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Guerra J, Belleri M, Paiardi G, Tobia C, Capoferri D, Corli M, Scalvini E, Ghirimoldi M, Manfredi M, Wade RC, Presta M, Mignani L. Impact of an irreversible β-galactosylceramidase inhibitor on the lipid profile of zebrafish embryos. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:1397-1407. [PMID: 38596316 PMCID: PMC11002810 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.03.023] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Krabbe disease is a sphingolipidosis characterized by the genetic deficiency of the acid hydrolase β-galactosylceramidase (GALC). Most of the studies concerning the biological role of GALC performed on Krabbe patients and Galc-deficient twitcher mice (an authentic animal model of the disease) indicate that the pathogenesis of this disorder is the consequence of the accumulation of the neurotoxic GALC substrate β-galactosylsphingosine (psychosine), ignoring the possibility that this enzyme may exert a wider biological impact. Indeed, limited information is available about the effect of GALC downregulation on the cell lipidome in adult and developing organisms. The teleost zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as a useful platform to model human genetic diseases, including sphingolipidoses, and two GALC co-orthologs have been identified in zebrafish (galca and galcb). Here, we investigated the effect of the competitive and irreversible GALC inhibitor β-galactose-cyclophellitol (GCP) on the lipid profile of zebrafish embryos. Molecular modelling indicates that GCP can be sequestered in the catalytic site of the enzyme and covalently binds human GALC, and the zebrafish Galca and Galcb proteins in a similar manner. Accordingly, GCP inhibits the β-galactosylceramide hydrolase activity of zebrafish in vitro and in vivo, leading to significant alterations of the lipidome of zebrafish embryos. These results indicate that the lack of GALC activity deeply affects the lipidome during the early stages of embryonic development, and thereby provide insights into the pathogenesis of Krabbe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Guerra
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mirella Belleri
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giulia Paiardi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Molecular and Cellular Modeling Group, Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies, Germany
- Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH), DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Chiara Tobia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Davide Capoferri
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marzia Corli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elisa Scalvini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Ghirimoldi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Center for Allergic and Autoimmune Diseases, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Marcello Manfredi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Center for Allergic and Autoimmune Diseases, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Rebecca C. Wade
- Molecular and Cellular Modeling Group, Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies, Germany
- Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH), DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marco Presta
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Biotecnologie (CIB), Unit of Brescia, Italy
| | - Luca Mignani
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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2
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Shih HY, Raas Q, Bonkowsky JL. Progress in leukodystrophies with zebrafish. Dev Growth Differ 2024; 66:21-34. [PMID: 38239149 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12907] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Inherited leukodystrophies are genetic disorders characterized by abnormal white matter in the central nervous system. Although individually rare, there are more than 400 distinct types of leukodystrophies with a cumulative incidence of 1 in 4500 live births. The pathophysiology of most leukodystrophies is poorly understood, there are treatments for only a few, and there is significant morbidity and mortality, suggesting a critical need for improvements in this field. A variety of animal, cell, and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived models have been developed for leukodystrophies, but with significant limitations in all models. Many leukodystrophies lack animal models, and extant models often show no or mixed recapitulation of key phenotypes. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have become increasingly used as disease models for studying leukodystrophies due to their early onset of disease phenotypes and conservation of molecular and neurobiological mechanisms. Here, we focus on reviewing new zebrafish disease models for leukodystrophy or models with recent progress. This includes discussion of leukodystrophy with vanishing white matter disease, X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, Zellweger spectrum disorders and peroxisomal disorders, PSAP deficiency, metachromatic leukodystrophy, Krabbe disease, hypomyelinating leukodystrophy-8/4H leukodystrophy, Aicardi-Goutières syndrome, RNASET2-deficient cystic leukoencephalopathy, hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with spheroids-1 (CSF1R-related leukoencephalopathy), and ultra-rare leukodystrophies. Zebrafish models offer important potentials for the leukodystrophy field, including testing of new variants in known genes; establishing causation of newly discovered genes; and early lead compound identification for therapies. There are also unrealized opportunities to use humanized zebrafish models which have been sparsely explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Yu Shih
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Utah Tech University, Saint George, Utah, USA
- Center for Precision & Functional Genomics, Utah Tech University, Saint George, Utah, USA
| | - Quentin Raas
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Laboratory of Translational Research for Neurological Disorders, Imagine Institute, Université de Paris, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | - Joshua L Bonkowsky
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Center for Personalized Medicine, Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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3
