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Zhou L, Xie M, Wang X, Xu R. The usage and advantages of several common amyotrophic lateral sclerosis animal models. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1341109. [PMID: 38595972 PMCID: PMC11002901 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1341109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal, multigenic, multifactorial neurodegenerative disease characterized by upper and lower motor neuron loss. Animal models are essential for investigating pathogenesis and reflecting clinical manifestations, particularly in developing reasonable prevention and therapeutic methods for human diseases. Over the decades, researchers have established a host of different animal models in order to dissect amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), such as yeast, worms, flies, zebrafish, mice, rats, pigs, dogs, and more recently, non-human primates. Although these models show different peculiarities, they are all useful and complementary to dissect the pathological mechanisms of motor neuron degeneration in ALS, contributing to the development of new promising therapeutics. In this review, we describe several common animal models in ALS, classified by the naturally occurring and experimentally induced, pointing out their features in modeling, the onset and progression of the pathology, and their specific pathological hallmarks. Moreover, we highlight the pros and cons aimed at helping the researcher select the most appropriate among those common experimental animal models when designing a preclinical ALS study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, National Regional Center for Neurological Diseases, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University Jiangxi Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Meng Xie
- Health Management Center, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, The Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xinxin Wang
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, National Regional Center for Neurological Diseases, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University Jiangxi Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Renshi Xu
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, National Regional Center for Neurological Diseases, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University Jiangxi Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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Zhu L, Li S, Li XJ, Yin P. Pathological insights from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis animal models: comparisons, limitations, and challenges. Transl Neurodegener 2023; 12:46. [PMID: 37730668 PMCID: PMC10510301 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00377-7] [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: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to dissect amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a multigenic, multifactorial, and progressive neurodegenerative disease with heterogeneous clinical presentations, researchers have generated numerous animal models to mimic the genetic defects. Concurrent and comparative analysis of these various models allows identification of the causes and mechanisms of ALS in order to finally obtain effective therapeutics. However, most genetically modified rodent models lack overt pathological features, imposing challenges and limitations in utilizing them to rigorously test the potential mechanisms. Recent studies using large animals, including pigs and non-human primates, have uncovered important events that resemble neurodegeneration in patients' brains but could not be produced in small animals. Here we describe common features as well as discrepancies among these models, highlighting new insights from these models. Furthermore, we will discuss how to make rodent models more capable of recapitulating important pathological features based on the important pathogenic insights from large animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longhong Zhu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Shihua Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xiao-Jiang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Peng Yin
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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Jiang X, Yi S, Liu Q, Su D, Li L, Xiao C, Zhang J. Asperosaponin VI ameliorates the CMS-induced depressive-like behaviors by inducing a neuroprotective microglial phenotype in hippocampus via PPAR-γ pathway. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:115. [PMID: 35610721 PMCID: PMC9131532 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02478-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The natural compound asperosaponin VI has shown potential as an antidepressant, but how it works is unclear. Here, we explored its effects on mice exposed to chronic mild stress (CMS) and the underlying molecular pathways. Methods Mice were exposed to CMS for 3 weeks followed by asperosaponin VI (40 mg/kg) or imipramine (20 mg/kg) for another 3 weeks. Depression-like behaviors were assessed in the forced swimming test (FST), sucrose preference test (SPT), tail suspension test (TST). Microglial phenotypes were evaluated using immunofluorescence staining, real-time quantitative PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in hippocampus of mice. In some experiments, stressed animals were treated with the PPAR-γ antagonist GW9662 to examine its involvement in the effects of asperosaponin VI. Blockade of PPAR-γ in asperosaponin VI-treated primary microglia in the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was executed synchronously. The nuclear transfer of PPAR-γ in microglia was detected by immunofluorescence staining in vitro and in vivo. A co-cultured model of neuron and microglia was used for evaluating the regulation of ASA VI on the microglia–neuron crosstalk molecules. Results Asperosaponin VI ameliorated depression-like behaviors of CMS mice based on SPT, TST and FST, and this was associated with a switch of hippocampal microglia from a pro-inflammatory (iNOS+-Iba1+) to neuroprotective (Arg-1+-Iba1+) phenotype. CMS reduced the expression levels of PPAR-γ and phosphorylated PPAR-γ in hippocampus, which asperosaponin VI partially reversed. GW9662 treatment prevented the nuclear transfer of PPAR-γ in asperosaponin VI-treated microglia and inhibited the induction of Arg-1+ microglia. Blockade of PPAR-γ signaling also abolished the ability of asperosaponin VI to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines while elevating anti-inflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus of CMS mice. The asperosaponin VI also promoted interactions between hippocampal microglia and neurons by enhancing CX3CL1/CX3CR1 and CD200/CD200R, and preserved synaptic function based on PSD95, CamKII β and GluA levels, but not in the presence of GW9662. Blockade of PPAR-γ signaling also abolished the antidepressant effects of asperosaponin VI in the SPT, TST and FST. Conclusion CMS in mice induces a pro-inflammatory microglial phenotype that causes reduced crosstalk between microglia and neuron, inflammation and synaptic dysfunction in the hippocampus, ultimately leading to depression-like behaviors. Asperosaponin VI may ameliorate the effects of CMS by inducing microglia to adopt a PPAR-γ-dependent neuroprotective phenotype. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-022-02478-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Jiang
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Resource Institute for Chinese and Ethnic Materia Medica, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China.,State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau, 999078, China
| | - Saini Yi
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Resource Institute for Chinese and Ethnic Materia Medica, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Qin Liu
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Resource Institute for Chinese and Ethnic Materia Medica, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Dapeng Su
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Resource Institute for Chinese and Ethnic Materia Medica, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Liangyuan Li
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Resource Institute for Chinese and Ethnic Materia Medica, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Chenghong Xiao
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Resource Institute for Chinese and Ethnic Materia Medica, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Jinqiang Zhang
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Resource Institute for Chinese and Ethnic Materia Medica, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China.
