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Otani R, Shibuya K, Suzuki YI, Suichi T, Morooka M, Aotsuka Y, Ogushi M, Kuwabara S. Effects of motor cortical and peripheral axonal hyperexcitability on survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2024; 95:730-736. [PMID: 38418214 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2023-333039] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased 'cortical' and 'peripheral' excitability are reportedly associated with shorter survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, suggesting that hyperexcitability contributes to motor neuron death. However, whether upper or lower motor function has a greater impact on survival is unclear. We aimed to investigate the component that strongly impacts the prognosis of ALS. METHODS A total of 103 consecutive patients with ALS who underwent cortical (threshold tracking transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)) and motor nerve excitability tests were included. Motor cortical excitability was evaluated using short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) during TMS. Motor axonal excitability was assessed using the strength-duration time constant (SDTC). Survival time was defined as the time from examination to death or tracheostomy. RESULTS Compared with healthy subjects, patients with ALS had lower SICI and longer SDTC (p<0.05), indicating increased excitability of cortical motor neurons and motor axons. According to the SICI and SDTC findings, patients were divided into the following four groups: 'cortical high and peripheral high (high-high)', 'high-low', 'low-high' and 'low-low' groups. In Kaplan-Meier curves, the 'high-high' and 'low-high' groups showed significantly shorter survival than the other groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that increased cortical (HR=5.3, p<0.05) and peripheral (HR=20.0, p<0.001) excitability were significantly associated with shorter survival. CONCLUSIONS In patients with ALS, both motor cortical and peripheral hyperexcitability independently affected survival time, with peripheral hyperexcitability having a greater impact on shorter survival. The modulation of neuronal/axonal excitability is a potential therapeutic target for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Otani
- Neurology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kazumoto Shibuya
- Neurology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yo-Ichi Suzuki
- Neurology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tomoki Suichi
- Neurology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Marie Morooka
- Neurology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yuya Aotsuka
- Neurology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Moeko Ogushi
- Neurology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kuwabara
- Neurology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
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2
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Zhang S, Ma D, Wang K, Li Y, Yang Z, Li X, Li J, He J, Mei L, Ye Y, Chen Z, Shen J, Hou P, Guo J, Zhang Q, Yang H. A small-molecule activation mechanism that directly opens the KCNQ2 channel. Nat Chem Biol 2024; 20:847-856. [PMID: 38167918 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-023-01515-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Pharmacological activation of voltage-gated ion channels by ligands serves as the basis for therapy and mainly involves a classic gating mechanism that augments the native voltage-dependent open probability. Through structure-based virtual screening, we identified a new scaffold compound, Ebio1, serving as a potent and subtype-selective activator for the voltage-gated potassium channel KCNQ2 and featuring a new activation mechanism. Single-channel patch-clamp, cryogenic-electron microscopy and molecular dynamic simulations, along with chemical derivatives, reveal that Ebio1 engages the KCNQ2 activation by generating an extended channel gate with a larger conductance at the saturating voltage (+50 mV). This mechanism is different from the previously observed activation mechanism of ligands on voltage-gated ion channels. Ebio1 caused S6 helices from residues S303 and F305 to perform a twist-to-open movement, which was sufficient to open the KCNQ2 gate. Overall, our findings provide mechanistic insights into the activation of KCNQ2 channel by Ebio1 and lend support for KCNQ-related drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoying Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Demin Ma
- Department of Biophysics, and Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kun Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenni Yang
- Department of Biophysics, and Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Li
- Department of Biophysics, and Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junnan Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiangnan He
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lianghe Mei
- Suzhou Institute of Drug Innovation, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China
| | - Yangliang Ye
- Suzhou Institute of Drug Innovation, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China
| | - Zongsheng Chen
- Department of Neurology, Wuhu Hospital Affiliated to East China Normal University, Wuhu, China
| | - Juwen Shen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Panpan Hou
- Dr Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jiangtao Guo
- Department of Biophysics, and Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Qiansen Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Huaiyu Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
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Koopman M, Güngördü L, Janssen L, Seinstra RI, Richmond JE, Okerlund N, Wardenaar R, Islam P, Hogewerf W, Brown AEX, Jorgensen EM, Nollen EAA. Rebalancing the motor circuit restores movement in a Caenorhabditis elegans model for TDP-43 toxicity. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114204. [PMID: 38748878 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis can be caused by abnormal accumulation of TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) in the cytoplasm of neurons. Here, we use a C. elegans model for TDP-43-induced toxicity to identify the biological mechanisms that lead to disease-related phenotypes. By applying deep behavioral phenotyping and subsequent dissection of the neuromuscular circuit, we show that TDP-43 worms have profound defects in GABA neurons. Moreover, acetylcholine neurons appear functionally silenced. Enhancing functional output of repressed acetylcholine neurons at the level of, among others, G-protein-coupled receptors restores neurotransmission, but inefficiently rescues locomotion. Rebalancing the excitatory-to-inhibitory ratio in the neuromuscular system by simultaneous stimulation of the affected GABA- and acetylcholine neurons, however, not only synergizes the effects of boosting individual neurotransmitter systems, but instantaneously improves movement. Our results suggest that interventions accounting for the altered connectome may be more efficient in restoring motor function than those solely focusing on diseased neuron populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Koopman
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Lale Güngördü
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Leen Janssen
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Renée I Seinstra
