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Han J, Chear S, Talbot J, Swier V, Booth C, Reuben-Thomas C, Dalvi S, Weimer JM, Hewitt AW, Cook AL, Singh R. Genetic and cellular basis of impaired phagocytosis and photoreceptor degeneration in CLN3 disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.09.597388. [PMID: 38895469 PMCID: PMC11185776 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.09.597388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Purpose CLN3 Batten disease (also known as Juvenile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis; JNCL) is a lysosomal storage disorder that typically initiates with retinal degeneration but is followed by seizure onset, motor decline and premature death. Patient-derived CLN3 disease iPSC-RPE cells show defective phagocytosis of photoreceptor outer segments (POSs). Because modifier genes are implicated in CLN3 disease, our goal here was to investigate a direct link between CLN3 mutation and POS phagocytosis defect. Methods Isogenic control and CLN3 mutant stem cell lines were generated by CRISPR-Cas9-mediated biallelic deletion of exons 7 and 8. A transgenic CLN3 Δ 7-8/ Δ 7-8 ( CLN3 ) Yucatan miniswine was also used to study the impact of CLN3 Δ 7-8/ Δ 7-8 mutation on POS phagocytosis. POS phagocytosis by cultured RPE cells was analyzed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Electroretinogram, optical coherence tomography and histological analysis of CLN3 Δ 7/8 and wild-type miniswine eyes were carried out at 6-, 36-, or 48-month age. Results CLN3 Δ 7-8/ Δ 7-8 RPE ( CLN3 RPE) displayed reduced POS binding and consequently decreased uptake of POS compared to isogenic control RPE cells. Furthermore, wild-type miniswine RPE cells phagocytosed CLN3 Δ 7-8/ Δ 7-8 POS less efficiently than wild-type POS. Consistent with decreased POS phagocytosis, lipofuscin/autofluorescence was decreased in CLN3 miniswine RPE at 36 months-of-age and was followed by almost complete loss of photoreceptors at 48 months of age. Conclusions CLN3 Δ 7-8/ Δ 7-8 mutation (that affects up to 85% patients) affects both RPE and POSs and leads to photoreceptor cell loss in CLN3 disease. Furthermore, both primary RPE dysfunction and mutant POS independently contribute to impaired POS phagocytosis in CLN3 disease.
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2
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Centa JL, Stratton MP, Pratt MA, Osterlund Oltmanns JR, Wallace DG, Miller SA, Weimer JM, Hastings ML. Protracted CLN3 Batten disease in mice that genetically model an exon-skipping therapeutic approach. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:15-27. [PMID: 37359347 PMCID: PMC10285469 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Genetic mutations that disrupt open reading frames and cause translation termination are frequent causes of human disease and are difficult to treat due to protein truncation and mRNA degradation by nonsense-mediated decay, leaving few options for traditional drug targeting. Splice-switching antisense oligonucleotides offer a potential therapeutic solution for diseases caused by disrupted open reading frames by inducing exon skipping to correct the open reading frame. We have recently reported on an exon-skipping antisense oligonucleotide that has a therapeutic effect in a mouse model of CLN3 Batten disease, a fatal pediatric lysosomal storage disease. To validate this therapeutic approach, we generated a mouse model that constitutively expresses the Cln3 spliced isoform induced by the antisense molecule. Behavioral and pathological analyses of these mice demonstrate a less severe phenotype compared with the CLN3 disease mouse model, providing evidence that antisense oligonucleotide-induced exon skipping can have therapeutic efficacy in treating CLN3 Batten disease. This model highlights how protein engineering through RNA splicing modulation can be an effective therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L. Centa
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| | - Matthew P. Stratton
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
- School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| | - Melissa A. Pratt
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | | | - Douglas G. Wallace
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA
| | - Steven A. Miller
- Psychology Department, College of Health Professionals, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| | - Jill M. Weimer
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | - Michelle L. Hastings
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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3
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Bernardi S, Gemignani F, Marchese M. The involvement of Purkinje cells in progressive myoclonic epilepsy: Focus on neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 185:106258. [PMID: 37573956 PMCID: PMC10480493 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106258] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The progressive myoclonic epilepsies (PMEs) are a group of rare neurodegenerative diseases characterized by myoclonus, epileptic seizures, and progressive neurological deterioration with cerebellar involvement. They include storage diseases like Gaucher disease, Lafora disease, and forms of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL). To date, 13 NCLs have been reported (CLN1-CLN8, CLN10-CLN14), associated with mutations in different genes. These forms, which affect both children and adults, are characterized by seizures, cognitive and motor impairments, and in most cases visual loss. In NCLs, as in other PMEs, central nervous system (CNS) neurodegeneration is widespread and involves different subpopulations of neurons. One of the most affected regions is the cerebellar cortex, where motor and non-motor information is processed and transmitted to deep cerebellar nuclei through the axons of Purkinje cells (PCs). PCs, being GABAergic, have an inhibitory effect on their target neurons, and provide the only inhibitory output of the cerebellum. Degeneration of PCs has been linked to motor impairments and epileptic seizures. Seizures occur when some insult upsets the normal balance in the CNS between excitatory and inhibitory impulses, causing hyperexcitability. Here we review the role of PCs in epilepsy onset and progression following their PME-related loss. In particular, we focus on the involvement of PCs in seizure phenotype in NCLs, highlighting findings from case reports and studies of animal models in which epilepsy can be linked to PC loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bernardi
- Department Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Maria Marchese
- Department Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy.
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4
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Swier VJ, White KA, Johnson TB, Wang X, Han J, Pearce DA, Singh R, Drack AV, Pfeifer W, Rogers CS, Brudvig JJ, Weimer JM. A novel porcine model of CLN3 Batten disease recapitulates clinical phenotypes. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm050038. [PMID: 37305926 PMCID: PMC10434985 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mouse models of CLN3 Batten disease, a rare lysosomal storage disorder with no cure, have improved our understanding of CLN3 biology and therapeutics through their ease of use and a consistent display of cellular pathology. However, the translatability of murine models is limited by disparities in anatomy, body size, life span and inconsistent subtle behavior deficits that can be difficult to detect in CLN3 mutant mouse models, thereby limiting their use in preclinical studies. Here, we present a longitudinal characterization of a novel miniswine model of CLN3 disease that recapitulates the most common human pathogenic variant, an exon 7-8 deletion (CLN3Δex7/8). Progressive pathology and neuron loss is observed in various regions of the CLN3Δex7/8 miniswine brain and retina. Additionally, mutant miniswine present with retinal degeneration and motor abnormalities, similar to deficits seen in humans diagnosed with the disease. Taken together, the CLN3Δex7/8 miniswine model shows consistent and progressive Batten disease pathology, and behavioral impairment mirroring clinical presentation, demonstrating its value in studying the role of CLN3 and safety/efficacy of novel disease-modifying therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki J. Swier
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | - Katherine A. White
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | - Tyler B. Johnson
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | | | - Jimin Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - David A. Pearce
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | - Ruchira Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Arlene V. Drack
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Wanda Pfeifer
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | | | - Jon J. Brudvig
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, USA
| | - Jill M. Weimer
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, USA
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5
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Johnson TB, Brudvig JJ, Likhite S, Pratt MA, White KA, Cain JT, Booth CD, Timm DJ, Davis SS, Meyerink B, Pineda R, Dennys-Rivers C, Kaspar BK, Meyer K, Weimer JM. Early postnatal administration of an AAV9 gene therapy is safe and efficacious in CLN3 disease. Front Genet 2023; 14:1118649. [PMID: 37035740 PMCID: PMC10080320 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1118649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
CLN3 disease, caused by biallelic mutations in the CLN3 gene, is a rare pediatric neurodegenerative disease that has no cure or disease modifying treatment. The development of effective treatments has been hindered by a lack of etiological knowledge, but gene replacement has emerged as a promising therapeutic platform for such disorders. Here, we utilize a mouse model of CLN3 disease to test the safety and efficacy of a cerebrospinal fluid-delivered AAV9 gene therapy with a study design optimized for translatability. In this model, postnatal day one administration of the gene therapy virus resulted in robust expression of human CLN3 throughout the CNS over the 24-month duration of the study. A range of histopathological and behavioral parameters were assayed, with the therapy consistently and persistently rescuing a number of hallmarks of disease while being safe and well-tolerated. Together, the results show great promise for translation of the therapy into the clinic, prompting the launch of a first-in-human clinical trial (NCT03770572).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler B. Johnson
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
- Amicus Therapeutics, Cranbury, NJ, United States
| | - Jon J. Brudvig
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
- Amicus Therapeutics, Cranbury, NJ, United States
| | - Shibi Likhite
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Melissa A. Pratt
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
| | - Katherine A. White
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
| | - Jacob T. Cain
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
- Amicus Therapeutics, Cranbury, NJ, United States
| | - Clarissa D. Booth
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
| | - Derek J. Timm
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
| | - Samantha S. Davis
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
| | - Brandon Meyerink
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
| | - Ricardo Pineda
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | | | - Brian K. Kaspar
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Kathrin Meyer
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Jill M. Weimer
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
- Amicus Therapeutics, Cranbury, NJ, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, United States
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6
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Holmes AD, White KA, Pratt MA, Johnson TB, Likhite S, Meyer K, Weimer JM. Sex-split analysis of pathology and motor-behavioral outcomes in a mouse model of CLN8-Batten disease reveals an increased disease burden and trajectory in female Cln8 mnd mice. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:411. [PMID: 36369162 PMCID: PMC9652919 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02564-7] [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: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CLN8-Batten disease (CLN8 disease) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized phenotypically by progressive deterioration of motor and cognitive abilities, visual symptoms, epileptic seizures, and premature death. Mutations in CLN8 results in characteristic Batten disease symptoms and brain-wide pathology including accumulation of lysosomal storage material, gliosis, and neurodegeneration. Recent investigations of other subforms of Batten disease (CLN1, CLN3, CLN6) have emphasized the influence of biological sex on disease and treatment outcomes; however, little is known about sex differences in the CLN8 subtype. To determine the impact of sex on CLN8 disease burden and progression, we utilized a Cln8mnd mouse model to measure the impact and progression of histopathological and behavioral outcomes between sexes. RESULTS Several notable sex differences were observed in the presentation of brain pathology, including Cln8mnd female mice consistently presenting with greater GFAP+ astrocytosis and CD68+ microgliosis in the somatosensory cortex, ventral posteromedial/ventral posterolateral nuclei of the thalamus, striatum, and hippocampus when compared to Cln8mnd male mice. Furthermore, sex differences in motor-behavioral assessments revealed Cln8mnd female mice experience poorer motor performance and earlier death than their male counterparts. Cln8mnd mice treated with an AAV9-mediated gene therapy were also examined to assess sex differences on therapeutics outcomes, which revealed no appreciable differences between the sexes when responding to the therapy. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our results provide further evidence of biologic sex as a modifier of Batten disease progression and outcome, thus warranting consideration when conducting investigations and monitoring therapeutic impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D. Holmes
