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Donders Z, Skorupska IJ, Willems E, Mussen F, Broeckhoven JV, Carlier A, Schepers M, Vanmierlo T. Beyond PDE4 inhibition: A comprehensive review on downstream cAMP signaling in the central nervous system. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:117009. [PMID: 38908196 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117009] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a key second messenger that regulates signal transduction pathways pivotal for numerous biological functions. Intracellular cAMP levels are spatiotemporally regulated by their hydrolyzing enzymes called phosphodiesterases (PDEs). It has been shown that increased cAMP levels in the central nervous system (CNS) promote neuroplasticity, neurotransmission, neuronal survival, and myelination while suppressing neuroinflammation. Thus, elevating cAMP levels through PDE inhibition provides a therapeutic approach for multiple CNS disorders, including multiple sclerosis, stroke, spinal cord injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and Alzheimer's disease. In particular, inhibition of the cAMP-specific PDE4 subfamily is widely studied because of its high expression in the CNS. So far, the clinical translation of full PDE4 inhibitors has been hampered because of dose-limiting side effects. Hence, focusing on signaling cascades downstream activated upon PDE4 inhibition presents a promising strategy, offering novel and pharmacologically safe targets for treating CNS disorders. Yet, the underlying downstream signaling pathways activated upon PDE(4) inhibition remain partially elusive. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the existing knowledge regarding downstream mediators of cAMP signaling induced by PDE4 inhibition or cAMP stimulators. Furthermore, we highlight existing gaps and future perspectives that may incentivize additional downstream research concerning PDE(4) inhibition, thereby providing novel therapeutic approaches for CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoë Donders
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6229ER, the Netherlands; Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium
| | - Iga Joanna Skorupska
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6229ER, the Netherlands; Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium; Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht 6629ER, the Netherlands
| | - Emily Willems
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6229ER, the Netherlands; Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium
| | - Femke Mussen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6229ER, the Netherlands; Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium; Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium
| | - Jana Van Broeckhoven
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium; University MS Centre (UMSC) Hasselt - Pelt, Belgium
| | - Aurélie Carlier
- Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht 6629ER, the Netherlands
| | - Melissa Schepers
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6229ER, the Netherlands; Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium; University MS Centre (UMSC) Hasselt - Pelt, Belgium
| | - Tim Vanmierlo
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6229ER, the Netherlands; Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium; University MS Centre (UMSC) Hasselt - Pelt, Belgium.
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Lusardi M, Rapetti F, Spallarossa A, Brullo C. PDE4D: A Multipurpose Pharmacological Target. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8052. [PMID: 39125619 PMCID: PMC11311937 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158052] [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: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) enzymes catalyze cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) hydrolysis and are involved in a variety of physiological processes, including brain function, monocyte and macrophage activation, and neutrophil infiltration. Among different PDE4 isoforms, Phosphodiesterases 4D (PDE4Ds) play a fundamental role in cognitive, learning and memory consolidation processes and cancer development. Selective PDE4D inhibitors (PDE4Dis) could represent an innovative and valid therapeutic strategy for the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and Lou Gehrig's diseases, but also for stroke, traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, mild cognitive impairment, and all demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis. In addition, small molecules able to block PDE4D isoforms have been recently studied for the treatment of specific cancer types, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma and breast cancer. This review overviews the PDE4DIsso far identified and provides useful information, from a medicinal chemistry point of view, for the development of a novel series of compounds with improved pharmacological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Lusardi
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genova, Italy; (F.R.); (A.S.)
| | | | | | - Chiara Brullo
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genova, Italy; (F.R.); (A.S.)
