1
|
Chu Y, Kordower JH. Post-Mortem Studies of Neurturin Gene Therapy for Parkinson's Disease: Two Subjects with 10 Years CERE120 Delivery. Mov Disord 2023; 38:1728-1736. [PMID: 37544016 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurturin is a member of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family of neurotrophic factors and has the potential to protectdegenerating dopaminergic neurons. OBJECTIVE Here, we performed post-mortem studies on two patients with advanced Parkinson's disease that survived 10 years following AAV-neurturin gene (Cere120) delivery to verify long-term effects of trophic factor neurturin. METHODS Cere120 was delivered to the putamen bilaterally in one case and to the putamen plus substantia nigra bilaterally in the second. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine neurturin, Rearranged during transfection(RET), phosphor-S6, and tyrosine hydroxylase expressions, inflammatory reactions, and α-synuclein accumulation. RESULTS In both patients there was persistent, albeit limited, neurturin expression in the putamen covering 1.31% to 5.92% of the putamen. Dense staining of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive fibers was observed in areas that contained detectable neurturin expression. In substantia nigra, neurturin expression was detected in 11% of remaining melanin-containing neurons in the patient with combined putamenal and nigral gene delivery, but not in the patient with putamenal gene delivery alone. Tyrosine hydroxylase positive neurons were 66% to 84% of remaining neuromelanin neurons in substantia nigra with Cere120 delivery and 23% to 24% in substantia nigra without gene delivery. More RET and phosphor-S6 positive neurons were observed in substantia nigra following nigral Cere120. Inflammatory and Lewy pathologies were similar in substantia nigra with or without Cere120 delivery. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence of long-term persistent transgene expression and bioactivity following gene delivery to the nigrostriatal system. Therefore, future efforts using gene therapy for neurodegenerative diseases should consider means to enhance remaining dopamine neuron function and stop pathological propagation. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Chu
- ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Jeffrey H Kordower
- ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sidorova YA, Saarma M. Can Growth Factors Cure Parkinson's Disease? Trends Pharmacol Sci 2020; 41:909-922. [PMID: 33198924 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2020.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Growth factors (GFs) hold considerable promise for disease modification in neurodegenerative disorders because they can protect and restore degenerating neurons and also enhance their functional activity. However, extensive efforts applied to utilize their therapeutic potential in humans have achieved limited success so far. Multiple clinical trials with GFs were performed in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, in whom diagnostic symptoms of the disease are caused by advanced degeneration of nigrostriatal dopamine neurons (DNs), but the results of these trials are controversial. This review discusses recent developments in the field of therapeutic use of GFs, problems and obstacles related to this use, suggests the ways to overcome these issues, and alternative approaches that can be used to utilize the potential ofGFsin PD management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yulia A Sidorova
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Small Molecules and Peptides Targeting Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Receptors for the Treatment of Neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186575. [PMID: 32911810 PMCID: PMC7554781 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family ligands (GFLs) are able to promote the survival of multiple neuronal populations in the body and, therefore, hold considerable promise for disease-modifying treatments of diseases and conditions caused by neurodegeneration. Available data reveal the potential of GFLs for the therapy of Parkinson's disease, neuropathic pain and diseases caused by retinal degeneration but, also, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and, possibly, Alzheimer's disease. Despite promising data collected in preclinical models, clinical translation of GFLs is yet to be conducted. The main reasons for the limited success of GFLs clinical development are the poor pharmacological characteristics of GFL proteins, such as the inability of GFLs to cross tissue barriers, poor diffusion in tissues, biphasic dose-response and activation of several receptors in the organism in different cell types, along with ethical limitations on patients' selection in clinical trials. The development of small molecules selectively targeting particular GFL receptors with improved pharmacokinetic properties can overcome many of the difficulties and limitations associated with the clinical use of GFL proteins. The current review lists several strategies to target the GFL receptor complex with drug-like molecules, discusses their advantages, provides an overview of available chemical scaffolds and peptides able to activate GFL receptors and describes the effects of these molecules in cultured cells and animal models.
Collapse
|
4
|
Duarte Azevedo M, Sander S, Tenenbaum L. GDNF, A Neuron-Derived Factor Upregulated in Glial Cells during Disease. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E456. [PMID: 32046031 PMCID: PMC7073520 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9020456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In a healthy adult brain, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is exclusively expressed by neurons, and, in some instances, it has also been shown to derive from a single neuronal subpopulation. Secreted GDNF acts in a paracrine fashion by forming a complex with the GDNF family receptor α1 (GFRα1), which is mainly expressed by neurons and can act in cis as a membrane-bound factor or in trans as a soluble factor. The GDNF/GFRα1 complex signals through interactions with the "rearranged during transfection" (RET) receptor or via the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) with a lower affinity. GDNF can also signal independently from GFRα1 by interacting with syndecan-3. RET, which is expressed by neurons involved in several pathways (nigro-striatal dopaminergic neurons, motor neurons, enteric neurons, sensory neurons, etc.), could be the main determinant of the specificity of GDNF's pro-survival effect. In an injured brain, de novo expression of GDNF occurs in glial cells. Neuroinflammation has been reported to induce GDNF expression in activated astrocytes and microglia, infiltrating macrophages, nestin-positive reactive astrocytes, and neuron/glia (NG2) positive microglia-like cells. This disease-related GDNF overexpression can be either beneficial or detrimental depending on the localization in the brain and the level and duration of glial cell activation. Some reports also describe the upregulation of RET and GFRα1 in glial cells, suggesting that GDNF could modulate neuroinflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Liliane Tenenbaum
