scAAV9.CB.hCLN6 into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the lumbar spinal cord of 4-year-old non-human primates was safe, well tolerated, and led to efficient targeting throughout the brain and spinal cord. A single intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection at post-natal day 1 in Cln6 mutant mice delivered scAAV9.CB.CLN6 directly into the CSF, and it prevented or drastically reduced all of the pathological hallmarks of Batten disease. Moreover, there were significant improvements in motor performance, learning and memory deficits, and survival in treated Cln6 mutant mice, extending survival from 15 months of age (untreated) to beyond 21 months of age (treated). Additionally, many parameters were similar to wild-type counterparts throughout the lifespan of the treated mice.
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22
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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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23
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Smith PK, Sen MG, Fisher PR, Annesley SJ. Modelling of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis Type 2 in Dictyostelium discoideum Suggests That Cytopathological Outcomes Result from Altered TOR Signalling. Cells 2019; 8:cells8050469. [PMID: 31100984 PMCID: PMC6562681 DOI: 10.3390/cells8050469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses comprise a group of neurodegenerative disorders with similar clinical manifestations whose precise mechanisms of disease are presently unknown. We created multiple cell lines each with different levels of reduction of expression of the gene coding for the type 2 variant of the disease, Tripeptidyl peptidase (Tpp1), in the cellular slime mould Dictyostelium discoideum. Knocking down Tpp1 in Dictyostelium resulted in the accumulation of autofluorescent material, a characteristic trait of Batten disease. Phenotypic characterisation of the mutants revealed phenotypic deficiencies in growth and development, whilst endocytic uptake of nutrients was enhanced. Furthermore, the severity of the phenotypes correlated with the expression levels of Tpp1. We propose that the phenotypic defects are due to altered Target of Rapamycin (TOR) signalling. We show that treatment of wild type Dictyostelium cells with rapamycin (a specific TOR complex inhibitor) or antisense inhibition of expression of Rheb (Ras homologue enriched in the brain) (an upstream TOR complex activator) phenocopied the Tpp1 mutants. We also show that overexpression of Rheb rescued the defects caused by antisense inhibition of Tpp1. These results suggest that the TOR signalling pathway is responsible for the cytopathological outcomes in the Dictyostelium Tpp1 model of Batten disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige K Smith
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora 3086, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Melodi G Sen
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora 3086, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Paul R Fisher
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora 3086, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Sarah J Annesley
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora 3086, Melbourne, Australia.
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24
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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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McLaren MD, Mathavarajah S, Huber RJ. Recent Insights into NCL Protein Function Using the Model Organism Dictyostelium discoideum. Cells 2019; 8:cells8020115. [PMID: 30717401 PMCID: PMC6406579 DOI: 10.3390/cells8020115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a group of devastating neurological disorders that have a global distribution and affect people of all ages. Commonly known as Batten disease, this form of neurodegeneration is linked to mutations in 13 genetically distinct genes. The precise mechanisms underlying the disease are unknown, in large part due to our poor understanding of the functions of NCL proteins. The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum has proven to be an exceptional model organism for studying a wide range of neurological disorders, including the NCLs. The Dictyostelium genome contains homologs of 11 of the 13 NCL genes. Its life cycle, comprised of both single-cell and multicellular phases, provides an excellent system for studying the effects of NCL gene deficiency on conserved cellular and developmental processes. In this review, we highlight recent advances in NCL research using Dictyostelium as a biomedical model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meagan D McLaren
- Department of Biology, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9L 0G2, Canada.
| | - Sabateeshan Mathavarajah
- Department of Biology, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9L 0G2, Canada.
| | - Robert J Huber
- Department of Biology, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9L 0G2, Canada.