- grid.430154.70000 0004 5914 2142Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, 2301 E 60Th St N, Sioux Falls, SD USA ,grid.267169.d0000 0001 2293 1795Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD USA
| | - Katherine A. White
- grid.430154.70000 0004 5914 2142Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, 2301 E 60Th St N, Sioux Falls, SD USA
| | - Melissa A. Pratt
- grid.430154.70000 0004 5914 2142Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, 2301 E 60Th St N, Sioux Falls, SD USA
| | - Tyler B. Johnson
- grid.430154.70000 0004 5914 2142Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, 2301 E 60Th St N, Sioux Falls, SD USA
| | - Shibi Likhite
- grid.240344.50000 0004 0392 3476The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH USA
| | - Kathrin Meyer
- grid.240344.50000 0004 0392 3476The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH USA ,grid.261331.40000 0001 2285 7943Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH USA
| | - Jill M. Weimer
- grid.430154.70000 0004 5914 2142Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, 2301 E 60Th St N, Sioux Falls, SD USA ,grid.267169.d0000 0001 2293 1795Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD USA
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7
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Chen Z, Yuan Z, Yang S, Zhu Y, Xue M, Zhang J, Leng L. Brain Energy Metabolism: Astrocytes in Neurodegenerative Diseases. CNS Neurosci Ther 2022; 29:24-36. [PMID: 36193573 PMCID: PMC9804080 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most abundant cells in the brain. They have many important functions in the central nervous system (CNS), including the maintenance of glutamate and ion homeostasis, the elimination of oxidative stress, energy storage in glycogen, tissue repair, regulating synaptic activity by releasing neurotransmitters, and participating in synaptic formation. Astrocytes have special highly ramified structure. Their branches contact with synapses of neurons inwardly, with fine structure and wrapping synapses; their feet contact with blood vessels of brain parenchyma outward, almost wrapping the whole brain. The adjacent astrocytes rarely overlap and communicate with each other through gap junction channels. The ideal location of astrocytes enables them to sense the weak changes of their surroundings and provide the structural basis for the energy supply of neurons. Neurons and astrocytes are closely coupled units of energy metabolism in the brain. Neurons consume a lot of ATPs in the process of neurotransmission. Astrocytes provide metabolic substrates for neurons, maintain high activity of neuron, and facilitate information transmission of neurons. This article reviews the characteristics of glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism of astrocytes. The metabolic interactions between astrocytes and neurons, astrocytes and microglia were also detailed discussed. Finally, we classified analyzed the role of metabolic disorder of astrocytes in the occurrence and development of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenlei Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging ResearchInstitute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Ziqi Yuan
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging ResearchInstitute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Shangchen Yang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging ResearchInstitute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Yufei Zhu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging ResearchInstitute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Maoqiang Xue
- Department of Basic Medical Science, School of MedicineXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Jie Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging ResearchInstitute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Lige Leng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging ResearchInstitute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen UniversityXiamenChina
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8
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Scotto Rosato A, Krogsaeter EK, Jaślan D, Abrahamian C, Montefusco S, Soldati C, Spix B, Pizzo MT, Grieco G, Böck J, Wyatt A, Wünkhaus D, Passon M, Stieglitz M, Keller M, Hermey G, Markmann S, Gruber-Schoffnegger D, Cotman S, Johannes L, Crusius D, Boehm U, Wahl-Schott C, Biel M, Bracher F, De Leonibus E, Polishchuk E, Medina DL, Paquet D, Grimm C. TPC2 rescues lysosomal storage in mucolipidosis type IV, Niemann-Pick type C1, and Batten disease. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e15377. [PMID: 35929194 PMCID: PMC9449600 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202115377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysosomes are cell organelles that degrade macromolecules to recycle their components. If lysosomal degradative function is impaired, e.g., due to mutations in lysosomal enzymes or membrane proteins, lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) can develop. LSDs manifest often with neurodegenerative symptoms, typically starting in early childhood, and going along with a strongly reduced life expectancy and quality of life. We show here that small molecule activation of the Ca2+‐permeable endolysosomal two‐pore channel 2 (TPC2) results in an amelioration of cellular phenotypes associated with LSDs such as cholesterol or lipofuscin accumulation, or the formation of abnormal vacuoles seen by electron microscopy. Rescue effects by TPC2 activation, which promotes lysosomal exocytosis and autophagy, were assessed in mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV), Niemann–Pick type C1, and Batten disease patient fibroblasts, and in neurons derived from newly generated isogenic human iPSC models for MLIV and Batten disease. For in vivo proof of concept, we tested TPC2 activation in the MLIV mouse model. In sum, our data suggest that TPC2 is a promising target for the treatment of different types of LSDs, both in vitro and in‐vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Scotto Rosato
- Faculty of Medicine, Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Einar K Krogsaeter
- Faculty of Medicine, Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Dawid Jaślan
- Faculty of Medicine, Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Carla Abrahamian
- Faculty of Medicine, Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Chiara Soldati
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Naples, Italy
| | - Barbara Spix
- Faculty of Medicine, Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Julia Böck
- Faculty of Medicine, Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Amanda Wyatt
- Experimental Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University School of Medicine, Homburg, Germany
| | | | - Marcel Passon
- Faculty of Medicine, Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Marc Stieglitz
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Marco Keller
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Guido Hermey
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg (ZMNH), Institute of Molecular and Cellular Cognition, UKE, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Susan Cotman
- Department of Neurology, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ludger Johannes
- Cellular and Chemical Biology Department, Institut Curie, U1143 INSERM, UMR3666 CNRS, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Dennis Crusius
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Boehm
- Experimental Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University School of Medicine, Homburg, Germany
| | | | - Martin Biel
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Franz Bracher
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Elvira De Leonibus
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Naples, Italy.,Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), CNR, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Diego L Medina
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Naples, Italy.,Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Medical and Translational Science, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Dominik Paquet
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Hospital, Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Grimm
- Faculty of Medicine, Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
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9
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Meiman EJ, Kick GR, Jensen CA, Coates JR, Katz ML. Characterization of neurological disease progression in a canine model of CLN5 neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Dev Neurobiol 2022; 82:326-344. [PMID: 35427439 PMCID: PMC9119968 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Golden Retriever dogs with a frameshift variant in CLN5 (c.934_935delAG) suffer from a progressive neurodegenerative disorder analogous to the CLN5 form of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL). Five littermate puppies homozygous for the deletion allele were identified prior to the onset of disease signs. Studies were performed to characterize the onset and progression of the disease in these dogs. Neurological signs that included restlessness, unwillingness to cooperate with the handlers, and proprioceptive deficits first became apparent at approximately 12 months of age. The neurological signs progressed over time and by 21 to 23 months of age included general proprioceptive ataxia, menace response deficits, aggressive behaviors, cerebellar ataxia, intention tremors, decreased visual tracking, seizures, cognitive decline, and impaired prehension. Due to the severity of these signs, the dogs were euthanized between 21 and 23 months of age. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed pronounced progressive global brain atrophy with a more than sevenfold increase in the volume of the ventricular system between 9.5 and 22.5 months of age. Accompanying this atrophy were pronounced accumulations of autofluorescent inclusions throughout the brain and spinal cord. Ultrastructurally, the contents of these inclusions were found to consist primarily of membrane‐like aggregates. Inclusions with similar fluorescence properties were present in cardiac muscle. Similar to other forms of NCL, the affected dogs had low plasma carnitine concentrations, suggesting impaired carnitine biosynthesis. These data on disease progression will be useful in future studies using the canine model for therapeutic intervention studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J. Meiman
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine University of Missouri Columbia MO 65211 USA
| | - Grace Robinson Kick
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Laboratory University of Missouri Columbia MO 65212 USA
| | - Cheryl A. Jensen
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Laboratory University of Missouri Columbia MO 65212 USA
| | - Joan R. Coates
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine University of Missouri Columbia MO 65211 USA
| | - Martin L. Katz
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Laboratory University of Missouri Columbia MO 65212 USA
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10
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Neuronal genetic rescue normalizes brain network dynamics in a lysosomal storage disorder despite persistent storage accumulation. Mol Ther 2022; 30:2464-2473. [PMID: 35395398 PMCID: PMC9263320 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Although neurologic symptoms occur in two-thirds of lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs), for most we do not understand the mechanisms underlying brain dysfunction. A major unanswered question is if the pathogenic hallmark of LSDs, storage accumulation, induces functional defects directly or is a disease bystander. Also, for most LSDs we do not know the impact of loss-of-function in individual cell types. Understanding these critical questions are essential to therapy development. Here, we determined the impact of genetic rescue in distinct cell types on neural circuit dysfunction in CLN3 disease, the most common pediatric dementia and a paradigmatic neurodegenerative LSD. We restored Cln3 expression via AAV-mediated gene delivery and conditional genetic rescue in a CLN3 disease mouse model. Surprisingly, we found that low-level rescue of Cln3 expression in neurons alone normalized clinically-relevant electrophysiologic markers of network dysfunction, despite the presence of substantial residual histopathology, in contrast to restoring expression in astrocytes. Thus, loss of CLN3 function in neurons, not storage accumulation, underlies neurologic dysfunction in CLN3 disease, implying that storage clearance may be an inappropriate target for therapy development and an ineffectual biomarker.