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Fan T, Wang W, Wang Y, Zeng M, Liu Y, Zhu S, Yang L. PDE4 inhibitors: potential protective effects in inflammation and vascular diseases. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1407871. [PMID: 38915460 PMCID: PMC11194378 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1407871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors are effective therapeutic agents for various inflammatory diseases. Roflumilast, apremilast, and crisaborole have been developed and approved for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease psoriatic arthritis, and atopic dermatitis. Inflammation underlies many vascular diseases, yet the role of PDE4 inhibitors in these diseases remains inadequately explored. This review elucidates the clinical applications and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of PDE4 inhibitors, as well as their potential protective effects on vascular diseases. Additionally, strategies to mitigate the adverse reactions of PDE4 inhibitors are discussed. This article emphasizes the need for further exploration of the therapeutic potential and clinical applications of PDE4 inhibitors in vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianfei Fan
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingtang Zeng
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuyao Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Rombaut B, Schepers M, Tiane A, Mussen F, Koole L, Kessels S, Trippaers C, Jacobs R, Wouters K, Willems E, van Veggel L, Koulousakis P, Deluyker D, Bito V, Prickaerts J, Wens I, Brône B, van den Hove DLA, Vanmierlo T. Early Inhibition of Phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) Instills Cognitive Resilience in APPswe/PS1dE9 Mice. Cells 2024; 13:1000. [PMID: 38920631 PMCID: PMC11201979 DOI: 10.3390/cells13121000] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglia activity can drive excessive synaptic loss during the prodromal phase of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is associated with lowered cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) due to cAMP phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B). This study aimed to investigate whether long-term inhibition of PDE4B by A33 (3 mg/kg/day) can prevent synapse loss and its associated cognitive decline in APPswe/PS1dE9 mice. This model is characterized by a chimeric mouse/human APP with the Swedish mutation and human PSEN1 lacking exon 9 (dE9), both under the control of the mouse prion protein promoter. The effects on cognitive function of prolonged A33 treatment from 20 days to 4 months of age, was assessed at 7-8 months. PDE4B inhibition significantly improved both the working and spatial memory of APPswe/PSdE9 mice after treatment ended. At the cellular level, in vitro inhibition of PDE4B induced microglial filopodia formation, suggesting that regulation of PDE4B activity can counteract microglia activation. Further research is needed to investigate if this could prevent microglia from adopting their 'disease-associated microglia (DAM)' phenotype in vivo. These findings support the possibility that PDE4B is a potential target in combating AD pathology and that early intervention using A33 may be a promising treatment strategy for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Rombaut
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (B.R.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (F.M.); (L.K.); (S.K.); (C.T.); (R.J.); (E.W.); (L.v.V.); (P.K.); (I.W.); (B.B.)
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Mental Health and Neuroscience Institute (MHeNs), Division Translational Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (J.P.); (D.L.A.v.d.H.)
| | - Melissa Schepers
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (B.R.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (F.M.); (L.K.); (S.K.); (C.T.); (R.J.); (E.W.); (L.v.V.); (P.K.); (I.W.); (B.B.)
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Mental Health and Neuroscience Institute (MHeNs), Division Translational Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (J.P.); (D.L.A.v.d.H.)
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt, 3900 Pelt, Belgium
| | - Assia Tiane
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (B.R.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (F.M.); (L.K.); (S.K.); (C.T.); (R.J.); (E.W.); (L.v.V.); (P.K.); (I.W.); (B.B.)
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Mental Health and Neuroscience Institute (MHeNs), Division Translational Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (J.P.); (D.L.A.v.d.H.)
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt, 3900 Pelt, Belgium
| | - Femke Mussen
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (B.R.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (F.M.); (L.K.); (S.K.); (C.T.); (R.J.); (E.W.); (L.v.V.); (P.K.); (I.W.); (B.B.)
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Mental Health and Neuroscience Institute (MHeNs), Division Translational Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (J.P.); (D.L.A.v.d.H.)
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Lisa Koole
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (B.R.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (F.M.); (L.K.); (S.K.); (C.T.); (R.J.); (E.W.); (L.v.V.); (P.K.); (I.W.); (B.B.)
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Mental Health and Neuroscience Institute (MHeNs), Division Translational Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (J.P.); (D.L.A.v.d.H.)
| | - Sofie Kessels
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (B.R.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (F.M.); (L.K.); (S.K.); (C.T.); (R.J.); (E.W.); (L.v.V.); (P.K.); (I.W.); (B.B.)
| | - Chloë Trippaers
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (B.R.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (F.M.); (L.K.); (S.K.); (C.T.); (R.J.); (E.W.); (L.v.V.); (P.K.); (I.W.); (B.B.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Ruben Jacobs
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (B.R.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (F.M.); (L.K.); (S.K.); (C.T.); (R.J.); (E.W.); (L.v.V.); (P.K.); (I.W.); (B.B.)
| | - Kristiaan Wouters
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+ (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands;
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Emily Willems
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (B.R.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (F.M.); (L.K.); (S.K.); (C.T.); (R.J.); (E.W.); (L.v.V.); (P.K.); (I.W.); (B.B.)
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Mental Health and Neuroscience Institute (MHeNs), Division Translational Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (J.P.); (D.L.A.v.d.H.)
| | - Lieve van Veggel
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (B.R.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (F.M.); (L.K.); (S.K.); (C.T.); (R.J.); (E.W.); (L.v.V.); (P.K.); (I.W.); (B.B.)
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Mental Health and Neuroscience Institute (MHeNs), Division Translational Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (J.P.); (D.L.A.v.d.H.)