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurotherapies and NeuroModulation, Center for Neuroscience Research, Lausanne University Hospital, CHUV-Pavillon 3, av de Beaumont, CH-1010 Lausanne, Switzerland; (M.D.A.); (S.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Barker RA, Björklund A, Gash DM, Whone A, Van Laar A, Kordower JH, Bankiewicz K, Kieburtz K, Saarma M, Booms S, Huttunen HJ, Kells AP, Fiandaca MS, Stoessl AJ, Eidelberg D, Federoff H, Voutilainen MH, Dexter DT, Eberling J, Brundin P, Isaacs L, Mursaleen L, Bresolin E, Carroll C, Coles A, Fiske B, Matthews H, Lungu C, Wyse RK, Stott S, Lang AE. GDNF and Parkinson's Disease: Where Next? A Summary from a Recent Workshop. JOURNAL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2020; 10:875-891. [PMID: 32508331 PMCID: PMC7458523 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-202004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The concept of repairing the brain with growth factors has been pursued for many years in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases including primarily Parkinson's disease (PD) using glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). This neurotrophic factor was discovered in 1993 and shown to have selective effects on promoting survival and regeneration of certain populations of neurons including the dopaminergic nigrostriatal pathway. These observations led to a series of clinical trials in PD patients including using infusions or gene delivery of GDNF or the related growth factor, neurturin (NRTN). Initial studies, some of which were open label, suggested that this approach could be of value in PD when the agent was injected into the putamen rather than the cerebral ventricles. In subsequent double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, the most recent reporting in 2019, treatment with GDNF did not achieve its primary end point. As a result, there has been uncertainty as to whether GDNF (and by extrapolation, related GDNF family neurotrophic factors) has merit in the future treatment of PD. To critically appraise the existing work and its future, a special workshop was held to discuss and debate this issue. This paper is a summary of that meeting with recommendations on whether there is a future for this therapeutic approach and also what any future PD trial involving GDNF and other GDNF family neurotrophic factors should consider in its design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roger A. Barker
- Cambridge Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neuroscience and WT-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Don M. Gash
- Professor Emeritus of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Alan Whone
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol and Neurological and Musculoskeletal Sciences Division, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Jeffrey H. Kordower
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Krystof Bankiewicz
- Neurological Surgery, Gilbert and Kathryn Mitchell Endowed Chair, Director, Brain Health and Performance Center, The Ohio State University, Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Karl Kieburtz
- Center for Health & Technology, and the Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Henri J. Huttunen
- Herantis Pharma Plc, Finland
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | - A. Jon Stoessl
- Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre & Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - David Eidelberg
- Center for Neurosciences, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Howard Federoff
- School of Medicine, Susan and Henry College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine and CEO, Aspen Neuroscience, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Jamie Eberling
- The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Patrik Brundin
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | | | - Leah Mursaleen
- The Cure Parkinson’s Trust, London, UK
- School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, UK and School of Pharmacy, University College London, UK
| | | | | | - Alasdair Coles
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Brian Fiske
- The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Codrin Lungu
- Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Rockville, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Anthony E. Lang
- The Edmond J Safra Program in Parkinson’s Disease and the Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, and the Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sidorova YA, Volcho KP, Salakhutdinov NF. Neuroregeneration in Parkinson's Disease: From Proteins to Small Molecules. Curr Neuropharmacol 2019; 17:268-287. [PMID: 30182859 PMCID: PMC6425072 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x16666180905094123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide, the lifetime risk of developing this disease is 1.5%. Motor diagnostic symptoms of PD are caused by degeneration of nigrostria-tal dopamine neurons. There is no cure for PD and current therapy is limited to supportive care that partially alleviates dis-ease signs and symptoms. As diagnostic symptoms of PD result from progressive degeneration of dopamine neurons, drugs restoring these neurons may significantly improve treatment of PD. Method: A literature search was performed using the PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases to discuss the pro-gress achieved in the development of neuroregenerative agents for PD. Papers published before early 2018 were taken into account. Results: Here, we review several groups of potential agents capable of protecting and restoring dopamine neurons in cul-tures or animal models of PD including neurotrophic factors and small molecular weight compounds. Conclusion: Despite the promising results of in vitro and in vivo experiments, none of the found agents have yet shown conclusive neurorestorative properties in PD patients. Meanwhile, a few promising biologicals and small molecules have been identified. Their further clinical development can eventually give rise to disease-modifying drugs for PD. Thus, inten-sive research in the field is justified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yulia A Sidorova
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Konstantin P Volcho
- Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation.,Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - Nariman F Salakhutdinov
- Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation.,Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
Neurotrophic factors (NTF) are a subgroup of growth factors that promote survival and
differentiation of neurons. Due to their neuroprotective and neurorestorative properties,
their therapeutic potential has been tested in various neurodegenerative diseases.
Bioavailability of NTFs in the target tissue remains a major challenge for NTF-based
therapies. Various intracerebral delivery approaches, both protein and gene
transfer-based, have been tested with varying outcomes. Three growth factors, glial
cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin (NRTN) and platelet-derived growth
factor (PDGF-BB) have been tested in clinical trials in Parkinson’s disease (PD) during
the past 20 years. A new protein can now be added to this list, as cerebral dopamine
neurotrophic factor (CDNF) has recently entered clinical trials. Despite their misleading
names, CDNF, together with its closest relative mesencephalic astrocyte-derived
neurotrophic factor (MANF), form a novel family of unconventional NTF that are both
structurally and mechanistically distinct from other growth factors. CDNF and MANF are
localized mainly to the lumen of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and their primary function
appears to be modulation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway. Prolonged ER
stress, via the UPR signaling pathways, contributes to the pathogenesis in a number of
chronic degenerative diseases, and is an important target for therapeutic modulation.
