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Grass T, Dokuzluoglu Z, Buchner F, Rosignol I, Thomas J, Caldarelli A, Dalinskaya A, Becker J, Rost F, Marass M, Wirth B, Beyer M, Bonaguro L, Rodriguez-Muela N. Isogenic patient-derived organoids reveal early neurodevelopmental defects in spinal muscular atrophy initiation. Cell Rep Med 2024:101659. [PMID: 39067446 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Whether neurodevelopmental defects underlie postnatal neuronal death in neurodegeneration is an intriguing hypothesis only recently explored. Here, we focus on spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a neuromuscular disorder caused by reduced survival of motor neuron (SMN) protein levels leading to spinal motor neuron (MN) loss and muscle wasting. Using the first isogenic patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) model and a spinal cord organoid (SCO) system, we show that SMA SCOs exhibit abnormal morphological development, reduced expression of early neural progenitor markers, and accelerated expression of MN progenitor and MN markers. Longitudinal single-cell RNA sequencing reveals marked defects in neural stem cell specification and fewer MNs, favoring mesodermal progenitors and muscle cells, a bias also seen in early SMA mouse embryos. Surprisingly, SMN2-to-SMN1 conversion does not fully reverse these developmental abnormalities. These suggest that early neurodevelopmental defects may underlie later MN degeneration, indicating that postnatal SMN-increasing interventions might not completely amend SMA pathology in all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Grass
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Dresden, Germany.
| | - Zeynep Dokuzluoglu
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
| | - Felix Buchner
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
| | - Ines Rosignol
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Dresden, Germany; Technische Universität Dresden (TUD), Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Joshua Thomas
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
| | - Antonio Caldarelli
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
| | - Anna Dalinskaya
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
| | - Jutta Becker
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Fabian Rost
- DRESDEN-concept Genome Center, Technology Platform at the Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, TUD, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michele Marass
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany; Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Brunhilde Wirth
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Rare Diseases, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marc Beyer
- Systems Medicine, DZNE, Bonn, Germany; PRECISE Platform for Single Cell Genomics and Epigenomics, DZNE & University of Bonn and West German Genome Center, Bonn, Germany; Immunogenomics & Neurodegeneration, DZNE, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lorenzo Bonaguro
- Systems Medicine, DZNE, Bonn, Germany; Genomics & Immunoregulation, LIMES Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Natalia Rodriguez-Muela
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Dresden, Germany; Technische Universität Dresden (TUD), Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany.
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Chen Y, Yang D, Huang X, Feng J, Zhao Q, Huang H, Liang L, Zhang X, Ruan Y. Effects of nusinersen on motor function in children with spinal muscular atrophy: a retrospective study. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1391613. [PMID: 39076847 PMCID: PMC11284043 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1391613] [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: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic progressive neuromuscular disease. Nusinersen is the first disease modifying drug approved to treat patients with SMA. Our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of nusinersen treatment on motor function in children with SMA. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of 52 genetically confirmed SMA patients from November 2020 to September 2023. Motor function was assessed based on standardized scales from baseline to 14 months of follow-up. Results Of patients in this study, the majority had SMA type 2 (40/52, 76.9%), 5 (9.6%) and 7 (13.5%) patients had SMA types 1 and 3, respectively. The median disease duration was 11 months (range 0-52), and the median age at initiation of treatment was 44.5 months (range 5-192). Motor function of all the patients with SMA improved from baseline to 14 months of follow-up. Mean increases of 4.6-point (p = 0.173), 4.7-point (p = 0.021) and 2.7-point (p = 0.013) were observed from baseline to 14 months of follow-up for the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders scores, the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE) and the Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM), respectively. Increased disease duration and age of treatment initiation were negatively correlated with the changes in HFMSE scores (r = -0.567, p = 0.043; r = -0.771 and p = 0.002, respectively). Similar results were observed for the RULM scores (r = -0.714, p = 0.014; r = -0.638 and p = 0.035, respectively). Conclusion Our study suggested that 14 months of treatment with nusinersen was effective and improved the motor function of children with SMA types 1, 2, or 3. In addition, disease duration and age at treatment initiation were negatively correlated with treatment outcome in the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yiyan Ruan
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
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Chu LX, Wang WJ, Gu XP, Wu P, Gao C, Zhang Q, Wu J, Jiang DW, Huang JQ, Ying XW, Shen JM, Jiang Y, Luo LH, Xu JP, Ying YB, Chen HM, Fang A, Feng ZY, An SH, Li XK, Wang ZG. Spatiotemporal multi-omics: exploring molecular landscapes in aging and regenerative medicine. Mil Med Res 2024; 11:31. [PMID: 38797843 PMCID: PMC11129507 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-024-00537-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging and regeneration represent complex biological phenomena that have long captivated the scientific community. To fully comprehend these processes, it is essential to investigate molecular dynamics through a lens that encompasses both spatial and temporal dimensions. Conventional omics methodologies, such as genomics and transcriptomics, have been instrumental in identifying critical molecular facets of aging and regeneration. However, these methods are somewhat limited, constrained by their spatial resolution and their lack of capacity to dynamically represent tissue alterations. The advent of emerging spatiotemporal multi-omics approaches, encompassing transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics, furnishes comprehensive insights into these intricate molecular dynamics. These sophisticated techniques facilitate accurate delineation of molecular patterns across an array of cells, tissues, and organs, thereby offering an in-depth understanding of the fundamental mechanisms at play. This review meticulously examines the significance of spatiotemporal multi-omics in the realms of aging and regeneration research. It underscores how these methodologies augment our comprehension of molecular dynamics, cellular interactions, and signaling pathways. Initially, the review delineates the foundational principles underpinning these methods, followed by an evaluation of their recent applications within the field. The review ultimately concludes by addressing the prevailing challenges and projecting future advancements in the field. Indubitably, spatiotemporal multi-omics are instrumental in deciphering the complexities inherent in aging and regeneration, thus charting a course toward potential therapeutic innovations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu-Xi Chu
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, 315300, Zhejiang, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
- National Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Drug Development and Manufacturing, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wen-Jia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Xin-Pei Gu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Department of Human Anatomy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Ping Wu
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
- National Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Drug Development and Manufacturing, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chen Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Quan Zhang
- Integrative Muscle Biology Laboratory, Division of Regenerative and Rehabilitative Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, United States
| | - Jia Wu
- Key Laboratory for Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Da-Wei Jiang
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, 315300, Zhejiang, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
- National Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Drug Development and Manufacturing, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun-Qing Huang
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
- National Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Drug Development and Manufacturing, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Institute of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University, Lishui, 323000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xin-Wang Ying
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
- National Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Drug Development and Manufacturing, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jia-Men Shen
- National Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Drug Development and Manufacturing, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Jiang
- National Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Drug Development and Manufacturing, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Li-Hua Luo
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 324025, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun-Peng Xu
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, 315300, Zhejiang, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
- National Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Drug Development and Manufacturing, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi-Bo Ying
- National Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Drug Development and Manufacturing, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hao-Man Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Drug Development and Manufacturing, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ao Fang
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
- National Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Drug Development and Manufacturing, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zun-Yong Feng
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.
- National Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Drug Development and Manufacturing, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore.
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore.
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, NUS Center for Nanomedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore.
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore.
| | - Shu-Hong An
- Department of Human Anatomy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, 271000, Shandong, China.
| | - Xiao-Kun Li
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.
- National Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Drug Development and Manufacturing, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Zhou-Guang Wang
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, 315300, Zhejiang, China.
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.
- National Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Drug Development and Manufacturing, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Institute of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University, Lishui, 323000, Zhejiang, China.