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt, 3900 Pelt, Belgium
| | - Philippos Koulousakis
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (B.R.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (F.M.); (L.K.); (S.K.); (C.T.); (R.J.); (E.W.); (L.v.V.); (P.K.); (I.W.); (B.B.)
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Mental Health and Neuroscience Institute (MHeNs), Division Translational Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (J.P.); (D.L.A.v.d.H.)
| | - Dorien Deluyker
- UHasselt, Cardio & Organ Systems (COST), BIOMED, Agoralaan, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (D.D.); (V.B.)
| | - Virginie Bito
- UHasselt, Cardio & Organ Systems (COST), BIOMED, Agoralaan, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (D.D.); (V.B.)
| | - Jos Prickaerts
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Mental Health and Neuroscience Institute (MHeNs), Division Translational Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (J.P.); (D.L.A.v.d.H.)
| | - Inez Wens
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (B.R.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (F.M.); (L.K.); (S.K.); (C.T.); (R.J.); (E.W.); (L.v.V.); (P.K.); (I.W.); (B.B.)
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Mental Health and Neuroscience Institute (MHeNs), Division Translational Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (J.P.); (D.L.A.v.d.H.)
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt, 3900 Pelt, Belgium
| | - Bert Brône
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (B.R.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (F.M.); (L.K.); (S.K.); (C.T.); (R.J.); (E.W.); (L.v.V.); (P.K.); (I.W.); (B.B.)
| | - Daniel L. A. van den Hove
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Mental Health and Neuroscience Institute (MHeNs), Division Translational Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (J.P.); (D.L.A.v.d.H.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, 97070 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Tim Vanmierlo
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (B.R.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (F.M.); (L.K.); (S.K.); (C.T.); (R.J.); (E.W.); (L.v.V.); (P.K.); (I.W.); (B.B.)
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Mental Health and Neuroscience Institute (MHeNs), Division Translational Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (J.P.); (D.L.A.v.d.H.)
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt, 3900 Pelt, Belgium
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Schepers M, Hendrix S, Mussen F, van Breedam E, Ponsaerts P, Lemmens S, Hellings N, Ricciarelli R, Fedele E, Bruno O, Brullo C, Prickaerts J, Van Broeckhoven J, Vanmierlo T. Amelioration of functional and histopathological consequences after spinal cord injury through phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D) inhibition. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00372. [PMID: 38760316 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00372] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-changing event that severely impacts the patient's quality of life. Modulating neuroinflammation, which exacerbates the primary injury, and stimulating neuro-regenerative repair mechanisms are key strategies to improve functional recovery. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a second messenger crucially involved in both processes. Following SCI, intracellular levels of cAMP are known to decrease over time. Therefore, preventing cAMP degradation represents a promising strategy to suppress inflammation while stimulating regeneration. Intracellular cAMP levels are controlled by its hydrolyzing enzymes phosphodiesterases (PDEs). The PDE4 family is most abundantly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and its inhibition has been shown to be therapeutically relevant for managing SCI pathology. Unfortunately, the use of full PDE4 inhibitors at therapeutic doses is associated with severe emetic side effects, hampering their translation toward clinical applications. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the effect of inhibiting specific PDE4 subtypes (PDE4B and PDE4D) on inflammatory and regenerative processes following SCI, as inhibitors selective for these subtypes have been demonstrated to be well-tolerated. We reveal that administration of the PDE4D inhibitor Gebr32a, even when starting 2 dpi, but not the PDE4B inhibitor A33, improved functional as well as histopathological outcomes after SCI, comparable to results obtained with the full PDE4 inhibitor roflumilast. Furthermore, using a luminescent human iPSC-derived neurospheroid model, we show that PDE4D inhibition stabilizes neural viability by preventing apoptosis and stimulating neuronal differentiation. These findings strongly suggest that specific PDE4D inhibition offers a novel therapeutic approach for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Schepers
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229ER Maastricht, the Netherlands; University MS Centre (UMSC) Hasselt - Pelt, Belgium
| | - Sven Hendrix
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School Hamburg, 20457 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Femke Mussen
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229ER Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Elise van Breedam
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (Vaxinfectio), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Peter Ponsaerts
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (Vaxinfectio), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Stefanie Lemmens
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Niels Hellings
- University MS Centre (UMSC) Hasselt - Pelt, Belgium; Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Roberta Ricciarelli
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16100 Genoa, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of General Pathology, University of Genova, 16100 Genoa, Italy
| | - Ernesto Fedele
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16100 Genoa, Italy; Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, 16100 Genoa, Italy
| | - Olga Bruno
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Genoa, 16100 Genoa, Italy
| | - Chiara Brullo
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Genoa, 16100 Genoa, Italy
| | - Jos Prickaerts
- Peitho Translational, 6229ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Jana Van Broeckhoven
- University MS Centre (UMSC) Hasselt - Pelt, Belgium; Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Tim Vanmierlo
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229ER Maastricht, the Netherlands; University MS Centre (UMSC) Hasselt - Pelt, Belgium.