Intraputamenally administered recombinant human CDNF has shown robust neurorestorative
effects in a number of small and large animal models of PD, and had a good safety profile
in preclinical toxicology studies. Intermittent monthly bilateral intraputamenal infusions
of CDNF are currently being tested in a randomized placebo-controlled phase I–II clinical
study in moderately advanced PD patients. Here, we review the history of growth
factor-based clinical trials in PD, and discuss how CDNF differs from the previously
tested growth factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henri J Huttunen
- 1 Herantis Pharma Plc, Espoo, Finland.,2 Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- 3 Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sandmark J, Dahl G, Öster L, Xu B, Johansson P, Akerud T, Aagaard A, Davidsson P, Bigalke JM, Winzell MS, Rainey GJ, Roth RG. Structure and biophysical characterization of the human full-length neurturin-GFRa2 complex: A role for heparan sulfate in signaling. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:5492-5508. [PMID: 29414779 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra117.000820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurturin (NRTN) provides trophic support to neurons and is considered a therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease. It binds to its co-receptor GFRa2, and the resulting NRTN-GFRa2 complex activates the transmembrane receptors rearranged during transfection (RET) or the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM). We report the crystal structure of NRTN, alone and in complex with GFRa2. This is the first crystal structure of a GFRa with all three domains and shows that domain 1 does not interact directly with NRTN, but it may support an interaction with RET and/or NCAM, via a highly conserved surface. In addition, biophysical results show that the relative concentration of GFRa2 on cell surfaces can affect the functional affinity of NRTN through avidity effects. We have identified a heparan sulfate-binding site on NRTN and a putative binding site in GFRa2, suggesting that heparan sulfate has a role in the assembly of the signaling complex. We further show that mutant NRTN with reduced affinity for heparan sulfate may provide a route forward for delivery of NRTN with increased exposure in preclinical in vivo models and ultimately to Parkinson's patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Sandmark
- From the Departments of Structure, Biophysics and Fragment-based Lead Generation, Discovery Sciences
| | - Göran Dahl
- From the Departments of Structure, Biophysics and Fragment-based Lead Generation, Discovery Sciences
| | - Linda Öster
- From the Departments of Structure, Biophysics and Fragment-based Lead Generation, Discovery Sciences
| | - Bingze Xu
- the Division of Medical Inflammation Research, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden.,Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 43183, Sweden
| | - Patrik Johansson
- From the Departments of Structure, Biophysics and Fragment-based Lead Generation, Discovery Sciences
| | - Tomas Akerud
- From the Departments of Structure, Biophysics and Fragment-based Lead Generation, Discovery Sciences
| | - Anna Aagaard
- From the Departments of Structure, Biophysics and Fragment-based Lead Generation, Discovery Sciences
| | - Pia Davidsson
- Bioscience, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, and
| | - Janna M Bigalke
- From the Departments of Structure, Biophysics and Fragment-based Lead Generation, Discovery Sciences
| | | | - G Jonah Rainey
- the Department of Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, MedImmune, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, and
| | - Robert G Roth
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 43183, Sweden,
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rosich K, Hanna BF, Ibrahim RK, Hellenbrand DJ, Hanna A. The Effects of Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor after Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2017; 34:3311-3325. [DOI: 10.1089/neu.2017.5175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Rosich
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Bishoy F. Hanna
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Ross University School of Medicine, Dominica, West Indies
| | - Rami K. Ibrahim
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Daniel J. Hellenbrand
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Amgad Hanna
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sidorova YA, Bespalov MM, Wong AW, Kambur O, Jokinen V, Lilius TO, Suleymanova I, Karelson G, Rauhala PV, Karelson M, Osborne PB, Keast JR, Kalso EA, Saarma M. A Novel Small Molecule GDNF Receptor RET Agonist, BT13, Promotes Neurite Growth from Sensory Neurons in Vitro and Attenuates Experimental Neuropathy in the Rat. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:365. [PMID: 28680400 PMCID: PMC5478727 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain caused by nerve damage is a common and severe class of chronic pain. Disease-modifying clinical therapies are needed as current treatments typically provide only symptomatic relief; show varying clinical efficacy; and most have significant adverse effects. One approach is targeting either neurotrophic factors or their receptors that normalize sensory neuron function and stimulate regeneration after nerve damage. Two candidate targets are glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and artemin (ARTN), as these GDNF family ligands (GFLs) show efficacy in animal models of neuropathic pain (Boucher et al., 2000; Gardell et al., 2003; Wang et al., 2008, 2014). As these protein ligands have poor drug-like properties and are expensive to produce for clinical use, we screened 18,400 drug-like compounds to develop small molecules that act similarly to GFLs (GDNF mimetics). This screening identified BT13 as a compound that selectively targeted GFL receptor RET to activate downstream signaling cascades. BT13 was similar to NGF and ARTN in selectively promoting neurite outgrowth from the peptidergic class of adult sensory neurons in culture, but was opposite to ARTN in causing neurite elongation without affecting initiation. When administered after spinal nerve ligation in a rat model of neuropathic pain, 20 and 25 mg/kg of BT13 decreased mechanical hypersensitivity and normalized expression of sensory neuron markers in dorsal root ganglia. In control rats, BT13 had no effect on baseline mechanical or thermal sensitivity, motor coordination, or weight gain. Thus, small molecule BT13 selectively activates RET and offers opportunities for developing novel disease-modifying medications to treat neuropathic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yulia A Sidorova
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, University of HelsinkiHelsinki, Finland
| | - Maxim M Bespalov
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, University of HelsinkiHelsinki, Finland
| | - Agnes W Wong
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of MelbourneMelbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Oleg Kambur
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of HelsinkiHelsinki, Finland
| | - Viljami Jokinen
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of HelsinkiHelsinki, Finland
| | - Tuomas O Lilius
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of HelsinkiHelsinki, Finland
| | - Ilida Suleymanova
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, University of HelsinkiHelsinki, Finland
| | | | - Pekka V Rauhala
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of HelsinkiHelsinki, Finland
| | - Mati Karelson
- Department of Molecular Technology, Institute of Chemistry, University of TartuTartu, Estonia
| | - Peregrine B Osborne
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of MelbourneMelbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Janet R Keast
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of MelbourneMelbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Eija A Kalso
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of HelsinkiHelsinki, Finland.,Pain Clinic, Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University HospitalHelsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, University of HelsinkiHelsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rider CC, Mulloy B. Heparin, Heparan Sulphate and the TGF-β Cytokine Superfamily. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22050713. [PMID: 28468283 PMCID: PMC6154108 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22050713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Of the circa 40 cytokines of the TGF-β superfamily, around a third are currently known to bind to heparin and heparan sulphate. This includes TGF-β1, TGF-β2, certain bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and growth and differentiation factors (GDFs), as well as GDNF and two of its close homologues. Experimental studies of their heparin/HS binding sites reveal a diversity of locations around the shared cystine-knot protein fold. The activities of the TGF-β cytokines in controlling proliferation, differentiation and survival in a range of cell types are in part regulated by a number of specific, secreted BMP antagonist proteins. These vary in structure but seven belong to the CAN or DAN family, which shares the TGF-β type cystine-knot domain. Other antagonists are more distant members of the TGF-β superfamily. It is emerging that the majority, but not all, of the antagonists are also heparin binding proteins. Any future exploitation of the TGF-β cytokines in the therapy of chronic diseases will need to fully consider their interactions with glycosaminoglycans and the implications of this in terms of their bioavailability and biological activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chris C Rider
- Centre for Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK.