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Watanabe T, Tsuboi K, Matsuda N, Ishizuka Y, Go S, Watanabe E, Ono A, Okamoto Y, Matsuda J. Genetic ablation of Saposin-D in Krabbe disease eliminates psychosine accumulation but does not significantly improve demyelination. J Neurochem 2023; 166:720-746. [PMID: 37337846 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15876] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Krabbe disease is an inherited demyelinating disease caused by a genetic deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme galactosylceramide (GalCer) β-galactosidase (GALC). The Twitcher (Twi) mouse is a naturally occurring, genetically and enzymatically authentic mouse model that mimics infantile-onset Krabbe disease. The major substrate for GALC is the myelin lipid GalCer. However, the pathogenesis of Krabbe disease has long been explained by the accumulation of psychosine, a lyso-derivative of GalCer. Two metabolic pathways have been proposed for the accumulation of psychosine: a synthetic pathway in which galactose is transferred to sphingosine and a degradation pathway in which GalCer is deacylated by acid ceramidase (ACDase). Saposin-D (Sap-D) is essential for the degradation of ceramide by ACDase in lysosome. In this study, we generated Twi mice with a Sap-D deficiency (Twi/Sap-D KO), which are genetically deficient in both GALC and Sap-D and found that very little psychosine accumulated in the CNS or PNS of the mouse. As expected, demyelination with the infiltration of multinucleated macrophages (globoid cells) characteristic of Krabbe disease was milder in Twi/Sap-D KO mice than in Twi mice both in the CNS and PNS during the early disease stage. However, at the later disease stage, qualitatively and quantitatively comparable demyelination occurred in Twi/Sap-D KO mice, particularly in the PNS, and the lifespans of Twi/Sap-D KO mice were even shorter than that of Twi mice. Bone marrow-derived macrophages from both Twi and Twi/Sap-D KO mice produced significant amounts of TNF-α upon exposure to GalCer and were transformed into globoid cells. These results indicate that psychosine in Krabbe disease is mainly produced via the deacylation of GalCer by ACDase. The demyelination observed in Twi/Sap-D KO mice may be mediated by a psychosine-independent, Sap-D-dependent mechanism. GalCer-induced activation of Sap-D-deficient macrophages/microglia may play an important role in the neuroinflammation and demyelination in Twi/Sap-D KO mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Watanabe
- Department of Pathophysiology and Metabolism, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Tsuboi
- Department of Pharmacology, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Matsuda
- Central Research Institute, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yuta Ishizuka
- Department of Pathophysiology and Metabolism, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Shinji Go
- Department of Pathophysiology and Metabolism, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Etsuko Watanabe
- Department of Pathophysiology and Metabolism, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Ayaka Ono
- Department of Pathophysiology and Metabolism, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yasuo Okamoto
- Department of Pharmacology, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Junko Matsuda
- Department of Pathophysiology and Metabolism, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
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Jimenez Gonzalez A, Baranasic D, Müller F. Zebrafish regulatory genomic resources for disease modelling and regeneration. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm050280. [PMID: 37529920 PMCID: PMC10417509 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past decades, the zebrafish has become a disease model with increasing popularity owing to its advantages that include fast development, easy genetic manipulation, simplicity for imaging, and sharing conserved disease-associated genes and pathways with those of human. In parallel, studies of disease mechanisms are increasingly focusing on non-coding mutations, which require genome annotation maps of regulatory elements, such as enhancers and promoters. In line with this, genomic resources for zebrafish research are expanding, producing a variety of genomic data that help in defining regulatory elements and their conservation between zebrafish and humans. Here, we discuss recent developments in generating functional annotation maps for regulatory elements of the zebrafish genome and how this can be applied to human diseases. We highlight community-driven developments, such as DANIO-CODE, in generating a centralised and standardised catalogue of zebrafish genomics data and functional annotations; consider the advantages and limitations of current annotation maps; and offer considerations for interpreting and integrating existing maps with comparative genomics tools. We also discuss the need for developing standardised genomics protocols and bioinformatic pipelines and provide suggestions for the development of analysis and visualisation tools that will integrate various multiomic bulk sequencing data together with fast-expanding data on single-cell methods, such as single-cell assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing. Such integration tools are essential to exploit the multiomic chromatin characterisation offered by bulk genomics together with the cell-type resolution offered by emerging single-cell methods. Together, these advances will build an expansive toolkit for interrogating the mechanisms of human disease in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada Jimenez Gonzalez
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Damir Baranasic
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London W12 0NN, UK
- Division of Electronics, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ferenc Müller
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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Mechanotransduction Impairment in Primary Fibroblast Model of Krabbe Disease. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030927. [PMID: 36979906 PMCID: PMC10046230 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Krabbe disease (KD) is a genetic disorder caused by the absence of the galactosylceramidase (GALC) functional enzyme. No cure is currently available. Here, we investigate the mechanotransduction process in primary fibroblasts collected from the twitcher mouse, a natural KD murine model. Thanks to mechanotransduction, cells can sense their environment and convert external mechanical stimuli into biochemical signals that result in intracellular changes. In GALC-deficient fibroblasts, we show that focal adhesions (FAs), the protein clusters necessary to adhere and migrate, are increased, and that single-cell migration and wound healing are impaired. We also investigate the involvement of the autophagic process in this framework. We show a dysregulation in the FA turnover: here, the treatment with the autophagy activator rapamycin boosts cell migration and improves the clearance of FAs in GALC-deficient fibroblasts. We propose mechanosensing impairment as a novel potential pathological mechanism in twitcher fibroblasts, and more in general in Krabbe disease.