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11
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Takahashi K, Nelvagal HR, Lange J, Cooper JD. Glial Dysfunction and Its Contribution to the Pathogenesis of the Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses. Front Neurol 2022; 13:886567. [PMID: 35444603 PMCID: PMC9013902 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.886567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
While significant efforts have been made in developing pre-clinical treatments for the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), many challenges still remain to bring children with NCLs a cure. Devising effective therapeutic strategies for the NCLs will require a better understanding of pathophysiology, but little is known about the mechanisms by which loss of lysosomal proteins causes such devastating neurodegeneration. Research into glial cells including astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes have revealed many of their critical functions in brain homeostasis and potential contributions to neurodegenerative diseases. Genetically modified mouse models have served as a useful platform to define the disease progression in the central nervous system across NCL subtypes, revealing a wide range of glial responses to disease. The emerging evidence of glial dysfunction questions the traditional “neuron-centric” view of NCLs, and would suggest that directly targeting glia in addition to neurons could lead to better therapeutic outcomes. This review summarizes the most up-to-date understanding of glial pathologies and their contribution to the pathogenesis of NCLs, and highlights some of the associated challenges that require further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keigo Takahashi
- Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Hemanth R. Nelvagal
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jenny Lange
- Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan D. Cooper
- Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: Jonathan D. Cooper
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12
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Bo RX, Li YY, Zhou TT, Chen NH, Yuan YH. The neuroinflammatory role of glucocerebrosidase in Parkinson's disease. Neuropharmacology 2022; 207:108964. [PMID: 35065083 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.108964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase (GCase), encoded by the GBA1 gene, is a membrane-associated protein catalyzing the cleavage of glucosylceramide (GlcCer) and glucosylsphingosine (GlcSph). Homologous GBA1 mutations cause Gaucher disease (GD) and heterologous mutations cause Parkinson's disease (PD). Importantly, heterologous GBA1 mutations are recognized as the second risk factor of PD. The pathological features of PD are Lewy neurites (LNs) and Lewy bodies (LBs) composed of pathological α-synuclein. Oxidative stress, inflammatory response, autophagic impairment, and α-synuclein accumulation play critical roles in PD pathogenic cascades, but the pathogenesis of PD has not yet been fully elucidated. What's more, PD treatment drugs can only relieve symptoms to a certain extent, but cannot alleviate neurodegenerative progression. Therefore, it's urgent to explore new targets that can alleviate the neurodegenerative process. Deficient GCase can cause lysosomal dysfunction, obstructing the metabolism of α-synuclein. Meanwhile, GCase dysfunction causes accumulation of its substrates, leading to lipid metabolism disorders. Subsequently, astrocytes and microglia are activated, releasing amounts of pro-inflammatory mediators and causing extensive neuroinflammation. All these cascades can induce neuron damage and death, eventually promoting PD pathology. This review aims to summarize these points and the potential of GCase as an original target to provide some ideas for elucidating the pathogenesis of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru-Xue Bo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica& Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Yan-Yan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica& Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Tian-Tian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica& Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Nai-Hong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica& Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Yu-He Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica& Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
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13
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Francelle L, Mazzulli JR. Neuroinflammation in aucher disease, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, and commonalities with Parkinson’s disease. Brain Res 2022; 1780:147798. [PMID: 35063468 PMCID: PMC9126024 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.147798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are rare genetic disorders caused by a disruption in cellular clearance, resulting in pathological storage of undegraded lysosomal substrates. Recent clinical and genetic studies have uncovered links between multiple LSDs and common neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we review recent literature describing the role of glia cells and neuroinflammation in PD and LSDs, including Gaucher disease (GD) and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL), and highlight converging inflammation pathways that lead to neuron loss. Recent data indicates that lysosomal dysfunction and accumulation of storage materials can initiate the activation of glial cells, through interaction with cell surface or cytosolic pattern recognition receptors that detect pathogenic aggregates of cellular debris. Activated glia cells could act to protect neurons through the elimination of toxic protein or lipid aggregates early in the disease process. However prolonged glial activation that occurs over several decades in chronic-age related neurodegeneration could induce the inappropriate elimination of synapses, leading to neuron loss. These studies provide mechanistic insight into the relationship between lysosomal dysfunction and glial activation, and offer novel therapeutic pathways for the treatment of PD and LSDs focused on reducing neuroinflammation and mitigating cell loss.
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14
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Walkley SU. Rethinking lysosomes and lysosomal disease. Neurosci Lett 2021; 762:136155. [PMID: 34358625 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136155] [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: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Lysosomal storage diseases were recognized and defined over a century ago as a class of disorders affecting mostly children and causing systemic disease often accompanied by major neurological consequences. Since their discovery, research focused on understanding their causes has been an important driver of our ever-expanding knowledge of cell biology and the central role that lysosomes play in cell function. Today we recognize over 50 so-called storage diseases, with most understood at the level of gene, protein and pathway involvement, but few fully clarified in terms of how the defective lysosomal function causes brain disease; even fewer have therapies that can effectively rescue brain function. Importantly, we also recognize that storage diseases are not simply a class of lysosomal disorders all by themselves, as increasingly a critical role for the greater lysosomal system with its endosomal, autophagosomal and salvage streams has also emerged in a host of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. Despite persistent challenges across all aspects of these complex disorders, and as reflected in this and other articles focused on lysosomal storage diseases in this special issue of Neuroscience Letters, the progress and promise to both understand and effectively treat these conditions has never been greater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven U Walkley
- Department of Neuroscience, Rose F. Kennedy Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
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15
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[Therapeutic accessibility of the retina in systemic immunomodulatory approaches in mouse models for neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis : Comments on Bartsch et al., Der Ophthalmologe 02/2021]. Ophthalmologe 2021; 118:767-768. [PMID: 34076735 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-021-01418-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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16
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Therapeutic efficacy of antisense oligonucleotides in mouse models of CLN3 Batten disease. Nat Med 2020; 26:1444-1451. [PMID: 32719489 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-020-0986-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
CLN3 Batten disease is an autosomal recessive, neurodegenerative, lysosomal storage disease caused by mutations in CLN3, which encodes a lysosomal membrane protein1-3. There are no disease-modifying treatments for this disease that affects up to 1 in 25,000 births, has an onset of symptoms in early childhood and typically is fatal by 20-30 years of life4-7. Most patients with CLN3 Batten have a deletion encompassing exons 7 and 8 (CLN3∆ex7/8), creating a reading frameshift7,8. Here we demonstrate that mice with this deletion can be effectively treated using an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) that induces exon skipping to restore the open reading frame. A single treatment of neonatal mice with an exon 5-targeted ASO-induced robust exon skipping for more than a year, improved motor coordination, reduced histopathology in Cln3∆ex7/8 mice and increased survival in a new mouse model of the disease. ASOs also induced exon skipping in cell lines derived from patients with CLN3 Batten disease. Our findings demonstrate the utility of ASO-based reading-frame correction as an approach to treat CLN3 Batten disease and broaden the therapeutic landscape for ASOs in the treatment of other diseases using a similar strategy.
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17
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Langin L, Johnson TB, Kovács AD, Pearce DA, Weimer JM. A tailored Cln3 Q352X mouse model for testing therapeutic interventions in CLN3 Batten disease. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10591. [PMID: 32601357 PMCID: PMC7324379 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67478-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
CLN3 Batten disease (CLN3 disease) is a pediatric lysosomal storage disorder that presents with progressive blindness, motor and cognitive decline, seizures, and premature death. CLN3 disease results from mutations in CLN3 with the most prevalent mutation, a 966 bp deletion spanning exons 7-8, affecting ~ 75% of patients. Mouse models with complete Cln3 deletion or Cln3Δex7/8 mutation have been invaluable for learning about both the basic biology of CLN3 and the underlying pathological changes associated with CLN3 disease. These models, however, vary in their disease presentation and are limited in their utility for studying the role of nonsense mediated decay, and as a consequence, in testing nonsense suppression therapies and read-through compounds. In order to develop a model containing a disease-causing nonsense point mutation, here we describe a first-of-its-kind Cln3Q352X mouse model containing a c.1054C > T (p.Gln352Ter) point mutation. Similar to previously characterized Cln3 mutant mouse lines, this novel model shows pathological deficits throughout the CNS including accumulation of lysosomal storage material and glial activation, and has limited perturbation in behavioral measures. Thus, at the molecular and cellular level, this mouse line provides a valuable tool for testing nonsense suppression therapies or read through compounds in CLN3 disease in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan Langin
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, 2301 E. 60th N, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA
| | - Tyler B Johnson
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, 2301 E. 60th N, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA
| | - Attila D Kovács
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, 2301 E. 60th N, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - David A Pearce
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, 2301 E. 60th N, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, USA.
| | - Jill M Weimer
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, 2301 E. 60th N, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, USA.
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18
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Domowicz MS, Chan WC, Claudio-Vázquez P, Henry JG, Ware CB, Andrade J, Dawson G, Schwartz NB. Global Brain Transcriptome Analysis of a Tpp1 Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses Mouse Model. ASN Neuro 2020; 11:1759091419843393. [PMID: 31003587 PMCID: PMC6475859 DOI: 10.1177/1759091419843393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In humans, homozygous mutations in the TPP1 gene results in loss
of tripeptidyl peptidase 1 (TPP1) enzymatic activity, leading to late infantile
neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses disease. Using a mouse model that targets the
Tpp1 gene and recapitulates the pathology and clinical
features of the human disease, we analyzed end-stage (4 months) transcriptional
changes associated with lack of TPP1 activity. Using RNA sequencing technology,
Tpp1 expression changes in the forebrain/midbrain and
cerebellum of 4-month-old homozygotes were compared with strain-related
controls. Transcriptional changes were found in 510 and 1,550 gene transcripts
in forebrain/midbrain and cerebellum, respectively, from
Tpp1-deficient brain tissues when compared with age-matched
controls. Analysis of the differentially expressed genes using the Ingenuity™
pathway software, revealed increased neuroinflammation activity in microglia and
astrocytes that could lead to neuronal dysfunction, particularly in the
cerebellum. We also observed upregulation in the production of nitric oxide and
reactive oxygen species; activation of leukocyte extravasation signals and
complement pathways; and downregulation of major transcription factors involved
in control of circadian rhythm. Several of these expression changes were
confirmed by independent quantitative polymerase chain reaction and histological
analysis by mRNA in situ hybridization, which allowed for an
in-depth anatomical analysis of the pathology and provided independent
confirmation of at least two of the major networks affected in this model. The
identification of differentially expressed genes has revealed new lines of
investigation for this complex disorder that may lead to novel therapeutic
targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam S Domowicz
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Wen-Ching Chan
- 2 Center for Research Informatics, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Judith G Henry
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Christopher B Ware
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jorge Andrade
- 2 Center for Research Informatics, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Glyn Dawson
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nancy B Schwartz
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago, IL, USA.,3 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago, IL, USA
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19
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Gomez-Giro G, Arias-Fuenzalida J, Jarazo J, Zeuschner D, Ali M, Possemis N, Bolognin S, Halder R, Jäger C, Kuper WFE, van Hasselt PM, Zaehres H, del Sol A, van der Putten H, Schöler HR, Schwamborn JC. Synapse alterations precede neuronal damage and storage pathology in a human cerebral organoid model of CLN3-juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2019; 7:222. [PMID: 31888773 PMCID: PMC6937812 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-019-0871-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The juvenile form of neuronal ceroid Lipofuscinosis (JNCL) is the most common form within this group of rare lysosomal storage disorders, causing pediatric neurodegeneration. The genetic disorder, which is caused by recessive mutations affecting the CLN3 gene, features progressive vision loss, cognitive and motor decline and other psychiatric conditions, seizure episodes, leading to premature death. Animal models have traditionally aid the understanding of the disease mechanisms and pathology and are very relevant for biomarker research and therapeutic testing. Nevertheless, there is a need for establishing reliable and predictive human cellular models to study the disease. Since patient material, particularly from children, is scarce and difficult to obtain, we generated an engineered a CLN3-mutant isogenic human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) line carrying the c.1054C → T pathologic variant, using state of the art CRISPR/Cas9 technology. To prove the suitability of the isogenic pair to model JNCL, we screened for disease-specific phenotypes in non-neuronal two-dimensional cell culture models as well as in cerebral brain organoids. Our data demonstrates that the sole introduction of the pathogenic variant gives rise to classical hallmarks of JNCL in vitro. Additionally, we discovered an alteration of the splicing caused by this particular mutation. Next, we derived cerebral organoids and used them as a neurodevelopmental model to study the particular effects of the CLN3Q352X mutation during brain formation in the disease context. About half of the mutation -carrying cerebral organoids completely failed to develop normally. The other half, which escaped this severe defect were used for the analysis of more subtle alterations. In these escapers, whole-transcriptome analysis demonstrated early disease signatures, affecting pathways related to development, corticogenesis and synapses. Complementary metabolomics analysis confirmed decreased levels of cerebral tissue metabolites, some particularly relevant for synapse formation and neurotransmission, such as gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA). Our data suggests that a mutation in CLN3 severely affects brain development. Furthermore, before disease onset, disease -associated neurodevelopmental changes, particular concerning synapse formation and function, occur.