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Leow DMK, Ng YK, Wang LC, Koh HW, Zhao T, Khong ZJ, Tabaglio T, Narayanan G, Giadone RM, Sobota RM, Ng SY, Teo AKK, Parson SH, Rubin LL, Ong WY, Darras BT, Yeo CJ. Hepatocyte-intrinsic SMN deficiency drives metabolic dysfunction and liver steatosis in spinal muscular atrophy. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e173702. [PMID: 38722695 PMCID: PMC11178536 DOI: 10.1172/jci173702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is typically characterized as a motor neuron disease, but extra-neuronal phenotypes are present in almost every organ in severely affected patients and animal models. Extra-neuronal phenotypes were previously underappreciated as patients with severe SMA phenotypes usually died in infancy; however, with current treatments for motor neurons increasing patient lifespan, impaired function of peripheral organs may develop into significant future comorbidities and lead to new treatment-modified phenotypes. Fatty liver is seen in SMA animal models , but generalizability to patients and whether this is due to hepatocyte-intrinsic Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein deficiency and/or subsequent to skeletal muscle denervation is unknown. If liver pathology in SMA is SMN-dependent and hepatocyte-intrinsic, this suggests SMN repleting therapies must target extra-neuronal tissues and motor neurons for optimal patient outcome. Here we showed that fatty liver is present in SMA and that SMA patient-specific iHeps were susceptible to steatosis. Using proteomics, functional studies and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, we confirmed that fatty liver in SMA is a primary SMN-dependent hepatocyte-intrinsic liver defect associated with mitochondrial and other hepatic metabolism implications. These pathologies require monitoring and indicate need for systematic clinical surveillance and additional and/or combinatorial therapies to ensure continued SMA patient health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Meng-Kiat Leow
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yang Kai Ng
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Loo Chien Wang
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hiromi W.L. Koh
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tianyun Zhao
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zi Jian Khong
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tommaso Tabaglio
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Richard M. Giadone
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge Massachusetts, USA
| | - Radoslaw M. Sobota
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shi-Yan Ng
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, Singapore
- National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Adrian Kee Keong Teo
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Simon H. Parson
- Institute of Education in Healthcare and Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland
| | - Lee L. Rubin
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wei-Yi Ong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Basil T. Darras
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Crystal J.J. Yeo
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Education in Healthcare and Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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Hu Y, Wei L, Li A, Liu T, Jiang Y, Xie C, Wang K. Cognitive impairment in Chinese adult patients with type III spinal muscular atrophy without disease-modifying treatment. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1226043. [PMID: 38020636 PMCID: PMC10655145 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1226043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons in the spinal cord. It remains uncertain whether the cognitive performance of adult patients with SMA is impaired. The objective of this study was to assess the cognitive profile of adult Chinese patients with SMA and the association between clinical features and cognitive ability, particularly executive function. Methods This cross-sectional study included 22 untreated adult patients with type III SMA and 20 healthy subjects. The following variables were assessed: general intelligence, memory, attention, language, executive function, depression, anxiety, and other demographic and clinical parameters. In addition, physical function was evaluated using the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE), the Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM), and the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Results SMA patients had lower scores than healthy subjects in the Verbal Fluency Test, Stroop effect, Total Errors, Perseverative Responses, Perseverative Errors, and Non-perseverative Errors in the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, showing impaired abilities of SMA patients in executive function. In the Attention Network Test (ANT), the results indicated that the SMA patients also had selective deficits in their executive control networks. Ambulant patients had better executive function test performance than non-ambulant ones. Compromised executive abilities in patients with SMA were correlated with a younger age at onset, poorer motor function, and higher levels of anxiety and depression. Conclusion Our study presented the distribution of cognitive impairment in a Chinese cohort with SMA. Patients with type III SMA showed selective deficits in executive function, which may be associated with disease severity, physical impairment, depression and anxiety. Future cognitive studies, accounting for motor and emotional impairment, are needed to evaluate if executive impairment is driven by specific brain changes or by those confounding factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Hu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China
| | - Ling Wei
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China
| | - Aonan Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China
| | - Yubao Jiang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China
| | - Chengjuan Xie
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China
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Buchner F, Dokuzluoglu Z, Grass T, Rodriguez-Muela N. Spinal Cord Organoids to Study Motor Neuron Development and Disease. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1254. [PMID: 37374039 DOI: 10.3390/life13061254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are a heterogeneous group of disorders that affect the cranial and/or spinal motor neurons (spMNs), spinal sensory neurons and the muscular system. Although they have been investigated for decades, we still lack a comprehensive understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms; and therefore, efficacious therapies are scarce. Model organisms and relatively simple two-dimensional cell culture systems have been instrumental in our current knowledge of neuromuscular disease pathology; however, in the recent years, human 3D in vitro models have transformed the disease-modeling landscape. While cerebral organoids have been pursued the most, interest in spinal cord organoids (SCOs) is now also increasing. Pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-based protocols to generate SpC-like structures, sometimes including the adjacent mesoderm and derived skeletal muscle, are constantly being refined and applied to study early human neuromuscular development and disease. In this review, we outline the evolution of human PSC-derived models for generating spMN and recapitulating SpC development. We also discuss how these models have been applied to exploring the basis of human neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, we provide an overview of the main challenges to overcome in order to generate more physiologically relevant human SpC models and propose some exciting new perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Buchner
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Tobias Grass
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Natalia Rodriguez-Muela
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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Shin HJ, Na JH, Lee H, Lee YM. Nusinersen for spinal muscular atrophy types II and III: a retrospective single-center study in South Korea. World J Pediatr 2023; 19:450-459. [PMID: 36441395 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-022-00638-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigated the efficacy and safety of nusinersen, an antisense oligonucleotide, in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) types II (OMIM: 253,550) or III (OMIM: 253,400), including those with severe scoliosis or requiring respiratory support via mechanical ventilation. METHODS Data from 40 patients with genetically confirmed SMA who were treated with nusinersen at our institute from March 2019 to April 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Of these, 30 patients with an age of onset < 3 years and not on permanent ventilation were selected. Clinical and genetic characteristics were investigated, and motor function was evaluated based on the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale-Expanded (HFMSE) score. RESULTS The mean age of symptom onset was 1.2 years. Most patients were diagnosed with SMA type II (27/30, 90%). Nusinersen was administered via computed tomography-guided or direct intrathecal injection in 87% (26/30) and 13% (4/30) of the patients, respectively. At the 6-, 14-, 22-, and 26-month follow-ups, 72%, 71%, 88%, and 86% of patients showed motor improvement, respectively, with mean changes in HFMSE scores of 2.10, 2.88, 4.21, and 5.29, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that the use of noninvasive ventilation was associated with poorer outcomes of motor function. CONCLUSIONS Patients with SMA type II or III who received nusinersen treatment showed significant improvement in motor function. A longer treatment duration led to a higher number of patients with improved motor function. No significant side effects of nusinersen were observed. Patients with SMA, even those with severe scoliosis or on respiratory support, can be safely treated using nusinersen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Jin Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 211 Eonju-Ro, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, 135-720, Korea
| | - Ji-Hoon Na
- Department of Pediatrics, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 211 Eonju-Ro, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, 135-720, Korea
| | - Hyunjoo Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 211 Eonju-Ro, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, 135-720, Korea
| | - Young-Mock Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 211 Eonju-Ro, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, 135-720, Korea.