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6
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Mignani L, Guerra J, Corli M, Capoferri D, Presta M. Zebra-Sphinx: Modeling Sphingolipidoses in Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054747. [PMID: 36902174 PMCID: PMC10002607 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipidoses are inborn errors of metabolism due to the pathogenic mutation of genes that encode for lysosomal enzymes, transporters, or enzyme cofactors that participate in the sphingolipid catabolism. They represent a subgroup of lysosomal storage diseases characterized by the gradual lysosomal accumulation of the substrate(s) of the defective proteins. The clinical presentation of patients affected by sphingolipid storage disorders ranges from a mild progression for some juvenile- or adult-onset forms to severe/fatal infantile forms. Despite significant therapeutic achievements, novel strategies are required at basic, clinical, and translational levels to improve patient outcomes. On these bases, the development of in vivo models is crucial for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of sphingolipidoses and for the development of efficacious therapeutic strategies. The teleost zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as a useful platform to model several human genetic diseases owing to the high grade of genome conservation between human and zebrafish, combined with precise genome editing and the ease of manipulation. In addition, lipidomic studies have allowed the identification in zebrafish of all of the main classes of lipids present in mammals, supporting the possibility to model diseases of the lipidic metabolism in this animal species with the advantage of using mammalian lipid databases for data processing. This review highlights the use of zebrafish as an innovative model system to gain novel insights into the pathogenesis of sphingolipidoses, with possible implications for the identification of more efficacious therapeutic approaches.
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7
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Cabotegravir Exposure of Zebrafish ( Danio rerio) Embryos Impacts on Neurodevelopment and Behavior. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031994. [PMID: 36768311 PMCID: PMC9916638 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
As most new medications, Cabotegravir (CAB) was recently approved as an antiretroviral treatment of HIV infection without in-depth safety information on in utero exposure. Although no developmental toxicity in rats and rabbits was reported, recent studies demonstrated that CAB decreases pluripotency of human embryonic stem cells. CAB exposure effects during development were assessed in zebrafish embryos by the Fish Embryo Toxicity test after exposure at subtherapeutic concentrations up to 25× the human Cmax. Larvae behavior was assessed by the light-dark locomotion test. The expression of factors involved in neurogenesis was evaluated by whole-mount in situ hybridization. CAB did not cause gross morphological defects at low doses, although pericardial edema, uninflated swim bladder, decreased heartbeats, growth delay, and decreased hatching rate were observed at the highest concentrations. Decreased locomotion was observed even at the subtherapeutic dose, suggesting alterations of nervous system integrity. This hypothesis was supported by the observation of decreased expression of crucial factors involved in early neuronal differentiation in diencephalic and telencephalic dopaminergic areas, midbrain/hindbrain boundary, and craniofacial ganglia. These findings support CAB effects on neurogenesis in zebrafish embryos and suggest long-term follow-up of exposed infants to provide data on drug safety during pregnancy.
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8
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Zaccariotto E, Cachón-González MB, Wang B, Lim S, Hirth B, Park H, Fezoui M, Sardi SP, Mason P, Barker RH, Cox TM. A novel brain-penetrant oral UGT8 inhibitor decreases in vivo galactosphingolipid biosynthesis in murine Krabbe disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 149:112808. [PMID: 35290889 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Krabbe disease is a rare, inherited neurodegenerative disease due to impaired lysosomal β-galactosylceramidase (GALC) activity and formation of neurotoxic β-galactosylsphingosine ('psychosine'). We investigated substrate reduction therapy with a novel brain-penetrant inhibitor of galactosylceramide biosynthesis, RA 5557, in twitcher mice that lack GALC activity and model Krabbe disease. This thienopyridine derivative selectively inhibits uridine diphosphate-galactose glycosyltransferase 8 (UGT8), the final step in the generation of galactosylceramides which are precursors of sulphatide and, in the pathological lysosome, the immediate source of psychosine. Administration of RA 5557, reduced pathologically elevated psychosine concentrations (72-86%) in the midbrain and cerebral cortex in twitcher mice: the inhibitor decreased galactosylceramides by about 70% in midbrain and cerebral cortex in mutant and wild type animals. Exposure