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Mukherjee AB, Appu AP, Sadhukhan T, Casey S, Mondal A, Zhang Z, Bagh MB. Emerging new roles of the lysosome and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses. Mol Neurodegener 2019; 14:4. [PMID: 30651094 PMCID: PMC6335712 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-018-0300-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (NCLs), commonly known as Batten disease, constitute a group of the most prevalent neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs). Mutations in at least 13 different genes (called CLNs) cause various forms of NCLs. Clinically, the NCLs manifest early impairment of vision, progressive decline in cognitive and motor functions, seizures and a shortened lifespan. At the cellular level, all NCLs show intracellular accumulation of autofluorescent material (called ceroid) and progressive neuron loss. Despite intense studies the normal physiological functions of each of the CLN genes remain poorly understood. Consequently, the development of mechanism-based therapeutic strategies remains challenging. Endolysosomal dysfunction contributes to pathogenesis of virtually all LSDs. Studies within the past decade have drastically changed the notion that the lysosomes are merely the terminal degradative organelles. The emerging new roles of the lysosome include its central role in nutrient-dependent signal transduction regulating metabolism and cellular proliferation or quiescence. In this review, we first provide a brief overview of the endolysosomal and autophagic pathways, lysosomal acidification and endosome-lysosome and autophagosome-lysosome fusions. We emphasize the importance of these processes as their dysregulation leads to pathogenesis of many LSDs including the NCLs. We also describe what is currently known about each of the 13 CLN genes and their products and how understanding the emerging new roles of the lysosome may clarify the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of the NCLs. Finally, we discuss the current and emerging therapeutic strategies for various NCLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil B. Mukherjee
- Section on Developmental Genetics, Program on Endocrinology and Molecular Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1830 USA
| | - Abhilash P. Appu
- Section on Developmental Genetics, Program on Endocrinology and Molecular Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1830 USA
| | - Tamal Sadhukhan
- Section on Developmental Genetics, Program on Endocrinology and Molecular Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1830 USA
| | - Sydney Casey
- Section on Developmental Genetics, Program on Endocrinology and Molecular Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1830 USA
| | - Avisek Mondal
- Section on Developmental Genetics, Program on Endocrinology and Molecular Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1830 USA
| | - Zhongjian Zhang
- Section on Developmental Genetics, Program on Endocrinology and Molecular Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1830 USA
- Present address: Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan China
| | - Maria B. Bagh
- Section on Developmental Genetics, Program on Endocrinology and Molecular Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1830 USA
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Mole SE, Anderson G, Band HA, Berkovic SF, Cooper JD, Kleine Holthaus SM, McKay TR, Medina DL, Rahim AA, Schulz A, Smith AJ. Clinical challenges and future therapeutic approaches for neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Lancet Neurol 2019; 18:107-116. [PMID: 30470609 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(18)30368-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses, also known as Batten disease, is at the start of a new era because of diagnostic and therapeutic advances relevant to this group of inherited neurodegenerative and life-limiting disorders that affect children. Diagnosis has improved with the use of comprehensive DNA-based tests that simultaneously screen for many genes. The identification of disease-causing mutations in 13 genes provides a basis for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses, and for the development of targeted therapies. These targeted therapies include enzyme replacement therapies, gene therapies targeting the brain and the eye, cell therapies, and pharmacological drugs that could modulate defective molecular pathways. Such therapeutic developments have the potential to enable earlier diagnosis and better targeted therapeutic management. The first approved treatment is an intracerebroventricularly administered enzyme for neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 disease that delays symptom progression. Efforts are underway to make similar progress for other forms of the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara E Mole
- Medical Research Council Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology and UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Glenn Anderson
- Department of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | | | - Samuel F Berkovic
- Epilepsy Research Centre, Department of Medicine, Austin Health & Northern Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jonathan D Cooper
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Tristan R McKay
- Centre for Bioscience, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Diego L Medina
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Naples, Italy
| | - Ahad A Rahim
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
| | - Angela Schulz
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alexander J Smith
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
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Mathavarajah S, O'Day DH, Huber RJ. Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses: Connecting Calcium Signalling through Calmodulin. Cells 2018; 7:cells7110188. [PMID: 30380624 PMCID: PMC6262527 DOI: 10.3390/cells7110188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the increased focus on the role of calcium in the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs, also known as Batten disease), links between calcium signalling and the proteins associated with the disease remain to be identified. A central protein in calcium signalling is calmodulin (CaM), which regulates many of the same cellular processes affected in the NCLs. In this study, we show that 11 of the 13 NCL proteins contain putative CaM-binding domains (CaMBDs). Many of the missense mutations documented from NCL patients overlap with the predicted CaMBDs and are often key residues of those domains. The two NCL proteins lacking such domains, CLN7 and CLN11, share a commonality in undergoing proteolytic processing by cathepsin L, which contains a putative CaMBD. Since CaM appears to have both direct and indirect roles in the NCLs, targeting it may be a valid therapeutic approach for treating the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danton H O'Day
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada.
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada.
| | - Robert J Huber
- Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, ON K9L 0G2, Canada.