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8
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Arbab M, Matuszek Z, Kray KM, Du A, Newby GA, Blatnik AJ, Raguram A, Richter MF, Zhao KT, Levy JM, Shen MW, Arnold WD, Wang D, Xie J, Gao G, Burghes AHM, Liu DR. Base editing rescue of spinal muscular atrophy in cells and in mice. Science 2023; 380:eadg6518. [PMID: 36996170 PMCID: PMC10270003 DOI: 10.1126/science.adg6518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the leading genetic cause of infant mortality, arises from survival motor neuron (SMN) protein insufficiency resulting from SMN1 loss. Approved therapies circumvent endogenous SMN regulation and require repeated dosing or may wane. We describe genome editing of SMN2, an insufficient copy of SMN1 harboring a C6>T mutation, to permanently restore SMN protein levels and rescue SMA phenotypes. We used nucleases or base editors to modify five SMN2 regulatory regions. Base editing converted SMN2 T6>C, restoring SMN protein levels to wild type. Adeno-associated virus serotype 9-mediated base editor delivery in Δ7SMA mice yielded 87% average T6>C conversion, improved motor function, and extended average life span, which was enhanced by one-time base editor and nusinersen coadministration (111 versus 17 days untreated). These findings demonstrate the potential of a one-time base editing treatment for SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandana Arbab
- Department of Neurology, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Zaneta Matuszek
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Kaitlyn M. Kray
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 1060 Carmack Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Ailing Du
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts, Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Gregory A. Newby
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Anton J. Blatnik
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 1060 Carmack Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Aditya Raguram
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Michelle F. Richter
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Kevin T. Zhao
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Jonathan M. Levy
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Max W. Shen
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - W. David Arnold
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 1060 Carmack Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- NextGen Precision Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Dan Wang
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts, Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts, Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jun Xie
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts, Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts, Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts, Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Arthur H. M. Burghes
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 1060 Carmack Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - David R. Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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9
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Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in SMN1 (encoding survival motor neuron protein (SMN)). Reduced expression of SMN leads to loss of α-motor neurons, severe muscle weakness and often early death. Standard-of-care recommendations for multidisciplinary supportive care of SMA were established in the past few decades. However, improved understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms of SMA has led to the development of different therapeutic approaches. Three treatments that increase SMN expression by distinct molecular mechanisms, administration routes and tissue biodistributions have received regulatory approval with others in clinical development. The advent of the new therapies is redefining standards of care as in many countries most patients are treated with one of the new therapies, leading to the identification of emerging new phenotypes of SMA and a renewed characterization of demographics owing to improved patient survival.
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10
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Cognitive profiles and clinical factors in type III Spinal Muscular Atrophy: a preliminary study. Neuromuscul Disord 2022; 32:672-677. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2022.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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11
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Lansing F, Mukhametzyanova L, Rojo-Romanos T, Iwasawa K, Kimura M, Paszkowski-Rogacz M, Karpinski J, Grass T, Sonntag J, Schneider PM, Günes C, Hoersten J, Schmitt LT, Rodriguez-Muela N, Knöfler R, Takebe T, Buchholz F. Correction of a Factor VIII genomic inversion with designer-recombinases. Nat Commun 2022; 13:422. [PMID: 35058465 PMCID: PMC8776779 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28080-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in nuclease-based genome editing technologies, correcting human disease-causing genomic inversions remains a challenge. Here, we describe the potential use of a recombinase-based system to correct the 140 kb inversion of the F8 gene frequently found in patients diagnosed with severe Hemophilia A. Employing substrate-linked directed molecular evolution, we develop a coupled heterodimeric recombinase system (RecF8) achieving 30% inversion of the target sequence in human tissue culture cells. Transient RecF8 treatment of endothelial cells, differentiated from patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of a hemophilic donor, results in 12% correction of the inversion and restores Factor VIII mRNA expression. In this work, we present designer-recombinases as an efficient and specific means towards treatment of monogenic diseases caused by large gene inversions. Correction of disease-causing large genomic inversions remains challenging. Here, the authors developed a dual designer-recombinase system (RecF8) that efficiently corrects a 140 kb inversion frequently found in patients with severe Hemophilia A.
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12
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Varderidou-Minasian S, Verheijen BM, Harschnitz O, Kling S, Karst H, van der Pol WL, Pasterkamp RJ, Altelaar M. Spinal Muscular Atrophy Patient iPSC-Derived Motor Neurons Display Altered Proteomes at Early Stages of Differentiation. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:35375-35388. [PMID: 34984269 PMCID: PMC8717385 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c04688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of motor neurons (MN) in the spinal cord leading to progressive muscle atrophy and weakness. SMA is caused by mutations in the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, resulting in reduced levels of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. The mechanisms that link SMN deficiency to selective motor neuron dysfunction in SMA remain largely unknown. We present here, for the first time, a comprehensive quantitative TMT-10plex proteomics analysis that covers the development of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived MNs from both healthy individuals and SMA patients. We show that the proteomes of SMA samples segregate from controls already at early stages of neuronal differentiation. The altered proteomic signature in SMA MNs is associated with mRNA splicing, ribonucleoprotein biogenesis, organelle organization, cellular biogenesis, and metabolic processes. We highlight several known SMN-binding partners and evaluate their expression changes during MN differentiation. In addition, we compared our study to human and mouse in vivo proteomic studies revealing distinct and similar signatures. Altogether, our work provides a comprehensive resource of molecular events during early stages of MN differentiation, containing potentially therapeutically interesting protein expression profiles for SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzy Varderidou-Minasian
- Biomolecular
Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular
Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Utrecht, Padualaan 8, 3584
CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Netherlands
Proteomics Center, Padualaan
8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bert M. Verheijen
- Department
of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University
Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department
of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University
Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Oliver Harschnitz
- Department
of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University
Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department
of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University
Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Kling
- Department
of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University
Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department
of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University
Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Henk Karst
- Department
of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University
Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - W. Ludo van der Pol
- Department
of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University
Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - R. Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Department
of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University
Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Altelaar
- Biomolecular
Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular
Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Utrecht, Padualaan 8, 3584
CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Netherlands
Proteomics Center, Padualaan
8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
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13
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Moisse M, Zwamborn RAJ, van Vugt J, van der Spek R, van Rheenen W, Kenna B, Van Eijk K, Kenna K, Corcia P, Couratier P, Vourc'h P, Hardiman O, McLaughin R, Gotkine M, Drory V, Ticozzi N, Silani V, de Carvalho M, Mora Pardina JS, Povedano M, Andersen PM, Weber M, Başak NA, Chen X, Eberle MA, Al‐Chalabi A, Shaw C, Shaw PJ, Morrison KE, Landers JE, Glass JD, Robberecht W, van Es M, van den Berg L, Veldink J, Van Damme P. The Effect of SMN Gene Dosage on ALS Risk and Disease Severity. Ann Neurol 2021; 89:686-697. [PMID: 33389754 PMCID: PMC8048961 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The role of the survival of motor neuron (SMN) gene in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is unclear, with several conflicting reports. A decisive result on this topic is needed, given that treatment options are available now for SMN deficiency. METHODS In this largest multicenter case control study to evaluate the effect of SMN1 and SMN2 copy numbers in ALS, we used whole genome sequencing data from Project MinE data freeze 2. SMN copy numbers of 6,375 patients with ALS and 2,412 controls were called from whole genome sequencing data, and the reliability of the calls was tested with multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification data. RESULTS The copy number distribution of SMN1 and SMN2 between cases and controls did not show any statistical differences (binomial multivariate logistic regression SMN1 p = 0.54 and SMN2 p = 0.49). In addition, the copy number of SMN did not associate with patient survival (Royston-Parmar; SMN1 p = 0.78 and SMN2 p = 0.23) or age at onset (Royston-Parmar; SMN1 p = 0.75 and SMN2 p = 0.63). INTERPRETATION In our well-powered study, there was no association of SMN1 or SMN2 copy numbers with the risk of ALS or ALS disease severity. This suggests that changing SMN protein levels in the physiological range may not modify ALS disease course. This is an important finding in the light of emerging therapies targeted at SMN deficiencies. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:686-697.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Moisse