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20
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Nelvagal HR, Cooper JD. An update on the progress of preclinical models for guiding therapeutic management of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2019.1703672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hemanth Ramesh Nelvagal
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of genetics and genomics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jonathan D Cooper
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of genetics and genomics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
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21
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Huber RJ, Hughes SM, Liu W, Morgan A, Tuxworth RI, Russell C. The contribution of multicellular model organisms to neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis research. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1866:165614. [PMID: 31783156 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.165614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The NCLs (neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis) are forms of neurodegenerative disease that affect people of all ages and ethnicities but are most prevalent in children. Commonly known as Batten disease, this debilitating neurological disorder is comprised of 13 different subtypes that are categorized based on the particular gene that is mutated (CLN1-8, CLN10-14). The pathological mechanisms underlying the NCLs are not well understood due to our poor understanding of the functions of NCL proteins. Only one specific treatment (enzyme replacement therapy) is approved, which is for the treating the brain in CLN2 disease. Hence there remains a desperate need for further research into disease-modifying treatments. In this review, we present and evaluate the genes, proteins and studies performed in the social amoeba, nematode, fruit fly, zebrafish, mouse and large animals pertinent to NCL. In particular, we highlight the use of multicellular model organisms to study NCL protein function, pathology and pathomechanisms. Their use in testing novel therapeutic approaches is also presented. With this information, we highlight how future research in these systems may be able to provide new insight into NCL protein functions in human cells and aid in the development of new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Huber
- Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario K9L 0G2, Canada
| | - Stephanie M Hughes
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences, Brain Health Research Centre and Genetics Otago, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Wenfei Liu
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Alan Morgan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Crown St., Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Richard I Tuxworth
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Claire Russell
- Dept. Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London NW1 0TU, UK.
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22
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Changes in motor behavior, neuropathology, and gut microbiota of a Batten disease mouse model following administration of acidified drinking water. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14962. [PMID: 31628420 PMCID: PMC6802212 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51488-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
CLN3 mutations cause the fatal neurodegenerative disorder, CLN3 Batten disease. The Cln3−/− mouse model displays characteristic features of the human disease including motor deficits. When mice received acidified drinking water (pH 2.5–2.9) instead of normal tap water (pH 8.4) for several generations, the motor skills of Cln3−/− mice normalized to control levels, indicating a disease-modifying effect of acidified water. Here we investigated if acidified water administered from postnatal day 21 has therapeutic benefits in Cln3−/− mice. Indeed, acidified water temporarily attenuated the motor deficits, had beneficial effects on behavioral parameters and prevented microglial activation in the brain of Cln3−/− mice. Interestingly, in control mice, acidified drinking water caused brain region-specific glial activation and significant changes in motor performance. Since the gut microbiota can influence neurological functions, we examined it in our disease model and found that the gut microbiota of Cln3−/− mice was markedly different from control mice, and acidified water differentially changed the gut microbiota composition in these mice. These results indicate that acidified water may provide therapeutic benefit to CLN3 Batten disease patients, and that the pH of drinking water is a major environmental factor that strongly influences the results of murine behavioral and pathological studies.
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23
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Kauss V, Dambrova M, Medina DL. Pharmacological approaches to tackle NCLs. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1866:165553. [PMID: 31521819 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.165553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses, also collectively known as Batten disease, are a group of rare monogenic disorders caused by mutations in at least 13 different genes. They are characterized by the accumulation of lysosomal storage material and progressive neurological deterioration with dementia, epilepsy, retinopathy, motor disturbances, and early death [1]. Although the identification of disease-causing genes provides an important step for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses, compared to other diseases, obstacles to the development of therapies for these rare diseases include less extensive physiopathology knowledge, limited number of patients to test treatments, and poor commercial interest from the industry. Current therapeutic strategies include enzyme replacement therapies, gene therapies targeting the brain and the eye, cell therapies, and pharmacological drugs that could modulate defective molecular pathways. In this review, we will focus in the emerging therapies based in the identification of small-molecules. Recent advances in high- throughput and high-content screening (HTS and HCS) using relevant cell-based assays and applying automation and imaging analysis algorithms, will allow the screening of a large number of compounds in lesser time. These approaches are particularly useful for drug repurposing for Batten disease, that takes the advantage to search for compounds that have already been tested in humans, thereby reducing significantly the resources needed for translation to clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerjans Kauss
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, Riga LV-1006, Latvia; Riga Stradins University, Dzirciema 16, Riga LV-1007, Latvia
| | - Maija Dambrova
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, Riga LV-1006, Latvia; Riga Stradins University, Dzirciema 16, Riga LV-1007, Latvia
| | - Diego Luis Medina
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy; Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Medical and Translational Science, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
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Tarczyluk-Wells MA, Salzlechner C, Najafi AR, Lim MJ, Smith D, Platt FM, Williams BP, Cooper JD. Combined Anti-inflammatory and Neuroprotective Treatments Have the Potential to Impact Disease Phenotypes in Cln3 -/- Mice. Front Neurol 2019; 10:963. [PMID: 31572287 PMCID: PMC6749847 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Batten disease, or juvenile NCL, is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder that occurs due to mutations in the CLN3 gene. Because the function of CLN3 remains unclear, experimental therapies for JNCL have largely concentrated upon the targeting of downstream pathomechanisms. Neuron loss is preceded by localized glial activation, and in this proof-of-concept study we have investigated whether targeting this innate immune response with ibuprofen in combination with the neuroprotective agent lamotrigine improves the previously documented beneficial effects of immunosuppressants alone. Drugs were administered daily to symptomatic Cln3 -/- mice over a 3 month period, starting at 6 months of age, and their impact was assessed using both behavioral and neuropathological outcome measures. During the treatment period, the combination of ibuprofen and lamotrigine significantly improved the performance of Cln3 -/- mice on the vertical pole test, slowing the disease-associated decline, but had less of an impact upon their rotarod performance. There were also moderate and regionally dependent effects upon astrocyte activation that were most pronounced for ibuprofen alone, but there was no overt effect upon microglial activation. Administering such treatments for longer periods will enable testing for any impact upon the neuron loss that occurs later in disease progression. Given the partial efficacy of these treatments, it will be important to test further drugs of this type in order to find more effective combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta A. Tarczyluk-Wells
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christoph Salzlechner
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Allison R. Najafi
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
| | - Ming J. Lim
- Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, King's Health Partners Academic Health Science Centre, Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Frances M. Platt
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Brenda P. Williams
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan D. Cooper
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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25
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El-Sitt S, Soueid J, Maalouf K, Makhoul N, Al Ali J, Makoukji J, Asser B, Daou D, Harati H, Boustany RM. Exogenous Galactosylceramide as Potential Treatment for CLN3 Disease. Ann Neurol 2019; 86:729-742. [PMID: 31393621 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE CLN3 disease is the commonest of the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses, a group of pediatric neurodegenerative disorders. Functions of the CLN3 protein include antiapoptotic properties and facilitating anterograde transport of galactosylceramide from Golgi to lipid rafts. This study confirms the beneficial effects of long-term exogenous galactosylceramide supplementation on longevity, neurobehavioral parameters, neuronal cell counts, astrogliosis, and diminution in brain and serum ceramide levels in Cln3 Δex7/8 knock-in mice. Additionally, the impact of galactosylceramide on ceramide synthesis enzymes is documented. METHODS A group of 72 mice received galactosylceramide or vehicle for 40 weeks. The effect of galactosylceramide supplementation on Cln3 Δex7/8 mice was determined by performing behavioral tests, measuring ceramide in brains and serum, and assessing impact on longevity, subunit C storage, astrogliosis, and neuronal cell counts. RESULTS Galactosylceramide resulted in enhanced grip strength of forelimbs in male and female mice, better balance on the accelerating rotarod in females, and improved motor coordination during pole climbing in male mice. Brain and serum ceramide levels as well as apoptosis rates were lower in galactosylceramide-treated Cln3 Δex7/8 mice. Galactosylceramide also increased neuronal cell counts significantly in male and female mice and tended to decrease subunit C storage in specific brain regions. Astrogliosis dropped in females compared to a slight increase in males after galactosylceramide. Galactosylceramide increased the lifespan of affected mice. INTERPRETATION Galactosylceramide improved behavioral, neuropathological, and biochemical parameters in Cln3 Δex7/8 mice, paving the way for effective therapy for CLN3 disease and use of serum ceramide as a potential biomarker to track impact of therapies. ANN NEUROL 2019;86:729-742.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally El-Sitt
- Neurogenetics Program, AUBMC Special Kids Clinic and Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut
| | - Jihane Soueid
- Neurogenetics Program, AUBMC Special Kids Clinic and Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut
| | - Katia Maalouf
- Neurogenetics Program, AUBMC Special Kids Clinic and Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut
| | - Nadine Makhoul
- Neurogenetics Program, AUBMC Special Kids Clinic and Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut
| | - Jamal Al Ali
- Neurogenetics Program, AUBMC Special Kids Clinic and Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut
| | - Joelle Makoukji
- Neurogenetics Program, AUBMC Special Kids Clinic and Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut
| | - Bilal Asser
- Neurogenetics Program, AUBMC Special Kids Clinic and Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut
| | - Daniel Daou
- Neurogenetics Program, AUBMC Special Kids Clinic and Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut
| | - Hayat Harati
- Neuroscience Research Center, Medical School, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
| | - Rose-Mary Boustany
- Neurogenetics Program, AUBMC Special Kids Clinic and Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut
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26
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Johnson TB, Cain JT, White KA, Ramirez-Montealegre D, Pearce DA, Weimer JM. Therapeutic landscape for Batten disease: current treatments and future prospects. Nat Rev Neurol 2019; 15:161-178. [PMID: 30783219 PMCID: PMC6681450 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-019-0138-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Batten disease (also known as neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses) constitutes a family of devastating lysosomal storage disorders that collectively represent the most common inherited paediatric neurodegenerative disorders worldwide. Batten disease can result from mutations in 1 of 13 genes. These mutations lead to a group of diseases with loosely overlapping symptoms and pathology. Phenotypically, patients with Batten disease have visual impairment and blindness, cognitive and motor decline, seizures and premature death. Pathologically, Batten disease is characterized by lysosomal accumulation of autofluorescent storage material, glial reactivity and neuronal loss. Substantial progress has been made towards the development of effective therapies and treatments for the multiple forms of Batten disease. In 2017, cerliponase alfa (Brineura), a tripeptidyl peptidase enzyme replacement therapy, became the first globally approved treatment for CLN2 Batten disease. Here, we provide an overview of the promising therapeutic avenues for Batten disease, highlighting current FDA-approved clinical trials and prospective future treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler B Johnson
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Jacob T Cain
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Katherine A White
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | | | - David A Pearce
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, USA.
| | - Jill M Weimer
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, USA.