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Janet E Richmond
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Nathan Okerlund
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and School of Biological Science, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - René Wardenaar
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Priota Islam
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Wytse Hogewerf
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Andre E X Brown
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Erik M Jorgensen
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and School of Biological Science, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ellen A A Nollen
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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Rogers M, Obergrussberger A, Kondratskyi A, Fertig N. Using automated patch clamp electrophysiology platforms in ion channel drug discovery: an industry perspective. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:523-535. [PMID: 38481119 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2329104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Automated patch clamp (APC) is now well established as a mature technology for ion channel drug discovery in academia, biotech and pharma companies, and in contract research organizations (CRO), for a variety of applications including channelopathy research, compound screening, target validation and cardiac safety testing. AREAS COVERED Ion channels are an important class of drugged and approved drug targets. The authors present a review of the current state of ion channel drug discovery along with new and exciting developments in ion channel research involving APC. This includes topics such as native and iPSC-derived cells in ion channel drug discovery, channelopathy research, organellar and biologics in ion channel drug discovery. EXPERT OPINION It is our belief that APC will continue to play a critical role in ion channel drug discovery, not only in 'classical' hit screening, target validation and cardiac safety testing, but extending these applications to include high throughput organellar recordings and optogenetics. In this way, with advancements in APC capabilities and applications, together with high resolution cryo-EM structures, ion channel drug discovery will be re-invigorated, leading to a growing list of ion channel ligands in clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Rogers
- Albion Drug Discovery Services Ltd, Cambridge, UK
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Qneibi M, Bdir S, Bdair M, Aldwaik SA, Sandouka D, Heeh M, Idais TI. AMPA receptor neurotransmission and therapeutic applications: A comprehensive review of their multifaceted modulation. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 266:116151. [PMID: 38237342 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
The neuropharmacological community has shown a strong interest in AMPA receptors as critical components of excitatory synaptic transmission during the last fifteen years. AMPA receptors, members of the ionotropic glutamate receptor family, allow rapid excitatory neurotransmission in the brain. AMPA receptors, which are permeable to sodium and potassium ions, manage the bulk of the brain's rapid synaptic communications. This study thoroughly examines the recent developments in AMPA receptor regulation, focusing on a shift from single chemical illustrations to a more extensive investigation of underlying processes. The complex interplay of these modulators in modifying the function and structure of AMPA receptors is the main focus, providing insight into their influence on the speed of excitatory neurotransmission. This research emphasizes the potential of AMPA receptor modulation as a therapy for various neurological disorders such as epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease. Analyzing these regulators' sophisticated molecular details enhances our comprehension of neuropharmacology, representing a significant advancement in using AMPA receptors for treating intricate neurological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Qneibi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
| | - Sosana Bdir
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Mohammad Bdair
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Samia Ammar Aldwaik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Dana Sandouka
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | | | - Tala Iyad Idais
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
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Kang Q, Jiang S, Min J, Hu F, Xu R. Parvalbumin interneurons dysfunction is potentially associated with FαMNs decrease and NRG1-ErbB4 signaling inhibition in spinal cord in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:15324-15339. [PMID: 38157256 PMCID: PMC10781496 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the alteration of PV interneurons in ALS mainly focusing its dynamic changes and its relationship with motor neurons and ErbB4 signaling. METHODS SOD1G93A mice were used as ALS model. ALS animals were divided into different groups according to birth age: symptomatic prophase (50~60 days), symptomatic phase (90~100 days), and symptomatic progression (130~140 days). Immunofluorescence was performed for measurement of PV-positive interneurons, MMP-9, ChAT, NeuN and ErbB4. RT-qPCR and western blot were used to determine the expression of PV and MMP-9. RESULTS PV expression was remarkably higher in the anterior horn of gray matter compared with posterior horn and area in the middle of gray matter in control mice. In ALS mice, PV, MMP-9 and ErbB4 levels were gradually decreased along with onset. PV, MMP-9 and ErbB4 levels in ALS mice were significantly down-regulated than control mice after onset, indicating the alteration of PV interneurons, FαMNs and ErbB4. SαMNs levels only decreased remarkably at symptomatic progression in ALS mice compared with control mice, while γMNs levels showed no significant change during whole period in all mice. MMP-9 and ErbB4 were positively correlated with PV. NRG1 treatment significantly enhanced the expression of ErBb4, PV and MMP-9 in ALS mice. CONCLUSION PV interneurons decrease is along with FαMNs and ErbB4 decrease in ALS mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Kang
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, P.R. China
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Shishi Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Jun Min
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Fan Hu
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Renshi Xu
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, P.R. China
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, P.R. China
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7
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Stringer RN, Weiss N. Pathophysiology of ion channels in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Mol Brain 2023; 16:82. [PMID: 38102715 PMCID: PMC10722804 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-023-01070-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) stands as the most prevalent and severe form of motor neuron disease, affecting an estimated 2 in 100,000 individuals worldwide. It is characterized by the progressive loss of cortical, brainstem, and spinal motor neurons, ultimately resulting in muscle weakness and death. Although the etiology of ALS remains poorly understood in most cases, the remodelling of ion channels and alteration in neuronal excitability represent a hallmark of the disease, manifesting not only during the symptomatic period but also in the early pre-symptomatic stages. In this review, we delve into these alterations observed in ALS patients and preclinical disease models, and explore their consequences on neuronal activities. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of ion channels as therapeutic targets in the context of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin N Stringer