to the inhibitor significantly decreased several characteristic inflammatory response markers without causing apparent toxicity to myelin-producing cells in wild type and mutant mice; transcript abundance of oligodendrocyte markers MBP (myelin basic protein) and murine UGT8 was unchanged. Administration of the inhibitor before conception and during several breeding cycles to mice did not impair fertility and gave rise to healthy offspring. Nevertheless, given the unchanged lifespan, it appears that GALC has critical functions in the nervous system beyond the hydrolysis of galactosylceramide and galactosylsphingosine. Our findings support further therapeutic exploration of orally active UGT8 inhibitors in Krabbe disease and related galactosphingolipid disorders. The potent thienopyridine derivative with effective target engagement here studied appears to have an acceptable safety profile in vivo; judicious dose optimization will be needed to ensure efficacious clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Zaccariotto
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | | | - Bing Wang
- Early Development, Sanofi R&D, Waltham, MA, United States
| | - Sungtaek Lim
- Integrated Drug Discovery, Sanofi R&D, Waltham, MA, United States
| | - Bradford Hirth
- Integrated Drug Discovery, Sanofi R&D, Waltham, MA, United States
| | - Hyejung Park
- Early Development, Sanofi R&D, Waltham, MA, United States
| | - Malika Fezoui
- Rare and Neurologic Disease Research, Sanofi R&D, Framingham, MA, United States
| | - S Pablo Sardi
- Rare and Neurologic Disease Research, Sanofi R&D, Framingham, MA, United States
| | - Paul Mason
- Rare and Neurologic Disease Research, Sanofi R&D, Framingham, MA, United States
| | - Robert H Barker
- Rare and Neurologic Disease Research, Sanofi R&D, Framingham, MA, United States
| | - Timothy M Cox
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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9
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Papini N, Giallanza C, Brioschi L, Ranieri FR, Giussani P, Mauri L, Ciampa MG, Viani P, Tringali C. Galactocerebrosidase deficiency induces an increase in lactosylceramide content: A new hallmark of Krabbe disease? Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2022; 145:106184. [PMID: 35217188 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2022.106184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Galactocerebrosidase (GALC) hydrolyses galactose residues from various substrates, including galactosylceramide, psychosine (galactosylsphingosine), and lactosylceramide. Its severe deficiency has been associated with the accumulation of psychosine, a toxic molecule with detergent-like features, which alters membrane structures and signalling pathways, inducing the death of oligodendrocytes and a sequence of events in the nervous system that explain the appearance of many clinical signs typical of Krabbe disease. Nevertheless, new evidence suggests the existence of other possible links among GALC action, myelination, and myelin stability, apart from psychosine release. In this study, we demonstrated that lactosylceramide metabolism is impaired in fibroblasts isolated from patients with Krabbe disease in the absence of psychosine accumulation. This event is responsible for the aberrant and constitutive activation of the AKT/prolin-rich AKT substrate of 40 kDa (PRAS40) signalling axis, inducing B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) overexpression and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3β) inhibition. In addition, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) showed increased nuclear translocation. Due to the relevance of these molecular alterations in neurodegeneration, lactosylceramide increase should be evaluated as a novel marker of Krabbe disease, and because of its significant connections with signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Papini
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, LITA Segrate, Via Fratelli Cervi, 93, 20090 Segrate, MI, Italy
| | - Chiara Giallanza
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, LITA Segrate, Via Fratelli Cervi, 93, 20090 Segrate, MI, Italy
| | - Loredana Brioschi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, LITA Segrate, Via Fratelli Cervi, 93, 20090 Segrate, MI, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Ranieri
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, LITA Segrate, Via Fratelli Cervi, 93, 20090 Segrate, MI, Italy
| | - Paola Giussani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, LITA Segrate, Via Fratelli Cervi, 93, 20090 Segrate, MI, Italy
| | - Laura Mauri
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, LITA Segrate, Via Fratelli Cervi, 93, 20090 Segrate, MI, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ciampa
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, LITA Segrate, Via Fratelli Cervi, 93, 20090 Segrate, MI, Italy
| | - Paola Viani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, LITA Segrate, Via Fratelli Cervi, 93, 20090 Segrate, MI, Italy
| | - Cristina Tringali
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, LITA Segrate, Via Fratelli Cervi, 93, 20090 Segrate, MI, Italy.