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Pazzin DB, Previato TTR, Budelon Gonçalves JI, Zanirati G, Xavier FAC, da Costa JC, Marinowic DR. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Organoids in Advancing Neuropathology Research and Therapies. Cells 2024; 13:745. [PMID: 38727281 PMCID: PMC11083827 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
This review delves into the groundbreaking impact of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and three-dimensional organoid models in propelling forward neuropathology research. With a focus on neurodegenerative diseases, neuromotor disorders, and related conditions, iPSCs provide a platform for personalized disease modeling, holding significant potential for regenerative therapy and drug discovery. The adaptability of iPSCs, along with associated methodologies, enables the generation of various types of neural cell differentiations and their integration into three-dimensional organoid models, effectively replicating complex tissue structures in vitro. Key advancements in organoid and iPSC generation protocols, alongside the careful selection of donor cell types, are emphasized as critical steps in harnessing these technologies to mitigate tumorigenic risks and other hurdles. Encouragingly, iPSCs show promising outcomes in regenerative therapies, as evidenced by their successful application in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Bottega Pazzin
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90610-000, Brazil; (D.B.P.); (T.T.R.P.); (J.I.B.G.); (G.Z.); (F.A.C.X.); (J.C.d.C.)
- Graduate Program in Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Thales Thor Ramos Previato
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90610-000, Brazil; (D.B.P.); (T.T.R.P.); (J.I.B.G.); (G.Z.); (F.A.C.X.); (J.C.d.C.)
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90619-900, Brazil
| | - João Ismael Budelon Gonçalves
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90610-000, Brazil; (D.B.P.); (T.T.R.P.); (J.I.B.G.); (G.Z.); (F.A.C.X.); (J.C.d.C.)
| | - Gabriele Zanirati
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90610-000, Brazil; (D.B.P.); (T.T.R.P.); (J.I.B.G.); (G.Z.); (F.A.C.X.); (J.C.d.C.)
| | - Fernando Antonio Costa Xavier
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90610-000, Brazil; (D.B.P.); (T.T.R.P.); (J.I.B.G.); (G.Z.); (F.A.C.X.); (J.C.d.C.)
| | - Jaderson Costa da Costa
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90610-000, Brazil; (D.B.P.); (T.T.R.P.); (J.I.B.G.); (G.Z.); (F.A.C.X.); (J.C.d.C.)
| | - Daniel Rodrigo Marinowic
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90610-000, Brazil; (D.B.P.); (T.T.R.P.); (J.I.B.G.); (G.Z.); (F.A.C.X.); (J.C.d.C.)
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Wang Z, Zhang Y, Chai J, Wu Y, Zhang W, Zhang Z. Roflumilast: Modulating neuroinflammation and improving motor function and depressive symptoms in multiple sclerosis. J Affect Disord 2024; 350:761-773. [PMID: 38220100 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.12.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease causing central nervous system demyelination, often associated with depression. Current treatments for MS do not effectively address both physical disability and depression. Roflumilast, a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor with anti-inflammatory properties, has shown promise for autoimmune diseases. METHODS We used an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) rat model to study roflumilast's effects. Motor dysfunction and depression symptoms were assessed, and histopathological analysis evaluated its anti-inflammatory properties. Flow cytometry examined the drug's impact on brain microglia. TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels in hippocampal tissue were assessed using ELISA kits. RESULTS Roflumilast improved motor dysfunction and depression symptoms in EAE rats. Histopathological analysis revealed reduced inflammation, demyelination, and axonal loss in the spinal cord. Roflumilast suppressed microglial cell activation and conversion to pro-inflammatory M1-type cells. Flow cytometry showed roflumilast inhibited inflammatory marker expression in microglia and their activation in the hippocampus. IL-6 was identified as a roflumilast target for suppressing hippocampal inflammation. LIMITATIONS This study used an animal model and did not assess long-term or potential side effects of roflumilast treatment. CONCLUSIONS Roflumilast holds promise as a treatment for depression and motor impairment in MS. Its anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation and inhibiting microglial activation, suggest its potential for MS therapy. However, further research is needed to evaluate long-term effects and safety in MS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaowei Wang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital, Research Institution of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China; Department of Neurology, Shaoxing People's Hospital, 568 Zhonxin Bei Road, Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province 312000, China
| | - Yanxin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Shaoxing People's Hospital, 568 Zhonxin Bei Road, Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province 312000, China
| | - Jiaqing Chai
- Department of Neurology, Shaoxing People's Hospital, 568 Zhonxin Bei Road, Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province 312000, China
| | - Yingying Wu
- Department of Neurology, Shaoxing People's Hospital, 568 Zhonxin Bei Road, Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province 312000, China
| | - Weiying Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Shaoxing People's Hospital, 568 Zhonxin Bei Road, Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province 312000, China
| | - Zhijun Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital, Research Institution of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression, Department of Mental Health and Public Health, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China.