- Departments of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI)KU Leuven – University of LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Laboratory of NeurobiologyVIB, Center for Brain and Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
| | - Ramona A. J. Zwamborn
- Department of NeurologyUMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Joke van Vugt
- Department of NeurologyUMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Rick van der Spek
- Department of NeurologyUMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Wouter van Rheenen
- Department of NeurologyUMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Brendan Kenna
- Department of NeurologyUMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Kristel Van Eijk
- Department of NeurologyUMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Kevin Kenna
- Department of NeurologyUMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Philippe Corcia
- Centre SLA, CHRU de ToursToursFrance
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, InsermToursFrance
| | | | | | - Orla Hardiman
- Academic Unit of NeurologyTrinity College Dublin, Trinity Biomedical Sciences InstituteDublinRepublic of Ireland
| | - Russell McLaughin
- Complex Trait Genomics LaboratorySmurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College DublinDublinRepublic of Ireland
| | - Marc Gotkine
- The Agnes Ginges Center for Human NeurogeneticsHadassah‐Hebrew University Medical CenterJerusalemIsrael
| | - Vivian Drory
- Department of NeurologyTel‐Aviv Sourasky Medical CentreTel AvivIsrael
| | - Nicola Ticozzi
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Unit and Laboratory of NeuroscienceIRCCS Istituto Auxologico ItalianoMilanoItaly
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation“Dino Ferrari” Center, Università degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Vincenzo Silani
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Unit and Laboratory of NeuroscienceIRCCS Istituto Auxologico ItalianoMilanoItaly
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation“Dino Ferrari” Center, Università degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Mamede de Carvalho
- Instituto de Fisiologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | | | | | - Peter M. Andersen
- Department of Clinical Science, NeurosciencesUmeå UniversityUmeåSweden
| | - Markus Weber
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit/ALS ClinicSt. GallenSwitzerland
| | - Nazli A. Başak
- Koç University, School of Medicine, KUTTAM‐NDALIstanbulTurkey
| | | | | | - Ammar Al‐Chalabi
- Department of Basic and Clinical NeuroscienceMaurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Chris Shaw
- Department of Basic and Clinical NeuroscienceMaurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Pamela J. Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN)University of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Karen E. Morrison
- School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Biomedical SciencesQueen's University BelfastBelfastUK
| | - John E. Landers
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMA
| | | | - Wim Robberecht
- Departments of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI)KU Leuven – University of LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Hospitals LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Michael van Es
- Department of NeurologyUMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Leonard van den Berg
- Department of NeurologyUMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Jan Veldink
- Department of NeurologyUMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Philip Van Damme
- Departments of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI)KU Leuven – University of LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Laboratory of NeurobiologyVIB, Center for Brain and Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Hospitals LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
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14
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Gollapalli K, Kim JK, Monani UR. Emerging concepts underlying selective neuromuscular dysfunction in infantile-onset spinal muscular atrophy. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:1978-1984. [PMID: 33642371 PMCID: PMC8343306 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.308073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Infantile-onset spinal muscular atrophy is the quintessential example of a disorder characterized by a predominantly neurodegenerative phenotype that nevertheless stems from perturbations in a housekeeping protein. Resulting from low levels of the Survival of Motor Neuron (SMN) protein, spinal muscular atrophy manifests mainly as a lower motor neuron disease. Why this is so and whether other cell types contribute to the classic spinal muscular atrophy phenotype continue to be the subject of intense investigation and are only now gaining appreciation. Yet, what is emerging is sometimes as puzzling as it is instructive, arguing for a careful re-examination of recent study outcomes, raising questions about established dogma in the field and making the case for a greater focus on milder spinal muscular atrophy models as tools to identify key mechanisms driving selective neuromuscular dysfunction in the disease. This review examines the evidence for novel molecular and cellular mechanisms that have recently been implicated in spinal muscular atrophy, highlights breakthroughs, points out caveats and poses questions that ought to serve as the basis of new investigations to better understand and treat this and other more common neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kishore Gollapalli
- Department of Neurology; Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeong-Ki Kim
- Department of Neurology; Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Umrao R Monani
- Department of Neurology; Department of Pathology & Cell Biology; Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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15
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Sardina F, Pisciottani A, Ferrara M, Valente D, Casella M, Crescenzi M, Peschiaroli A, Casali C, Soddu S, Grierson AJ, Rinaldo C. Spastin recovery in hereditary spastic paraplegia by preventing neddylation-dependent degradation. Life Sci Alliance 2020; 3:3/12/e202000799. [PMID: 33106322 PMCID: PMC7652396 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202000799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP) is a neurodegenerative disease most commonly caused by autosomal dominant mutations in the SPG4 gene encoding the microtubule-severing protein spastin. We hypothesise that SPG4-HSP is attributable to reduced spastin function because of haploinsufficiency; thus, therapeutic approaches which elevate levels of the wild-type spastin allele may be an effective therapy. However, until now, how spastin levels are regulated is largely unknown. Here, we show that the kinase HIPK2 regulates spastin protein levels in proliferating cells, in differentiated neurons and in vivo. Our work reveals that HIPK2-mediated phosphorylation of spastin at S268 inhibits spastin K48-poly-ubiquitination at K554 and prevents its neddylation-dependent proteasomal degradation. In a spastin RNAi neuronal cell model, overexpression of HIPK2, or inhibition of neddylation, restores spastin levels and rescues neurite defects. Notably, we demonstrate that spastin levels can be restored pharmacologically by inhibiting its neddylation-mediated degradation in neurons derived from a spastin mouse model of HSP and in patient-derived cells, thus revealing novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of SPG4-HSP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Sardina
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM), National Research Council (CNR), c/o Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pisciottani
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM), National Research Council (CNR), c/o Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Ferrara
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM), National Research Council (CNR), c/o Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Valente
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM), National Research Council (CNR), c/o Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Cellular Networks and Molecular Therapeutic Targets, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marco Crescenzi
- Core Facilities, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Casali
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Rome Sapienza, Latina, Italy
| | - Silvia Soddu
- Unit of Cellular Networks and Molecular Therapeutic Targets, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrew J Grierson
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Cinzia Rinaldo
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM), National Research Council (CNR), c/o Sapienza University, Rome, Italy .,Unit of Cellular Networks and Molecular Therapeutic Targets, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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16
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Smeriglio P, Langard P, Querin G, Biferi MG. The Identification of Novel Biomarkers Is Required to Improve Adult SMA Patient Stratification, Diagnosis and Treatment. J Pers Med 2020; 10:jpm10030075. [PMID: 32751151 PMCID: PMC7564782 DOI: 10.3390/jpm10030075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is currently classified into five different subtypes, from the most severe (type 0) to the mildest (type 4) depending on age at onset, best motor function achieved, and copy number of the SMN2 gene. The two recent approved treatments for SMA patients revolutionized their life quality and perspectives. However, upon treatment with Nusinersen, the most widely administered therapy up to date, a high degree of variability in therapeutic response was observed in adult SMA patients. These data, together with the lack of natural history information and the wide spectrum of disease phenotypes, suggest that further efforts are needed to develop precision medicine approaches for all SMA patients. Here, we compile the current methods for functional evaluation of adult SMA patients treated with Nusinersen. We also present an overview of the known molecular changes underpinning disease heterogeneity. We finally highlight the need for novel techniques, i.e., -omics approaches, to capture phenotypic differences and to understand the biological signature in order to revise the disease classification and device personalized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piera Smeriglio
- Centre of Research in Myology, Institute of Myology, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, 75013 Paris, France; (P.L.); (G.Q.)
- Correspondence: (P.S.); (M.G.B.)
| | - Paul Langard
- Centre of Research in Myology, Institute of Myology, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, 75013 Paris, France; (P.L.); (G.Q.)
| | - Giorgia Querin
- Centre of Research in Myology, Institute of Myology, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, 75013 Paris, France; (P.L.); (G.Q.)
