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Zheng C, Li W, Ali T, Peng Z, Liu J, Pan Z, Feng J, Li S. Ibrutinib Delays ALS Installation and Increases Survival of SOD1 G93A Mice by Modulating PI3K/mTOR/Akt Signaling. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2023; 18:383-396. [PMID: 37326908 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-023-10068-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal multisystem degenerative disorder with minimal available therapeutic. However, some recent studies showed promising results of immunological-based treatment. Here, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ibrutinib against ALS-associated abnormalities by targeting inflammation and muscular atrophy. Ibrutinib was administrated orally to SOD1 G93A mice from 6 to 19 weeks for prophylactic administration and 13 to 19 weeks for therapeutic administration. Our results demonstrated that ibrutinib treatment significantly delayed ALS-like symptom onset in the SOD1 G93A mice, as shown by improved survival time and reduced behavioral impairments. Ibrutinib treatment significantly reduced muscular atrophy by increasing muscle/body weight and decreasing muscular necrosis. The ibrutinib treatment also considerably reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine production, IBA-1, and GFAP expression, possibly mediated by mTOR/Akt/Pi3k signaling in the medulla, motor cortex and spinal cord of the ALS mice. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that ibrutinib could delay ALS onset, increase survival time, and reduce ALS progression by targeting inflammation and muscular atrophy via mTOR/Akt/PI3K modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyou Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Weifen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Shenzhen key laboratory for endogenous infections, the 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science, Center. No 89, Taoyuan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518052, China
| | - Tahir Ali
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Ziting Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jieli Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zhengying Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jinxing Feng
- Department of Neonatology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Shupeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Campbell Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Kooshki L, Zarneshan SN, Fakhri S, Moradi SZ, Echeverria J. The pivotal role of JAK/STAT and IRS/PI3K signaling pathways in neurodegenerative diseases: Mechanistic approaches to polyphenols and alkaloids. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 112:154686. [PMID: 36804755 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are characterized by progressive neuronal dysfunctionality which results in disability and human life-threatening events. In recent decades, NDDs are on the rise. Besides, conventional drugs have not shown potential effectiveness to attenuate the complications of NDDs. So, exploring novel therapeutic agents is an urgent need to combat such disorders. Accordingly, growing evidence indicates that polyphenols and alkaloids are promising natural candidates, possessing several beneficial pharmacological effects against diseases. Considering the complex pathophysiological mechanisms behind NDDs, Janus kinase (JAK), insulin receptor substrate (IRS), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) seem to play critical roles during neurodegeneration/neuroregeneration. In this line, modulation of the JAK/STAT and IRS/PI3K signaling pathways and their interconnected mediators by polyphenols/alkaloids could play pivotal roles in combating NDDs, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), stroke, aging, multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), depression and other neurological disorders. PURPOSE Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective roles of polyphenols/alkaloids as multi-target natural products against NDDs which are critically passing through the modulation of the JAK/STAT and IRS/PI3K signaling pathways. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS A systematic and comprehensive review was performed to highlight the modulatory roles of polyphenols and alkaloids on the JAK/STAT and IRS/PI3K signaling pathways in NDDs, according to the PRISMA guideline, using scholarly electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and associated reference lists. RESULTS In the present study 141 articles were included from a total of 1267 results. The results showed that phenolic compounds such as curcumin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and quercetin, and alkaloids such as berberine could be introduced as new strategies in combating NDDs through JAK/STAT and IRS/PI3K signaling pathways. This is the first systematic review that reveals the correlation between the JAK/STAT and IRS/PI3K axis which is targeted by phytochemicals in NDDs. Hence, this review highlighted promising insights into the neuroprotective potential of polyphenols and alkaloids through the JAK/STAT and IRS/PI3K signaling pathway and interconnected mediators toward neuroprotection. CONCLUSION Amongst natural products, phenolic compounds and alkaloids are multi-targeting agents with the most antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects possessing the potential of combating NDDs with high efficacy and lower toxicity. However, additional reports are needed to prove the efficacy and possible side effects of natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Kooshki
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | | | - Sajad Fakhri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran.