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Bonifacino T, Zerbo RA, Balbi M, Torazza C, Frumento G, Fedele E, Bonanno G, Milanese M. Nearly 30 Years of Animal Models to Study Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Historical Overview and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212236. [PMID: 34830115 PMCID: PMC8619465 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal, multigenic, multifactorial, and non-cell autonomous neurodegenerative disease characterized by upper and lower motor neuron loss. Several genetic mutations lead to ALS development and many emerging gene mutations have been discovered in recent years. Over the decades since 1990, several animal models have been generated to study ALS pathology including both vertebrates and invertebrates such as yeast, worms, flies, zebrafish, mice, rats, guinea pigs, dogs, and non-human primates. Although these models show different peculiarities, they are all useful and complementary to dissect the pathological mechanisms at the basis of motor neuron degeneration and ALS progression, thus contributing to the development of new promising therapeutics. In this review, we describe the up to date and available ALS genetic animal models, classified by the different genetic mutations and divided per species, pointing out their features in modeling, the onset and progression of the pathology, as well as their specific pathological hallmarks. Moreover, we highlight similarities, differences, advantages, and limitations, aimed at helping the researcher to select the most appropriate experimental animal model, when designing a preclinical ALS study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Bonifacino
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberta Arianna Zerbo
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Matilde Balbi
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Carola Torazza
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Giulia Frumento
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Ernesto Fedele
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Milanese
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Genoa, Italy
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5
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Liguori F, Amadio S, Volonté C. Where and Why Modeling Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22083977. [PMID: 33921446 PMCID: PMC8070525 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the years, researchers have leveraged a host of different in vivo models in order to dissect amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative/neuroinflammatory disease that is heterogeneous in its clinical presentation and is multigenic, multifactorial and non-cell autonomous. These models include both vertebrates and invertebrates such as yeast, worms, flies, zebrafish, mice, rats, guinea pigs, dogs and, more recently, non-human primates. Despite their obvious differences and peculiarities, only the concurrent and comparative analysis of these various systems will allow the untangling of the causes and mechanisms of ALS for finally obtaining new efficacious therapeutics. However, harnessing these powerful organisms poses numerous challenges. In this context, we present here an updated and comprehensive review of how eukaryotic unicellular and multicellular organisms that reproduce a few of the main clinical features of the disease have helped in ALS research to dissect the pathological pathways of the disease insurgence and progression. We describe common features as well as discrepancies among these models, highlighting new insights and emerging roles for experimental organisms in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Liguori
- Preclinical Neuroscience, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy; (F.L.); (S.A.)
| | - Susanna Amadio
- Preclinical Neuroscience, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy; (F.L.); (S.A.)
| | - Cinzia Volonté
- Preclinical Neuroscience, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy; (F.L.); (S.A.)