- Association Institut de Myologie, Plateforme Essais Cliniques Adultes, 75013 Paris, France
- APHP, Service de Neuromyologie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Maria Grazia Biferi
- Centre of Research in Myology, Institute of Myology, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, 75013 Paris, France; (P.L.); (G.Q.)
- Correspondence: (P.S.); (M.G.B.)
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17
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Splicing Players Are Differently Expressed in Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Molecular Clusters and Brain Regions. Cells 2020; 9:cells9010159. [PMID: 31936368 PMCID: PMC7017305 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Splicing is a tightly orchestrated process by which the brain produces protein diversity over time and space. While this process specializes and diversifies neurons, its deregulation may be responsible for their selective degeneration. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), splicing defects have been investigated at the singular gene level without considering the higher-order level, involving the entire splicing machinery. In this study, we analyzed the complete spectrum (396) of genes encoding splicing factors in the motor cortex (41) and spinal cord (40) samples from control and sporadic ALS (SALS) patients. A substantial number of genes (184) displayed significant expression changes in tissue types or disease states, were implicated in distinct splicing complexes and showed different topological hierarchical roles based on protein–protein interactions. The deregulation of one of these splicing factors has a central topological role, i.e., the transcription factor YBX1, which might also have an impact on stress granule formation, a pathological marker associated with ALS.
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18
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Cacciottolo R, Ciantar J, Lanfranco M, Borg RM, Vassallo N, Bordonné R, Cauchi RJ. SMN complex member Gemin3 self-interacts and has a functional relationship with ALS-linked proteins TDP-43, FUS and Sod1. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18666. [PMID: 31822699 PMCID: PMC6904755 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53508-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The predominant motor neuron disease in infants and adults is spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), respectively. SMA is caused by insufficient levels of the Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein, which operates as part of the multiprotein SMN complex that includes the DEAD-box RNA helicase Gemin3/DDX20/DP103. C9orf72, SOD1, TDP-43 and FUS are ranked as the four major genes causing familial ALS. Accumulating evidence has revealed a surprising molecular overlap between SMA and ALS. Here, we ask the question of whether Drosophila can also be exploited to study shared pathogenic pathways. Focusing on motor behaviour, muscle mass and survival, we show that disruption of either TBPH/TDP-43 or Caz/FUS enhance defects associated with Gemin3 loss-of-function. Gemin3-associated neuromuscular junction overgrowth was however suppressed. Sod1 depletion had a modifying effect in late adulthood. We also show that Gemin3 self-interacts and Gem3ΔN, a helicase domain deletion mutant, retains the ability to interact with its wild-type counterpart. Importantly, mutant:wild-type dimers are favoured more than wild-type:wild-type dimers. In addition to reinforcing the link between SMA and ALS, further exploration of mechanistic overlaps is now possible in a genetically tractable model organism. Notably, Gemin3 can be elevated to a candidate for modifying motor neuron degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Cacciottolo
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, CNRS-UMR 5535, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Joanna Ciantar
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Maia Lanfranco
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, CNRS-UMR 5535, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Rebecca M Borg
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, CNRS-UMR 5535, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Neville Vassallo
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Rémy Bordonné
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, CNRS-UMR 5535, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Ruben J Cauchi
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta. .,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.
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19
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Nussbacher JK, Tabet R, Yeo GW, Lagier-Tourenne C. Disruption of RNA Metabolism in Neurological Diseases and Emerging Therapeutic Interventions. Neuron 2019; 102:294-320. [PMID: 30998900 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
RNA binding proteins are critical to the maintenance of the transcriptome via controlled regulation of RNA processing and transport. Alterations of these proteins impact multiple steps of the RNA life cycle resulting in various molecular phenotypes such as aberrant RNA splicing, transport, and stability. Disruption of RNA binding proteins and widespread RNA processing defects are increasingly recognized as critical determinants of neurological diseases. Here, we describe distinct mechanisms by which the homeostasis of RNA binding proteins is compromised in neurological disorders through their reduced expression level, increased propensity to aggregate or sequestration by abnormal RNAs. These mechanisms all converge toward altered neuronal function highlighting the susceptibility of neurons to deleterious changes in RNA expression and the central role of RNA binding proteins in preserving neuronal integrity. Emerging therapeutic approaches to mitigate or reverse alterations of RNA binding proteins in neurological diseases are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia K Nussbacher
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Institute for Genomic Medicine, UCSD Stem Cell Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ricardos Tabet
- Department of Neurology, The Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS at Mass General, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard University and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Gene W Yeo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Institute for Genomic Medicine, UCSD Stem Cell Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Clotilde Lagier-Tourenne
- Department of Neurology, The Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS at Mass General, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard University and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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20
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Eshraghi M, Gombar R, De Repentigny Y, Vacratsis PO, Kothary R. Pathologic Alterations in the Proteome of Synaptosomes from a Mouse Model of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. J Proteome Res 2019; 18:3042-3051. [PMID: 31262178 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.9b00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a human genetic disorder characterized by muscle weakness, muscle atrophy, and death of motor neurons. SMA is caused by mutations or deletions in a gene called survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1). SMN1 is a housekeeping gene, but the most prominent pathologies in SMA are atrophy of myofibers and death of motor neurons. Further, degeneration of neuromuscular junctions, of synapses, and of axonal regions are features of SMA disease. Here, we have investigated the proteome dynamics of central synapses in P14 Smn2B/- mice, a model of SMA. Label-free quantitative proteomics on isolated synaptosomes from spinal cords of these animals identified 2030 protein groups. Statistical data analysis revealed 65 specific alterations in the proteome of the central synapses at the early onset stage of disease. Functional analysis of the dysregulated proteins indicated a significant enrichment of proteins associated with mitochondrial dynamics, cholesterol biogenesis, and protein clearance. These pathways represent potential targets for therapy development with the goal of providing stability to the central synapses, thereby preserving neuronal integrity in the context of SMA disease. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD012850.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Eshraghi
- Regenerative Medicine Program , Ottawa Hospital Research Institute , Ottawa , Ontario K1H 8L6 , Canada.,University of Ottawa Centre for Neuromuscular Disease , Ottawa , Ontario K1H 8M5 , Canada
| | - Robert Gombar
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , University of Windsor , Windsor , Ontario N9B 3P4 , Canada
| | - Yves De Repentigny
- Regenerative Medicine Program , Ottawa Hospital Research Institute , Ottawa , Ontario K1H 8L6 , Canada
| | - Panayiotis O Vacratsis
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , University of Windsor , Windsor , Ontario N9B 3P4 , Canada
| | - Rashmi Kothary
- Regenerative Medicine Program , Ottawa Hospital Research Institute , Ottawa , Ontario K1H 8L6 , Canada.,University of Ottawa Centre for Neuromuscular Disease , Ottawa , Ontario K1H 8M5 , Canada
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21
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Converging Mechanisms of p53 Activation Drive Motor Neuron Degeneration in Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Cell Rep 2019; 21:3767-3780. [PMID: 29281826 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The hallmark of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), an inherited disease caused by ubiquitous deficiency in the SMN protein, is the selective degeneration of subsets of spinal motor neurons. Here, we show that cell-autonomous activation of p53 occurs in vulnerable but not resistant motor neurons of SMA mice at pre-symptomatic stages. Moreover, pharmacological or genetic inhibition of p53 prevents motor neuron death, demonstrating that induction of p53 signaling drives neurodegeneration. At late disease stages, however, nuclear accumulation of p53 extends to resistant motor neurons and spinal interneurons but is not associated with cell death. Importantly, we identify phosphorylation of serine 18 as a specific post-translational modification of p53 that exclusively marks vulnerable SMA motor neurons and provide evidence that amino-terminal phosphorylation of p53 is required for the neurodegenerative process. Our findings indicate that distinct events induced by SMN deficiency converge on p53 to trigger selective death of vulnerable SMA motor neurons.