| | - Seyed Zachariah Moradi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran; Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran
| | - Javier Echeverria
- Departamento de Ciencias del Ambiente, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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Zochodne DW. Growth factors and molecular-driven plasticity in neurological systems. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 196:569-598. [PMID: 37620091 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-98817-9.00017-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
It has been almost 70 years since the discovery of nerve growth factor (NGF), a period of a dramatic evolution in our understanding of dynamic growth, regeneration, and rewiring of the nervous system. In 1953, the extraordinary finding that a protein found in mouse submandibular glands generated a halo of outgrowing axons has now redefined our concept of the nervous system connectome. Central and peripheral neurons and their axons or dendrites are no longer considered fixed or static "wiring." Exploiting this molecular-driven plasticity as a therapeutic approach has arrived in the clinic with a slate of new trials and ideas. Neural growth factors (GFs), soluble proteins that alter the behavior of neurons, have expanded in numbers and our understanding of the complexity of their signaling and interactions with other proteins has intensified. However, beyond these "extrinsic" determinants of neuron growth and function are the downstream pathways that impact neurons, ripe for translational development and potentially more important than individual growth factors that may trigger them. Persistent and ongoing nuances in clinical trial design in some of the most intractable and irreversible neurological conditions give hope for connecting new biological ideas with clinical benefits. This review is a targeted update on neural GFs, their signals, and new therapeutic ideas, selected from an expansive literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas W Zochodne
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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4
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Senolytics: A Novel Strategy for Neuroprotection in ALS? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222112078. [PMID: 34769512 PMCID: PMC8584291 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222112078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive motor neurodegenerative disease that currently has no cure and has few effective treatments. On a cellular level, ALS manifests through significant changes in the proper function of astrocytes, microglia, motor neurons, and other central nervous system (CNS) cells, leading to excess neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Damage to the upper and lower motor neurons results in neural and muscular dysfunction, leading to death most often due to respiratory paralysis. A new therapeutic strategy is targeting glial cells affected by senescence, which contribute to motor neuron degeneration. Whilst this new therapeutic approach holds much promise, it is yet to be trialled in ALS-relevant preclinical models and needs to be designed carefully to ensure selectivity. This review summarizes the pathways involved in ALS-related senescence, as well as known senolytic agents and their mechanisms of action, all of which may inform strategies for ALS-focused drug discovery efforts.
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Mitra J, Hegde PM, Hegde ML. Loss of endosomal recycling factor RAB11 coupled with complex regulation of MAPK/ERK/AKT signaling in postmortem spinal cord specimens of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. Mol Brain 2019; 12:55. [PMID: 31196199 PMCID: PMC6567394 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-019-0475-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic abnormalities, perturbed endosomal recycling mediated by loss of the small GTPase RAB11, and neuroinflammatory signaling have been associated with multiple neurodegenerative diseases including the motor neuron disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This is consistent with the neuroprotective effect of RAB11 overexpression as well as of anti-inflammatory compounds. However, most studies were in animal models, and this phenomenon has not been demonstrated in human patients. Moreover, crosstalk between endosomal trafficking and inflammatory signaling pathways in ALS remains enigmatic. Here, we investigated RAB11 expression and MAPK/ERK/AKT signaling in 10 post-mortem spinal cord specimens from patients with sporadic ALS and age-matched controls. All 10 ALS patients showed TDP-43 pathology, whereas two specimens showed an overlapping FUS pathology and one had an acquired Q331K mutation in TDP-43. There was consistent RAB11 downregulation in all ALS cases, while p-AKT and phospho-ribosomal S6 kinase (p-p90RSK) were upregulated. Furthermore, competition between AKT and ERK pathways was observed in ALS, suggesting subtle differences among the TDP-43-ALS subtypes, which may influence patient therapeutic responses. Our findings demonstrate a complex regulation/perturbation pattern of signaling cascades involving MAPK/AKT/RAB11 in spinal cord tissue from ALS patients. These results underscore the relationships between ALS pathology, altered neuronal trafficking, and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Mitra
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Pavana M. Hegde
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Muralidhar L. Hegde
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030 USA
- Weill Medical College, New York, NY 10065 USA
- Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Institute of Academic Medicine, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX 77030 USA
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6
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Kefalakes E, Böselt S, Sarikidi A, Ettcheto M, Bursch F, Naujock M, Stanslowsky N, Schmuck M, Barenys M, Wegner F, Grothe C, Petri S. Characterizing the multiple roles of FGF-2 in SOD1 G93A ALS mice in vivo and in vitro. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:7395-7410. [PMID: 30370540 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that knockout of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and potential compensatory effects of other growth factors result in amelioration of disease symptoms in a transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a rapidly progressive neurological disorder leading to degeneration of cortical, brain stem, and spinal motor neurons followed by subsequent denervation and muscle wasting. Mutations in the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene are responsible for approximately 20% of familial ALS cases and SOD1 mutant mice still are among the models best mimicking clinical and neuropathological characteristics of ALS. The aim of the present study was a thorough characterization of FGF-2 and other growth factors and signaling effectors in vivo in the SOD1G93A mouse model. We observed tissue-specific opposing gene regulation of FGF-2 and overall dysregulation of other growth factors, which in the gastrocnemius muscle was associated with reduced downstream extracellular-signal-regulated kinases (ERK) and protein kinase B (AKT) activation. To further investigate whether the effects of FGF-2 on motor neuron death are mediated by glial cells, astrocytes lacking FGF-2 were cocultured together with mutant SOD1 G93A motor neurons. FGF-2 had an impact on motor neuron maturation indicating that astrocytic FGF-2 affects motor neurons at a developmental stage. Moreover, neuronal gene expression patterns showed FGF-2- and SOD1 G93A -dependent changes in ciliary neurotrophic factor, glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor, and ERK2, implying a potential involvement in ALS pathogenesis before the onset of clinical symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterini Kefalakes