| | - Barbara Mulloy
- Centre for Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Intrastriatally Infused Exogenous CDNF Is Endocytosed and Retrogradely Transported to Substantia Nigra. eNeuro 2017; 4:eN-NWR-0128-16. [PMID: 28275710 PMCID: PMC5318544 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0128-16.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Revised: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) protects the nigrostriatal dopaminergic (DA) neurons in rodent models of Parkinson’s disease and restores DA circuitry when delivered after these neurons have begun to degenerate. These DA neurons have been suggested to transport striatal CDNF retrogradely to the substantia nigra (SN). However, in cultured cells the binding and internalization of extracellular CDNF has not been reported. The first aim of this study was to examine the cellular localization and pharmacokinetic properties of recombinant human CDNF (rhCDNF) protein after its infusion into rat brain parenchyma. Second, we aimed to study whether the transport of rhCDNF from the striatum to the SN results from its retrograde transport via DA neurons or from its anterograde transport via striatal GABAergic projection neurons. We show that after intrastriatal infusion, rhCDNF diffuses rapidly and broadly, and is cleared with a half-life of 5.5 h. Confocal microscopy analysis of brain sections at 2 and 6 h after infusion of rhCDNF revealed its widespread unspecific internalization by cortical and striatal neurons, exhibiting different patterns of subcellular rhCDNF distribution. Electron microscopy analysis showed that rhCDNF is present inside the endosomes and multivesicular bodies. In addition, we present data that after intrastriatal infusion the rhCDNF found in the SN is almost exclusively localized to the DA neurons, thus showing that it is retrogradely transported.
Collapse
|
13
|
Sidorova YA, Saarma M. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family ligands and their therapeutic potential. Mol Biol 2016. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893316040105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
|
14
|
Smith RC, O'Bryan LM, Mitchell PJ, Leung D, Ghanem M, Wilson JM, Hanson JC, Sossick S, Cooper J, Huang L, Merchant KM, Lu J, O'Neill MJ. Increased brain bio-distribution and chemical stability and decreased immunogenicity of an engineered variant of GDNF. Exp Neurol 2015; 267:165-76. [PMID: 25771799 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2015.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Revised: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Several lines of evidence indicate that Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a trophic factor for dopaminergic neurons. Direct parenchymal administration of GDNF is robustly neuroprotective and neurorestorative in multiple neurotoxin-based animal models (rat and non-human primate (NHP)) of Parkinson's Disease (PD), suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent. Although small, open-label clinical trials of intra-putamenal administration of bacteria-derived, full length, wild type GDNF (GDNFwt) were efficacious in improving standardized behavioral scores, a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial failed to do so. We hypothesize that the lack of clinical efficacy of GDNFwt in the larger randomized trial was due to poor bio-distribution in the putamen and/or poor chemical stability while in the delivery device for prolonged time periods at 37°C. The development of neutralizing antibodies in some patients may also have been a contributing factor. GDNFv is an engineered form of GDNFwt, expressed and purified from mammalian cells, designed to overcome these limitations, including removal of the N-terminal heparin-binding domain to improve its diffusivity in brain parenchyma by reducing its binding to extracellular matrix (ECM), and key amino acid substitutions to improve chemical stability. Intra-striatal administration of a single injection of GDNFv in the rat produced significantly greater brain distribution than GDNFwt, consistent with reduced binding to ECM. Using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LS/MS) methods GDNFv was shown to have improved chemical stability compared to GDNFwt when stored at 37°C for 4weeks. In addition, GDNFv resulted in lower predicted clinical immunogenicity compared to GDNFwt, as demonstrated by reduced CD4+ T cell proliferation and reduced IL-2-induced secretion in peripheral blood mononucleated cells collected from volunteers representing the world's major histocompatibility complex (MHC) haplotypes. GDNFv was demonstrated to be pharmacologically equivalent to GDNFwt in the key parameters in vitro of GFRα1 receptor binding, c-Ret phosphorylation, neurite outgrowth, and in vivo in its ability to increase dopamine turnover (DA). GDNFv protected dopamine nerve terminals and neurons in a 6-hydroxy-dopamine (6-OHDA) rat model. In summary, we empirically demonstrate the superior properties of GDNFv compared to GDNFwt through enhanced bio-distribution and chemical stability concurrently with decreased predicted clinical immunogenicity while maintaining pharmacological and neurotrophic activity. These data indicate that GDNFv is an improved version of GDNF suitable for clinical assessment as a targeted regenerative therapy for PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosamund C Smith
- Eli Lilly & Co., Biotechnology Discovery Research, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA.