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10
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Belleri M, Presta M. β-Galactosylceramidase in cancer: more than a psychosine scavenger. Oncoscience 2022; 9:11-12. [PMID: 35340675 PMCID: PMC8946824 DOI: 10.18632/oncoscience.551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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11
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Feltri ML, Weinstock NI, Favret J, Dhimal N, Wrabetz L, Shin D. Mechanisms of demyelination and neurodegeneration in globoid cell leukodystrophy. Glia 2021; 69:2309-2331. [PMID: 33851745 PMCID: PMC8502241 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD), also known as Krabbe disease, is a lysosomal storage disorder causing extensive demyelination in the central and peripheral nervous systems. GLD is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the lysosomal hydrolase, galactosylceramidase (GALC), which catabolizes the myelin sphingolipid galactosylceramide. The pathophysiology of GLD is complex and reflects the expression of GALC in a number of glial and neural cell types in both the central and peripheral nervous systems (CNS and PNS), as well as leukocytes and kidney in the periphery. Over the years, GLD has garnered a wide range of scientific and medical interests, especially as a model system to study gene therapy and novel preclinical therapeutic approaches to treat the spontaneous murine model for GLD. Here, we review recent findings in the field of Krabbe disease, with particular emphasis on novel aspects of GALC physiology, GLD pathophysiology, and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Laura Feltri
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Buffalo, New York
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Nadav I. Weinstock
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Buffalo, New York
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Jacob Favret
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Buffalo, New York
- Biotechnical and Clinical Lab Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Narayan Dhimal
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Buffalo, New York
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Lawrence Wrabetz
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Buffalo, New York
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Daesung Shin
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Buffalo, New York
- Biotechnical and Clinical Lab Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
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12
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Presta M. β-Galactosylceramidase in cancer: friend or foe? Trends Cancer 2021; 7:974-977. [PMID: 34456156 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2021.08.001] [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] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Lysosomal β-galactosylceramidase (GALC) removes β-galactose from β-galactosylceramide, thus generating the oncosuppressor metabolite ceramide. Recent observations have shown that GALC may exert opposite effects on tumor growth and differentiation, questioning its contribution to the sphingolipid metabolism in cancer cells and its role in tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Presta
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Unity of Brescia, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy; Italian Consortium for Biotechnology (CIB), Unity of Brescia, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
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13
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Tseng WC, Johnson Escauriza AJ, Tsai-Morris CH, Feldman B, Dale RK, Wassif CA, Porter FD. The role of Niemann-Pick type C2 in zebrafish embryonic development. Development 2021; 148:dev194258. [PMID: 33722902 PMCID: PMC8077516 DOI: 10.1242/dev.194258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a rare, fatal, neurodegenerative lysosomal disease caused by mutations of either NPC1 or NPC2. NPC2 is a soluble lysosomal protein that functions in coordination with NPC1 to efflux cholesterol from the lysosomal compartment. Mutations of either gene result in the accumulation of unesterified cholesterol and other lipids in the late endosome/lysosome, and reduction of cellular cholesterol bioavailability. Zygotic null npc2m/m zebrafish showed significant unesterified cholesterol accumulation at larval stages, a reduction in body size, and motor and balance defects in adulthood. However, the phenotype at embryonic stages was milder than expected, suggesting a possible role of maternal Npc2 in embryonic development. Maternal-zygotic npc2m/m zebrafish exhibited significant developmental defects, including defective otic vesicle development/absent otoliths, abnormal head/brain development, curved/twisted body axes and no circulating blood cells, and died by 72 hpf. RNA-seq analysis conducted on 30 hpf npc2+/m and MZnpc2m/m embryos revealed a significant reduction in the expression of notch3 and other downstream genes in the Notch signaling pathway, suggesting that impaired Notch3 signaling underlies aspects of the developmental defects observed in MZnpc2m/m zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chia Tseng
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ana J. Johnson Escauriza
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Chon-Hwa Tsai-Morris
- Zebrafish Core, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Benjamin Feldman
- Zebrafish Core, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ryan K. Dale
- Bioinformatics and Scientific Programming Core, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Christopher A. Wassif
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Forbes D. Porter
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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14
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Weinstock NI, Kreher C, Favret J, Nguyen D, Bongarzone ER, Wrabetz L, Feltri ML, Shin D. Brainstem development requires galactosylceramidase and is critical for pathogenesis in a model of Krabbe disease. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5356. [PMID: 33097716 PMCID: PMC7584660 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19179-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Krabbe disease (KD) is caused by a deficiency of galactosylceramidase (GALC), which induces demyelination and neurodegeneration due to accumulation of cytotoxic psychosine. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) improves clinical outcomes in KD patients only if delivered pre-symptomatically. Here, we hypothesize that the restricted temporal efficacy of HSCT reflects a requirement for GALC in early brain development. Using a novel Galc floxed allele, we induce ubiquitous GALC ablation (Galc-iKO) at various postnatal timepoints and identify a critical period of vulnerability to GALC ablation between P4-6 in mice. Early Galc-iKO induction causes a worse KD phenotype, higher psychosine levels in the rodent brainstem and spinal cord, and a significantly shorter life-span of the mice. Intriguingly, GALC expression peaks during this critical developmental period in mice. Further analysis of this mouse model reveals a cell autonomous role for GALC in the development and maturation of immature T-box-brain-1 positive brainstem neurons. These data identify a perinatal developmental period, in which neuronal GALC expression influences brainstem development that is critical for KD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadav I Weinstock
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA
| | - Conlan Kreher
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA
| | - Jacob Favret
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA
- Department of Biotechnical and Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA
| | - Duc Nguyen
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Ernesto R Bongarzone
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Lawrence Wrabetz
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA
| | - M Laura Feltri
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA
| | - Daesung Shin
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA.