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22
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Khong ZJ, Hor JH, Ng SY. Spinal cord organoids add an extra dimension to traditional motor neuron cultures. Neural Regen Res 2019; 14:1515-1516. [PMID: 31089045 PMCID: PMC6557099 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.255966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
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- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR Research Entities, Singapore
| | - Zi-Jian Khong
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Jin-Hui Hor
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shi-Yan Ng
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (Physiology), National University of Singapore, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, Singapore; The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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23
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Chaytow H, Huang YT, Gillingwater TH, Faller KME. The role of survival motor neuron protein (SMN) in protein homeostasis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:3877-3894. [PMID: 29872871 PMCID: PMC6182345 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2849-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ever since loss of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein was identified as the direct cause of the childhood inherited neurodegenerative disorder spinal muscular atrophy, significant efforts have been made to reveal the molecular functions of this ubiquitously expressed protein. Resulting research demonstrated that SMN plays important roles in multiple fundamental cellular homeostatic pathways, including a well-characterised role in the assembly of the spliceosome and biogenesis of ribonucleoproteins. More recent studies have shown that SMN is also involved in other housekeeping processes, including mRNA trafficking and local translation, cytoskeletal dynamics, endocytosis and autophagy. Moreover, SMN has been shown to influence mitochondria and bioenergetic pathways as well as regulate function of the ubiquitin-proteasome system. In this review, we summarise these diverse functions of SMN, confirming its key role in maintenance of the homeostatic environment of the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Chaytow
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Yu-Ting Huang
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Thomas H Gillingwater
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Kiterie M E Faller
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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24
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Cell cycle inhibitors protect motor neurons in an organoid model of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:1100. [PMID: 30368521 PMCID: PMC6204135 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-1081-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is caused by genetic mutations in the SMN1 gene, resulting in drastically reduced levels of Survival of Motor Neuron (SMN) protein. Although SMN is ubiquitously expressed, spinal motor neurons are one of the most affected cell types. Previous studies have identified pathways uniquely activated in SMA motor neurons, including a hyperactivated ER stress pathway, neuronal hyperexcitability, and defective spliceosomes. To investigate why motor neurons are more affected than other neural types, we developed a spinal organoid model of SMA. We demonstrate overt motor neuron degeneration in SMA spinal organoids, and this degeneration can be prevented using a small molecule inhibitor of CDK4/6, indicating that spinal organoids are an ideal platform for therapeutic discovery.
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25
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Roy AL, Conroy RS. Toward mapping the human body at a cellular resolution. Mol Biol Cell 2018; 29:1779-1785. [PMID: 30058989 PMCID: PMC6085824 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e18-04-0260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The adult human body is composed of nearly 37 trillion cells, each with potentially unique molecular characteristics. This Perspective describes some of the challenges and opportunities faced in mapping the molecular characteristics of these cells in specific regions of the body and highlights areas for international collaboration toward the broader goal of comprehensively mapping the human body with cellular resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananda L. Roy
- Office of Strategic Coordination, Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Richard S. Conroy
- Office of Strategic Coordination, Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
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26
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Using Automated Live Cell Imaging to Reveal Early Changes during Human Motor Neuron Degeneration. eNeuro 2018; 5:eN-MNT-0001-18. [PMID: 29971247 PMCID: PMC6026021 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0001-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Human neurons expressing mutations associated with neurodegenerative disease are becoming more widely available. Hence, developing assays capable of accurately detecting changes that occur early in the disease process and identifying therapeutics able to slow these changes should become ever more important. Using automated live-cell imaging, we studied human motor neurons in the process of dying following neurotrophic factor withdrawal. We tracked different neuronal features, including cell body size, neurite length, and number of nodes. In particular, measuring the number of nodes in individual neurons proved to be an accurate predictor of relative health. Importantly, intermediate phenotypes were defined and could be used to distinguish between agents that could fully restore neurons and neurites and those only capable of maintaining neuronal cell bodies. Application of live-cell imaging to disease modeling has the potential to uncover new classes of therapeutic molecules that intervene early in disease progression.
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27
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Narcís JO, Tapia O, Tarabal O, Piedrafita L, Calderó J, Berciano MT, Lafarga M. Accumulation of poly(A) RNA in nuclear granules enriched in Sam68 in motor neurons from the SMNΔ7 mouse model of SMA. Sci Rep 2018; 8:9646. [PMID: 29941967 PMCID: PMC6018117 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27821-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a severe motor neuron (MN) disease caused by the deletion or mutation of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, which results in reduced levels of the SMN protein and the selective degeneration of lower MNs. The best-known function of SMN is the biogenesis of spliceosomal snRNPs, the major components of the pre-mRNA splicing machinery. Therefore, SMN deficiency in SMA leads to widespread splicing abnormalities. We used the SMN∆7 mouse model of SMA to investigate the cellular reorganization of polyadenylated mRNAs associated with the splicing dysfunction in MNs. We demonstrate that SMN deficiency induced the abnormal nuclear accumulation in euchromatin domains of poly(A) RNA granules (PARGs) enriched in the splicing regulator Sam68. However, these granules lacked other RNA-binding proteins, such as TDP43, PABPN1, hnRNPA12B, REF and Y14, which are essential for mRNA processing and nuclear export. These effects were accompanied by changes in the alternative splicing of the Sam68-dependent Bcl-x and Nrnx1 genes, as well as changes in the relative accumulation of the intron-containing Chat, Chodl, Myh9 and Myh14 mRNAs, which are all important for MN functions. PARG-containing MNs were observed at presymptomatic SMA stage, increasing their number during the symptomatic stage. Moreover, the massive accumulations of poly(A) RNA granules in MNs was accompanied by the cytoplasmic depletion of polyadenylated mRNAs for their translation. We suggest that the SMN-dependent abnormal accumulation of polyadenylated mRNAs and Sam68 in PARGs reflects a severe dysfunction of both mRNA processing and translation, which could contribute to SMA pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Oriol Narcís
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and "Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)", University of Cantabria-IDIVAL, Santander, Spain
| | - Olga Tapia
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and "Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)", University of Cantabria-IDIVAL, Santander, Spain
| | - Olga Tarabal
- Department of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Lleida and "Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida" (IRBLLEIDA), Lleida, Spain
| | - Lídia Piedrafita
- Department of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Lleida and "Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida" (IRBLLEIDA), Lleida, Spain
| | - Jordi Calderó
- Department of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Lleida and "Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida" (IRBLLEIDA), Lleida, Spain
| | - Maria T Berciano
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and "Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)", University of Cantabria-IDIVAL, Santander, Spain.,Department of Molecular Biology and CIBERNED, University of Cantabria-IDIVAL, Santander, Spain
| | - Miguel Lafarga
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and "Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)", University of Cantabria-IDIVAL, Santander, Spain.