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Sebastian Böselt
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Miren Ettcheto
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Research Networking Center in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Life Science, University of Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Franziska Bursch
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Maximilian Naujock
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Nancy Stanslowsky
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Schmuck
- DAVIS School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, California
| | - Marta Barenys
- GRET, INSA-UB and Toxicology Unit, Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Florian Wegner
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Claudia Grothe
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany.,Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
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Konopka A, Atkin JD. The Emerging Role of DNA Damage in the Pathogenesis of the C9orf72 Repeat Expansion in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19103137. [PMID: 30322030 PMCID: PMC6213462 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19103137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal, rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons, and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a behavioural disorder resulting in early-onset dementia. Hexanucleotide (G4C2) repeat expansions in the gene encoding chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) are the major cause of familial forms of both ALS (~40%) and FTD (~20%) worldwide. The C9orf72 repeat expansion is known to form abnormal nuclei acid structures, such as hairpins, G-quadruplexes, and R-loops, which are increasingly associated with human diseases involving microsatellite repeats. These configurations form during normal cellular processes, but if they persist they also damage DNA, and hence are a serious threat to genome integrity. It is unclear how the repeat expansion in C9orf72 causes ALS, but recent evidence implicates DNA damage in neurodegeneration. This may arise from abnormal nucleic acid structures, the greatly expanded C9orf72 RNA, or by repeat-associated non-ATG (RAN) translation, which generates toxic dipeptide repeat proteins. In this review, we detail recent advances implicating DNA damage in C9orf72-ALS. Furthermore, we also discuss increasing evidence that targeting these aberrant C9orf72 confirmations may have therapeutic value for ALS, thus revealing new avenues for drug discovery for this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Konopka
- Centre for MND Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Julie D Atkin
- Centre for MND Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia.
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8
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Vallarola A, Sironi F, Tortarolo M, Gatto N, De Gioia R, Pasetto L, De Paola M, Mariani A, Ghosh S, Watson R, Kalmes A, Bonetto V, Bendotti C. RNS60 exerts therapeutic effects in the SOD1 ALS mouse model through protective glia and peripheral nerve rescue. J Neuroinflammation 2018; 15:65. [PMID: 29495962 PMCID: PMC5833072 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-018-1101-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor neuromuscular system leading to complete paralysis and premature death. The multifactorial nature of ALS that involves both cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous processes contributes to the lack of effective therapies, usually targeted to a single pathogenic mechanism. RNS60, an experimental drug containing oxygenated nanobubbles generated by modified Taylor-Couette-Poiseuille flow with elevated oxygen pressure, has shown anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties in different experimental paradigms. Since RNS60 interferes with multiple cellular mechanisms known to be involved in ALS pathology, we evaluated its effect in in vitro and in vivo models of ALS. METHODS Co-cultures of primary microglia/spinal neurons exposed to LPS and astrocytes/spinal neurons from SOD1G93A mice were used to examine the effect of RNS60 or normal saline (NS) on the selective motor neuron degeneration. Transgenic SOD1G93A mice were treated with RNS60 or NS (300 μl/mouse intraperitoneally every other day) starting at the disease onset and examined for disease progression as well as pathological and biochemical alterations. RESULTS RNS60 protected motor neurons in in vitro paradigms and slowed the disease progression of C57BL/6-SOD1G93A mice through a significant protection of spinal motor neurons and neuromuscular junctions. This was mediated by the (i) activation of an antioxidant response and generation of an anti-inflammatory environment in the spinal cord; (ii) activation of the PI3K-Akt pro-survival pathway in the spinal cord and sciatic nerves; (iii) reduced demyelination of the sciatic nerves; and (iv) elevation of peripheral CD4+/Foxp3+ T regulatory cell numbers. RNS60 did not show the same effects in 129Sv-SOD1G93A mice, which are unable to activate a protective immune response. CONCLUSION RNS60 demonstrated significant therapeutic efficacy in C57BL/6-SOD1G93A mice by virtue of its effects on multiple disease mechanisms in motor neurons, glial cells, and peripheral immune cells. These findings, together with the excellent clinical safety profile, make RNS60 a promising candidate for ALS therapy and support further studies to unravel its molecular mechanism of action. In addition, the differences in efficacy of RNS60 in SOD1G93A mice of different strains may be relevant for identifying potential markers to predict efficacy in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Vallarola
- Molecular Neurobiology Lab, Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS - Mario Negri Institute, Via La Masa, 19, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Sironi
- Molecular Neurobiology Lab, Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS - Mario Negri Institute, Via La Masa, 19, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Tortarolo
- Molecular Neurobiology Lab, Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS - Mario Negri Institute, Via La Masa, 19, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Noemi Gatto
- Molecular Neurobiology Lab, Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS - Mario Negri Institute, Via La Masa, 19, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta De Gioia
- Molecular Neurobiology Lab, Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS - Mario Negri Institute, Via La Masa, 19, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Pasetto
- Translational Biomarkers Lab, Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, IRCCS - Mario Negri, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimiliano De Paola
- Analytical Biochemistry Lab, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, IRCCS- Mario Negri Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mariani
- Analytical Biochemistry Lab, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, IRCCS- Mario Negri Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Valentina Bonetto
- Translational Biomarkers Lab, Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, IRCCS - Mario Negri, Milan, Italy
| | - Caterina Bendotti
- Molecular Neurobiology Lab, Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS - Mario Negri Institute, Via La Masa, 19, 20156, Milan, Italy.