- Department of Biotechnical and Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA.
- Neuroscience Program, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA.
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15
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Belleri M, Paganini G, Coltrini D, Ronca R, Zizioli D, Corsini M, Barbieri A, Grillo E, Calza S, Bresciani R, Maiorano E, Mastropasqua MG, Annese T, Giacomini A, Ribatti D, Casas J, Levade T, Fabrias G, Presta M. β-Galactosylceramidase Promotes Melanoma Growth via Modulation of Ceramide Metabolism. Cancer Res 2020; 80:5011-5023. [PMID: 32998995 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-3382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Disturbance of sphingolipid metabolism may represent a novel therapeutic target in metastatic melanoma, the most lethal form of skin cancer. β-Galactosylceramidase (GALC) removes β-galactose from galactosylceramide and other sphingolipids. In this study, we show that downregulation of galcb, a zebrafish ortholog of human GALC, affects melanoblast and melanocyte differentiation in zebrafish embryos, suggesting a possible role for GALC in melanoma. On this basis, the impact of GALC expression in murine B16-F10 and human A2058 melanoma cells was investigated following its silencing or upregulation. Galc knockdown hampered growth, motility, and invasive capacity of B16-F10 cells and their tumorigenic and metastatic activity when grafted in syngeneic mice or zebrafish embryos. Galc-silenced cells displayed altered sphingolipid metabolism and increased intracellular levels of ceramide, paralleled by a nonredundant upregulation of Smpd3, which encodes for the ceramide-generating enzyme neutral sphingomyelinase 2. Accordingly, GALC downregulation caused SMPD3 upregulation, increased ceramide levels, and inhibited the tumorigenic activity of human melanoma A2058 cells, whereas GALC upregulation exerted opposite effects. In concordance with information from melanoma database mining, RNAscope analysis demonstrated a progressive increase of GALC expression from common nevi to stage IV human melanoma samples that was paralleled by increases in microphthalmia transcription factor and tyrosinase immunoreactivity inversely related to SMPD3 and ceramide levels. Overall, these findings indicate that GALC may play an oncogenic role in melanoma by modulating the levels of intracellular ceramide, thus providing novel opportunities for melanoma therapy. SIGNIFICANCE: Data from zebrafish embryos, murine and human cell melanoma lines, and patient-derived tumor specimens indicate that β-galactosylceramidase plays an oncogenic role in melanoma and may serve as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirella Belleri
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Paganini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Daniela Coltrini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Roberto Ronca
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Daniela Zizioli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Michela Corsini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Barbieri
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Grillo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefano Calza
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Roberto Bresciani
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Eugenio Maiorano
- Department of Emergency and Transplantation, Pathology Section, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Mauro G Mastropasqua
- Department of Emergency and Transplantation, Pathology Section, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Tiziana Annese
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences, and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Arianna Giacomini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences, and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Josefina Casas
- Research Unit on BioActive Molecules (RUBAM), Department of Biological Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC), Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), Barcelona, and Liver and Digestive Diseases Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBER-EHD), Madrid, Spain
| | - Thierry Levade
- INSERM U1037, CRCT (Cancer Research Center of Toulouse) and Laboratoire de Biochimie Métabolique, Institut Fédératif de Biologie, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Gemma Fabrias
- Research Unit on BioActive Molecules (RUBAM), Department of Biological Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC), Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), Barcelona, and Liver and Digestive Diseases Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBER-EHD), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marco Presta
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy. .,Italian Consortium for Biotechnology (CIB), Unit of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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16
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Giussani P, Prinetti A, Tringali C. The role of Sphingolipids in myelination and myelin stability and their involvement in childhood and adult demyelinating disorders. J Neurochem 2020; 156:403-414. [PMID: 33448358 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) represents the most common demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS) in adults as well as in children. Furthermore, in children, in addition to acquired diseases such as MS, genetically inherited diseases significantly contribute to the incidence of demyelinating disorders. Some genetic defects lead to sphingolipid alterations that are able to elicit neurological symptoms. Sphingolipids are essential for brain development, and their aberrant functionality may thus contribute to demyelinating diseases such as MS. In particular, sphingolipidoses caused by deficits of sphingolipid-metabolizing enzymes, are often associated with demyelination. Sphingolipids are not only structural molecules but also bioactive molecules involved in the regulation of cellular events such as development of the nervous system, myelination and maintenance of myelin stability. Changes in the sphingolipid metabolism deeply affect plasma membrane organization. Thus, changes in myelin sphingolipid composition might crucially contribute to the phenotype of diseases characterized by demyelinalization. Here, we review key features of several sphingolipids such as ceramide/dihydroceramide, sphingosine/dihydrosphingosine, glucosylceramide and, galactosylceramide which act in myelin formation during rat brain development and in human brain demyelination during the pathogenesis of MS, suggesting that this knowledge could be useful in identifying targets for possible therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Giussani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università di Milano, LITA Segrate, Segrate, Italy