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28
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Rodriguez-Muela N, Parkhitko A, Grass T, Gibbs RM, Norabuena EM, Perrimon N, Singh R, Rubin LL. Blocking p62-dependent SMN degradation ameliorates spinal muscular atrophy disease phenotypes. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:3008-3023. [PMID: 29672276 DOI: 10.1172/jci95231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a degenerative motor neuron (MN) disease, caused by loss of functional survival of motor neuron (SMN) protein due to SMN1 gene mutations, is a leading cause of infant mortality. Increasing SMN levels ameliorates the disease phenotype and is unanimously accepted as a therapeutic approach for patients with SMA. The ubiquitin/proteasome system is known to regulate SMN protein levels; however, whether autophagy controls SMN levels remains poorly explored. Here, we show that SMN protein is degraded by autophagy. Pharmacological and genetic inhibition of autophagy increases SMN levels, while induction of autophagy decreases these levels. SMN degradation occurs via its interaction with the autophagy adapter p62 (also known as SQSTM1). We also show that SMA neurons display reduced autophagosome clearance, increased p62 and ubiquitinated proteins levels, and hyperactivated mTORC1 signaling. Importantly, reducing p62 levels markedly increases SMN and its binding partner gemin2, promotes MN survival, and extends lifespan in fly and mouse SMA models, revealing p62 as a potential new therapeutic target for the treatment of SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Rodriguez-Muela
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrey Parkhitko
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tobias Grass
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rebecca M Gibbs
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Erika M Norabuena
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rajat Singh
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Lee L Rubin
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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29
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Ong J, Serra MP, Segal J, Cujba AM, Ng SS, Butler R, Millar V, Hatch S, Zimri S, Koike H, Chan K, Bonham A, Walk M, Voss T, Heaton N, Mitry R, Dhawan A, Ebner D, Danovi D, Nakauchi H, Rashid ST. Imaging-Based Screen Identifies Laminin 411 as a Physiologically Relevant Niche Factor with Importance for i-Hep Applications. Stem Cell Reports 2018; 10:693-702. [PMID: 29478892 PMCID: PMC5919292 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2018.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Revised: 01/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Use of hepatocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (i-Heps) is limited by their functional differences in comparison with primary cells. Extracellular niche factors likely play a critical role in bridging this gap. Using image-based characterization (high content analysis; HCA) of freshly isolated hepatocytes from 17 human donors, we devised and validated an algorithm (Hepatocyte Likeness Index; HLI) for comparing the hepatic properties of cells against a physiological gold standard. The HLI was then applied in a targeted screen of extracellular niche factors to identify substrates driving i-Heps closer to the standard. Laminin 411, the top hit, was validated in two additional induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines, primary tissue, and an in vitro model of α1-antitrypsin deficiency. Cumulatively, these data provide a reference method to control and screen for i-Hep differentiation, identify Laminin 411 as a key niche protein, and underscore the importance of combining substrates, soluble factors, and HCA when developing iPSC applications. iPSC-derived hepatocytes (i-Heps) are functionally limited compared with primary cells Factors within the extracellular niche likely play a role in bridging this gap Laminin 411 was shown to be an important niche factor for i-Heps High content image analysis (HCA) can help development of i-Hep applications
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Affiliation(s)
- John Ong
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine & Institute for Liver Studies, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Maria Paola Serra
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine & Institute for Liver Studies, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Joe Segal
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine & Institute for Liver Studies, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Ana-Maria Cujba
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine & Institute for Liver Studies, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Soon Seng Ng
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine & Institute for Liver Studies, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Richard Butler
- The Gurdon Institute Imaging Facility, Cambridge University, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
| | - Val Millar
- Target Discovery Institute, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Stephanie Hatch
- Target Discovery Institute, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Salman Zimri
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine & Institute for Liver Studies, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Hiroyuki Koike
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Karen Chan
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Andrew Bonham
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | | | - Ty Voss
- Perkin Elmer, Houston, TX 77055, USA
| | - Nigel Heaton
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine & Institute for Liver Studies, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Ragai Mitry
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine & Institute for Liver Studies, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Anil Dhawan
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine & Institute for Liver Studies, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Daniel Ebner
- Target Discovery Institute, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Davide Danovi
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine & Institute for Liver Studies, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Hiromitsu Nakauchi
- The Gurdon Institute Imaging Facility, Cambridge University, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
| | - S Tamir Rashid
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine & Institute for Liver Studies, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK; The Gurdon Institute Imaging Facility, Cambridge University, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK.
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30
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Groen EJN, Talbot K, Gillingwater TH. Advances in therapy for spinal muscular atrophy: promises and challenges. Nat Rev Neurol 2018; 14:214-224. [PMID: 29422644 DOI: 10.1038/nrneurol.2018.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a devastating motor neuron disease that predominantly affects children and represents the most common cause of hereditary infant mortality. The condition results from deleterious variants in SMN1, which lead to depletion of the survival motor neuron protein (SMN). Now, 20 years after the discovery of this genetic defect, a major milestone in SMA and motor neuron disease research has been reached with the approval of the first disease-modifying therapy for SMA by US and European authorities - the antisense oligonucleotide nusinersen. At the same time, promising data from early-stage clinical trials of SMN1 gene therapy have indicated that additional therapeutic options are likely to emerge for patients with SMA in the near future. However, the approval of nusinersen has generated a number of immediate and substantial medical, ethical and financial implications that have the potential to resonate beyond the specific treatment of SMA. Here, we provide an overview of the rapidly evolving therapeutic landscape for SMA, highlighting current achievements and future opportunities. We also discuss how these developments are providing important lessons for the emerging second generation of combinatorial ('SMN-plus') therapies that are likely to be required to generate robust treatments that are effective across a patient's lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewout J N Groen
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kevin Talbot
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Thomas H Gillingwater
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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31
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Wadman RI, Wijngaarde CA, Stam M, Bartels B, Otto LAM, Lemmink HH, Schoenmakers MAGC, Cuppen I, van den Berg LH, van der Pol WL. Muscle strength and motor function throughout life in a cross-sectional cohort of 180 patients with spinal muscular atrophy types 1c-4. Eur J Neurol 2018; 25:512-518. [PMID: 29194869 DOI: 10.1111/ene.13534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Natural history studies in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) have primarily focused on infants and children. Natural history studies encompassing all age groups and SMA types are important for the interpretation of treatment effects of recently introduced survival motor neuron gene-augmenting therapies. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate muscle strength, Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale (Expanded) score and the patterns of muscle weakness in relation to age and SMA type. RESULTS We included 180 patients with SMA types 1-4 in the age range 1-77.5 years with median disease duration of 18 (range 0-65.8) years. With the exception of the early phases of disease in which children with SMA types 2 and 3 may achieve new motor skills and show a temporary increase in muscle strength, cross-sectional data suggested that declining muscle strength and loss of motor skills over time are characteristic of all SMA types. Mean loss of strength was at least 1 point on the Medical Research Council score and 0.5 point on the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale (Expanded) score per year. Trend lines compatible with deterioration of motor function and muscle strength started in childhood and continued into adulthood. The age at loss of specific motor skills was associated with disease severity. Triceps, deltoid, iliopsoas and quadriceps were the weakest muscles in all patients. Hierarchical cluster analysis did not show a segmental distribution of muscle weakness as suggested previously. CONCLUSIONS Progressive muscle weakness and loss of motor function are characteristic of all SMA types and all ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- R I Wadman
- Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht
| | - C A Wijngaarde
- Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht
| | - M Stam
- Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht
| | - B Bartels
- Department of Child Development and Exercise Centre, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht
| | - L A M Otto
- Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht
| | - H H Lemmink
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen
| | - M A G C Schoenmakers
- Department of Child Development and Exercise Centre, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht
| | - I Cuppen
- Department of Neurology and Child Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - L H van den Berg
- Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht
| | - W L van der Pol
- Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht
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32