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27
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Niemir N, Rouvière L, Besse A, Vanier MT, Dmytrus J, Marais T, Astord S, Puech JP, Panasyuk G, Cooper JD, Barkats M, Caillaud C. Intravenous administration of scAAV9-Hexb normalizes lifespan and prevents pathology in Sandhoff disease mice. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:954-968. [PMID: 29325092 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sandhoff disease (SD) is a rare inherited disorder caused by a deficiency of β-hexosaminidase activity which is fatal because no effective treatment is available. A mouse model of Hexb deficiency reproduces the key pathognomonic features of SD patients with severe ubiquitous lysosomal dysfunction, GM2 accumulation, neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, culminating in death at 4 months. Here, we show that a single intravenous neonatal administration of a self-complementary adeno-associated virus 9 vector (scAAV9) expressing the Hexb cDNA in SD mice is safe and sufficient to prevent disease development. Importantly, we demonstrate for the first time that this treatment results in a normal lifespan (over 700 days) and normalizes motor function assessed by a battery of behavioral tests, with scAAV9-treated SD mice being indistinguishable from wild-type littermates. Biochemical analyses in multiple tissues showed a significant increase in hexosaminidase A activity, which reached 10-15% of normal levels. AAV9 treatment was sufficient to prevent GM2 and GA2 storage almost completely in the cerebrum (less so in the cerebellum), as well as thalamic reactive gliosis and thalamocortical neuron loss in treated Hexb-/- mice. In summary, this study demonstrated a widespread protective effect throughout the entire CNS after a single intravenous administration of the scAAV9-Hexb vector to neonatal SD mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Niemir
- INSERM U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, Paris 75014, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Laura Rouvière
- INSERM U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, Paris 75014, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Aurore Besse
- Centre of Research in Myology, Institut de Myologie, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University Paris 06, Inserm UMRS974, GH Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris 75013, France
| | - Marie T Vanier
- INSERM U820, Université de Lyon, Faculté de Médecine Lyon-Est, Lyon 69372, France
| | - Jasmin Dmytrus
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London SE5 9RX, UK
| | - Thibaut Marais
- Centre of Research in Myology, Institut de Myologie, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University Paris 06, Inserm UMRS974, GH Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris 75013, France
| | - Stéphanie Astord
- Centre of Research in Myology, Institut de Myologie, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University Paris 06, Inserm UMRS974, GH Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris 75013, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Puech
- Service de Biochimie, Métabolomique et Protéomique, Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris 75015, France
| | - Ganna Panasyuk
- INSERM U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, Paris 75014, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Jonathan D Cooper
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London SE5 9RX, UK.,Department of Pediatrics, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Martine Barkats
- Centre of Research in Myology, Institut de Myologie, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University Paris 06, Inserm UMRS974, GH Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris 75013, France
| | - Catherine Caillaud
- INSERM U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, Paris 75014, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Service de Biochimie, Métabolomique et Protéomique, Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris 75015, France
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28
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Dannhausen K, Möhle C, Langmann T. Immunomodulation with minocycline rescues retinal degeneration in juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis mice highly susceptible to light damage. Dis Model Mech 2018; 11:dmm.033597. [PMID: 30042155 PMCID: PMC6176999 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.033597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (jNCL) is a rare but fatal inherited lysosomal storage disorder mainly affecting children. The disease is caused by mutations in the CLN3 gene that lead to the accumulation of storage material in many tissues, prominent immune responses and neuronal degeneration. One of the first symptoms is vision loss followed by motor dysfunction and mental decline. The established Cln3Δex7/8 mouse model mimics many pathological features of the human disease except the retinal phenotype, which is very mild and occurs only very late in these mice. Here, we first carefully analyzed the retinal structure and microglia responses in these animals. While prominent autofluorescent spots were present in the fundus, only a moderate reduction of retinal thickness and no prominent microgliosis was seen in young CLN3-deficient mice. We next genetically introduced a light-sensitive RPE65 variant and established a light-damage paradigm that showed a high susceptibility of young Cln3Δex7/8 mice after exposure to 10,000 lux bright light for 30 min. Under these ‘low light’ conditions, CLN3-deficient mice showed a strong retinal degeneration, microglial activation, deposition of autofluorescent material and transcriptomic changes compared to wild-type animals. Finally, we treated the light-exposed Cln3Δex7/8 animals with the immunomodulatory compound minocycline, and thereby rescued the retinal phenotype and diminished microgliosis. Our findings indicate that exposure to specific light conditions accelerates CLN3-dependent retinal degeneration, and that immunomodulation by minocycline could be a possible treatment option to delay vision loss in jNCL patients. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: Here, we established a light-damage paradigm to model retinal degeneration in the juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis mouse and showed the beneficial effects of minocycline on retinal pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Dannhausen
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Christoph Möhle
- Center of Excellence for Fluorescent Bioanalytics, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Langmann
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany .,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
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29
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Bosch ME, Kielian T. Astrocytes in juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN3) display metabolic and calcium signaling abnormalities. J Neurochem 2018; 148:612-624. [PMID: 29964296 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (JNCL) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by autosomal recessive mutations in ceroid lipofuscinosis 3 (CLN3). Children with JNCL experience progressive visual, cognitive, and motor deterioration with a decreased life expectancy (late teens-early 20s). Neuronal loss is thought to occur, in part, via glutamate excitotoxicity; however, little is known about astrocyte glutamate regulation in JNCL. Spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations were reduced in murine Cln3Δex7/8 astrocytes, which were also observed following glutamate or cytokine exposure. Astrocyte glutamate transport is an energy-demanding process and disruptions in metabolic pathways could influence glutamate homeostasis in Cln3Δex7/8 astrocytes. Indeed, basal mitochondrial respiration and ATP production were significantly reduced in Cln3Δex7/8 astrocytes. These changes were not attributable to reduced mitochondria, since mitochondrial DNA levels were similar between wild type and Cln3Δex7/8 astrocytes. Interestingly, despite these functional deficits in Cln3Δex7/8 astrocytes, glutamate transporter expression and glutamate uptake were not dramatically affected. Concurrent with impaired astrocyte metabolism and Ca2+ signaling, murine Cln3Δex7/8 neurons were hyper-responsive to glutamate, as reflected by heightened and prolonged Ca2+ signals. These findings identify intrinsic metabolic and Ca2+ signaling defects in Cln3Δex7/8 astrocytes that may contribute to neuronal dysfunction in CLN3 disease. This article is part of the Special Issue "Lysosomal Storage Disorders".
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Bosch
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Tammy Kielian
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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30
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Burkovetskaya M, Bosch ME, Karpuk N, Fallet R, Kielian T. Caspase 1 activity influences juvenile Batten disease (CLN3) pathogenesis. J Neurochem 2018; 148:652-668. [PMID: 29873075 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Juvenile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (JNCL) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease caused by loss-of-function mutations in CLN3. Symptoms appear between 5 and 10 years of age, beginning with blindness and seizures, followed by progressive cognitive and motor decline, and premature death. Glial activation and impaired neuronal activity are early signs of pathology in the Cln3Δex7/8 mouse model of JNCL, whereas neuron death occurs much later in the disease process. We previously reported that Cln3Δex7/8 microglia are primed toward a pro-inflammatory phenotype typified by exaggerated caspase 1 inflammasome activation and here we extend those findings to demonstrate heightened caspase activity in the Cln3Δex7/8 mouse brain. Based on the ability of caspase 1 to cleave a large number of substrates that have been implicated in JNCL pathology, we examined the functional implications of caspase 1 inflammasome activity by crossing Cln3Δex7/8 and caspase 1-deficient mice to create Cln3Δex7/8 /Casp-1-/- animals. Caspase 1 deletion influenced motor behavior deficits and astrocyte activation in the context of CLN3 mutation, since both were significantly reversed in Cln3Δex7/8 /Casp-1-/- mice, with phenotypes approaching that of wild-type animals. We also report a progressive age-dependent reduction in whisker length in Cln3Δex7/8 mice that was partially caspase 1-dependent. However, not all CLN3 phenotypes were reversed following caspase 1 deletion, since no significant differences in lysosomal accumulation or microglial activation were observed between Cln3Δex7/8 and Cln3Δex7/8 /Casp-1-/- mice. Although the molecular targets of aberrant caspase 1 activity in the context of CLN3 mutation remain to be identified, our studies suggest that caspase 1 may represent a potential therapeutic target to mitigate some attributes of CLN3 disease. This article is part of the Special Issue "Lysosomal Storage Disorders".
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Burkovetskaya
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Megan E Bosch
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Nikolay Karpuk
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Rachel Fallet
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Tammy Kielian
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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31
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Lange J, Haslett LJ, Lloyd-Evans E, Pocock JM, Sands MS, Williams BP, Cooper JD. Compromised astrocyte function and survival negatively impact neurons in infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2018; 6:74. [PMID: 30089511 PMCID: PMC6081811 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-018-0575-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are the most common cause of childhood dementia and are invariably fatal. Early localized glial activation occurs in these disorders, and accurately predicts where neuronal loss is most pronounced. Recent evidence suggests that glial dysfunction may contribute to neuron loss, and we have now explored this possibility in infantile NCL (INCL, CLN1 disease). We grew primary cultures of astrocytes, microglia, and neurons derived from Ppt1 deficient mice (Ppt1−/−) and assessed their properties compared to wildtype (WT) cultures, before co-culturing them in different combinations (astrocytes with microglia, astrocytes or microglia with neurons, all three cell types together). These studies revealed that both Ppt1−/− astrocytes and microglia exhibit a more activated phenotype under basal unstimulated conditions, as well as alterations to their protein expression profile following pharmacological stimulation. Ppt1- /− astrocytes also displayed abnormal calcium signalling and an elevated cytoplasmic Ca2+ level, and a profound defect in their survival. Ppt1−/− neurons displayed decreased neurite outgrowth, altered complexity, a reduction in cell body size, and impaired neuron survival with prolonged time in culture. In co-cultures, the presence of both astrocytes and microglia from Ppt1−/− mice further impaired the morphology of both wild type and Ppt1−/− neurons. This negative influence was more pronounced for Ppt1−/− microglia, which appeared to trigger increased Ppt1−/− neuronal death. In contrast, wild type glial cells, especially astrocytes, ameliorated some of the morphological defects observed in Ppt1−/− neurons. These findings suggest that both Ppt1−/− microglia and astrocytes are dysfunctional and may contribute to the neurodegeneration observed in CLN1 disease. However, the dysfunctional phenotypes of Ppt1−/− glia are different from those present in CLN3 disease, suggesting that the pathogenic role of glia may differ between NCLs.