| | - Linda M O'Bryan
- Eli Lilly & Co., Biotechnology Discovery Research, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA. o'
| | - Pamela J Mitchell
- Eli Lilly & Co., Biotechnology Discovery Research, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA.
| | - Donmienne Leung
- Eli Lilly & Co., Lilly Biotechnology Center, 10300 Campus Point Dr, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92121, USA.
| | - Mahmoud Ghanem
- Eli Lilly & Co., Biotechnology Discovery Research, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA.
| | - Jonathan M Wilson
- Eli Lilly & Co., Tailored Therapeutics, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA.
| | - Jeff C Hanson
- Eli Lilly & Co., Information Technology, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA.
| | - Sandra Sossick
- Eli Lilly & Co. Ltd, Erl Wood Manor, Windlesham, Surrey GU20 6PH, UK.
| | - Jane Cooper
- Eli Lilly & Co. Ltd, Erl Wood Manor, Windlesham, Surrey GU20 6PH, UK.
| | - Lihua Huang
- Eli Lilly & Co., Bioproduct Research and Development, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA.
| | - Kalpana M Merchant
- Eli Lilly & Co., Tailored Therapeutics, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA.
| | - Jirong Lu
- Eli Lilly & Co., Biotechnology Discovery Research, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA.
| | - Michael J O'Neill
- Eli Lilly & Co. Ltd, Erl Wood Manor, Windlesham, Surrey GU20 6PH, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Rodrigues TM, Jerónimo-Santos A, Outeiro TF, Sebastião AM, Diógenes MJ. Challenges and promises in the development of neurotrophic factor-based therapies for Parkinson's disease. Drugs Aging 2014; 31:239-61. [PMID: 24610720 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-014-0160-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic movement disorder typically coupled to progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). The treatments currently available are satisfactory for symptomatic management, but the efficacy tends to decrease as neuronal loss progresses. Neurotrophic factors (NTFs) are endogenous proteins known to promote neuronal survival, even in degenerating states. Therefore, the use of these factors is regarded as a possible therapeutic approach, which would aim to prevent PD or to even restore homeostasis in neurodegenerative disorders. Intriguingly, although favorable results in in vitro and in vivo models of the disease were attained, clinical trials using these molecules have failed to demonstrate a clear therapeutic benefit. Therefore, the development of animal models that more closely reproduce the mechanisms known to underlie PD-related neurodegeneration would be a major step towards improving the capacity to predict the clinical usefulness of a given NTF-based approach in the experimental setting. Moreover, some adjustments to the design of clinical trials ought to be considered, which include recruiting patients in the initial stages of the disease, improving the efficacy of the delivery methods, and combining synergetic NTFs or adding NTF-boosting drugs to the already available pharmacological approaches. Despite the drawbacks on the road to the use of NTFs as pharmacological tools for PD, very relevant achievements have been reached. In this article, we review the current status of the potential relevance of NTFs for treating PD, taking into consideration experimental evidence, human observational studies, and data from clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Martins Rodrigues
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Polinski NK, Gombash SE, Manfredsson FP, Lipton JW, Kemp CJ, Cole-Strauss A, Kanaan NM, Steece-Collier K, Kuhn NC, Wohlgenant SL, Sortwell CE. Recombinant adenoassociated virus 2/5-mediated gene transfer is reduced in the aged rat midbrain. Neurobiol Aging 2014; 36:1110-20. [PMID: 25457558 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2014.07.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Revised: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Clinical trials are examining the efficacy of viral vector-mediated gene delivery for treating Parkinson's disease. Although viral vector strategies have been successful in preclinical studies, to date clinical trials have disappointed. This may be because of the fact that preclinical studies fail to account for aging. Aging is the single greatest risk factor for developing Parkinson's disease and age alters cellular processes utilized by viral vectors. We hypothesized that the aged brain would be relatively resistant to transduction when compared with the young adult. We examined recombinant adeno-associated virus 2/5-mediated green fluorescent protein (rAAV2/5 GFP) expression in the young adult and aged rat nigrostriatal system. GFP overexpression was produced in both age groups. However, following rAAV2/5 GFP injection to the substantia nigra aged rats displayed 40%-60% less GFP protein in the striatum, regardless of rat strain or duration of expression. Furthermore, aged rats exhibited 40% fewer cells expressing GFP and 4-fold less GFP messenger RNA. rAAV2/5-mediated gene transfer is compromised in the aged rat midbrain, with deficiencies in early steps of transduction leading to significantly less messenger RNA and protein expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole K Polinski
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA; Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Sara E Gombash
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Fredric P Manfredsson
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Jack W Lipton
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Christopher J Kemp
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Allyson Cole-Strauss
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Nicholas M Kanaan
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Kathy Steece-Collier
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Nathan C Kuhn
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Susan L Wohlgenant
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Caryl E Sortwell
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Tan X, Zhang L, Zhu H, Qin J, Tian M, Dong C, Li H, Jin G. Brn4 and TH synergistically promote the differentiation of neural stem cells into dopaminergic neurons. Neurosci Lett 2014; 571:23-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2014.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2014] [Revised: 04/09/2014] [Accepted: 04/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
|
18
|
Orme RP, Bhangal MS, Fricker RA. Calcitriol imparts neuroprotection in vitro to midbrain dopaminergic neurons by upregulating GDNF expression. PLoS One 2013; 8:e62040. [PMID: 23626767 PMCID: PMC3633905 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0062040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 03/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During development a tightly controlled signaling cascade dictates the differentiation, maturation and survival of developing neurons. Understanding this signaling mechanism is important for developing therapies for neurodegenerative illnesses. In previous work we have sought to understand the complex signaling pathways responsible for the development of midbrain dopamine neurons using a proteomic approach. One protein we have identified as being expressed in developing midbrain tissue is the vitamin D receptor. Therefore we investigated the effect of the biologically active vitamin D3 metabolite, calcitriol, on primary fetal ventral mesencephalic cultures of dopamine neurons. We observed a dose responsive increase in numbers of rat primary dopamine neurons when calcitriol was added to culture media. Western blot data showed that calcitriol upregulated the expression of glial derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Blocking GDNF signaling could prevent calcitriol's ability to increase numbers of dopamine neurons. An apoptosis assay and cell birth dating experiment revealed that calcitriol increases the number of dopamine neurons through neuroprotection and not increased differentiation. This could have implications for future neuroprotective PD therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rowan P. Orme