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Farg MA, Konopka A, Soo KY, Ito D, Atkin JD. The DNA damage response (DDR) is induced by the C9orf72 repeat expansion in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 26:2882-2896. [PMID: 28481984 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons. Hexanucleotide (GGGGCC) repeat expansions in a non-coding region of C9orf72 are the major cause of familial ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) worldwide. The C9orf72 repeat expansion undergoes repeat-associated non-ATG (RAN) translation to produce five dipeptide repeat proteins (DRPs), including poly(GR) and poly(PR). Whilst it remains unclear how mutations in C9orf72 lead to neurodegeneration in ALS/FTD, dysfunction to the nucleolus and R loop formation are implicated as pathogenic mechanisms. These events can damage DNA and hence genome integrity. Cells activate the DNA damage response (DDR) with the aim of repairing this damage. However, if the damage cannot be repaired, apoptosis is triggered. In lumbar motor neurons from C9orf72-positive ALS patients, we demonstrate significant up-regulation of markers of the DDR compared to controls: phosphorylated histone 2AX (γ-H2AX), phosphorylated ataxia telangiectasia mutated (p-ATM), cleaved poly (ADP-Ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) and tumour suppressor p53-binding protein (53BP1). Similarly, significant up-regulation of γ-H2AX and p-ATM was detected in neuronal cells expressing poly(GR)100 and poly(PR)100 compared to controls, revealing that DNA damage is triggered by the DRPs. Nucleophosmin (NPM1) is a histone chaperone induced during the DDR, which interacts with APE1 to enhance DNA repair. We also demonstrate that more NPM1 precipitates with APE1 in C9orf72 patients compared to controls. Furthermore, overexpression of NPM1 inhibits apoptosis in cells expressing poly(GR)100 and poly(PR)100. This study therefore demonstrates that DNA damage is activated by the C9orf72 repeat expansion in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal A Farg
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Anna Konopka
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, 2 Technology Place, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Kai Ying Soo
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Daisuke Ito
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Julie D Atkin
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, 2 Technology Place, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
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10
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Sironi F, Vallarola A, Violatto MB, Talamini L, Freschi M, De Gioia R, Capelli C, Agostini A, Moscatelli D, Tortarolo M, Bigini P, Introna M, Bendotti C. Multiple intracerebroventricular injections of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells delay motor neurons loss but not disease progression of SOD1G93A mice. Stem Cell Res 2017; 25:166-178. [PMID: 29154076 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell therapy is considered a promising approach in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) seem to be the most effective in ALS animal models. The umbilical cord (UC) is a source of highly proliferating fetal MSCs, more easily collectable than other MSCs. Recently we demonstrated that human (h) UC-MSCs, double labeled with fluorescent nanoparticles and Hoechst-33258 and transplanted intracerebroventricularly (ICV) into SOD1G93A transgenic mice, partially migrated into the spinal cord after a single injection. This prompted us to assess the effect of repeated ICV injections of hUC-MSCs on disease progression in SOD1G93A mice. Although no transplanted cells migrated to the spinal cord, a partial but significant protection of motor neurons (MNs) was found in the lumbar spinal cord of hUC-MSCs-treated SOD1G93A mice, accompanied by a shift from a pro-inflammatory (IL-6, IL-1β) to anti-inflammatory (IL-4, IL-10) and neuroprotective (IGF-1) environment in the lumbar spinal cord, probably linked to the activation of p-Akt survival pathway in both motor neurons and reactive astrocytes. However, this treatment neither prevented the muscle denervation nor delayed the disease progression of mice, emphasizing the growing evidence that protecting the motor neuron perikarya is not sufficient to delay the ALS progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Sironi
- Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Milano, Italy
| | - Antonio Vallarola
- Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Milano, Italy
| | - Martina Bruna Violatto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Milano, Italy
| | - Laura Talamini
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Milano, Italy
| | - Mattia Freschi
- Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Milano, Italy
| | - Roberta De Gioia
- Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Capelli
- USS Center of Cellular Therapy"G. Lanzani", ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Azzurra Agostini
- Department of Chemistry, Material and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Davide Moscatelli
- Department of Chemistry, Material and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Massimo Tortarolo
- Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo Bigini
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Milano, Italy
| | - Martino Introna
- USS Center of Cellular Therapy"G. Lanzani", ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Caterina Bendotti
- Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Milano, Italy.