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32
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Rayaprolu S, Seven YB, Howard J, Duffy C, Altshuler M, Moloney C, Giasson BI, Lewis J. Partial loss of ATP13A2 causes selective gliosis independent of robust lipofuscinosis. Mol Cell Neurosci 2018; 92:17-26. [PMID: 29859891 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2018.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in ATP13A2 are associated with three neurodegenerative diseases: a rare form of Parkinson's disease termed Kufor-Rakeb syndrome (KRS), a lysosomal storage disorder termed neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL), and a form of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). Furthermore, recent data suggests that heterozygous carriers of mutations in ATP13A2 may confer risk for the development of Parkinson's disease, similar to the association of mutations in glucocerebrosidase (GBA) with both Parkinson's disease and Gaucher's disease, a lysosomal storage disorder. Mutations in ATP13A2 are generally thought to be loss of function; however, the lack of human autopsy tissue has prevented the field from determining the pathological consequences of losing functional ATP13A2. We and others have previously neuropathologically characterized mice completely lacking murine Atp13a2, demonstrating the presence of lipofuscinosis within the brain - a key feature of NCL, one of the diseases to which ATP13A2 mutations have been linked. To determine if loss of one functional Atp13a2 allele can serve as a risk factor for disease, we have now assessed heterozygous Atp13a2 knockout mice for key features of NCL. In this report, we demonstrate that loss of one functional Atp13a2 allele leads to both microgliosis and astrocytosis in multiple brain regions compared to age-matched controls; however, levels of lipofuscin were only modestly elevated in the cortex of heterozygous Atp13a2 knockout mice over controls. This data suggests the possibility that partial loss of ATP13A2 causes inflammatory changes within the brain which appear to be independent of robust lipofuscinosis. This study suggests that heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in ATP13A2 are likely harmful and indicates that glial involvement in the disease process may be an early event that positions the CNS for subsequent disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sruti Rayaprolu
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Yasin B Seven
- McKnight Brain Institute, Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Center for Respiratory Research and Rehabilitation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - John Howard
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Colin Duffy
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Marcelle Altshuler
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Christina Moloney
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Benoit I Giasson
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; McKnight Brain Institute, Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Jada Lewis
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; McKnight Brain Institute, Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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33
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Grünewald B, Lange MD, Werner C, O'Leary A, Weishaupt A, Popp S, Pearce DA, Wiendl H, Reif A, Pape HC, Toyka KV, Sommer C, Geis C. Defective synaptic transmission causes disease signs in a mouse model of juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. eLife 2017; 6:28685. [PMID: 29135436 PMCID: PMC5724993 DOI: 10.7554/elife.28685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (JNCL or Batten disease) caused by mutations in the CLN3 gene is the most prevalent inherited neurodegenerative disease in childhood resulting in widespread central nervous system dysfunction and premature death. The consequences of CLN3 mutation on the progression of the disease, on neuronal transmission, and on central nervous network dysfunction are poorly understood. We used Cln3 knockout (Cln3Δex1-6) mice and found increased anxiety-related behavior and impaired aversive learning as well as markedly affected motor function including disordered coordination. Patch-clamp and loose-patch recordings revealed severely affected inhibitory and excitatory synaptic transmission in the amygdala, hippocampus, and cerebellar networks. Changes in presynaptic release properties may result from dysfunction of CLN3 protein. Furthermore, loss of calbindin, neuropeptide Y, parvalbumin, and GAD65-positive interneurons in central networks collectively support the hypothesis that degeneration of GABAergic interneurons may be the cause of supraspinal GABAergic disinhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Grünewald
- Hans-Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.,Integrated Research and Treatment Center-Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Maren D Lange
- Institute of Physiology I, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Christian Werner
- Hans-Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Aet O'Leary
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andreas Weishaupt
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sandy Popp
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - David A Pearce
- Sanford Children's Health Research Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, United States
| | - Heinz Wiendl
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Andreas Reif
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Hans C Pape
- Institute of Physiology I, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Klaus V Toyka
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Sommer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christian Geis
- Hans-Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.,Integrated Research and Treatment Center-Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Parviainen L, Dihanich S, Anderson GW, Wong AM, Brooks HR, Abeti R, Rezaie P, Lalli G, Pope S, Heales SJ, Mitchison HM, Williams BP, Cooper JD. Glial cells are functionally impaired in juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis and detrimental to neurons. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2017; 5:74. [PMID: 29041969 PMCID: PMC5645909 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-017-0476-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs or Batten disease) are a group of inherited, fatal neurodegenerative disorders of childhood. In these disorders, glial (microglial and astrocyte) activation typically occurs early in disease progression and predicts where neuron loss subsequently occurs. We have found that in the most common juvenile form of NCL (CLN3 disease or JNCL) this glial response is less pronounced in both mouse models and human autopsy material, with the morphological transformation of both astrocytes and microglia severely attenuated or delayed. To investigate their properties, we isolated glia and neurons from Cln3-deficient mice and studied their basic biology in culture. Upon stimulation, both Cln3-deficient astrocytes and microglia also showed an attenuated ability to transform morphologically, and an altered protein secretion profile. These defects were more pronounced in astrocytes, including the reduced secretion of a range of neuroprotective factors, mitogens, chemokines and cytokines, in addition to impaired calcium signalling and glutamate clearance. Cln3-deficient neurons also displayed an abnormal organization of their neurites. Most importantly, using a co-culture system, Cln3-deficient astrocytes and microglia had a negative impact on the survival and morphology of both Cln3-deficient and wildtype neurons, but these effects were largely reversed by growing mutant neurons with healthy glia. These data provide evidence that CLN3 disease astrocytes are functionally compromised. Together with microglia, they may play an active role in neuron loss in this disorder and can be considered as potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
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Llavero Hurtado M, Fuller HR, Wong AMS, Eaton SL, Gillingwater TH, Pennetta G, Cooper JD, Wishart TM. Proteomic mapping of differentially vulnerable pre-synaptic populations identifies regulators of neuronal stability in vivo. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12412. [PMID: 28963550 PMCID: PMC5622084 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12603-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Synapses are an early pathological target in many neurodegenerative diseases ranging from well-known adult onset conditions such as Alzheimer and Parkinson disease to neurodegenerative conditions of childhood such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCLs). However, the reasons why synapses are particularly vulnerable to such a broad range of neurodegeneration inducing stimuli remains unknown. To identify molecular modulators of synaptic stability and degeneration, we have used the Cln3−/− mouse model of a juvenile form of NCL. We profiled and compared the molecular composition of anatomically-distinct, differentially-affected pre-synaptic populations from the Cln3−/− mouse brain using proteomics followed by bioinformatic analyses. Identified protein candidates were then tested using a Drosophila CLN3 model to study their ability to modify the CLN3-neurodegenerative phenotype in vivo. We identified differential perturbations in a range of molecular cascades correlating with synaptic vulnerability, including valine catabolism and rho signalling pathways. Genetic and pharmacological targeting of key ‘hub’ proteins in such pathways was sufficient to modulate phenotypic presentation in a Drosophila CLN3 model. We propose that such a workflow provides a target rich method for the identification of novel disease regulators which could be applicable to the study of other conditions where appropriate models exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maica Llavero Hurtado
- Division of Neurobiology, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Heidi R Fuller
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire, Keele, ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Andrew M S Wong
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 9RX, UK
| | - Samantha L Eaton
- Division of Neurobiology, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | | | - Giuseppa Pennetta
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jonathan D Cooper
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 9RX, UK.,Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, and David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Torrance, CA, 90502, USA
| | - Thomas M Wishart
- Division of Neurobiology, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK. .,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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36
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Self-Complementary AAV9 Gene Delivery Partially Corrects Pathology Associated with Juvenile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (CLN3). J Neurosci 2017; 36:9669-82. [PMID: 27629717 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1635-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (JNCL) is a fatal lysosomal storage disease caused by autosomal-recessive mutations in CLN3 for which no treatment exists. Symptoms appear between 5 and 10 years of age, beginning with blindness and seizures, followed by progressive cognitive and motor decline and premature death (late teens to 20s). We explored a gene delivery approach for JNCL by generating two self-complementary adeno-associated virus 9 (scAAV9) constructs to address CLN3 dosage effects using the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) and β-actin promoters to drive low versus high transgene expression, respectively. This approach was based on the expectation that low CLN3 levels are required for cellular homeostasis due to minimal CLN3 expression postnatally, although this had not yet been demonstrated in vivo One-month-old Cln3(Δex7/8) mice received one systemic (intravenous) injection of scAAV9/MeCP2-hCLN3 or scAAV9/β-actin-hCLN3, with green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing viruses as controls. A promoter-dosage effect was observed in all brain regions examined, in which hCLN3 levels were elevated 3- to 8-fold in Cln3(Δex7/8) mice receiving scAAV9/β-actin-hCLN3 versus scAAV9/MeCP2-hCLN3. However, a disconnect occurred between CLN3 levels and disease improvement, because only the scAAV9 construct driving low CLN3 expression (scAAV9/MeCP2-hCLN3) corrected motor deficits and attenuated microglial and astrocyte activation and lysosomal pathology. This may have resulted from preferential promoter usage because transgene expression after intravenous scAAV9/MeCP2-GFP injection was primarily detected in NeuN(+) neurons, whereas scAAV9/β-actin-GFP drove transgene expression in GFAP(+) astrocytes. This is the first demonstration of a systemic delivery route to restore CLN3 in vivo using scAAV9 and highlights the importance of promoter selection for disease modification in juvenile animals. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (JNCL) is a fatal lysosomal storage disease caused by CLN3 mutations. We explored a gene delivery approach using two self-complementary adeno-associated virus 9 (scAAV9) constructs to address CLN3 dosage effects using the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) and β-actin promoters. hCLN3 levels were elevated 3- to 8-fold in Cln3(Δex7/8) mice receiving scAAV9/β-actin-hCLN3 versus scAAV9/MeCP2-hCLN3 after a single systemic injection. However, only scAAV9/MeCP2-hCLN3 corrected motor deficits and attenuated glial activation and lysosomal pathology. This may reflect preferential promoter usage because transgene expression with scAAV9/MeCP2-green fluorescent protein (GFP) was primarily in neurons, whereas scAAV9/β-actin-GFP drove transgene expression in astrocytes. This is the first demonstration of systemic delivery for CLN3 using scAAV9 and highlights the importance of promoter selection for disease modification in juvenile animals.