- Department of Pathophysiology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Norbert Weiss
- Department of Pathophysiology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
- Center of Biosciences, Institute of Molecular Physiology and Genetics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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Elmansy MF, Reidl CT, Rahaman M, Özdinler PH, Silverman RB. Small molecules targeting different cellular pathologies for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Med Res Rev 2023; 43:2260-2302. [PMID: 37243319 PMCID: PMC10592673 DOI: 10.1002/med.21974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease in which the motor neuron circuitry displays progressive degeneration, affecting mostly the motor neurons in the brain and in the spinal cord. There are no effective cures, albeit three drugs, riluzole, edaravone, and AMX0035 (a combination of sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol), have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, with limited improvement in patients. There is an urgent need to build better and more effective treatment strategies for ALS. Since the disease is very heterogenous, numerous approaches have been explored, such as targeting genetic mutations, decreasing oxidative stress and excitotoxicity, enhancing mitochondrial function and protein degradation mechanisms, and inhibiting neuroinflammation. In addition, various chemical libraries or previously identified drugs have been screened for potential repurposing in the treatment of ALS. Here, we review previous drug discovery efforts targeting a variety of cellular pathologies that occur from genetic mutations that cause ALS, such as mutations in SOD1, C9orf72, FUS, and TARDP-43 genes. These mutations result in protein aggregation, which causes neuronal degeneration. Compounds used to target cellular pathologies that stem from these mutations are discussed and comparisons among different preclinical models are presented. Because the drug discovery landscape for ALS and other motor neuron diseases is changing rapidly, we also offer recommendations for a novel, more effective, direction in ALS drug discovery that could accelerate translation of effective compounds from animals to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed F. Elmansy
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Department of Organometallic and Organometalloid Chemistry, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Cory T. Reidl
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Mizzanoor Rahaman
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - P. Hande Özdinler
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Richard B. Silverman
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Clark RM, Clark CM, Lewis KE, Dyer MS, Chuckowree JA, Hoyle JA, Blizzard CA, Dickson TC. Intranasal neuropeptide Y1 receptor antagonism improves motor deficits in symptomatic SOD1 ALS mice. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2023; 10:1985-1999. [PMID: 37644692 PMCID: PMC10647012 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a 36 amino acid peptide widely considered to provide neuroprotection in a range of neurodegenerative diseases. In the fatal motor neuron disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), recent evidence supports a link between NPY and ALS disease processes. The goal of this study was to determine the therapeutic potential and role of NPY in ALS, harnessing the brain-targeted intranasal delivery of the peptide, previously utilised to correct motor and cognitive phenotypes in other neurological conditions. METHODS To confirm the association with clinical disease characteristics, NPY expression was quantified in post-mortem motor cortex tissue of ALS patients and age-matched controls. The effect of NPY on ALS cortical pathophysiology was investigated using slice electrophysiology and multi-electrode array recordings of SOD1G93A cortical cultures in vitro. The impact of NPY on ALS disease trajectory was investigated by treating SOD1G93A mice intranasally with NPY and selective NPY receptor agonists and antagonists from pre-symptomatic and symptomatic phases of disease. RESULTS In the human post-mortem ALS motor cortex, we observe a significant increase in NPY expression, which is not present in the somatosensory cortex. In vitro, we demonstrate that NPY can ameliorate ALS hyperexcitability, while brain-targeted nasal delivery of NPY and a selective NPY Y1 receptor antagonist modified survival and motor deficits specifically within the symptomatic phase of the disease in the ALS SOD1G93A mouse. INTERPRETATION Taken together, these findings highlight the capacity for non-invasive brain-targeted interventions in ALS and support antagonism of NPY Y1Rs as a novel strategy to improve ALS motor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary M. Clark
- Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmania7000Australia
| | - Courtney M. Clark
- Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmania7000Australia
| | - Katherine E.A. Lewis
- Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmania7000Australia
| | - Marcus S. Dyer
- Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmania7000Australia
| | - Jyoti A. Chuckowree
- Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmania7000Australia
| | - Joshua A. Hoyle
- Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmania7000Australia
| | - Catherine A. Blizzard
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and MedicineUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmania7000Australia
| | - Tracey C. Dickson
- Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmania7000Australia
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Morimoto S, Takahashi S, Ito D, Daté Y, Okada K, Kato C, Nakamura S, Ozawa F, Chyi CM, Nishiyama A, Suzuki N, Fujimori K, Kondo T, Takao M, Hirai M, Kabe Y, Suematsu M, Jinzaki M, Aoki M, Fujiki Y, Sato Y, Suzuki N, Nakahara J, Okano H. Phase 1/2a clinical trial in ALS with ropinirole, a drug candidate identified by iPSC drug discovery. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:766-780.e9. [PMID: 37267913 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
iPSC-based drug discovery led to a phase 1/2a trial of ropinirole in ALS. 20 participants with sporadic ALS received ropinirole or placebo for 24 weeks in the double-blind period to evaluate safety, tolerability, and therapeutic effects. Adverse events were similar in both groups. During the double-blind period, muscle strength and daily activity were maintained, but a decline in the ALSFRS-R, which assesses the functional status of ALS patients, was not different from that in the placebo group. However, in the open-label extension period, the ropinirole group showed significant suppression of ALSFRS-R decline and an additional 27.9 weeks of disease-progression-free survival. iPSC-derived motor neurons from participants showed dopamine D2 receptor expression and a potential involvement of the SREBP2-cholesterol pathway in therapeutic effects. Lipid peroxide represents a clinical surrogate marker to assess disease progression and drug efficacy. Limitations include small sample sizes and high attrition rates in the open-label extension period, requiring further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Morimoto