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8
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Schepers M, Vanmierlo T. Novel insights in phosphodiesterase 4 subtype inhibition to target neuroinflammation and stimulate remyelination. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:493-494. [PMID: 37721269 PMCID: PMC10581562 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.380899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Schepers
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium; Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands; University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt – Pelt, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Tim Vanmierlo
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium; Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands; University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt – Pelt, Hasselt, Belgium
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9
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Zhao H, Blokland A, Prickaerts J, Havekes R, Heckman PRA. Treatment with the selective PDE4B inhibitor A-33 or PDE4D inhibitor zatolmilast prevents sleep deprivation-induced deficits in spatial pattern separation. Behav Brain Res 2024; 459:114798. [PMID: 38056709 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114798] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Sleep deprivation (SD) disrupts hippocampus-dependent memory, particularly in the dentate gyrus (DG) region, an area crucial for pattern separation. Previous research showed that non-selective phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) inhibitors like roflumilast can alleviate these deficits. However, it remains unclear whether these outcomes are specific to a particular subfamily of PDE4. Hence, this study examined the specific impact of PDE4B inhibitor (A-33) and PDE4D inhibitor (zatolmilast) on spatial pattern separation in sleep deprived mice. Results demonstrated that SD impairs pattern separation, but both zatolmilast and A-33 alleviate these effects. However, A-33 impaired pattern separation in non-sleep deprived animals. The cognitive benefits of these inhibitors after SD may arise from alterations in relevant signaling pathways in the DG. This study provides initial evidence that inhibiting PDE4B or PDE4D holds promise for mitigating memory deficits due to SD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Zhao
- Dept. Neuropsychology & Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Arjan Blokland
- Dept. Neuropsychology & Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Jos Prickaerts
- Dept. Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Robbert Havekes
- Neurobiology Expert Group, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Pim R A Heckman
- Dept. Neuropsychology & Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
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10
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Zhang H, Liu Y, Xia D, Jiang M, Li Y, Sun J, Guan H, Zhu L, Song X, Wang J, Fan X, Zhou H. The insular cortex is not insular in thyroid eye disease: neuroimaging revelations of central-peripheral system interaction. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:51. [PMID: 38368427 PMCID: PMC10874024 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03044-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thyroid eye disease (TED) is highly correlated with dysregulated immunoendocrine status. The insular cortex was found to regulate peripheral inflammation and immunomodulation in mice. This study aimed to explore whether the insular cortex in patients with TED played a modulatory role including the aberrant brain functional alteration and its association with immunoendocrine status. METHODS This study included 34 active patients (AP), 30 inactive patients (IP) with TED, and 45 healthy controls (HC) matched for age, sex, and educational level. Comprehensive clinical details (especially immunoendocrine markers) and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were collected from each participant. The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) was used to probe the aberrant alterations of local neural activity. The seed-based functional connectivity (FC) analysis was used to explore the relationship between the insular cortex and each voxel throughout the whole brain. The correlation analysis was conducted to assess the association between insular neurobiomarkers and immunoendocrine parameters. RESULTS When compared with the IP and HC groups, the AP group displayed significantly higher ALFF values in the right insular cortex (INS.R) and lower FC values between the INS.R and the bilateral cerebellum. None of the neurobiomarkers differed between the IP and HC groups. Besides, correlations between insular neurobiomarkers and immunoendocrine markers (free thyroxine, the proportion of T cells, and natural killer cells) were identified in both AP and IP groups. CONCLUSIONS This study was novel in reporting that the dysregulation of the insular cortex activity in TED was associated with abnormal peripheral immunoendocrine status. The insular cortex might play a key role in central-peripheral system interaction in TED. Further research is crucial to enhance our understanding of the central-peripheral system interaction mechanisms involved in autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuting Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Duojin Xia
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengda Jiang
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinwei Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Haixia Guan
- Department of Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Zhu
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuefei Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jue Wang
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Health, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Xianqun Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Huifang Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China.