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Nelvagal HR, Cooper JD. Translating preclinical models of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis: progress and prospects. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2017.1360182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hemanth R. Nelvagal
- Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan D. Cooper
- Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Torrance, CA, USA
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38
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Groh J, Martini R. Neuroinflammation as modifier of genetically caused neurological disorders of the central nervous system: Understanding pathogenesis and chances for treatment. Glia 2017; 65:1407-1422. [PMID: 28568966 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Genetically caused neurological disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) are usually orphan diseases with poor or even fatal clinical outcome and few or no treatments that will improve longevity or at least quality of life. Neuroinflammation is common to many of these disorders, despite the fact that a plethora of distinct mutations and molecular changes underlie the disorders. In this article, data from corresponding animal models are analyzed to define the roles of innate and adaptive inflammation as modifiers and amplifiers of disease. We describe both common and distinct patterns of neuroinflammation in genetically mediated CNS disorders and discuss the contrasting mechanisms that lead to adverse versus neuroprotective effects. Moreover, we identify the juxtaparanode as a neuroanatomical compartment commonly associated with inflammatory cells and ongoing axonopathic changes, in models of diverse diseases. The identification of key immunological effector pathways that amplify neuropathic features should lead to realistic possibilities for translatable therapeutic interventions using existing immunomodulators. Moreover, evidence emerges that neuroinflammation is not only able to modify primary neural damage-related symptoms but also may lead to unexpected clinical outcomes such as neuropsychiatric syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janos Groh
- Department of Neurology, Developmental Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 11, Würzburg, D-97080, Germany
| | - Rudolf Martini
- Department of Neurology, Developmental Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 11, Würzburg, D-97080, Germany
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39
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Booth HDE, Hirst WD, Wade-Martins R. The Role of Astrocyte Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease Pathogenesis. Trends Neurosci 2017; 40:358-370. [PMID: 28527591 PMCID: PMC5462417 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2017.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 360] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most populous glial subtype and are critical for brain function. Despite this, historically there have been few studies into the role that they may have in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Recently, however, several studies have determined that genes known to have a causative role in the development of PD are expressed in astrocytes and have important roles in astrocyte function. Here, we review these recent developments and discuss their impact on our understanding of the pathophysiology of PD, and the implications that this might have for its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather D E Booth
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Richard Wade-Martins
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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40
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Geraets RD, Langin LM, Cain JT, Parker CM, Beraldi R, Kovacs AD, Weimer JM, Pearce DA. A tailored mouse model of CLN2 disease: A nonsense mutant for testing personalized therapies. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176526. [PMID: 28464005 PMCID: PMC5413059 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (NCLs), also known as Batten disease, result from mutations in over a dozen genes. Although, adults are susceptible, the NCLs are frequently classified as pediatric neurodegenerative diseases due to their greater pediatric prevalence. Initial clinical presentation usually consists of either seizures or retinopathy but develops to encompass both in conjunction with declining motor and cognitive function. The NCLs result in premature death due to the absence of curative therapies. Nevertheless, preclinical and clinical trials exist for various therapies. However, the genotypes of NCL animal models determine which therapeutic approaches can be assessed. Mutations of the CLN2 gene encoding a soluble lysosomal enzyme, tripeptidyl peptidase 1 (TPP1), cause late infantile NCL/CLN2 disease. The genotype of the original mouse model of CLN2 disease, Cln2-/-, excludes mutation guided therapies like antisense oligonucleotides and nonsense suppression. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop a model of CLN2 disease that allows for the assessment of all therapeutic approaches. Nonsense mutations in CLN2 disease are frequent, the most common being CLN2R208X. Thus, we created a mouse model that carries a mutation equivalent to the human p.R208X mutation. Molecular assessment of Cln2R207X/R207X tissues determined significant reduction in Cln2 transcript abundance and TPP1 enzyme activity. This reduction leads to the development of neurological impairment (e.g. tremors) and neuropathology (e.g. astrocytosis). Collectively, these assessments indicate that the Cln2R207X/R207X mouse is a valid CLN2 disease model which can be used for the preclinical evaluation of all therapeutic approaches including mutation guided therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan D. Geraets
- Children’s Health Research Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States of America
- Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Logan M. Langin
- Children’s Health Research Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Jacob T. Cain
- Children’s Health Research Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Camille M. Parker
- Children’s Health Research Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Rosanna Beraldi
- Children’s Health Research Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Attila D. Kovacs
- Children’s Health Research Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States of America
- Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Jill M. Weimer
- Children’s Health Research Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States of America
- Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - David A. Pearce
- Children’s Health Research Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States of America
- Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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41
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Mohammed A, O'Hare MB, Warley A, Tear G, Tuxworth RI. in vivo localization of the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis proteins, CLN3 and CLN7, at endogenous expression levels. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 103:123-132. [PMID: 28365214 PMCID: PMC5441185 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses are a group of recessively inherited, childhood-onset neurodegenerative conditions. Several forms are caused by mutations in genes encoding putative lysosomal membrane proteins. Studies of the cell biology underpinning these disorders are hampered by the poor antigenicity of the membrane proteins, which makes visualization of the endogenous proteins difficult. We have used Drosophila to generate knock-in YFP-fusions for two of the NCL membrane proteins: CLN7 and CLN3. The YFP-fusions are expressed at endogenous levels and the proteins can be visualized live without the need for overexpression. Unexpectedly, both CLN7 and CLN3 have restricted expression in the CNS of Drosophila larva and are predominantly expressed in the glia that form the insect blood-brain-barrier. CLN7 is also expressed in neurons in the developing visual system. Analogous with murine CLN3, Drosophila CLN3 is strongly expressed in the excretory and osmoregulatory Malpighian tubules, but the knock-in also reveals unexpected localization of the protein to the apical domain adjacent to the lumen. In addition, some CLN3 protein in the tubules is localized within mitochondria. Our in vivo imaging of CLN7 and CLN3 suggests new possibilities for function and promotes new ideas about the cell biology of the NCLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alamin Mohammed
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Megan B O'Hare
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Alice Warley
- Centre for Ultrastructural Imaging, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Guy Tear
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK.
| | - Richard I Tuxworth
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Department of Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK.
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Aldrich A, Bosch ME, Fallet R, Odvody J, Burkovetskaya M, Rama Rao KV, Cooper JD, Drack AV, Kielian T. Efficacy of phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors in juvenile Batten disease (CLN3). Ann Neurol 2016; 80:909-923. [PMID: 27804148 PMCID: PMC5215570 DOI: 10.1002/ana.24815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (JNCL), or juvenile Batten disease, is a pediatric lysosomal storage disease caused by autosomal recessive mutations in CLN3, typified by blindness, seizures, progressive cognitive and motor decline, and premature death. Currently, there is no treatment for JNCL that slows disease progression, which highlights the need to explore novel strategies to extend the survival and quality of life of afflicted children. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a second messenger with pleiotropic effects, including regulating neuroinflammation and neuronal survival. Here we investigated whether 3 phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitors (rolipram, roflumilast, and PF-06266047) could mitigate behavioral deficits and cell-specific pathology in the Cln3Δex7/8 mouse model of JNCL. METHODS In a randomized, blinded study, wild-type (WT) and Cln3Δex7/8 mice received PDE4 inhibitors daily beginning at 1 or 3 months of age and continuing for 6 to 9 months, with motor deficits assessed by accelerating rotarod testing. The effect of PDE4 inhibitors on cAMP levels, astrocyte and microglial activation (glial fibrillary acidic protein and CD68, respectively), lysosomal pathology (lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1), and astrocyte glutamate transporter expression (glutamate/aspartate transporter) were also examined in WT and Cln3Δex7/8 animals. RESULTS cAMP levels were significantly reduced in the Cln3Δex7/8 brain, and were restored by PF-06266047. PDE4 inhibitors significantly improved motor function in Cln3Δex7/8 mice, attenuated glial activation and lysosomal pathology, and restored glutamate transporter expression to levels observed in WT animals, with no evidence of toxicity as revealed by blood chemistry analysis. INTERPRETATION These studies reveal neuroprotective effects for PDE4 inhibitors in Cln3Δex7/8 mice and support their therapeutic potential in JNCL patients. Ann Neurol 2016;80:909-923.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Aldrich
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Megan E Bosch
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Rachel Fallet
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Jessica Odvody
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Maria Burkovetskaya
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | | | - Jonathan D Cooper
- Department of Basic & Clinical Neuroscience, King's College, London, United Kingdom.,Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute and David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA
| | - Arlene V Drack
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA
| | - Tammy Kielian
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
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43
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Hersrud SL, Kovács AD, Pearce DA. Antigen presenting cell abnormalities in the Cln3(-/-) mouse model of juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2016; 1862:1324-36. [PMID: 27101989 PMCID: PMC4899816 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2016.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Mutations of the CLN3 gene lead to juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (JNCL), an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder that causes progressive neurodegeneration in children and adolescents. There is evidence of immune system involvement in pathology that has been only minimally investigated. We characterized bone marrow stem cell-derived antigen presenting cells (APCs), peritoneal macrophages, and leukocytes from spleen and blood, harvested from the Cln3(-/-) mouse model of JNCL. We detected dramatically elevated CD11c surface levels and increased total CD11c protein in Cln3(-/-) cell samples compared to wild type. This phenotype was specific to APCs and also to a loss of CLN3, as surface levels did not differ from wild type in other leukocyte subtypes nor in cells from two other NCL mouse models. Subcellularly, CD11c was localized to lipid rafts, indicating that perturbation of surface levels is attributable to derangement of raft dynamics, which has previously been shown in Cln3 mutant cells. Interrogation of APC function revealed that Cln3(-/-) cells have increased adhesiveness to CD11c ligands as well as an abnormal secretory pattern that closely mimics what has been previously reported for Cln3 mutant microglia. Our results show that CLN3 deficiency alters APCs, which can be a major contributor to the autoimmune response in JNCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Hersrud
- Sanford Children's Health Research Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States; Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57105, United States
| | - Attila D Kovács
- Sanford Children's Health Research Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States; Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57105, United States
| | - David A Pearce
- Sanford Children's Health Research Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States; Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57105, United States.