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Shinichi Takahashi
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Neurology and Stroke, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Saitama 350-1298, Japan
| | - Daisuke Ito
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yugaku Daté
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kensuke Okada
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Chris Kato
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Shiho Nakamura
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Fumiko Ozawa
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Chai Muh Chyi
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Keio University Global Research Institute, Tokyo 108-8345, Japan
| | - Ayumi Nishiyama
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Naoki Suzuki
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Koki Fujimori
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Tosho Kondo
- Research Center of Neurology, ONO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Osaka 541-8564, Japan
| | - Masaki Takao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Tokyo 187-0031, Japan; Department of Neurology, Mihara Memorial Hospital, Isesaki, Gunmma 372-0006, Japan
| | - Miwa Hirai
- Department of Biochemistry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yasuaki Kabe
- Department of Biochemistry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Makoto Suematsu
- Department of Biochemistry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Masahiro Jinzaki
- Department of Radiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Masashi Aoki
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Yuto Fujiki
- Keio University Hospital Clinical and Translational Research Center, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yasunori Sato
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Norihiro Suzuki
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Jin Nakahara
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
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11
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Seeing Neurodegeneration in a New Light Using Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Biosensors and iPSCs. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021766. [PMID: 36675282 PMCID: PMC9861453 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021766] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases present a progressive loss of neuronal structure and function, leading to cell death and irrecoverable brain atrophy. Most have disease-modifying therapies, in part because the mechanisms of neurodegeneration are yet to be defined, preventing the development of targeted therapies. To overcome this, there is a need for tools that enable a quantitative assessment of how cellular mechanisms and diverse environmental conditions contribute to disease. One such tool is genetically encodable fluorescent biosensors (GEFBs), engineered constructs encoding proteins with novel functions capable of sensing spatiotemporal changes in specific pathways, enzyme functions, or metabolite levels. GEFB technology therefore presents a plethora of unique sensing capabilities that, when coupled with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), present a powerful tool for exploring disease mechanisms and identifying novel therapeutics. In this review, we discuss different GEFBs relevant to neurodegenerative disease and how they can be used with iPSCs to illuminate unresolved questions about causes and risks for neurodegenerative disease.
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12
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Jiang J, Wang Y, Deng M. New developments and opportunities in drugs being trialed for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis from 2020 to 2022. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1054006. [PMID: 36518658 PMCID: PMC9742490 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1054006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. In the recent past, there have been just two drugs approved for treatment, riluzole and edaravone, which only prolong survival by a few months. However, there are many novel experimental drugs in development. In this review, we summarize 53 new drugs that have been evaluated in clinical trials from 2020 to 2022, which we have classified into eight mechanistic groups (anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-excitotoxicity, regulated integrated stress response, neurotrophic factors and neuroprotection, anti-aggregation, gene therapy and other). Six were tested in phase 1 studies, 31 were in phase 2 studies, three failed in phase 3 studies and stopped further development, and the remaining 13 drugs were being tested in phase 3 studies, including methylcobalamin, masitinib, MN-166, verdiperstat, memantine, AMX0035, trazodone, CNM-Au8, pridopidine, SLS-005, IONN363, tofersen, and reldesemtiv. Among them, five drugs, including methylcobalamin, masitinib, AMX0035, CNM-Au8, and tofersen, have shown potent therapeutic effects in clinical trials. Recently, AMX0035 has been the third medicine approved by the FDA for the treatment of ALS after riluzole and edaravone.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Min Deng
- Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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13
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Platform Communications: Abstract Book – 33rd International Symposium on ALS/MND (Complete printable file). Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2022.2082738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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14
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Ji B, Wojtaś B, Skup M. Molecular Identification of Pro-Excitogenic Receptor and Channel Phenotypes of the Deafferented Lumbar Motoneurons in the Early Phase after SCT in Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911133. [PMID: 36232433 PMCID: PMC9569670 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spasticity impacts the quality of life of patients suffering spinal cord injury and impedes the recovery of locomotion. At the cellular level, spasticity is considered to be primarily caused by the hyperexcitability of spinal α-motoneurons (MNs) within the spinal stretch reflex circuit. Here, we hypothesized that after a complete spinal cord transection in rats, fast adaptive molecular responses of lumbar MNs develop in return for the loss of inputs. We assumed that early loss of glutamatergic afferents changes the expression of glutamatergic AMPA and NMDA receptor subunits, which may be the forerunners of the developing spasticity of hindlimb muscles. To better understand its molecular underpinnings, concomitant expression of GABA and Glycinergic receptors and serotoninergic and noradrenergic receptors, which regulate the persistent inward currents crucial for sustained discharges in MNs, were examined together with voltage-gated ion channels and cation-chloride cotransporters. Using quantitative real-time PCR, we showed in the tracer-identified MNs innervating extensor and flexor muscles of the ankle joint multiple increases in transcripts coding for AMPAR and 5-HTR subunits, along with a profound decrease in GABAAR, GlyR subunits, and KCC2. Our study demonstrated that both MNs groups similarly adapt to a more excitable state, which may increase the occurrence of extensor and flexor muscle spasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjun Ji