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11
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Zhang H, Wang Y. Identification of molecular pathway changes after spinal cord injury by microarray analysis. J Orthop Surg Res 2016; 11:101. [PMID: 27628653 PMCID: PMC5024485 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-016-0437-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Spinal cord injury (SCI) is highly related to the devastating sensory and motor dysfunction. Methods The GSE45006 gene expression profile dataset was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus, which was collected from 24 rats including 20 animals with injured T7 spinal cords using an aneurysm clip impact-compression injury model and killed after 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 8 weeks and four sham-operated rats. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the injured rats at each time point and the sham-operated rats were screened. DEGs commonly detected throughout different time points were further identified, followed by comparing the expression level of these DEGs at each time point between the injured spinal cord samples and controls. Pathway enrichment analysis of the common DEGs was performed. Results The difference in the expression level of 416 common DEGs was significant between the injured spinal cord samples and the controls at each time point (P < 0.05), with the most significant difference 1 day after SCI. The common DEGs were enriched in three pathways, namely Fcγ R-mediated phagocytosis, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, and chemokine signaling pathway. AKT3 and RAC2 were enriched in all the three pathways; RAP1B in both MAPK signaling pathway and chemokine signaling pathway; and VAV1, LYN, and HCK in both Fcγ R-mediated phagocytosis and chemokine signaling pathway. Conclusions This study has confirmed the occurrence of neuronal death, inflammation, and neuronal regeneration after SCI. AKT3, RAC2, VAV1, RAP18, LYN, and HCK may have critical roles in the pathological responses to SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haocong Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The General Hospital of PLA, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The General Hospital of PLA, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China.
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12
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Ulivieri C, Savino MT, Luccarini I, Fanigliulo E, Aldinucci A, Bonechi E, Benagiano M, Ortensi B, Pelicci G, D'Elios MM, Ballerini C, Baldari CT. The Adaptor Protein Rai/ShcC Promotes Astrocyte-Dependent Inflammation during Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 197:480-90. [PMID: 27288534 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1502063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Th17 cells have been casually associated to the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease. We have previously demonstrated that Rai/ShcC, a member of the Shc family of adaptor proteins, negatively regulates Th17 cell differentiation and lupus autoimmunity. In this study, we have investigated the pathogenic outcome of the Th17 bias associated with Rai deficiency on multiple sclerosis development, using the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model. We found that, unexpectedly, EAE was less severe in Rai(-/-) mice compared with their wild-type counterparts despite an enhanced generation of myelin-specific Th17 cells that infiltrated into the CNS. Nevertheless, when adoptively transferred into immunodeficient Rai(+/+) mice, these cells promoted a more severe disease compared with wild-type encephalitogenic Th17 cells. This paradoxical phenotype was caused by a dampened inflammatory response of astrocytes, which were found to express Rai, to IL-17. The results provide evidence that Rai plays opposite roles in Th17 cell differentiation and astrocyte activation, with the latter dominant over the former in EAE, highlighting this adaptor as a potential novel target for the therapy of multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Ulivieri
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 2 53100, Siena, Italy;
| | | | | | | | | | - Elena Bonechi
- Department of Neurosciences, 6 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Marisa Benagiano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 3 50134 Florence, Italy; and
| | - Barbara Ortensi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, 16 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuliana Pelicci
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, 16 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Milco D'Elios
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 3 50134 Florence, Italy; and
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13
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Downregulated AEG-1 together with inhibited PI3K/Akt pathway is associated with reduced viability of motor neurons in an ALS model. Mol Cell Neurosci 2015; 68:303-13. [PMID: 26320681 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2015.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Revised: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) has been reported to regulate the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway and is also regulated by it. This study investigated how AEG-1 participates in the survival pathway of motor neurons in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We found reduced levels of AEG-1 in ALS motor neurons, both in vivo and in vitro, compared to wild type controls. Moreover, AEG-1 silencing demonstrated inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway and increased cell apoptosis. Additionally, the PI3K/Akt pathway in mSOD1 cells was unresponsive under serum deprivation conditions compared to wtSOD1 cells. These results suggest that AEG-1 deficiency, together with the inhibited PI3K/Akt pathway was associated with decreased viability of ALS motor neurons. However, the mRNA levels of AEG-1 were still lower in mSOD1 cells compared to the control groups, though the signaling pathway was activated by application of a PI3-K activator. This suggests that in ALS motor neurons, some unknown interruption exists in the PI3K/Akt/CREB/AEG-1 feedback loop, thus attenuating the protection by this signaling pathway. Together, these findings support that AEG-1 is a critical factor for cell survival, and the disrupted PI3K/Akt/CREB/AEG-1cycle is involved in the death of injured motor neurons and pathogenesis of ALS.