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Howe DG, Blake JA, Bradford YM, Bult CJ, Calvi BR, Engel SR, Kadin JA, Kaufman TC, Kishore R, Laulederkind SJF, Lewis SE, Moxon SAT, Richardson JE, Smith C. Model organism data evolving in support of translational medicine. Lab Anim (NY) 2018; 47:277-289. [PMID: 30224793 PMCID: PMC6322546 DOI: 10.1038/s41684-018-0150-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Model organism databases (MODs) have been collecting and integrating biomedical research data for 30 years and were designed to meet specific needs of each model organism research community. The contributions of model organism research to understanding biological systems would be hard to overstate. Modern molecular biology methods and cost reductions in nucleotide sequencing have opened avenues for direct application of model organism research to elucidating mechanisms of human diseases. Thus, the mandate for model organism research and databases has now grown to include facilitating use of these data in translational applications. Challenges in meeting this opportunity include the distribution of research data across many databases and websites, a lack of data format standards for some data types, and sustainability of scale and cost for genomic database resources like MODs. The issues of widely distributed data and application of data standards are some of the challenges addressed by FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Re-usable) data principles. The Alliance of Genome Resources is now moving to address these challenges by bringing together expertly curated research data from fly, mouse, rat, worm, yeast, zebrafish, and the Gene Ontology consortium. Centralized multi-species data access, integration, and format standardization will lower the data utilization barrier in comparative genomics and translational applications and will provide a framework in which sustainable scale and cost can be addressed. This article presents a brief historical perspective on how the Alliance model organisms are complementary and how they have already contributed to understanding the etiology of human diseases. In addition, we discuss four challenges for using data from MODs in translational applications and how the Alliance is working to address them, in part by applying FAIR data principles. Ultimately, combined data from these animal models are more powerful than the sum of the parts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas G Howe
- The Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA.
| | | | - Yvonne M Bradford
- The Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
| | | | - Brian R Calvi
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Stacia R Engel
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Ranjana Kishore
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Stanley J F Laulederkind
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical College of Wisconsin and Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Suzanna E Lewis
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Sierra A T Moxon
- The Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 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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Gene Therapy Approaches to Treat the Neurodegeneration and Visual Failure in Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1074:91-99. [PMID: 29721932 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-75402-4_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a group of fatal, inherited lysosomal storage disorders mostly affecting the central nervous system of children. Symptoms include vision loss, seizures, motor deterioration and cognitive decline ultimately resulting in premature death. Studies in animal models showed that the diseases are amenable to gene supplementation therapies, and over the last decade, major advances have been made in the (pre)clinical development of these therapies. This mini-review summarises and discusses current gene therapy approaches for NCL targeting the brain and the eye.
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Huber RJ, Mathavarajah S. Cln5 is secreted and functions as a glycoside hydrolase in Dictyostelium. Cell Signal 2018; 42:236-248. [PMID: 29128403 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Ceroid lipofuscinosis neuronal 5 (CLN5) is a member of a family of proteins that are linked to neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL). This devastating neurological disorder, known commonly as Batten disease, affects all ages and ethnicities and is currently incurable. The precise function of CLN5, like many of the NCL proteins, remains to be elucidated. In this study, we report the localization, molecular function, and interactome of Cln5, the CLN5 homolog in the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum. Residues that are glycosylated in human CLN5 are conserved in the Dictyostelium homolog as are residues that are mutated in patients with CLN5 disease. Dictyostelium Cln5 contains a putative signal peptide for secretion and we show that the protein is secreted during growth and starvation. We also reveal that both Dictyostelium Cln5 and human CLN5 are glycoside hydrolases, providing the first evidence in any system linking a molecular function to CLN5. Finally, immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectrometry identified 61 proteins that interact with Cln5 in Dictyostelium. Of the 61 proteins, 67% localize to the extracellular space, 28% to intracellular vesicles, and 20% to lysosomes. A GO term enrichment analysis revealed that a majority of the interacting proteins are involved in metabolism, catabolism, proteolysis, and hydrolysis, and include other NCL-like proteins (e.g., Tpp1/Cln2, cathepsin D/Cln10, cathepsin F/Cln13) as well as proteins linked to Cln3 function in Dictyostelium (e.g., AprA, CfaD, CadA). In total, this work reveals a CLN5 homolog in Dictyostelium and further establishes this organism as a complementary model system for studying the functions of proteins linked to NCL in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Huber
- Trent University, Department of Biology, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, Ontario K9L 0G2, Canada.
| | - Sabateeshan Mathavarajah
- Trent University, Department of Biology, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, Ontario K9L 0G2, Canada.