- Group of Restorative Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartosz Wojtaś
- Laboratory of Sequencing, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Skup
- Group of Restorative Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence:
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15
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Tsuboi D, Otsuka T, Shimomura T, Faruk MO, Yamahashi Y, Amano M, Funahashi Y, Kuroda K, Nishioka T, Kobayashi K, Sano H, Nagai T, Yamada K, Tzingounis AV, Nambu A, Kubo Y, Kawaguchi Y, Kaibuchi K. Dopamine drives neuronal excitability via KCNQ channel phosphorylation for reward behavior. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111309. [PMID: 36070693 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunctional dopamine signaling is implicated in various neuropsychological disorders. Previously, we reported that dopamine increases D1 receptor (D1R)-expressing medium spiny neuron (MSN) excitability and firing rates in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) via the PKA/Rap1/ERK pathway to promote reward behavior. Here, the results show that the D1R agonist, SKF81297, inhibits KCNQ-mediated currents and increases D1R-MSN firing rates in murine NAc slices, which is abolished by ERK inhibition. In vitro ERK phosphorylates KCNQ2 at Ser414 and Ser476; in vivo, KCNQ2 is phosphorylated downstream of dopamine signaling in NAc slices. Conditional deletion of Kcnq2 in D1R-MSNs reduces the inhibitory effect of SKF81297 on KCNQ channel activity, while enhancing neuronal excitability and cocaine-induced reward behavior. These effects are restored by wild-type, but not phospho-deficient KCNQ2. Hence, D1R-ERK signaling controls MSN excitability via KCNQ2 phosphorylation to regulate reward behavior, making KCNQ2 a potential therapeutical target for psychiatric diseases with a dysfunctional reward circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Tsuboi
- Division of Cell Biology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kusukake-cho, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
| | - Takeshi Otsuka
- Division of Cerebral Circuitry, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan
| | - Takushi Shimomura
- Division of Biophysics and Neurobiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Md Omar Faruk
- Department of Cell Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, 65 Tsuruma-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
| | - Yukie Yamahashi
- Division of Cell Biology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kusukake-cho, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
| | - Mutsuki Amano
- Department of Cell Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, 65 Tsuruma-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Funahashi
- Division of Cell Biology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kusukake-cho, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
| | - Keisuke Kuroda
- Department of Cell Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, 65 Tsuruma-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
| | - Tomoki Nishioka
- Division of Cell Biology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kusukake-cho, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
| | - Kenta Kobayashi
- Section of Viral Vector Development, Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Hiromi Sano
- Division of System Neurophysiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences and Department of Physiological Sciences, Sokendai, 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan; Division of Behavioral Neuropharmacology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kusukake-cho, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
| | - Taku Nagai
- Division of Behavioral Neuropharmacology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kusukake-cho, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
| | - Kiyofumi Yamada
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, 65 Tsuruma-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8560, Japan
| | | | - Atsushi Nambu
- Division of System Neurophysiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences and Department of Physiological Sciences, Sokendai, 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kubo
- Division of Biophysics and Neurobiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Yasuo Kawaguchi
- Division of Cerebral Circuitry, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan; Brain Science Institute, Tamagawa University, Machida, Tokyo 194-8610, Japan
| | - Kozo Kaibuchi
- Division of Cell Biology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kusukake-cho, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan; Department of Cell Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, 65 Tsuruma-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan.
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16
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Proaño B, Casani-Cubel J, Benlloch M, Rodriguez-Mateos A, Navarro-Illana E, Lajara-Romance JM, de la Rubia Ortí JE. Is Dutasteride a Therapeutic Alternative for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis? Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092084. [PMID: 36140184 PMCID: PMC9495995 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by the loss of upper and lower motor neurons (MNs) in the cerebral cortex, brainstem and spinal cord, with consequent weakness, atrophy and the progressive paralysis of all muscles. There is currently no medical cure, and riluzole and edaravone are the only two known approved drugs for treating this condition. However, they have limited efficacy, and hence there is a need to find new molecules. Dutasteride, a dual inhibitor of type 1 and type 2 5α-reductase (5AR) enzymes, the therapeutic purposes of which, to date, are the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and androgenic alopecia, shows great anti-ALS properties by the molecular-topology methodology. Based on this evidence, this review aims to assess the effects of dutasteride on testosterone (T), progesterone (PROG) and 17β-estradiol (17BE) as a therapeutic alternative for the clinical improvement of ALS, based on the hormonal, metabolic and molecular pathways related to the pathogenesis of the disease. According to the evidence found, dutasteride shows great neuroprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It also appears effective against glutamate toxicity, and it is capable of restoring altered dopamine activity (DA). These effects are achieved both directly and through steroid hormones. Therefore, dutasteride seems to be a promising molecule for the treatment of ALS, although clinical studies are required for confirmation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belén Proaño
- Doctoral Degree School, Health Sciences, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain
| | - Julia Casani-Cubel
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Catholic University San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.C.-C.); (M.B.)
| | - María Benlloch
- Department Nursing, Catholic University San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.C.-C.); (M.B.)