| | - Alessandro Prinetti
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università di Milano, LITA Segrate, Segrate, Italy
| | - Cristina Tringali
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università di Milano, LITA Segrate, Segrate, Italy
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17
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Zhang T, Peterson RT. Modeling Lysosomal Storage Diseases in the Zebrafish. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:82. [PMID: 32435656 PMCID: PMC7218095 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are a family of 70 metabolic disorders characterized by mutations in lysosomal proteins that lead to storage material accumulation, multiple-organ pathologies that often involve neurodegeneration, and early mortality in a significant number of patients. Along with the necessity for more effective therapies, there exists an unmet need for further understanding of disease etiology, which could uncover novel pathways and drug targets. Over the past few decades, the growth in knowledge of disease-associated pathways has been facilitated by studies in model organisms, as advancements in mutagenesis techniques markedly improved the efficiency of model generation in mammalian and non-mammalian systems. In this review we highlight non-mammalian models of LSDs, focusing specifically on the zebrafish, a vertebrate model organism that shares remarkable genetic and metabolic similarities with mammals while also conferring unique advantages such as optical transparency and amenability toward high-throughput applications. We examine published zebrafish LSD models and their reported phenotypes, address organism-specific advantages and limitations, and discuss recent technological innovations that could provide potential solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - R T Peterson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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18
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Advances in Sphingolipidoses: CRISPR-Cas9 Editing as an Option for Modelling and Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20235897. [PMID: 31771289 PMCID: PMC6928934 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20235897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipidoses are inherited genetic diseases characterized by the accumulation of glycosphingolipids. Sphingolipidoses (SP), which usually involve the loss of sphingolipid hydrolase function, are of lysosomal origin, and represent an important group of rare diseases among lysosomal storage disorders. Initial treatments consisted of enzyme replacement therapy, but, in recent decades, various therapeutic approaches have been developed. However, these commonly used treatments for SP fail to be fully effective and do not penetrate the blood-brain barrier. New approaches, such as genome editing, have great potential for both the treatment and study of sphingolipidoses. Here, we review the most recent advances in the treatment and modelling of SP through the application of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing. CRISPR-Cas9 is currently the most widely used method for genome editing. This technique is versatile; it can be used for altering the regulation of genes involved in sphingolipid degradation and synthesis pathways, interrogating gene function, generating knock out models, or knocking in mutations. CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing is being used as an approach to disease treatment, but more frequently it is utilized to create models of disease. New CRISPR-Cas9-based tools of gene editing with diminished off-targeting effects are evolving and seem to be more promising for the correction of individual mutations. Emerging Prime results and CRISPR-Cas9 difficulties are also discussed.
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19
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Rutherford HA, Hamilton N. Animal models of leukodystrophy: a new perspective for the development of therapies. FEBS J 2019; 286:4176-4191. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.15060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Holly A. Rutherford
- The Bateson Centre, Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease University of Sheffield UK
| | - Noémie Hamilton
- The Bateson Centre, Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease University of Sheffield UK
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20
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Smith NJ, Fuller M, Saville JT, Cox TM. Reduced cerebral vascularization in experimental neuronopathic Gaucher disease. J Pathol 2018; 244:120-128. [PMID: 28981147 DOI: 10.1002/path.4992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The glycosphingolipidosis, Gaucher disease, in which a range of neurological manifestations occur, results from a deficiency of acid β-glucocerebrosidase, with subsequent accumulation of β-glucocerebroside, its upstream substrates, and the non-acylated congener β-glucosylsphingosine. However, the mechanisms by which end-organ dysfunction arise are poorly understood. Here, we report strikingly diminished cerebral microvascular density in a murine model of disease, and provide a detailed analysis of the accompanying cerebral glycosphingolipidome in these animals, with marked elevations of β-glucosylsphingosine. Further in vitro studies confirmed a concentration-dependent impairment of endothelial cytokinesis upon exposure to quasi-pathological concentrations of β-glucosylsphingosine. These findings support a premise for pathogenic disruption of cerebral angiogenesis as an end-organ effect, with potential for therapeutic modulation in neuronopathic Gaucher disease. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Jc Smith
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Women's and Children's Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Maria Fuller
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Genetics and Molecular Pathology, SA Pathology at Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jennifer T Saville
- Genetics and Molecular Pathology, SA Pathology at Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Timothy M Cox
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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21