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11
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Willems E, Schepers M, Piccart E, Wolfs E, Hellings N, Ait-Tihyaty M, Vanmierlo T. The sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 modulator ponesimod repairs cuprizone-induced demyelination and induces oligodendrocyte differentiation. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23413. [PMID: 38243760 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301557rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor (S1PR) modulators are clinically used to treat relapse-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) and the early phase of progressive MS when inflammation still prevails. In the periphery, S1PR modulators prevent lymphocyte egress from lymph nodes, hence hampering neuroinflammation. Recent findings suggest a role for S1PR modulation in remyelination. As the Giα-coupled S1P1 subtype is the most prominently expressed S1PR in oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), selective modulation (functional antagonism) of S1P1 may have direct effects on OPC functionality. We hypothesized that functional antagonism of S1P1 by ponesimod induces remyelination by boosting OPC differentiation. In the cuprizone mouse model of demyelination, we found ponesimod to decrease the latency time of visual evoked potentials compared to vehicle conditions, which is indicative of functional remyelination. In addition, the Y maze spontaneous alternations test revealed that ponesimod reversed cuprizone-induced working memory deficits. Myelin basic protein (MBP) immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy of the corpus callosum revealed an increase in myelination upon ponesimod treatment. Moreover, treatment with ponesimod alone or in combination with A971432, an S1P5 monoselective modulator, significantly increased primary mouse OPC differentiation based on O4 immunocytochemistry. In conclusion, S1P1 functional antagonism by ponesimod increases remyelination in the cuprizone model of demyelination and significantly increases OPC differentiation in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Willems
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Melissa Schepers
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt-Pelt, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Elisabeth Piccart
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Esther Wolfs
- Department of Cardio and Organ Systems, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Niels Hellings
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt-Pelt, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | | | - Tim Vanmierlo
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt-Pelt, Hasselt, Belgium
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12
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Manukjan N, Majcher D, Leenders P, Caiment F, van Herwijnen M, Smeets HJ, Suidgeest E, van der Weerd L, Vanmierlo T, Jansen JFA, Backes WH, van Oostenbrugge RJ, Staals J, Fulton D, Ahmed Z, Blankesteijn WM, Foulquier S. Hypoxic oligodendrocyte precursor cell-derived VEGFA is associated with blood-brain barrier impairment. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:128. [PMID: 37550790 PMCID: PMC10405482 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01627-5] [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: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral small vessel disease is characterised by decreased cerebral blood flow and blood-brain barrier impairments which play a key role in the development of white matter lesions. We hypothesised that cerebral hypoperfusion causes local hypoxia, affecting oligodendrocyte precursor cell-endothelial cell signalling leading to blood-brain barrier dysfunction as an early mechanism for the development of white matter lesions. Bilateral carotid artery stenosis was used as a mouse model for cerebral hypoperfusion. Pimonidazole, a hypoxic cell marker, was injected prior to humane sacrifice at day 7. Myelin content, vascular density, blood-brain barrier leakages, and hypoxic cell density were quantified. Primary mouse oligodendrocyte precursor cells were exposed to hypoxia and RNA sequencing was performed. Vegfa gene expression and protein secretion was examined in an oligodendrocyte precursor cell line exposed to hypoxia. Additionally, human blood plasma VEGFA levels were measured and correlated to blood-brain barrier permeability in normal-appearing white matter and white matter lesions of cerebral small vessel disease patients and controls. Cerebral blood flow was reduced in the stenosis mice, with an increase in hypoxic cell number and blood-brain barrier leakages in the cortical areas but no changes in myelin content or vascular density. Vegfa upregulation was identified in hypoxic oligodendrocyte precursor cells, which was mediated via Hif1α and Epas1. In humans, VEGFA plasma levels were increased in patients versus controls. VEGFA plasma levels were associated with increased blood-brain barrier permeability in normal appearing white matter of patients. Cerebral hypoperfusion mediates hypoxia induced VEGFA expression in oligodendrocyte precursor cells through Hif1α/Epas1 signalling. VEGFA could in turn increase BBB permeability. In humans, increased VEGFA plasma levels in cerebral small vessel disease patients were associated with increased blood-brain barrier permeability in the normal appearing white matter. Our results support a role of VEGFA expression in cerebral hypoperfusion as seen in cerebral small vessel disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narek Manukjan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- CARIM - School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Neuroscience and Ophthalmology, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Daria Majcher
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Leenders
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Florian Caiment
- Department of Toxicogenomics, GROW–School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel van Herwijnen
- Department of Toxicogenomics, GROW–School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Hubert J. Smeets
- Department of Toxicogenomics, GROW–School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- MHeNs—School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ernst Suidgeest
- C.J. Gorter Center for High Field MRI, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9500, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Louise van der Weerd
- C.J. Gorter Center for High Field MRI, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9500, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9500, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tim Vanmierlo
- MHeNs—School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, European Graduate School of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jacobus F. A. Jansen