| | - Ana Rodriguez-Mateos
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, King’s College London, Franklin Wilkins Building, London SE1 9NH, UK
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17
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Liang B, Thapa R, Zhang G, Moffitt C, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Johnston A, Ruby HP, Barbera G, Wong PC, Zhang Z, Chen R, Lin DT, Li Y. Aberrant Neural Activity in Prefrontal Pyramidal Neurons Lacking TDP-43 Precedes Neuron loss. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 215:102297. [PMID: 35667630 PMCID: PMC9258405 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mislocalization of TAR DNA binding protein 43 kDa (TARDBP, or TDP-43) is a principal pathological hallmark identified in cases of neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). As an RNA binding protein, TDP-43 serves in the nuclear compartment to repress non-conserved cryptic exons to ensure the normal transcriptome. Multiple lines of evidence from animal models and human studies support the view that loss of TDP-43 leads to neuron loss, independent of its cytosolic aggregation. However, the underlying pathogenic pathways driven by the loss-of-function mechanism are still poorly defined. We employed a genetic approach to determine the impact of TDP-43 loss in pyramidal neurons of the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Using a custom-built miniscope imaging system, we performed repetitive in vivo calcium imaging from freely behaving mice for up to 7 months. By comparing calcium activity in PFC pyramidal neurons between TDP-43 depleted and TDP-43 intact mice, we demonstrated remarkably increased numbers of pyramidal neurons exhibiting hyperactive calcium activity after short-term TDP-43 depletion, followed by rapid activity declines prior to neuron loss. Our results suggest aberrant neural activity driven by loss of TDP-43 as the pathogenic pathway at early stage in ALS and FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Liang
- School of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, College of Engineering & Mines, University of North Dakota, 243 Centennial Drive Stop 7165, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA.
| | - Rashmi Thapa
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, 1000 E University Avenue, Laramie, WY 82071, USA.
| | - Gracie Zhang
- Laramie High School, 1710 Boulder Drive, Laramie, WY 82070, USA.
| | - Casey Moffitt
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| | - Yan Zhang
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| | - Lifeng Zhang
- School of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, College of Engineering & Mines, University of North Dakota, 243 Centennial Drive Stop 7165, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA; Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, 1000 E University Avenue, Laramie, WY 82071, USA; Laramie High School, 1710 Boulder Drive, Laramie, WY 82070, USA; Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 100N. Greene St., Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Amanda Johnston
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, 1000 E University Avenue, Laramie, WY 82071, USA.
| | - Hyrum P Ruby
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, 1000 E University Avenue, Laramie, WY 82071, USA.
| | - Giovanni Barbera
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| | - Philip C Wong
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Zhaojie Zhang
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, 1000 E University Avenue, Laramie, WY 82071, USA.
| | - Rong Chen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 100N. Greene St., Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Da-Ting Lin
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Yun Li
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, 1000 E University Avenue, Laramie, WY 82071, USA.
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18
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Melatonin Induces Autophagy in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Mice via Upregulation of SIRT1. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:4747-4760. [PMID: 35606613 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02875-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the neurodegenerative disease that leads to the motor dysfunction damaged by both upper and lower motor neurons. The etiology and pathogenesis of ALS hasn't completely been understood yet up to now, the current study suggests that autophagy plays an important role in the development of ALS. Meanwhile, melatonin is found to inhibit the progression of ALS. To this end, this study aimed to investigate the potential relation between melatonin and autophagy in ALS. The in vivo model of ALS was established to investigate the effects of melatonin in ALS. The mRNA expressions were performed to detect by RT-qPCR, and the protein levels were tested by western blot and immunofluorescence histochemistry staining. The inflammatory cytokine was applied to detect by ELISA. The results showed that melatonin dose-dependently reversed the ALS-induced survival time shortened, weight loss and rotating rod latency decrease. The expressions of both SIRT1 and Beclin-1 as well as the ratio of LC3II/LC3I were significantly upregulated in the ALS mice, while melatonin reversed the upregulation of both SIRT1 and Beclin-1 expression and LC3II/LC3I ratio in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, melatonin dose-dependently significantly restored the ALS-induced downregulation of p62. Furthermore, SIRT1 silencing notably reduced the effect of melatonin on Beclin-1, LC3II/LC3I, and p62. Melatonin induced autophagy in the ALS mice via the upregulation of SIRT1. Thus, melatonin might act as a new agent for the treatment of ALS.
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19
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Boivin B, Roet KCD, Huang X, Karhohs KW, Rohban MH, Sandoe J, Wiskow O, Maeda R, Grantham A, Dornon MK, Shao J, Frost D, Baker D, Eggan K, Carpenter AE, Woolf CJ. A multiparametric activity profiling platform for neuron disease phenotyping and drug screening. Mol Biol Cell 2022; 33:ar54. [PMID: 34910584 PMCID: PMC9265164 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e21-10-0481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Patient stem cell-derived models enable imaging of complex disease phenotypes and the development of scalable drug discovery platforms. Current preclinical methods for assessing cellular activity do not, however, capture the full intricacies of disease-induced disturbances and instead typically focus on a single parameter, which impairs both the understanding of disease and the discovery of effective therapeutics. Here, we describe a cloud-based image processing and analysis platform that captures the intricate activity profile revealed by GCaMP fluorescence recordings of intracellular calcium changes and enables the discovery of molecules that correct 153 parameters that define the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis motor neuron disease phenotype. In a high-throughput screen, we identified compounds that revert the multiparametric disease profile to that found in healthy cells, a novel and robust measure of therapeutic potential quite distinct from unidimensional screening. This platform can guide the development of therapeutics that counteract the multifaceted pathological features of diseased cellular activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Boivin
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115.,Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Kasper C D Roet
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115.,Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Xuan Huang
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115.,Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Kyle W Karhohs
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Imaging Platform, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - Mohammad H Rohban
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Imaging Platform, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - Jack Sandoe
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138
| | - Ole Wiskow
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138
| | - Rie Maeda
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Alyssa Grantham
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Mary K Dornon
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Jenny Shao
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Devlin Frost
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Dylan Baker
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138
| | - Kevin Eggan
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138
| | - Anne E Carpenter
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Imaging Platform, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - Clifford J Woolf
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115.,Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
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20
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Bassani D, Pavan M, Federico S, Spalluto G, Sturlese M, Moro S. The Multifaceted Role of GPCRs in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A New Therapeutic Perspective? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:4504. [PMID: 35562894 PMCID: PMC9106011 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerating disease involving the motor neurons, which causes a progressive loss of movement ability, usually leading to death within 2 to 5 years from the diagnosis. Much effort has been put into research for an effective therapy for its eradication, but still, no cure is available. The only two drugs approved for this pathology, Riluzole and Edaravone, are onlyable to slow down the inevitable disease progression. As assessed in the literature, drug targets such as protein kinases have already been extensively examined as potential drug targets for ALS, with some molecules already in clinical trials. Here, we focus on the involvement of another very important and studied class of biological entities, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), in the onset and progression of ALS. This workaimsto give an overview of what has been already discovered on the topic, providing useful information and insights that can be used by scientists all around the world who are putting efforts into the fight against this very important neurodegenerating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Bassani
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (D.B.); (M.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Matteo Pavan
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (D.B.); (M.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Stephanie Federico
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (S.F.); (G.S.)