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14
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Meister S, Storck SE, Hameister E, Behl C, Weggen S, Clement AM, Pietrzik CU. Expression of the ALS-causing variant hSOD1(G93A) leads to an impaired integrity and altered regulation of claudin-5 expression in an in vitro blood-spinal cord barrier model. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2015; 35:1112-21. [PMID: 25853911 PMCID: PMC4640277 DOI: 10.1038/jcbfm.2015.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2014] [Revised: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive paralysis due to the loss of primary and secondary motor neurons. Mutations in the Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene are associated with familial ALS and to date numerous hypotheses for ALS pathology exist including impairment of the blood-spinal cord barrier. In transgenic mice carrying mutated SOD1 genes, a disrupted blood-spinal cord barrier as well as decreased levels of tight junction (TJ) proteins ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-5 were detected. Here, we examined TJ protein levels and barrier function of primary blood-spinal cord barrier endothelial cells of presymptomatic hSOD1(G93A) mice and bEnd.3 cells stably expressing hSOD1(G93A). In both cellular systems, we observed reduced claudin-5 levels and a decreased transendothelial resistance (TER) as well as an increased apparent permeability. Analysis of the β-catenin/AKT/forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) pathway and the FoxO1-regulated activity of the claudin-5 promoter revealed a repression of the claudin-5 gene expression in hSOD1(G93A) cells, which was depended on the phosphorylation status of FoxO1. These results strongly indicate that mutated SOD1 affects the expression and localization of TJ proteins leading to impaired integrity and breakdown of the blood-spinal cord barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Meister
- Institute for Pathobiochemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Steffen E Storck
- Institute for Pathobiochemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Erik Hameister
- Institute for Pathobiochemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Christian Behl
- Institute for Pathobiochemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sascha Weggen
- Department of Neuropathology, Heinrich Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Albrecht M Clement
- Institute for Pathobiochemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Claus U Pietrzik
- Institute for Pathobiochemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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15
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Ahn SW, Jeon GS, Kim MJ, Shon JH, Kim JE, Shin JY, Kim SM, Kim SH, Ye IH, Lee KW, Hong YH, Sung JJ. Neuroprotective effects of JGK-263 in transgenic SOD1-G93A mice of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol Sci 2014; 340:112-6. [PMID: 24680562 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2014.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2013] [Revised: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) activity plays a central role in motor neuron degeneration. GSK-3β inhibitors have been shown to prolong motor neuron survival and suppress disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of a new GSK-3b inhibitor, JGK-263, on ALS in G93A SOD1 transgenic mice. METHODS Previously, biochemical efficacy of JGK-263 was observed in normal and mutant (G93A) hSOD1-transfected motor neuronal cell lines (NSC34). Based on these previous results, we administered JGK-263 orally to 93 transgenic mice with the human G93A-mutated SOD1 gene. The mice were divided into three groups: a group administered 20mg/kg JGK-263, a group administered 50mg/kg JGK-263, and a control group not administered with JGK-263. Clinical status, rotarod test, and survival rates of transgenic mice with ALS were evaluated. Sixteen mice from each group were selected for further biochemical study that involved examination of motor neuron count, apoptosis, and cell survival signals. RESULTS JGK-263 administration remarkably improved motor function and prolonged the time until symptom onset, rotarod failure, and death in transgenic mice with ALS compared to control mice. In JGK-263 groups, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) staining in the ventral horn of the lower lumbar spinal cord showed a large number of motor neurons, suggesting normal morphology. The neuroprotective effects of JGK-263 in ALS mice were also suggested by western blot analysis of spinal cord tissues in transgenic mice. CONCLUSION These results suggest that JGK-263, an oral GSK-3β inhibitor, is promising as a novel therapeutic agent for ALS. Still, further biochemical studies on the underlying mechanisms and safety of JGK-263 are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suk-Won Ahn
- Department of Neurology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gye Sun Jeon
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Jin Kim
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee-Heun Shon
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee-Eun Kim
- Department of Neurology, Seoul Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Je-Young Shin
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Min Kim
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hyun Kim
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Hae Ye
- Division of New Drug Development, R&D Center, Jeil Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 117-1 Keungok-Ri, Baekam-Myun, Cheoin-Gu, Yongin-City, Kyunggi-Do 449-861, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Woo Lee
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon-Ho Hong
- Department of Neurology, Boramae Medical Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Joon Sung
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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16
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Peviani M, Salvaneschi E, Bontempi L, Petese A, Manzo A, Rossi D, Salmona M, Collina S, Bigini P, Curti D. Neuroprotective effects of the Sigma-1 receptor (S1R) agonist PRE-084, in a mouse model of motor neuron disease not linked to SOD1 mutation. Neurobiol Dis 2014; 62:218-32. [PMID: 24141020 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2013.