- MHeNs—School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Walter H. Backes
- CARIM - School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- MHeNs—School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Robert J. van Oostenbrugge
- CARIM - School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- MHeNs—School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Julie Staals
- CARIM - School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Fulton
- Neuroscience and Ophthalmology, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Zubair Ahmed
- Neuroscience and Ophthalmology, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
- Centre for Trauma Sciences Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - W. Matthijs Blankesteijn
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- CARIM - School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sébastien Foulquier
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- CARIM - School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- MHeNs—School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
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13
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Paes D, Schepers M, Willems E, Rombaut B, Tiane A, Solomina Y, Tibbo A, Blair C, Kyurkchieva E, Baillie GS, Ricciarelli R, Brullo C, Fedele E, Bruno O, van den Hove D, Vanmierlo T, Prickaerts J. Ablation of specific long PDE4D isoforms increases neurite elongation and conveys protection against amyloid-β pathology. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:178. [PMID: 37306762 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04804-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D) enzymes has been investigated as therapeutic strategy to treat memory problems in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although PDE4D inhibitors are effective in enhancing memory processes in rodents and humans, severe side effects may hamper their clinical use. PDE4D enzymes comprise different isoforms, which, when targeted specifically, can increase treatment efficacy and safety. The function of PDE4D isoforms in AD and in molecular memory processes per se has remained unresolved. Here, we report the upregulation of specific PDE4D isoforms in transgenic AD mice and hippocampal neurons exposed to amyloid-β. Furthermore, by means of pharmacological inhibition and CRISPR-Cas9 knockdown, we show that the long-form PDE4D3, -D5, -D7, and -D9 isoforms regulate neuronal plasticity and convey resilience against amyloid-β in vitro. These results indicate that isoform-specific, next to non-selective, PDE4D inhibition is efficient in promoting neuroplasticity in an AD context. Therapeutic effects of non-selective PDE4D inhibitors are likely achieved through actions on long isoforms. Future research should identify which long PDE4D isoforms should be specifically targeted in vivo to both improve treatment efficacy and reduce side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean Paes
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Melissa Schepers
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Emily Willems
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Ben Rombaut
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Assia Tiane
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Yevgeniya Solomina
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Amy Tibbo
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Connor Blair
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Elka Kyurkchieva
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - George S Baillie
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Roberta Ricciarelli
- Section of General Pathology, Department of Experimental Medicine, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Chiara Brullo
- Section of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ernesto Fedele
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Olga Bruno
- Section of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniel van den Hove
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tim Vanmierlo
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - Jos Prickaerts
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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14
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Vangansewinkel T, Lemmens S, Tiane A, Geurts N, Dooley D, Vanmierlo T, Pejler G, Hendrix S. Therapeutic administration of mouse mast cell protease 6 improves functional recovery after traumatic spinal cord injury in mice by promoting remyelination and reducing glial scar formation. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22939. [PMID: 37130013 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201942rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) most often leads to permanent paralysis due to the inability of axons to regenerate in the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS). In the past, we have shown that mast cells (MCs) improve the functional outcome after SCI by suppressing scar tissue formation at the lesion site via mouse mast cell protease 6 (mMCP6). In this study, we investigated whether recombinant mMCP6 can be used therapeutically to improve the functional outcome after SCI. Therefore, we applied mMCP6 locally via an intrathecal catheter in the subacute phase after a spinal cord hemisection injury in mice. Our findings showed that hind limb motor function was significantly improved in mice that received recombinant mMCP6 compared with the vehicle-treated group. In contrast to our previous findings in mMCP6 knockout mice, the lesion size and expression levels of the scar components fibronectin, laminin, and axon-growth-inhibitory chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans were not affected by the treatment with recombinant mMCP6. Surprisingly, no difference in infiltration of CD4+ T cells and reactivity of Iba-1+ microglia/macrophages at the lesion site was observed between the mMCP6-treated mice and control mice. Additionally, local protein levels of the pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFNγ, and MCP-1 were comparable between the two treatment groups, indicating that locally applied mMCP6 did not affect inflammatory processes after injury. However, the increase in locomotor performance in mMCP6-treated mice was accompanied by reduced demyelination and astrogliosis in the perilesional area after SCI. Consistently, we found that TNF-α/IL-1β-astrocyte activation was decreased and that oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) differentiation was increased after recombinant mMCP6 treatment in vitro. Mechanistically, this suggests effects of mMCP6 on reducing astrogliosis and improving (re)myelination in the spinal cord after injury. In conclusion, these data show for the first time that recombinant mMCP6 is therapeutically active in enhancing recovery after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Vangansewinkel
- Cardio and Organ Systems, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stefanie Lemmens