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine and Department of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, England
| | | | - Rosemary A. Fricker
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine and Department of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, England
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, England
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Clearance and toxicity of recombinant methionyl human glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (r-metHu GDNF) following acute convection-enhanced delivery into the striatum. PLoS One 2013; 8:e56186. [PMID: 23526931 PMCID: PMC3603959 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0056186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Accepted: 01/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite promising early results, clinical trials involving the continuous delivery of recombinant methionyl human glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (r-metHuGDNF) into the putamen for the treatment of Parkinson's disease have shown evidence of poor distribution and toxicity due to point-source accumulation. Convection-enhanced delivery (CED) has the potential to facilitate more widespread and clinically effective drug distribution. AIMS We investigated acute CED of r-metHuGDNF into the striatum of normal rats in order to assess tissue clearance, toxicity (neuron loss, gliosis, microglial activation, and decreases in synaptophysin), synaptogenesis and neurite-outgrowth. We investigated a range of clinically relevant infused concentrations (0.1, 0.2, 0.6 and 1.0 µg/µL) and time points (2 and 4 weeks) in order to rationalise a dosing regimen suitable for clinical translation. RESULTS Two weeks after single dose CED, r-metHuGDNF was below the limit of detection by ELISA but detectable by immunohistochemistry when infused at low concentrations (0.1 and 0.2 µg/µL). At these concentrations, there was no associated neuronal loss (neuronal nuclei, NeuN, immunohistochemistry) or synaptic toxicity (synaptophysin ELISA). CED at an infused concentration of 0.2 µg/µL was associated with a significant increase in synaptogenesis (p<0.01). In contrast, high concentrations of r-metHuGDNF (above 0.6 µg/µL) were associated with neuronal and synaptic toxicity (p<0.01). Markers for gliosis (glial fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP) and microglia (ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1, Iba1) were restricted to the needle track and the presence of microglia had diminished by 4 weeks post-infusion. No change in neurite outgrowth (Growth associated protein 43, GAP43, mRNA) compared to artificial cerebral spinal fluid (aCSF) control was observed with any infused concentration. CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that acute CED of low concentrations of GDNF, with dosing intervals determined by tissue clearance, has most potential for effective clinical translation by optimising distribution and minimising the risk of toxic accumulation.
Collapse
|
20
|
Muñoz-Manchado AB, Villadiego J, Suárez-Luna N, Bermejo-Navas A, Garrido-Gil P, Labandeira-García JL, Echevarría M, López-Barneo J, Toledo-Aral JJ. Neuroprotective and reparative effects of carotid body grafts in a chronic MPTP model of Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Aging 2013; 34:902-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2012.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2011] [Revised: 03/19/2012] [Accepted: 06/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
|
21
|
Piccinini E, Kalkkinen N, Saarma M, Runeberg-Roos P. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor: characterization of mammalian posttranslational modifications. Ann Med 2013; 45:66-73. [PMID: 23305235 DOI: 10.3109/07853890.2012.663927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has a strong clinical potential, little is known of how the posttranslational modifications of GDNF affect its biological activity and therapeutic potential. In mammalian cells GDNF is synthesized as a preproprotein. During secretion GDNF dimerizes, folds with -S-S- bonds, is modified by N-linked glycosylation, and undergoes proteolytic processing. After production in E. coli, unglycosylated GDNF is renaturated in vitro. Nevertheless, GDNF from E. coli was used in Parkinson's disease-related clinical trials. MATERIAL AND METHODS Constructs encoding variants of human GDNF were generated and expressed in mammalian cells. The proteins were analysed by SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, RET-phosphorylation assays, and N-terminal sequencing. The stability of mammalian GDNF was compared to commercial GDNF produced in E. coli. RESULTS Posttranslational processing of mammalian GDNF depends on the expression conditions. Two forms of GDNF with different N-termini are formed. GDNF without a prosequence is secreted and biologically active. GDNF is modified by N-linked glycosylation at one (Asn(49)) out of two consensus sites. N-linked glycosylation aids proteolytic processing of GDNF. Both glycosylated and unglycosylated GDNF from mammalian cells are more stable than GDNF from E. coli. DISCUSSION Posttranslational modifications of GDNF influence its stability, which may be critical for its clinical use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Piccinini
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, PB 56 Viikinkaari 9, SF-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Datta-Mannan A, Yaden B, Krishnan V, Jones BE, Croy JE. An engineered human follistatin variant: insights into the pharmacokinetic and pharmocodynamic relationships of a novel molecule with broad therapeutic potential. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2012; 344:616-23. [PMID: 23249626 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.112.201491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Human follistatin is a regulatory glycoprotein with widespread biologic functions, including antiinflammatory activities, wound-healing properties, and muscle-stimulating effects. The role of follistatin in a wide range of biologic activities shows promise for potential clinical application, which has prompted considerable interest in the investigation of the protein as a potential disease-modifying agent. In spite of this potential, the development of follistatin as a broad use biotherapeutic has been severely hindered by a poor understanding and characterization of its pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationships. Therefore, to better define these relationships, we performed in-depth analyses of the PK/PD relationships of native follistatin-315 (FST315). Our data indicate that the intrinsic PK/PD properties of native FST315 are poorly suited for acting as a parentally administered biotherapeutic with broad systemic effects. Here, we leveraged protein engineering to modify the PK characteristics of the native molecule by fusing FST315 to a murine IgG(1) Fc and removing the intrinsic heparan sulfate-binding activity of follistatin. The engineered variant molecule had ~100- and ~1600-fold improvements in terminal half-life and exposure, respectively. In contrast to the native FST315, the variant showed a robust, dose-dependent pharmacological effect when administered subcutaneously on a weekly basis in mouse models of muscle atrophy and degeneration. These studies highlight the underappreciated and critical relationship between optimizing multiple physical and chemical properties of follistatin on its overall PK/PD profile. Moreover, our findings provide the first documented strategy toward the development of a follistatin therapeutic with potential use in patients affected with skeletal muscle diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amita Datta-Mannan