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MacPherson KA, Starr B, Wong ED, Dalusag KS, Hellerstedt ST, Lang OW, Nash RS, Skrzypek MS, Engel SR, Cherry JM. Outreach and online training services at the Saccharomyces Genome Database. DATABASE-THE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL DATABASES AND CURATION 2017; 2017:3053434. [PMID: 28365719 PMCID: PMC5467555 DOI: 10.1093/database/bax002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The Saccharomyces Genome Database (SGD; www.yeastgenome.org), the primary genetics and genomics resource for the budding yeast S. cerevisiae, provides free public access to expertly curated information about the yeast genome and its gene products. As the central hub for the yeast research community, SGD engages in a variety of social outreach efforts to inform our users about new developments, promote collaboration, increase public awareness of the importance of yeast to biomedical research, and facilitate scientific discovery. Here we describe these various outreach methods, from networking at scientific conferences to the use of online media such as blog posts and webinars, and include our perspectives on the benefits provided by outreach activities for model organism databases. Database URL:http://www.yeastgenome.org
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Barry Starr
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Edith D Wong
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Kyla S Dalusag
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | | | - Olivia W Lang
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Robert S Nash
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Marek S Skrzypek
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Stacia R Engel
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - J Michael Cherry
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Parviainen L, Dihanich S, Anderson GW, Wong AM, Brooks HR, Abeti R, Rezaie P, Lalli G, Pope S, Heales SJ, Mitchison HM, Williams BP, Cooper JD. Glial cells are functionally impaired in juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis and detrimental to neurons. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2017; 5:74. [PMID: 29041969 PMCID: PMC5645909 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-017-0476-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs or Batten disease) are a group of inherited, fatal neurodegenerative disorders of childhood. In these disorders, glial (microglial and astrocyte) activation typically occurs early in disease progression and predicts where neuron loss subsequently occurs. We have found that in the most common juvenile form of NCL (CLN3 disease or JNCL) this glial response is less pronounced in both mouse models and human autopsy material, with the morphological transformation of both astrocytes and microglia severely attenuated or delayed. To investigate their properties, we isolated glia and neurons from Cln3-deficient mice and studied their basic biology in culture. Upon stimulation, both Cln3-deficient astrocytes and microglia also showed an attenuated ability to transform morphologically, and an altered protein secretion profile. These defects were more pronounced in astrocytes, including the reduced secretion of a range of neuroprotective factors, mitogens, chemokines and cytokines, in addition to impaired calcium signalling and glutamate clearance. Cln3-deficient neurons also displayed an abnormal organization of their neurites. Most importantly, using a co-culture system, Cln3-deficient astrocytes and microglia had a negative impact on the survival and morphology of both Cln3-deficient and wildtype neurons, but these effects were largely reversed by growing mutant neurons with healthy glia. These data provide evidence that CLN3 disease astrocytes are functionally compromised. Together with microglia, they may play an active role in neuron loss in this disorder and can be considered as potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
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Llavero Hurtado M, Fuller HR, Wong AMS, Eaton SL, Gillingwater TH, Pennetta G, Cooper JD, Wishart TM. Proteomic mapping of differentially vulnerable pre-synaptic populations identifies regulators of neuronal stability in vivo. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12412. [PMID: 28963550 PMCID: PMC5622084 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12603-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Synapses are an early pathological target in many neurodegenerative diseases ranging from well-known adult onset conditions such as Alzheimer and Parkinson disease to neurodegenerative conditions of childhood such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCLs). However, the reasons why synapses are particularly vulnerable to such a broad range of neurodegeneration inducing stimuli remains unknown. To identify molecular modulators of synaptic stability and degeneration, we have used the Cln3−/− mouse model of a juvenile form of NCL. We profiled and compared the molecular composition of anatomically-distinct, differentially-affected pre-synaptic populations from the Cln3−/− mouse brain using proteomics followed by bioinformatic analyses. Identified protein candidates were then tested using a Drosophila CLN3 model to study their ability to modify the CLN3-neurodegenerative phenotype in vivo. We identified differential perturbations in a range of molecular cascades correlating with synaptic vulnerability, including valine catabolism and rho signalling pathways. Genetic and pharmacological targeting of key ‘hub’ proteins in such pathways was sufficient to modulate phenotypic presentation in a Drosophila CLN3 model. We propose that such a workflow provides a target rich method for the identification of novel disease regulators which could be applicable to the study of other conditions where appropriate models exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maica Llavero Hurtado