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Singh RN, Singh NN. Mechanism of Splicing Regulation of Spinal Muscular Atrophy Genes. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2018; 20:31-61. [PMID: 29916015 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-89689-2_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is one of the major genetic disorders associated with infant mortality. More than 90% cases of SMA result from deletions or mutations of Survival Motor Neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. SMN2, a nearly identical copy of SMN1, does not compensate for the loss of SMN1 due to predominant skipping of exon 7. However, correction of SMN2 exon 7 splicing has proven to confer therapeutic benefits in SMA patients. The only approved drug for SMA is an antisense oligonucleotide (Spinraza™/Nusinersen), which corrects SMN2 exon 7 splicing by blocking intronic splicing silencer N1 (ISS-N1) located immediately downstream of exon 7. ISS-N1 is a complex regulatory element encompassing overlapping negative motifs and sequestering a cryptic splice site. More than 40 protein factors have been implicated in the regulation of SMN exon 7 splicing. There is evidence to support that multiple exons of SMN are alternatively spliced during oxidative stress, which is associated with a growing number of pathological conditions. Here, we provide the most up to date account of the mechanism of splicing regulation of the SMN genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravindra N Singh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
| | - Natalia N Singh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
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33
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Tosolini AP, Sleigh JN. Motor Neuron Gene Therapy: Lessons from Spinal Muscular Atrophy for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:405. [PMID: 29270111 PMCID: PMC5725447 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are severe nervous system diseases characterized by the degeneration of lower motor neurons. They share a number of additional pathological, cellular, and genetic parallels suggesting that mechanistic and clinical insights into one disorder may have value for the other. While there are currently no clinical ALS gene therapies, the splice-switching antisense oligonucleotide, nusinersen, was recently approved for SMA. This milestone was achieved through extensive pre-clinical research and patient trials, which together have spawned fundamental insights into motor neuron gene therapy. We have thus tried to distil key information garnered from SMA research, in the hope that it may stimulate a more directed approach to ALS gene therapy. Not only must the type of therapeutic (e.g., antisense oligonucleotide vs. viral vector) be sensibly selected, but considerable thought must be applied to the where, which, what, and when in order to enhance treatment benefit: to where (cell types and tissues) must the drug be delivered and how can this be best achieved? Which perturbed pathways must be corrected and can they be concurrently targeted? What dosing regime and concentration should be used? When should medication be administered? These questions are intuitive, but central to identifying and optimizing a successful gene therapy. Providing definitive solutions to these quandaries will be difficult, but clear thinking about therapeutic testing is necessary if we are to have the best chance of developing viable ALS gene therapies and improving upon early generation SMA treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Tosolini
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - James N Sleigh
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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34
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Abstract
Neurodegeneration is a leading cause of death in the developed world and a natural, albeit unfortunate, consequence of longer-lived populations. Despite great demand for therapeutic intervention, it is often the case that these diseases are insufficiently understood at the basic molecular level. What little is known has prompted much hopeful speculation about a generalized mechanistic thread that ties these disparate conditions together at the subcellular level and can be exploited for broad curative benefit. In this review, we discuss a prominent theory supported by genetic and pathological changes in an array of neurodegenerative diseases: that neurons are particularly vulnerable to disruption of RNA-binding protein dosage and dynamics. Here we synthesize the progress made at the clinical, genetic, and biophysical levels and conclude that this perspective offers the most parsimonious explanation for these mysterious diseases. Where appropriate, we highlight the reciprocal benefits of cross-disciplinary collaboration between disease specialists and RNA biologists as we envision a future in which neurodegeneration declines and our understanding of the broad importance of RNA processing deepens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin G Conlon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
| | - James L Manley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
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35
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Tapia O, Narcís JO, Riancho J, Tarabal O, Piedrafita L, Calderó J, Berciano MT, Lafarga M. Cellular bases of the RNA metabolism dysfunction in motor neurons of a murine model of spinal muscular atrophy: Role of Cajal bodies and the nucleolus. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 108:83-99. [PMID: 28823932 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by a homozygous deletion or mutation in the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene that leads to reduced levels of SMN protein resulting in degeneration of motor neurons (MNs). The best known functions of SMN is the biogenesis of spliceosomal snRNPs. Linked to this function, Cajal bodies (CBs) are involved in the assembly of spliceosomal (snRNPs) and nucleolar (snoRNPs) ribonucleoproteins required for pre-mRNA and pre-rRNA processing. Recent studies support that the interaction between CBs and nucleoli, which are especially prominent in neurons, is essential for the nucleolar rRNA homeostasis. We use the SMN∆7 murine model of type I SMA to investigate the cellular basis of the dysfunction of RNA metabolism in MNs. SMN deficiency in postnatal MNs produces a depletion of functional CBs and relocalization of coilin, which is a scaffold protein of CBs, in snRNP-free perinucleolar caps or within the nucleolus. Disruption of CBs is the earliest nuclear sign of MN degeneration. We demonstrate that depletion of CBs, with loss of CB-nucleolus interactions, induces a progressive nucleolar dysfunction in ribosome biogenesis. It includes reorganization and loss of nucleolar transcription units, segregation of dense fibrillar and granular components, retention of SUMO-conjugated proteins in intranucleolar bodies and a reactive, compensatory, up-regulation of mature 18S rRNA and genes encoding key nucleolar proteins, such as upstream binding factor, fibrillarin, nucleolin and nucleophosmin. We propose that CB depletion and nucleolar alterations are essential components of the dysfunction of RNA metabolism in SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Tapia
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and "Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)", University of Cantabria-IDIVAL, Santander, Spain
| | - Josep Oriol Narcís
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and "Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)", University of Cantabria-IDIVAL, Santander, Spain
| | - Javier Riancho
- Service of Neurology, University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla-IDIVAL-CIBERNED, Santander, Spain
| | - Olga Tarabal
- Department of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Lleida and "Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida" (IRBLLEIDA), Lleida, Spain
| | - Lídia Piedrafita
- Department of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Lleida and "Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida" (IRBLLEIDA), Lleida, Spain
| | - Jordi Calderó
- Department of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Lleida and "Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida" (IRBLLEIDA), Lleida, Spain
| | - Maria T Berciano
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and "Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)", University of Cantabria-IDIVAL, Santander, Spain
| | - Miguel Lafarga
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and "Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)", University of Cantabria-IDIVAL, Santander, Spain.
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36
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Palomo V, Perez DI, Roca C, Anderson C, Rodríguez-Muela N, Perez C, Morales-Garcia JA, Reyes JA, Campillo NE, Perez-Castillo AM, Rubin LL, Timchenko L, Gil C, Martinez A. Subtly Modulating Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 β: Allosteric Inhibitor Development and Their Potential for the Treatment of Chronic Diseases. J Med Chem 2017; 60:4983-5001. [PMID: 28548834 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase 3 β (GSK-3β) is a central target in several unmet diseases. To increase the specificity of GSK-3β inhibitors in chronic treatments, we developed small molecules allowing subtle modulation of GSK-3β activity. Design synthesis, structure-activity relationships, and binding mode of quinoline-3-carbohydrazide derivatives as allosteric modulators of GSK-3β are presented here. Furthermore, we show how allosteric binders may overcome the β-catenin side effects associated with strong GSK-3β inhibition. The therapeutic potential of some of these modulators has been tested in human samples from patients with congenital myotonic dystrophy type 1 (CDM1) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients. We found that compound 53 improves delayed myogenesis in CDM1 myoblasts, while compounds 1 and 53 have neuroprotective properties in SMA-derived cells. These findings suggest that the allosteric modulators of GSK-3β may be used for future development of drugs for DM1, SMA, and other chronic diseases where GSK-3β inhibition exhibits therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valle Palomo
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas-CSIC , Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel I Perez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas-CSIC , Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Roca
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas-CSIC , Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cara Anderson
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital , Cincinnati, Ohio 45219, United States
| | - Natalia Rodríguez-Muela
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Concepción Perez
- Instituto de Quimica Médica-CSIC , Juan del Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose A Morales-Garcia
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas-CSIC , Arturo Duperier 4, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED) , Calle de Valderrebollo 5, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Julio A Reyes
- Instituto de Quimica Médica-CSIC , Juan del Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria E Campillo
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas-CSIC , Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana M Perez-Castillo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas-CSIC , Arturo Duperier 4, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED) , Calle de Valderrebollo 5, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lee L Rubin
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Lubov Timchenko
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital , Cincinnati, Ohio 45219, United States
| | - Carmen Gil
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas-CSIC , Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Martinez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas-CSIC , Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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