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Revised: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of novel molecular targets crucially involved in motor neuron degeneration/survival is a necessary step for the development of hopefully more effective therapeutic strategies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. In this view, S1R, an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident receptor with chaperone-like activity, has recently attracted great interest. S1R is involved in several processes leading to acute and chronic neurodegeneration, including ALS pathology. Treatment with the S1R agonist PRE-084 improves locomotor function and motor neuron survival in presymptomatic and early symptomatic mutant SOD1-G93A ALS mice. Here, we tested the efficacy of PRE-084 in a model of spontaneous motor neuron degeneration, the wobbler mouse (wr) as a proof of concept that S1R may be regarded as a key therapeutic target also for ALS cases not linked to SOD1 mutation. Increased staining for S1R was detectable in morphologically spared cervical spinal cord motor neurons of wr mice both at early (6th week) and late (12th week) phases of clinical progression. S1R signal was also detectable in hypertrophic astrocytes and reactive microglia of wr mice. Chronic treatment with PRE-084 (three times a week, for 8weeks), starting at symptom onset, significantly increased the levels of BDNF in the gray matter, improved motor neuron survival and ameliorated paw abnormality and grip strength performance. In addition, the treatment significantly reduced the number of reactive astrocytes whereas, that of CD11b+ microglial cells was increased. A deeper evaluation of microglial markers revealed significant increased number of cells positive for the pan-macrophage marker CD68 and of CD206+ cells, involved in tissue restoration, in the white matter of PRE-084-treated mice. The mRNA levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were not affected by PRE-084 treatment. Thus, our results support pharmacological manipulation of S1R as a promising strategy to cure ALS and point to increased availability of growth factors and modulation of astrocytosis and of macrophage/microglia as part of the mechanisms involved in S1R-mediated neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Peviani
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", Laboratory of Cellular & Molecular Neuropharmacology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Eleonora Salvaneschi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", Laboratory of Cellular & Molecular Neuropharmacology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Leonardo Bontempi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", Laboratory of Cellular & Molecular Neuropharmacology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Petese
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", Laboratory of Cellular & Molecular Neuropharmacology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonio Manzo
- Rheumatology and Translational Immunology Research Laboratories (LaRIT), Division of Rheumatology, IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo Foundation/University of Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniela Rossi
- Department of Drug Science, Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mario Salmona
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Collina
- Department of Drug Science, Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paolo Bigini
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Curti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", Laboratory of Cellular & Molecular Neuropharmacology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
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Nawa M, Matsuoka M. KCTD20, a relative of BTBD10, is a positive regulator of Akt. BMC BIOCHEMISTRY 2013; 14:27. [PMID: 24156551 PMCID: PMC3827329 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2091-14-27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background BTBD10 binds to Akt and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and inhibits the PP2A-mediated dephosphorylation of Akt, thereby keeping Akt activated. Previous studies have suggested that BTBD10 plays an important role in preventing motor neuronal death and accelerating the growth of pancreatic beta cells. Because levels of BTBD10 expression are much lower in many non-nervous tissues than nervous tissues, there may be a relative of BTBD10 that has BTBD10-like function in non-neuronal cells. Results A 419-amino-acid BTBD10-like protein, named KCTD20 (potassium channel tetramerization protein domain containing 20), was to found to bind to all Akt isoforms and PP2A. Overexpression of KCTD20 increased Akt phosphorylation at Thr308, as BTBD10 did, which suggests that KCTD20 as well as BTBD10 positively regulates the function of Akt. KCTD20 was ubiquitously expressed in non-nervous as well as nervous tissues. Conclusions KCTD20 is a positive regulator of Akt and may play an important role in regulating the death and growth of some non-nervous and nervous cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Masaaki Matsuoka
- Department of Pharmacology, Tokyo Medical University, 6-1-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8042, Japan.
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18
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Peviani M, Tortarolo M, Battaglia E, Piva R, Bendotti C. Specific induction of Akt3 in spinal cord motor neurons is neuroprotective in a mouse model of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Mol Neurobiol 2013; 49:136-48. [PMID: 23873136 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-013-8507-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Accepted: 07/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Evidence is accumulating that an imbalance between pathways for degeneration or survival in motor neurons may play a central role in mechanisms that lead to neurodegeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We and other groups have observed that downregulation, or lack of induction, of the PI3K/Akt prosurvival pathway may be responsible for defective response of motor neurons to injury and their consequent cellular demise. Some of the neuroprotective effects mediated by growth factors may involve activation of Akt, but a proof of concept of Akt as a target for therapy is lacking. We demonstrate that specific expression of constitutively activated Akt3 in motor neurons through the use of the promoter of homeobox gene Hb9 prevents neuronal loss induced by SOD1.G93A both in vitro (in mixed neuron/astrocyte cocultures) and in vivo (in a mouse model of ALS). Inhibition of ASK1 and GSK3beta was involved in the neuroprotective effects of activated Akt3, further supporting the hypothesis that induction of Akt3 may be a key step in activation of pathways for survival in the attempt to counteract motor neuronal degeneration in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Peviani
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, via La Masa 19, 20156, Milan, Italy
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19
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Reduced expression of BTBD10, an Akt activator, leads to motor neuron death. Cell Death Differ 2012; 19:1398-407. [PMID: 22388351 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2012.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BTBD10, an Akt interactor, activates Akt by decreasing the protein phosphatase 2A-mediated dephosphorylation and inactivation of Akt. Overexpression of BTBD10 suppresses motor neuron death that is induced by a familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-linked superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) mutant, G93A-SOD1 in vitro. In this study, we further investigated the BTBD10-mediated suppression of motor neuron death. We found that the small interfering RNA-mediated inhibition of BTBD10 expression led to the death of cultured motor neurons. In Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), disruption of the btbd-10 gene caused not only loss of neurons, including both motor and touch-receptor neurons, but also a locomotion defect. In addition, we found that the expression of BTBD10 was generally decreased in the motor neurons from patients of sporadic ALS and transgenic mice overexpressing G93A-SOD1 (G93A-SOD1-transgenic mice). Collectively, these results suggest that the reduced expression of BTBD10 leads to motor neuron death both in vitro and in vivo.