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44
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Wager K, Zdebik AA, Fu S, Cooper JD, Harvey RJ, Russell C. Neurodegeneration and Epilepsy in a Zebrafish Model of CLN3 Disease (Batten Disease). PLoS One 2016; 11:e0157365. [PMID: 27327661 PMCID: PMC4915684 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses are a group of lysosomal storage disorders that comprise the most common, genetically heterogeneous, fatal neurodegenerative disorders of children. They are characterised by childhood onset, visual failure, epileptic seizures, psychomotor retardation and dementia. CLN3 disease, also known as Batten disease, is caused by autosomal recessive mutations in the CLN3 gene, 80–85% of which are a ~1 kb deletion. Currently no treatments exist, and after much suffering, the disease inevitably results in premature death. The aim of this study was to generate a zebrafish model of CLN3 disease using antisense morpholino injection, and characterise the pathological and functional consequences of Cln3 deficiency, thereby providing a tool for future drug discovery. The model was shown to faithfully recapitulate the pathological signs of CLN3 disease, including reduced survival, neuronal loss, retinopathy, axonopathy, loss of motor function, lysosomal storage of subunit c of mitochondrial ATP synthase, and epileptic seizures, albeit with an earlier onset and faster progression than the human disease. Our study provides proof of principle that the advantages of the zebrafish over other model systems can be utilised to further our understanding of the pathogenesis of CLN3 disease and accelerate drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Wager
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London, NW1 0TU, United Kingdom
| | - Anselm A. Zdebik
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Campus, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
- Department of Nephrology, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Campus, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (CR); (AAZ)
| | - Sonia Fu
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London, NW1 0TU, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan D. Cooper
- Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, 5 Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RX, United Kingdom
| | - Robert J. Harvey
- Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Russell
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London, NW1 0TU, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (CR); (AAZ)
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45
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Geraets RD, Koh SY, Hastings ML, Kielian T, Pearce DA, Weimer JM. Moving towards effective therapeutic strategies for Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2016; 11:40. [PMID: 27083890 PMCID: PMC4833901 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-016-0414-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a family of autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorders that annually affect 1:100,000 live births worldwide. This family of diseases results from mutations in one of 14 different genes that share common clinical and pathological etiologies. Clinically, the diseases are subcategorized into infantile, late-infantile, juvenile and adult forms based on their age of onset. Though the disease phenotypes may vary in their age and order of presentation, all typically include progressive visual deterioration and blindness, cognitive impairment, motor deficits and seizures. Pathological hallmarks of NCLs include the accumulation of storage material or ceroid in the lysosome, progressive neuronal degeneration and massive glial activation. Advances have been made in genetic diagnosis and counseling for families. However, comprehensive treatment programs that delay or halt disease progression have been elusive. Current disease management is primarily targeted at controlling the symptoms rather than "curing" the disease. Recognizing the growing need for transparency and synergistic efforts to move the field forward, this review will provide an overview of the therapeutic approaches currently being pursued in preclinical and clinical trials to treat different forms of NCL as well as provide insight to novel therapeutic approaches in development for the NCLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan D. Geraets
- />Children’s Health Research Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD USA
- />Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD USA
| | - Seung yon Koh
- />Children’s Health Research Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD USA
| | - Michelle L. Hastings
- />Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL USA
| | - Tammy Kielian
- />Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE USA
| | - David A. Pearce
- />Children’s Health Research Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD USA
- />Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD USA
| | - Jill M. Weimer
- />Children’s Health Research Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD USA
- />Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD USA
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Kovács AD, Pearce DA. Finding the most appropriate mouse model of juvenile CLN3 (Batten) disease for therapeutic studies: the importance of genetic background and gender. Dis Model Mech 2016; 8:351-61. [PMID: 26035843 PMCID: PMC4381334 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.018804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the CLN3 gene cause a fatal neurodegenerative disorder: juvenile CLN3 disease, also known as juvenile Batten disease. The two most commonly utilized mouse models of juvenile CLN3 disease are Cln3-knockout (Cln3−/−) and Cln3Δex7/8-knock-in mice, the latter mimicking the most frequent disease-causing human mutation. To determine which mouse model has the most pronounced neurological phenotypes that can be used as outcome measures for therapeutic studies, we compared the exploratory activity, motor function and depressive-like behavior of 1-, 3- and 6-month-old Cln3−/− and Cln3Δex7/8-knock-in mice on two different genetic backgrounds (129S6/SvEv and C57BL/6J). Although, in many cases, the behavior of Cln3−/− and Cln3Δex7/8 mice was similar, we found genetic-background-, gender- and age-dependent differences between the two mouse models. We also observed large differences in the behavior of the 129S6/SvEv and C57BL/6J wild-type strains, which highlights the strong influence that genetic background can have on phenotype. Based on our results, Cln3−/− male mice on the 129S6/SvEv genetic background are the most appropriate candidates for therapeutic studies. They exhibit motor deficits at 1 and 6 months of age in the vertical pole test, and they were the only mice to show impaired motor coordination in the rotarod test at both 3 and 6 months. Cln3−/− males on the C57BL/6J background and Cln3Δex7/8 males on the 129S6/SvEv background also provide good outcome measures for therapeutic interventions. Cln3−/− (C57BL/6J) males had serious difficulties in climbing down (at 1 and 6 months) and turning downward on (at 1, 3 and 6 months) the vertical pole, whereas Cln3Δex7/8 (129S6/SvEv) males climbed down the vertical pole drastically slower than wild-type males at 3 and 6 months of age. Our study demonstrates the importance of testing mouse models on different genetic backgrounds and comparing males and females in order to find the most appropriate disease model for therapeutic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila D Kovács
- Sanford Children's Health Research Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | - David A Pearce
- Sanford Children's Health Research Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA. Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA.
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Groh J, Ribechini E, Stadler D, Schilling T, Lutz MB, Martini R. Sialoadhesin promotes neuroinflammation-related disease progression in two mouse models of CLN disease. Glia 2016; 64:792-809. [PMID: 26775238 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
CLN diseases are mostly fatal lysosomal storage diseases that lead to neurodegeneration in the CNS. We have previously shown that CD8+ T-lymphocytes contribute to axonal perturbation and neuron loss in the CNS of Ppt1(-/-) mice, a model of CLN1 disease. We now investigated the role of the inflammation-related cell adhesion molecule sialoadhesin (Sn) in Ppt1(-/-) and Cln3(-/-) mice, a model of the most frequent form, CLN3 disease. Microglia/macrophages in the CNS of both models showed an upregulation of Sn and markers for proinflammatory M1 polarization and antigen presentation. Sn+ microglia/macrophages associated with SMI32+ axonal spheroids and CD8+ T-lymphocytes. To analyze their pathogenic impact, we crossbred both models with Sn-deficient mice and scored axonal degeneration and neuronal integrity using immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy and optical coherence tomography. Degenerative alterations in the retinotectal pathway of Ppt1(-/-)Sn(-/-) and Cln3(-/-)Sn(-/-) mice were significantly reduced. Ppt1(-/-)Sn(-/-) mice also showed a substantially improved clinical phenotype and extended lifespan, attenuated numbers of M1-polarized microglia/macrophages and reduced expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines. This was accompanied by an increased frequency of CD8+CD122+ T-lymphocytes in the CNS of Ppt1(-/-)Sn(-/-) mice, the regulatory phenotype of which was demonstrated by impaired survival of CD8+CD122- effector T-lymphocytes in co-culture experiments. We show for the first time that increased Sn expression on microglia/macrophages contributes to neural perturbation in two distinct models of CLN disease. Our data also indicate that a rarely described CD8+CD122+ T-cell population can regulate the corresponding diseases. These studies provide insights into CLN pathogenesis and may guide in designing immuno-regulatory treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janos Groh
- Department of Neurology, Developmental Neurobiology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Eliana Ribechini
- Institute of Virology and Immunobiology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - David Stadler
- Department of Neurology, Developmental Neurobiology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Tim Schilling
- Department of Neurology, Developmental Neurobiology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Manfred B Lutz
- Institute of Virology and Immunobiology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Rudolf Martini
- Department of Neurology, Developmental Neurobiology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
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Ouseph MM, Kleinman ME, Wang QJ. Vision loss in juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN3 disease). Ann N Y Acad Sci 2016; 1371:55-67. [PMID: 26748992 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.12990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (JNCL; also known as CLN3 disease) is a devastating neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder and the most common form of Batten disease. Progressive visual and neurological symptoms lead to mortality in patients by the third decade. Although ceroid-lipofuscinosis, neuronal 3 (CLN3) has been identified as the sole disease gene, the biochemical and cellular bases of JNCL and the functions of CLN3 are yet to be fully understood. As severe ocular pathologies manifest early in disease progression, the retina is an ideal tissue to study in the efforts to unravel disease etiology and design therapeutics. There are significant discrepancies in the ocular phenotypes between human JNCL and existing murine models, impeding investigations on the sequence of events occurring during the progression of vision impairment. This review focuses on current understanding of vision loss in JNCL and discusses future research directions toward molecular dissection of the pathogenesis of the disease and associated vision problems in order to ultimately improve the quality of patient life and cure the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Qing Jun Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry.,Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology.,Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
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Bosch ME, Kielian T. Neuroinflammatory paradigms in lysosomal storage diseases. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:417. [PMID: 26578874 PMCID: PMC4627351 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) include approximately 70 distinct disorders that collectively account for 14% of all inherited metabolic diseases. LSDs are caused by mutations in various enzymes/proteins that disrupt lysosomal function, which impairs macromolecule degradation following endosome-lysosome and phagosome-lysosome fusion and autophagy, ultimately disrupting cellular homeostasis. LSDs are pathologically typified by lysosomal inclusions composed of a heterogeneous mixture of various proteins and lipids that can be found throughout the body. However, in many cases the CNS is dramatically affected, which may result from heightened neuronal vulnerability based on their post-mitotic state. Besides intrinsic neuronal defects, another emerging factor common to many LSDs is neuroinflammation, which may negatively impact neuronal survival and contribute to neurodegeneration. Microglial and astrocyte activation is a hallmark of many LSDs that affect the CNS, which often precedes and predicts regions where eventual neuron loss will occur. However, the timing, intensity, and duration of neuroinflammation may ultimately dictate the impact on CNS homeostasis. For example, a transient inflammatory response following CNS insult/injury can be neuroprotective, as glial cells attempt to remove the insult and provide trophic support to neurons. However, chronic inflammation, as seen in several LSDs, can promote neurodegeneration by creating a neurotoxic environment due to elevated levels of cytokines, chemokines, and pro-apoptotic molecules. Although neuroinflammation has been reported in several LSDs, the cellular basis and mechanisms responsible for eliciting neuroinflammatory pathways are just beginning to be defined. This review highlights the role of neuroinflammation in select LSDs and its potential contribution to neuron loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E. Bosch
- Departments of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical CenterOmaha, NE, USA
| | - Tammy Kielian
- Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical CenterOmaha, NE, USA
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Rama Rao KV, Kielian T. Neuron-astrocyte interactions in neurodegenerative diseases: Role of neuroinflammation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 6:245-263. [PMID: 26543505 DOI: 10.1111/cen3.12237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Selective neuron loss in discrete brain regions is a hallmark of various neurodegenerative disorders, although the mechanisms responsible for this regional vulnerability of neurons remain largely unknown. Earlier studies attributed neuron dysfunction and eventual loss during neurodegenerative diseases as exclusively cell autonomous. Although cell-intrinsic factors are one critical aspect in dictating neuron death, recent evidence also supports the involvement of other central nervous system cell types in propagating non-cell autonomous neuronal injury during neurodegenerative diseases. One such example is astrocytes, which support neuronal and synaptic function, but can also contribute to neuroinflammatory processes through robust chemokine secretion. Indeed, aberrations in astrocyte function have been shown to negatively impact neuronal integrity in several neurological diseases. The present review focuses on neuroinflammatory paradigms influenced by neuron-astrocyte cross-talk in the context of select neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kakulavarapu V Rama Rao
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Tammy Kielian
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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