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Spratley SJ, Deane JE. New therapeutic approaches for Krabbe disease: The potential of pharmacological chaperones. J Neurosci Res 2017; 94:1203-19. [PMID: 27638604 PMCID: PMC5031207 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Revised: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Missense mutations in the lysosomal hydrolase β‐galactocerebrosidase (GALC) account for at least 40% of known cases of Krabbe disease (KD). Most of these missense mutations are predicted to disrupt the fold of the enzyme, preventing GALC in sufficient amounts from reaching its site of action in the lysosome. The predominant central nervous system (CNS) pathology and the absence of accumulated primary substrate within the lysosome mean that strategies used to treat other lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are insufficient in KD, highlighting the still unmet clinical requirement for successful KD therapeutics. Pharmacological chaperone therapy (PCT) is one strategy being explored to overcome defects in GALC caused by missense mutations. In recent studies, several small‐molecule inhibitors have been identified as promising chaperone candidates for GALC. This Review discusses new insights gained from these studies and highlights the importance of characterizing both the chaperone interaction and the underlying mutation to define properly a responsive population and to improve the translation of existing lead molecules into successful KD therapeutics. We also highlight the importance of using multiple complementary methods to monitor PCT effectiveness. Finally, we explore the exciting potential of using combination therapy to ameliorate disease through the use of PCT with existing therapies or with more generalized therapeutics, such as proteasomal inhibition, that have been shown to have synergistic effects in other LSDs. This, alongside advances in CNS delivery of recombinant enzyme and targeted rational drug design, provides a promising outlook for the development of KD therapeutics. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Neuroscience Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Spratley
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Department of Pathology University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Janet E Deane
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Department of Pathology University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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22
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Belleri M, Presta M. Endothelial cell dysfunction in globoid cell leukodystrophy. J Neurosci Res 2016; 94:1359-67. [PMID: 27037626 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Revised: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis plays a pivotal role in the physiology and pathology of the brain. Microvascular alterations have been observed in various neurodegenerative disorders, including genetic leukodystrophies. Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by β-galactosylceramidase (GALC) deficiency and characterized by the accumulation of the neurotoxic metabolite psychosine in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. Structural and functional alterations occur in the microvascular endothelium of the brain of GLD patients and twitcher mice, a murine model of the disease. In addition, increased vessel permeability and a reduced capacity to respond to proangiogenic stimuli characterize the endothelium of twitcher animals. On the one hand, these alterations may depend, at least in part, on the local and systemic angiostatic activity exerted by psychosine on endothelial cells. On the other hand, studies performed in vivo on zebrafish embryos and in vitro on human endothelial cells suggest that GALC downregulation may also lead to psychosine-independent neuronal and vascular defects. Together, experimental observations indicate that endothelial cell dysfunctions may represent a novel pathogenic mechanism in human leukodystrophies, including GLD. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for these microvascular alterations may provide new insights for the therapy of GLD. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirella Belleri
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Presta
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
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23
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Nowik N, Podlasz P, Jakimiuk A, Kasica N, Sienkiewicz W, Kaleczyc J. Zebrafish: an animal model for research in veterinary medicine. Pol J Vet Sci 2016; 18:663-74. [PMID: 26618602 DOI: 10.1515/pjvs-2015-0086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has become known as an excellent model organism for studies of vertebrate biology, vertebrate genetics, embryonal development, diseases and drug screening. Nevertheless, there is still lack of detailed reports about usage of the zebrafish as a model in veterinary medicine. Comparing to other vertebrates, they can lay hundreds of eggs at weekly intervals, externally fertilized zebrafish embryos are accessible to observation and manipulation at all stages of their development, which makes possible to simplify the research techniques such as fate mapping, fluorescent tracer time-lapse lineage analysis and single cell transplantation. Although zebrafish are only 2.5 cm long, they are easy to maintain. Intraperitoneal and intracerebroventricular injections, blood sampling and measurement of food intake are possible to be carry out in adult zebrafish. Danio rerio is a useful animal model for neurobiology, developmental biology, drug research, virology, microbiology and genetics. A lot of diseases, for which the zebrafish is a perfect model organism, affect aquatic animals. For a part of them, like those caused by Mycobacterium marinum or Pseudoloma neutrophila, Danio rerio is a natural host, but the zebrafish is also susceptible to the most of fish diseases including Itch, Spring viraemia of carp and Infectious spleen and kidney necrosis. The zebrafish is commonly used in research of bacterial virulence. The zebrafish embryo allows for rapid, non-invasive and real time analysis of bacterial infections in a vertebrate host. Plenty of common pathogens can be examined using zebrafish model: Streptococcus iniae, Vibrio anguillarum or Listeria monocytogenes. The steps are taken to use the zebrafish also in fungal research, especially that dealing with Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. Although, the zebrafish is used commonly as an animal model to study diseases caused by external agents, it is also useful in studies of metabolic disorders including fatty liver disease and diabetes. The zebrafish is also a valuable tool as a model in behavioral studies connected with feeding, predator evasion, habituation and memory or lateralized control of behavior. The aim of the present article is to familiarize the reader with the possibilities of Danio rerio as an experimental model for veterinary medicine.
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