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20
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Brief review of the role of glycogen synthase kinase-3β in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurol Res Int 2011; 2011:205761. [PMID: 21603026 PMCID: PMC3096311 DOI: 10.1155/2011/205761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2010] [Accepted: 01/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) is known to affect a diverse range of biological functions controlling gene expression, cellular architecture, and apoptosis. GSK-3β has recently been identified as one of the important pathogenic mechanisms in motor neuronal death related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Therefore, the development of methods to control GSK-3β could be helpful in postponing the symptom progression of ALS. Here we discuss the known roles of GSK-3β in motor neuronal cell death in ALS and the possibility of employing GSK-3β modulators as a new therapeutic strategy.
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21
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Steinacker P, Hawlik A, Lehnert S, Jahn O, Meier S, Görz E, Braunstein KE, Krzovska M, Schwalenstöcker B, Jesse S, Pröpper C, Böckers T, Ludolph A, Otto M. Neuroprotective function of cellular prion protein in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2010; 176:1409-20. [PMID: 20075202 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2010.090355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Transgenic mice expressing human mutated superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) linked to familial forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are frequently used as a disease model. We used the SOD1G93A mouse in a cross-breeding strategy to study the function of physiological prion protein (Prp). SOD1G93APrp-/- mice exhibited a significantly reduced life span, and an earlier onset and accelerated progression of disease, as compared with SOD1G93APrp+/+ mice. Additionally, during disease progression, SOD1G93APrp-/- mice showed impaired rotarod performance, lower body weight, and reduced muscle strength. Histologically, SOD1G93APrp-/- mice showed reduced numbers of spinal cord motor neurons and extended areas occupied by large vacuoles early in the course of the disease. Analysis of spinal cord homogenates revealed no differences in SOD1 activity. Using an unbiased proteomic approach, a marked reduction of glial fibrillary acidic protein and enhanced levels of collapsing response mediator protein 2 and creatine kinase were detected in SOD1G93APrp-/- versus SOD1G93A mice. In the course of disease, Bcl-2 decreases, nuclear factor-kappaB increases, and Akt is activated, but these changes were largely unaffected by Prp expression. Exclusively in double-transgenic mice, we detected a significant increase in extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 activation at clinical onset. We propose that Prp has a beneficial role in the SOD1G93A amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mouse model by influencing neuronal and/or glial factors involved in antioxidative defense, rather than anti-apoptotic signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Steinacker
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Steinhovelstr.1, 89075 Ulm, Germany
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22
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Lunn JS, Sakowski SA, Kim B, Rosenberg AA, Feldman EL. Vascular endothelial growth factor prevents G93A-SOD1-induced motor neuron degeneration. Dev Neurobiol 2009; 69:871-84. [PMID: 19672955 PMCID: PMC2853013 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.20747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder characterized by selective loss of motor neurons (MNs). Twenty percent of familial ALS cases are associated with mutations in Cu(2+)/Zn(2+) superoxide dismutase (SOD1). To specifically understand the cellular mechanisms underlying mutant SOD1 toxicity, we have established an in vitro model of ALS using rat primary MN cultures transfected with an adenoviral vector encoding a mutant SOD1, G93A-SOD1. Transfected cells undergo axonal degeneration and alterations in biochemical responses characteristic of cell death such as activation of caspase-3. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an angiogenic and neuroprotective growth factor that can increase axonal outgrowth, block neuronal apoptosis, and promote neurogenesis. Decreased VEGF gene expression in mice results in a phenotype similar to that seen in patients with ALS, thus linking loss of VEGF to the pathogenesis of MN degeneration. Decreased neurotrophic signals prior to and during disease progression may increase MN susceptibility to mutant SOD1-induced toxicity. In this study, we demonstrate a decrease in VEGF and VEGFR2 levels in the spinal cord of G93A-SOD1 ALS mice. Furthermore, in isolated MN cultures, VEGF alleviates the effects of G93A-SOD1 toxicity and neuroprotection involves phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling. Overall, these studies validate the usefulness of VEGF as a potential therapeutic factor for the treatment of ALS and give valuable insight into the responsible signaling pathways and mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Simon Lunn
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Stacey A. Sakowski
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Bhumsoo Kim
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Eva L. Feldman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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