| | - Giampiero Spalluto
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (S.F.); (G.S.)
| | - Mattia Sturlese
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (D.B.); (M.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Stefano Moro
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (D.B.); (M.P.); (M.S.)
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21
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Vermeulen I, Isin EM, Barton P, Cillero-Pastor B, Heeren RM. Multimodal molecular imaging in drug discovery and development. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:2086-2099. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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22
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Yadav D, Kumar P. Restoration and targeting of aberrant neurotransmitters in Parkinson's disease therapeutics. Neurochem Int 2022; 156:105327. [PMID: 35331828 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2022.105327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neurotransmitters are considered as a fundamental regulator in the process of neuronal growth, differentiation and survival. Parkinson's Disease (PD) occurs due to extensive damage of dopamine-producing neurons; this causes dopamine deficits in the midbrain, followed by the alternation of various other neurotransmitters (glutamate, GABA, serotonin, etc.). It has been observed that fluctuation of neurotransmission in the basal ganglia exhibits a great impact on the pathophysiology of PD. Dopamine replacement therapy, such as the use of L-DOPA, can increase the dopamine level, but it majorly ameliorates the motor symptoms and is also associated with long-term complications (for e.g., LID). While the non-dopaminergic system can efficiently target non-motor symptoms, for instance, the noradrenergic system regulates the synthesis of BDNF via the MAPK pathway, which is important in learning and memory. Herein, we briefly discuss the role of different neurotransmitters, implementation of neurotransmitter receptors in PD. We also illustrate the recent advances of neurotransmitter-based drugs, which are currently under in vivo and clinical studies. Reinstating normal neurotransmitter levels has been believed to be advantageous in the treatment of PD. Thus, there is an increasing demand for drugs that can specifically target the neurotransmission system and reinstate the normal levels of neurotransmitters, which might prevent or delay neurodegeneration in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Yadav
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi, India; Delhi Technological University (Formerly Delhi College of Engineering), Delhi, 110042, India
| | - Pravir Kumar
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi, India; Delhi Technological University (Formerly Delhi College of Engineering), Delhi, 110042, India.
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23
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Johns AE, Maragakis NJ. Exploring Motor Neuron Diseases Using iPSC Platforms. Stem Cells 2022; 40:2-13. [PMID: 35511862 PMCID: PMC9199844 DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxab006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The degeneration of motor neurons is a pathological hallmark of motor neuron diseases (MNDs), but emerging evidence suggests that neuronal vulnerability extends well beyond this cell subtype. The ability to assess motor function in the clinic is limited to physical examination, electrophysiological measures, and tissue-based or neuroimaging techniques which lack the resolution to accurately assess neuronal dysfunction as the disease progresses. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are all MNDs with devastating clinical outcomes that contribute significantly to disease burden as patients are no longer able to carry out normal activities of daily living. The critical need to accurately assess the cause and progression of motor neuron dysfunction, especially in the early stages of those diseases, has motivated the use of human iPSC-derived motor neurons (hiPSC-MN) to study the neurobiological mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis and to generate platforms for therapeutic discovery and testing. As our understanding of MNDs has grown, so too has our need to develop more complex in vitro models which include hiPSC-MN co-cultured with relevant non-neuronal cells in 2D as well as in 3D organoid and spheroid systems. These more complex hiPSC-derived culture systems have led to the implementation of new technologies, including microfluidics, multielectrode array, and machine learning which offer novel insights into the functional correlates of these emerging model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra E Johns
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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24
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Okano H, Morimoto S. iPSC-based disease modeling and drug discovery in cardinal neurodegenerative disorders. Cell Stem Cell 2022; 29:189-208. [PMID: 35120619 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
It has been 15 years since the birth of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology in 2007, and the scope of its application has been expanding. In addition to the development of cell therapies using iPSC-derived cells, pathological analyses using disease-specific iPSCs and clinical trials to confirm the safety and efficacy of drugs developed using iPSCs are progressing. With the innovation of related technologies, iPSC applications are about to enter a new stage. This review outlines advances in iPSC modeling and therapeutic development for cardinal neurodegenerative diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan; Laboratory for Marmoset Neural Architecture, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako-shi, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
| | - Satoru Morimoto
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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25