- Department of Drug Disposition Development/Commercialization, Lilly Research Laboratories, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Long P, Samnakay P, Jenner P, Rose S. A yeast two-hybrid screen reveals that osteopontin associates with MAP1A and MAP1B in addition to other proteins linked to microtubule stability, apoptosis and protein degradation in the human brain. Eur J Neurosci 2012; 36:2733-42. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2012.08189.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
24
|
Gombash SE, Lipton JW, Collier TJ, Madhavan L, Steece-Collier K, Cole-Strauss A, Terpstra BT, Spieles-Engemann AL, Daley BF, Wohlgenant SL, Thompson VB, Manfredsson FP, Mandel RJ, Sortwell CE. Striatal pleiotrophin overexpression provides functional and morphological neuroprotection in the 6-hydroxydopamine model. Mol Ther 2011; 20:544-54. [PMID: 22008908 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2011.216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophic factors are integrally involved in the development of the nigrostriatal system and in combination with gene therapy, possess great therapeutic potential for Parkinson's disease (PD). Pleiotrophin (PTN) is involved in the development, maintenance, and repair of the nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) system. The present study examined the ability of striatal PTN overexpression, delivered via psueudotyped recombinant adeno-associated virus type 2/1 (rAAV2/1), to provide neuroprotection and functional restoration from 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Striatal PTN overexpression led to significant neuroprotection of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive (THir) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and THir neurite density in the striatum, with long-term PTN overexpression producing recovery from 6-OHDA-induced deficits in contralateral forelimb use. Transduced striatal PTN levels were increased threefold compared to adult striatal PTN expression and approximated peak endogenous developmental levels (P1). rAAV2/1 vector exclusively transduced neurons within the striatum and SNpc with approximately half the total striatal volume routinely transduced using our injection parameters. Our results indicate that striatal PTN overexpression can provide neuroprotection for the 6-OHDA lesioned nigrostriatal system based upon morphological and functional measures and that striatal PTN levels similar in magnitude to those expressed in the striatum during development are sufficient to provide neuroprotection from Parkinsonian insult.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara E Gombash
- Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Hoffer BJ. Commentary on chronic infusion of CDNF prevents 6-OHDA-induced deficits in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. Merja H. Voutilainen et al. Exp Neurol 2011; 230:162-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2011.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2011] [Revised: 04/05/2011] [Accepted: 04/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
|
26
|
Enciu AM, Nicolescu MI, Manole CG, Mureşanu DF, Popescu LM, Popescu BO. Neuroregeneration in neurodegenerative disorders. BMC Neurol 2011; 11:75. [PMID: 21699711 PMCID: PMC3146817 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2377-11-75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2011] [Accepted: 06/23/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neuroregeneration is a relatively recent concept that includes neurogenesis, neuroplasticity, and neurorestoration - implantation of viable cells as a therapeutical approach. Discussion Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity are impaired in brains of patients suffering from Alzheimer's Disease or Parkinson's Disease and correlate with low endogenous protection, as a result of a diminished growth factors expression. However, we hypothesize that the brain possesses, at least in early and medium stages of disease, a "neuroregenerative reserve", that could be exploited by growth factors or stem cells-neurorestoration therapies. Summary In this paper we review the current data regarding all three aspects of neuroregeneration in Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Enciu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 050474, Romania
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Taravini IR, Chertoff M, Cafferata EG, Courty J, Murer MG, Pitossi FJ, Gershanik OS. Pleiotrophin over-expression provides trophic support to dopaminergic neurons in parkinsonian rats. Mol Neurodegener 2011; 6:40. [PMID: 21649894 PMCID: PMC3130680 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1326-6-40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2010] [Accepted: 06/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pleiotrophin is known to promote the survival and differentiation of dopaminergic neurons in vitro and is up-regulated in the substantia nigra of Parkinson's disease patients. To establish whether pleiotrophin has a trophic effect on nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons in vivo, we injected a recombinant adenovirus expressing pleiotrophin in the substantia nigra of 6-hydroxydopamine lesioned rats. Results The viral vector induced pleiotrophin over-expression by astrocytes in the substantia nigra pars compacta, without modifying endogenous neuronal expression. The percentage of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive cells as well as the area of their projections in the lesioned striatum was higher in pleiotrophin-treated animals than in controls. Conclusions These results indicate that pleiotrophin over-expression partially rescues tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive cell bodies and terminals of dopaminergic neurons undergoing 6-hydroxydopamine-induced degeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Re Taravini