- Division of Neurobiology, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Heidi R Fuller
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire, Keele, ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Andrew M S Wong
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 9RX, UK
| | - Samantha L Eaton
- Division of Neurobiology, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | | | - Giuseppa Pennetta
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jonathan D Cooper
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 9RX, UK.,Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, and David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Torrance, CA, 90502, USA
| | - Thomas M Wishart
- Division of Neurobiology, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK. .,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, 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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Pezzini F, Bianchi M, Benfatto S, Griggio F, Doccini S, Carrozzo R, Dapkunas A, Delledonne M, Santorelli FM, Lalowski MM, Simonati A. The Networks of Genes Encoding Palmitoylated Proteins in Axonal and Synaptic Compartments Are Affected in PPT1 Overexpressing Neuronal-Like Cells. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:266. [PMID: 28878621 PMCID: PMC5572227 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CLN1 disease (OMIM #256730) is an early childhood ceroid-lipofuscinosis associated with mutated CLN1, whose product Palmitoyl-Protein Thioesterase 1 (PPT1) is a lysosomal enzyme involved in the removal of palmitate residues from S-acylated proteins. In neurons, PPT1 expression is also linked to synaptic compartments. The aim of this study was to unravel molecular signatures connected to CLN1. We utilized SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells overexpressing wild type CLN1 (SH-p.wtCLN1) and five selected CLN1 patients’ mutations. The cellular distribution of wtPPT1 was consistent with regular processing of endogenous protein, partially detected inside Lysosomal Associated Membrane Protein 2 (LAMP2) positive vesicles, while the mutants displayed more diffuse cytoplasmic pattern. Transcriptomic profiling revealed 802 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in SH-p.wtCLN1 (as compared to empty-vector transfected cells), whereas the number of DEGs detected in the two mutants (p.L222P and p.M57Nfs*45) was significantly lower. Bioinformatic scrutiny linked DEGs with neurite formation and neuronal transmission. Specifically, neuritogenesis and proliferation of neuronal processes were predicted to be hampered in the wtCLN1 overexpressing cell line, and these findings were corroborated by morphological investigations. Palmitoylation survey identified 113 palmitoylated protein-encoding genes in SH-p.wtCLN1, including 25 ones simultaneously assigned to axonal growth and synaptic compartments. A remarkable decrease in the expression of palmitoylated proteins, functionally related to axonal elongation (GAP43, CRMP1 and NEFM) and of the synaptic marker SNAP25, specifically in SH-p.wtCLN1 cells was confirmed by immunoblotting. Subsequent, bioinformatic network survey of DEGs assigned to the synaptic annotations linked 81 DEGs, including 23 ones encoding for palmitoylated proteins. Results obtained in this experimental setting outlined two affected functional modules (connected to the axonal and synaptic compartments), which can be associated with an altered gene dosage of wtCLN1. Moreover, these modules were interrelated with the pathological effects associated with loss of PPT1 function, similarly as observed in the Ppt1 knockout mice and patients with CLN1 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Pezzini
- Neurology (Neuropathology and Child Neurology), Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement, University of VeronaVerona, Italy
| | - Marzia Bianchi
- Unit of Muscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's HospitalRome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Benfatto
- Functional Genomics Center, Department of Biotechnology, University of VeronaVerona, Italy
| | - Francesca Griggio
- Functional Genomics Center, Department of Biotechnology, University of VeronaVerona, Italy
| | - Stefano Doccini
- Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Stella MarisCalambrone-Pisa, Italy
| | - Rosalba Carrozzo
- Unit of Muscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's HospitalRome, Italy
| | - Arvydas Dapkunas
- Medicum, Biochemistry/Developmental Biology, Meilahti Clinical Proteomics Core Facility, University of HelsinkiHelsinki, Finland
| | - Massimo Delledonne
- Functional Genomics Center, Department of Biotechnology, University of VeronaVerona, Italy
| | | | - Maciej M Lalowski