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Pasniceanu IS, Atwal MS, Souza CDS, Ferraiuolo L, Livesey MR. Emerging Mechanisms Underpinning Neurophysiological Impairments in C9ORF72 Repeat Expansion-Mediated Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/Frontotemporal Dementia. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 15:784833. [PMID: 34975412 PMCID: PMC8715728 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.784833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are characterized by degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons and neurons of the prefrontal cortex. The emergence of the C9ORF72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion mutation as the leading genetic cause of ALS and FTD has led to a progressive understanding of the multiple cellular pathways leading to neuronal degeneration. Disturbances in neuronal function represent a major subset of these mechanisms and because such functional perturbations precede degeneration, it is likely that impaired neuronal function in ALS/FTD plays an active role in pathogenesis. This is supported by the fact that ALS/FTD patients consistently present with neurophysiological impairments prior to any apparent degeneration. In this review we summarize how the discovery of the C9ORF72 repeat expansion mutation has contributed to the current understanding of neuronal dysfunction in ALS/FTD. Here, we discuss the impact of the repeat expansion on neuronal function in relation to intrinsic excitability, synaptic, network and ion channel properties, highlighting evidence of conserved and divergent pathophysiological impacts between cortical and motor neurons and the influence of non-neuronal cells. We further highlight the emerging association between these dysfunctional properties with molecular mechanisms of the C9ORF72 mutation that appear to include roles for both, haploinsufficiency of the C9ORF72 protein and aberrantly generated dipeptide repeat protein species. Finally, we suggest that relating key pathological observations in C9ORF72 repeat expansion ALS/FTD patients to the mechanistic impact of the C9ORF72 repeat expansion on neuronal function will lead to an improved understanding of how neurophysiological dysfunction impacts upon pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris-Stefania Pasniceanu
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Manpreet Singh Atwal
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Cleide Dos Santos Souza
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Ferraiuolo
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew R Livesey
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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26
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Jayakar S, Shim J, Jo S, Bean BP, Singeç I, Woolf CJ. Developing nociceptor-selective treatments for acute and chronic pain. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:eabj9837. [PMID: 34757806 PMCID: PMC9964063 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abj9837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Despite substantial efforts dedicated to the development of new, nonaddictive analgesics, success in treating pain has been limited. Clinically available analgesic agents generally lack efficacy and may have undesirable side effects. Traditional target-based drug discovery efforts that generate compounds with selectivity for single targets have a high rate of attrition because of their poor clinical efficacy. Here, we examine the challenges associated with the current analgesic drug discovery model and review evidence in favor of stem cell–derived neuronal-based screening approaches for the identification of analgesic targets and compounds for treating diverse forms of acute and chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selwyn Jayakar
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology, Boston Children's Hospital, and Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jaehoon Shim
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology, Boston Children's Hospital, and Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sooyeon Jo
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Bruce P Bean
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ilyas Singeç
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Clifford J Woolf
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology, Boston Children's Hospital, and Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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27
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Beitz AM, Oakes CG, Galloway KE. Synthetic gene circuits as tools for drug discovery. Trends Biotechnol 2021; 40:210-225. [PMID: 34364685 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2021.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Within mammalian systems, there exists enormous opportunity to use synthetic gene circuits to enhance phenotype-based drug discovery, to map the molecular origins of disease, and to validate therapeutics in complex cellular systems. While drug discovery has relied on marker staining and high-content imaging in cell-based assays, synthetic gene circuits expand the potential for precision and speed. Here we present a vision of how circuits can improve the speed and accuracy of drug discovery by enhancing the efficiency of hit triage, capturing disease-relevant dynamics in cell-based assays, and simplifying validation and readouts from organoids and microphysiological systems (MPS). By tracking events and cellular states across multiple length and time scales, circuits will transform how we decipher the causal link between molecular events and phenotypes to improve the selectivity and sensitivity of cell-based assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam M Beitz
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Conrad G Oakes
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Kate E Galloway
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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28
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Trudler D, Ghatak S, Lipton SA. Emerging hiPSC Models for Drug Discovery in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8196. [PMID: 34360966 PMCID: PMC8347370 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of people worldwide and are characterized by the chronic and progressive deterioration of neural function. Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington's disease (HD), represent a huge social and economic burden due to increasing prevalence in our aging society, severity of symptoms, and lack of effective disease-modifying therapies. This lack of effective treatments is partly due to a lack of reliable models. Modeling neurodegenerative diseases is difficult because of poor access to human samples (restricted in general to postmortem tissue) and limited knowledge of disease mechanisms in a human context. Animal models play an instrumental role in understanding these diseases but fail to comprehensively represent the full extent of disease due to critical differences between humans and other mammals. The advent of human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) technology presents an advantageous system that complements animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. Coupled with advances in gene-editing technologies, hiPSC-derived neural cells from patients and healthy donors now allow disease modeling using human samples that can be used for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorit Trudler
- Neurodegeneration New Medicines Center and Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (D.T.); (S.G.)
| | - Swagata Ghatak
- Neurodegeneration New Medicines Center and Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (D.T.); (S.G.)
| | - Stuart A. Lipton
- Neurodegeneration New Medicines Center and Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (D.T.); (S.G.)
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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