- Laboratorio de Parkinson Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas (ININFA-CONICET-UBA), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Kelps KA, Turchan-Cholewo J, Hascup ER, Taylor TL, Gash DM, Gerhardt GA, Bradley LH. Evaluation of the physical and in vitro protective activity of three synthetic peptides derived from the pro- and mature GDNF sequence. Neuropeptides 2011; 45:213-8. [PMID: 21507484 PMCID: PMC3091812 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2011.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2011] [Revised: 03/21/2011] [Accepted: 03/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recently, a small 11-amino acid amidated peptide, dopamine neuron stimulating peptide-11 (DNSP-11), was shown to exert neurotrophic-like actions on primary dopaminergic neurons and in parkinsonian rat models. This suggests smaller neurotrophic-like molecules may be deliverable and modifiable for therapeutic use. Here we evaluate the molecular and cellular protection properties of DNSP-11 and two other amidated-peptides, a 5-mer (DNSP-5) and a 17-mer (DNSP-17), hypothesized to be endoproteolytically processed from the pro- and mature glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) protein sequence, respectively. Far-UV circular dichroism spectra show that the three DNSPs are soluble and act independently in vitro. Reverse phase HPLC and mass spectrometry analysis show that the three peptides are stable for one month at a variety of storage and experimental conditions. To gain insight into their biodistribution properties in the brain, we used affinity chromatography to show that DNSP-17 binds heparin equally as tight as GDNF, whereas DNSP-5 and DNSP-11 do not bind heparin, which should facilitate their delivery in vivo. Finally, we present data showing that DNSP-11 provides dose-dependent protection of HEK-293 cells from staurosporine and 3-nitropropionate (3-NP) cytotoxicity, thereby supporting its broad mitochondrial-protective properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen A. Kelps
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology and the Morris K. Udall Parkinson’s Disease Research Center of Excellence, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, U.S.A
| | - Jadwiga Turchan-Cholewo
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology and the Morris K. Udall Parkinson’s Disease Research Center of Excellence, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, U.S.A
| | - Erin R. Hascup
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology and the Morris K. Udall Parkinson’s Disease Research Center of Excellence, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, U.S.A
| | - Tiffany L. Taylor
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology and the Morris K. Udall Parkinson’s Disease Research Center of Excellence, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, U.S.A
| | - Don M. Gash
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology and the Morris K. Udall Parkinson’s Disease Research Center of Excellence, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, U.S.A
| | - Greg A. Gerhardt
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology and the Morris K. Udall Parkinson’s Disease Research Center of Excellence, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, U.S.A
| | - Luke H. Bradley
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology and the Morris K. Udall Parkinson’s Disease Research Center of Excellence, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, U.S.A
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biochemistry and the Center of Structural Biology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Bespalov MM, Sidorova YA, Tumova S, Ahonen-Bishopp A, Magalhães AC, Kulesskiy E, Paveliev M, Rivera C, Rauvala H, Saarma M. Heparan sulfate proteoglycan syndecan-3 is a novel receptor for GDNF, neurturin, and artemin. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 192:153-69. [PMID: 21200028 PMCID: PMC3019558 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201009136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Syndecan-3 may act alone or as a coreceptor with RET to promote cell spreading, neurite outgrowth, and migration of cortical neurons by GNDF, NRTN, and ARTN. Glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family ligands (GFLs) are potent survival factors for dopaminergic neurons and motoneurons with therapeutic potential for Parkinson’s disease. Soluble GFLs bind to a ligand-specific glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored coreceptor (GDNF family receptor α) and signal through the receptor tyrosine kinase RET. In this paper, we show that all immobilized matrix-bound GFLs, except persephin, use a fundamentally different receptor. They interact with syndecan-3, a transmembrane heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycan, by binding to its HS chains with high affinity. GFL–syndecan-3 interaction mediates both cell spreading and neurite outgrowth with the involvement of Src kinase activation. GDNF promotes migration of cortical neurons in a syndecan-3–dependent manner, and in agreement, mice lacking syndecan-3 or GDNF have a reduced number of cortical γ-aminobutyric acid–releasing neurons, suggesting a central role for the two molecules in cortical development. Collectively, syndecan-3 may directly transduce GFL signals or serve as a coreceptor, presenting GFLs to the signaling receptor RET.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maxim M Bespalov
- Institute of Biotechnology, Viikki Biocenter, and 2 Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Voutilainen MH, Bäck S, Peränen J, Lindholm P, Raasmaja A, Männistö PT, Saarma M, Tuominen RK. Chronic infusion of CDNF prevents 6-OHDA-induced deficits in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. Exp Neurol 2010; 228:99-108. [PMID: 21185834 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2010.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2010] [Revised: 12/10/2010] [Accepted: 12/12/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) and mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) constitute a novel, evolutionarily conserved family of neurotrophic factors (NTF) expressed in vertebrates and invertebrates. The effects of two-week infusions of CDNF, MANF and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) were studied in a rat 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) hemiparkinsonian model. Degeneration of nigrostriatal dopamine nerve tract after toxin injection was assessed by measuring amphetamine-induced rotational behavior, and at the end of the experiment by quantifying tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and TH-positive fibers in the striatum. The diffusion of the NTFs into the brain tissue following chronic infusion was also studied. Finally, we examined the transportation of intrastriatally injected (125)I-CDNF within the brain. The amphetamine-induced rotational behavior was gradually normalized in rats treated with CDNF for two weeks following the intrastriatal 6-OHDA injection. CDNF was also able to inhibit 6-OHDA-induced loss of TH-immunoreactive cells of the SNpc and TH-positive fibers in the striatum. MANF and GDNF had no statistically significant effect in any of the above measures. The volume of distribution for MANF in the striatum was significantly larger than that of GDNF after 3-day infusions. Both (125)I-CDNF and (125)I-GDNF were retrogradely transported from the striatum to the SN. No behavioral signs of toxicity were observed during treatment with the three NTFs. These results imply that CDNF may have potential as a neuroprotective or even neurorestorative therapy of PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Merja H Voutilainen
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, P.O. Box 56, Viikki Biocenter, University of Helsinki, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Young A, Assey KS, Sturkie CD, West FD, Machacek DW, Stice SL. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor enhances in vitro differentiation of mid-/hindbrain neural progenitor cells to dopaminergic-like neurons. J Neurosci Res 2010; 88:3222-32. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.22499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
|