- Medicum, Biochemistry/Developmental Biology, Meilahti Clinical Proteomics Core Facility, University of HelsinkiHelsinki, Finland
| | - Alessandro Simonati
- Neurology (Neuropathology and Child Neurology), Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement, University of VeronaVerona, Italy
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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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Uusi-Rauva K, Blom T, von Schantz-Fant C, Blom T, Jalanko A, Kyttälä A. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Derived from a CLN5 Patient Manifest Phenotypic Characteristics of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E955. [PMID: 28468312 PMCID: PMC5454868 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18050955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are autosomal recessive progressive encephalopathies caused by mutations in at least 14 different genes. Despite extensive studies performed in different NCL animal models, the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in NCLs remain poorly understood. To model NCL in human cells, we generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by reprogramming skin fibroblasts from a patient with CLN5 (ceroid lipofuscinosis, neuronal, 5) disease, the late infantile variant form of NCL. These CLN5 patient-derived iPSCs (CLN5Y392X iPSCs) harbouring the most common CLN5 mutation, c.1175_1176delAT (p.Tyr392X), were further differentiated into neural lineage cells, the most affected cell type in NCLs. The CLN5Y392X iPSC-derived neural lineage cells showed accumulation of autofluorescent storage material and subunit C of the mitochondrial ATP synthase, both representing the hallmarks of many forms of NCLs, including CLN5 disease. In addition, we detected abnormalities in the intracellular organelles and aberrations in neuronal sphingolipid transportation, verifying the previous findings obtained from Cln5-deficient mouse macrophages. Therefore, patient-derived iPSCs provide a suitable model to study the mechanisms of NCL diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristiina Uusi-Rauva
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, Genomics and Biomarkers Unit, P.O. Box 104, 00251 Helsinki, Finland.
- Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, P.O. Box 63, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Tea Blom
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, Genomics and Biomarkers Unit, P.O. Box 104, 00251 Helsinki, Finland.
| | | | - Tomas Blom
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Anu Jalanko
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, Genomics and Biomarkers Unit, P.O. Box 104, 00251 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Aija Kyttälä
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, Genomics and Biomarkers Unit, P.O. Box 104, 00251 Helsinki, Finland.
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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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Huber RJ. Using the social amoeba Dictyostelium to study the functions of proteins linked to neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. J Biomed Sci 2016; 23:83. [PMID: 27881166 PMCID: PMC5122030 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-016-0301-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL), also known as Batten disease, is a debilitating neurological disorder that affects both children and adults. Thirteen genetically distinct genes have been identified that when mutated, result in abnormal lysosomal function and an excessive accumulation of ceroid lipofuscin in neurons, as well as other cell types outside of the central nervous system. The NCL family of proteins is comprised of lysosomal enzymes (PPT1/CLN1, TPP1/CLN2, CTSD/CLN10, CTSF/CLN13), proteins that peripherally associate with membranes (DNAJC5/CLN4, KCTD7/CLN14), a soluble lysosomal protein (CLN5), a protein present in the secretory pathway (PGRN/CLN11), and several proteins that display different subcellular localizations (CLN3, CLN6, MFSD8/CLN7, CLN8, ATP13A2/CLN12). Unfortunately, the precise functions of many of the NCL proteins are still unclear, which has made targeted therapy development challenging. The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum has emerged as an excellent model system for studying the normal functions of proteins linked to human neurological disorders. Intriguingly, the genome of this eukaryotic soil microbe encodes homologs of 11 of the 13 known genes linked to NCL. The genetic tractability of the organism, combined with its unique life cycle, makes Dictyostelium an attractive model system for studying the functions of NCL proteins. Moreover, the ability of human NCL proteins to rescue gene-deficiency phenotypes in Dictyostelium suggests that the biological pathways regulating NCL protein function are likely conserved from Dictyostelium to human. In this review, I will discuss each of the NCL homologs in Dictyostelium in turn and describe how future studies can exploit the advantages of the system by testing new hypotheses that may ultimately lead to effective therapy options for this devastating and currently untreatable neurological disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Huber
- Department of Biology, Trent University, 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON, K9J 7B8, Canada.