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Assia Tiane
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt-Pelt, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Geurts
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Dearbhaile Dooley
- School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
- UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Tim Vanmierlo
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt-Pelt, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Gunnar Pejler
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sven Hendrix
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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15
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Schepers M, Malheiro A, Gamardo AS, Hellings N, Prickaerts J, Moroni L, Vanmierlo T, Wieringa P. Phosphodiesterase (PDE) 4 inhibition boosts Schwann cell myelination in a 3D regeneration model. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 185:106441. [PMID: 37004962 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors have been extensively researched for their anti-inflammatory and neuroregenerative properties. Despite the known neuroplastic and myelin regenerative properties of nonselective PDE4 inhibitors on the central nervous system, the direct impact on peripheral remyelination and subsequent neuroregeneration has not yet been investigated. Therefore, to examine the possible therapeutic effect of PDE4 inhibition on peripheral glia, we assessed the differentiation of primary rat Schwann cells exposed in vitro to the PDE4 inhibitor roflumilast. To further investigate the differentiation promoting effects of roflumilast, we developed a 3D model of rat Schwann cell myelination that closely resembles the in vivo situation. Using these in vitro models, we demonstrated that pan-PDE4 inhibition using roflumilast significantly promoted differentiation of Schwann cells towards a myelinating phenotype, as indicated by the upregulation of myelin proteins, including MBP and MAG. Additionally, we created a unique regenerative model comprised of a 3D co-culture of rat Schwann cells and human iPSC-derived neurons. Schwann cells treated with roflumilast enhanced axonal outgrowth of iPSC-derived nociceptive neurons, which was accompanied by an accelerated myelination speed, thereby showing not only phenotypic but also functional changes of roflumilast-treated Schwann cells. Taken together, the PDE4 inhibitor roflumilast possesses a therapeutic benefit to stimulate Schwann cell differentiation and, subsequently myelination, as demonstrated in the biologically relevant in vitro platform used in this study. These results can aid in the development of novel PDE4 inhibition-based therapies in the advancement of peripheral regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Schepers
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, European Graduate School of Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, MD 6200, the Netherlands; Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium; University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt-Pelt, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Afonso Malheiro
- MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
| | - Adrián Seijas Gamardo
- MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
| | - Niels Hellings
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium; University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt-Pelt, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Jos Prickaerts
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, European Graduate School of Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, MD 6200, the Netherlands
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
| | - Tim Vanmierlo
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, European Graduate School of Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, MD 6200, the Netherlands; Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium; University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt-Pelt, Hasselt, Belgium.
| | - Paul Wieringa
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt-Pelt, Hasselt, Belgium
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16
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Mussen F, Broeckhoven JV, Hellings N, Schepers M, Vanmierlo T. Unleashing Spinal Cord Repair: The Role of cAMP-Specific PDE Inhibition in Attenuating Neuroinflammation and Boosting Regeneration after Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098135. [PMID: 37175842 PMCID: PMC10179671 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is characterized by severe neuroinflammation and hampered neuroregeneration, which often leads to permanent neurological deficits. Current therapies include decompression surgery, rehabilitation, and in some instances, the use of corticosteroids. However, the golden standard of corticosteroids still achieves minimal improvements in functional outcomes. Therefore, new strategies tackling the initial inflammatory reactions and stimulating endogenous repair in later stages are crucial to achieving functional repair in SCI patients. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is an important second messenger in the central nervous system (CNS) that modulates these processes. A sustained drop in cAMP levels is observed during SCI, and elevating cAMP is associated with improved functional outcomes in experimental models. cAMP is regulated in a spatiotemporal manner by its hydrolyzing enzyme phosphodiesterase (PDE). Growing evidence suggests that inhibition of cAMP-specific PDEs (PDE4, PDE7, and PDE8) is an important strategy to orchestrate neuroinflammation and regeneration in the CNS. Therefore, this review focuses on the current evidence related to the immunomodulatory and neuroregenerative role of cAMP-specific PDE inhibition in the SCI pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Femke Mussen
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute BIOMED, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt-Pelt, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Jana Van Broeckhoven
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt-Pelt, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute BIOMED, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Niels Hellings
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt-Pelt, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute BIOMED, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Melissa Schepers
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute BIOMED, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt-Pelt, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Tim Vanmierlo
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute BIOMED, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt-Pelt, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
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