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Oliver SG, Lock A, Harris MA, Nurse P, Wood V. Model organism databases: essential resources that need the support of both funders and users. BMC Biol 2016; 14:49. [PMID: 27334346 PMCID: PMC4918006 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-016-0276-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Modern biomedical research depends critically on access to databases that house and disseminate genetic, genomic, molecular, and cell biological knowledge. Even as the explosion of available genome sequences and associated genome-scale data continues apace, the sustainability of professionally maintained biological databases is under threat due to policy changes by major funding agencies. Here, we focus on model organism databases to demonstrate the myriad ways in which biological databases not only act as repositories but actively facilitate advances in research. We present data that show that reducing financial support to model organism databases could prove to be not just scientifically, but also economically, unsound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen G Oliver
- Cambridge Systems Biology Centre & Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Sanger Building, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1GA, UK.
| | - Antonia Lock
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, and UCL Institute of Healthy Ageing, University College London, Darwin Building, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Midori A Harris
- Cambridge Systems Biology Centre & Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Sanger Building, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Paul Nurse
- The Francis Crick Institute, 215 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BE, UK
| | - Valerie Wood
- Cambridge Systems Biology Centre & Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Sanger Building, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1GA, UK.
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Wager K, Zdebik AA, Fu S, Cooper JD, Harvey RJ, Russell C. Neurodegeneration and Epilepsy in a Zebrafish Model of CLN3 Disease (Batten Disease). PLoS One 2016; 11:e0157365. [PMID: 27327661 PMCID: PMC4915684 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses are a group of lysosomal storage disorders that comprise the most common, genetically heterogeneous, fatal neurodegenerative disorders of children. They are characterised by childhood onset, visual failure, epileptic seizures, psychomotor retardation and dementia. CLN3 disease, also known as Batten disease, is caused by autosomal recessive mutations in the CLN3 gene, 80–85% of which are a ~1 kb deletion. Currently no treatments exist, and after much suffering, the disease inevitably results in premature death. The aim of this study was to generate a zebrafish model of CLN3 disease using antisense morpholino injection, and characterise the pathological and functional consequences of Cln3 deficiency, thereby providing a tool for future drug discovery. The model was shown to faithfully recapitulate the pathological signs of CLN3 disease, including reduced survival, neuronal loss, retinopathy, axonopathy, loss of motor function, lysosomal storage of subunit c of mitochondrial ATP synthase, and epileptic seizures, albeit with an earlier onset and faster progression than the human disease. Our study provides proof of principle that the advantages of the zebrafish over other model systems can be utilised to further our understanding of the pathogenesis of CLN3 disease and accelerate drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Wager
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London, NW1 0TU, United Kingdom
| | - Anselm A. Zdebik
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Campus, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
- Department of Nephrology, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Campus, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (CR); (AAZ)
| | - Sonia Fu
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London, NW1 0TU, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan D. Cooper
- Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, 5 Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RX, United Kingdom
| | - Robert J. Harvey
- Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Russell
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London, NW1 0TU, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (CR); (AAZ)
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Abstract
In modern biomedicine, the increasing need to develop experimental models to further our understanding of disease conditions and delineate innovative treatments has found in the zebrafish (Danio rerio) an experimental model, and indeed a valuable asset, to close the gap between in vitro and in vivo assays. Translation of ideas at a faster pace is vital in the field of neurodegeneration, with the attempt to slow or prevent the dramatic impact on the society's welfare being an essential priority. Our research group has pioneered the use of zebrafish to contribute to the quest for faster and improved understanding and treatment of neurodegeneration in concert with, and inspired by, many others who have primed the study of the zebrafish to understand and search for a cure for disorders of the nervous system. Aware of the many advantages this vertebrate model holds, here, we present an update on the recent zebrafish models available to study neurodegeneration with the goal of stimulating further interest and increasing the number of diseases and applications for which they can be exploited. We shall do so by citing and commenting on recent breakthroughs made possible via zebrafish, highlighting their benefits for the testing of therapeutics and dissecting of disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Martín-Jiménez
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London, NW1 0TU, UK
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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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Kinarivala N, Trippier PC. Progress in the Development of Small Molecule Therapeutics for the Treatment of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (NCLs). J Med Chem 2015; 59:4415-27. [PMID: 26565590 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a group of inherited and incurable neurodegenerative disorders primarily afflicting the pediatric population. Current treatment regimens offer only symptomatic relief and do not target the underlying cause of the disease. Although the underlying pathophysiology that drives disease progression is unknown, several small molecules have been identified with diverse mechanisms of action that provide promise for the treatment of this devastating disease. This review aims to summarize the current cellular and animal models available for the identification of potential therapeutics and presents the current state of knowledge on small molecule compounds that demonstrate in vitro and/or in vivo efficacy across the NCLs with an emphasis on targets of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nihar Kinarivala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center , Amarillo, Texas 79106, United States
| | - Paul C Trippier
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center , Amarillo, Texas 79106, United States.,Center for Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University , Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
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Bond ME, Brown R, Rallis C, Bähler J, Mole SE. A central role for TOR signalling in a yeast model for juvenile CLN3 disease. MICROBIAL CELL 2015; 2:466-480. [PMID: 28357272 PMCID: PMC5354605 DOI: 10.15698/mic2015.12.241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Yeasts provide an excellent genetically tractable eukaryotic system for investigating the function of genes in their biological context, and are especially relevant for those conserved genes that cause disease. We study the role of btn1, the orthologue of a human gene that underlies an early onset neurodegenerative disease (juvenile CLN3 disease, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCLs) or Batten disease) in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. A global screen for genetic interactions with btn1 highlighted a conserved key signalling hub in which multiple components functionally relate to this conserved disease gene. This signalling hub includes two major mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades, and centers on the Tor kinase complexes TORC1 and TORC2. We confirmed that yeast cells modelling CLN3 disease exhibit features consistent with dysfunction in the TORC pathways, and showed that modulating TORC function leads to a comprehensive rescue of defects in this yeast disease model. The same pathways may be novel targets in the development of therapies for the NCLs and related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Bond
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Rachel Brown
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Charalampos Rallis
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK. ; Institute of Healthy Ageing, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Jürg Bähler
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK. ; Institute of Healthy Ageing, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Sara E Mole
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK. ; UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK. ; Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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48
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Amorim IS, Mitchell NL, Palmer DN, Sawiak SJ, Mason R, Wishart TM, Gillingwater TH. Molecular neuropathology of the synapse in sheep with CLN5 Batten disease. Brain Behav 2015; 5:e00401. [PMID: 26664787 PMCID: PMC4667763 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Synapses represent a major pathological target across a broad range of neurodegenerative conditions. Recent studies addressing molecular mechanisms regulating synaptic vulnerability and degeneration have relied heavily on invertebrate and mouse models. Whether similar molecular neuropathological changes underpin synaptic breakdown in large animal models and in human patients with neurodegenerative disease remains unclear. We therefore investigated whether molecular regulators of synaptic pathophysiology, previously identified in Drosophila and mouse models, are similarly present and modified in the brain of sheep with CLN5 Batten disease. METHODS Gross neuropathological analysis of CLN5 Batten disease sheep and controls was used alongside postmortem MRI imaging to identify affected brain regions. Synaptosome preparations were then generated and quantitative fluorescent Western blotting used to determine and compare levels of synaptic proteins. RESULTS The cortex was particularly affected by regional neurodegeneration and synaptic loss in CLN5 sheep, whilst the cerebellum was relatively spared. Quantitative assessment of the protein content of synaptosome preparations revealed significant changes in levels of seven out of eight synaptic neurodegeneration proteins investigated in the motor cortex, but not cerebellum, of CLN5 sheep (α-synuclein, CSP-α, neurofascin, ROCK2, calretinin, SIRT2, and UBR4). CONCLUSIONS Synaptic pathology is a robust correlate of region-specific neurodegeneration in the brain of CLN5 sheep, driven by molecular pathways similar to those reported in Drosophila and rodent models. Thus, large animal models, such as sheep, represent ideal translational systems to develop and test therapeutics aimed at delaying or halting synaptic pathology for a range of human neurodegenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês S Amorim
- Centre for Integrative Physiology University of Edinburgh Hugh Robson Building Edinburgh UK ; Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research University of Edinburgh Hugh Robson Building Edinburgh UK
| | - Nadia L Mitchell
- Department of Molecular Biosciences Faculty of Agricultural and Life Sciences and Batten Animal Research Network Lincoln University Christchurch New Zealand
| | - David N Palmer
- Department of Molecular Biosciences Faculty of Agricultural and Life Sciences and Batten Animal Research Network Lincoln University Christchurch New Zealand
| | - 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 UK
| | - Roger Mason
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience University of Cambridge Downing Street Cambridge UK
| | - Thomas M Wishart
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research University of Edinburgh Hugh Robson Building Edinburgh UK ; Division of Neurobiology The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
| | - Thomas H Gillingwater
- Centre for Integrative Physiology University of Edinburgh Hugh Robson Building Edinburgh UK ; Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research University of Edinburgh Hugh Robson Building Edinburgh UK
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49
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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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