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science “A. Ruberti”, National Research Council (IASI—CNR), 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-50170-3084
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Zhang J, Rong P, Zhang L, He H, Zhou T, Fan Y, Mo L, Zhao Q, Han Y, Li S, Wang Y, Yan W, Chen H, You Z. IL4-driven microglia modulate stress resilience through BDNF-dependent neurogenesis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/12/eabb9888. [PMID: 33731342 PMCID: PMC7968840 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abb9888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus is regulated by specific microglia groups and functionally implicated in behavioral responses to stress. However, the role of microglia in hippocampal neurogenesis and stress resilience remains unclear. We identified interleukin 4 (IL4)-driven microglia characterized by high expression of Arg1, which is critical in maintaining hippocampal neurogenesis and stress resistance. Decreasing Arg1+ microglia in the hippocampus by knocking down the microglial IL4R suppressed hippocampal neurogenesis and enhanced stress vulnerability. Increasing Arg1+ microglia in the hippocampus by enhancing IL4 signaling restored hippocampal neurogenesis and the resilience to stress-induced depression. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was found necessary for the proneurogenesis effects of IL4-driven microglia. Together, our findings suggest that IL4-driven microglia in the hippocampus trigger BDNF-dependent neurogenesis responding to chronic stress, helping protect against depressive-like symptoms. These findings identify the modulation of a specific microglial phenotype as a treatment strategy for mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinqiang Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Peijing Rong
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Hui He
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yonghua Fan
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Li Mo
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Qiuying Zhao
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Yue Han
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Shaoyuan Li
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yifei Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wan Yan
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Huafu Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China.
| | - Zili You
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China.
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7
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Xia Y, Zhang Z, Lin W, Yan J, Zhu C, Yin D, He S, Su Y, Xu N, Caldwell RW, Yao L, Chen Y. Modulating microglia activation prevents maternal immune activation induced schizophrenia-relevant behavior phenotypes via arginase 1 in the dentate gyrus. Neuropsychopharmacology 2020; 45:1896-1908. [PMID: 32599605 PMCID: PMC7608378 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-0743-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal infection during pregnancy increases the risk for developing neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. This is linked to an inflammatory microglial phenotype in the offspring induced by maternal immune activation (MIA). Microglia are crucial for brain development and maintenance of neuronal niches, however, whether and how their activation is involved in the regulation of neurodevelopment remains unclear. Here, we used a MIA rodent model in which polyinosinic: polycytidylic acid (poly (I:C)) was injected into pregnant mice. We found fewer parvalbumin positive (PV+) cells and impaired GABAergic transmission in the dentate gyrus (DG), accompanied by schizophrenia-like behavior in the adult offspring. Minocycline, a potent inhibitor of microglia activation, successfully prevented the above-mentioned deficits in the offspring. Furthermore, by using microglia-specific arginase 1 (Arg1) ablation as well as overexpression in DG, we identified a critical role of Arg1 in microglia activation to protect against poly (I:C) imparted neuropathology and altered behavior in offspring. Taken together, our results highlight that Arg1-mediated alternative activation of microglia are potential therapeutic targets for psychiatric disorders induced by MIA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yucen Xia
- grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006 China
| | - Zhiqing Zhang
- grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006 China
| | - Weipeng Lin
- grid.22069.3f0000 0004 0369 6365Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics, Ministry of Education and Shanghai, School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062 China
| | - Jinglan Yan
- grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006 China
| | - Chuan’an Zhu
- grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006 China
| | - Dongmin Yin
- grid.22069.3f0000 0004 0369 6365Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics, Ministry of Education and Shanghai, School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062 China
| | - Su He
- grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006 China
| | - Yang Su
- grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006 China
| | - Nenggui Xu
- grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006 China
| | - Robert William Caldwell
- grid.410427.40000 0001 2284 9329Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912 USA
| | - Lin Yao
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China. .,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Yongjun Chen
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China. .,Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Guangzhou, 510515, China. .,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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8
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Barthélémy I, Hitte C, Tiret L. The Dog Model in the Spotlight: Legacy of a Trustful Cooperation. J Neuromuscul Dis 2020; 6:421-451. [PMID: 31450509 PMCID: PMC6918919 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-190394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Dogs have long been used as a biomedical model system and in particular as a preclinical proof of concept for innovative therapies before translation to humans. A recent example of the utility of this animal model is the promising myotubularin gene delivery in boys affected by X-linked centronuclear myopathy after successful systemic, long-term efficient gene therapy in Labrador retrievers. Mostly, this is due to unique features that make dogs an optimal system. The continuous emergence of spontaneous inherited disorders enables the identification of reliable complementary molecular models for human neuromuscular disorders (NMDs). Dogs’ characteristics including size, lifespan and unprecedented medical care level allow a comprehensive longitudinal description of diseases. Moreover, the highly similar pathogenic mechanisms with human patients yield to translational robustness. Finally, interindividual phenotypic heterogeneity between dogs helps identifying modifiers and anticipates precision medicine issues. This review article summarizes the present list of molecularly characterized dog models for NMDs and provides an exhaustive list of the clinical and paraclinical assays that have been developed. This toolbox offers scientists a sensitive and reliable system to thoroughly evaluate neuromuscular function, as well as efficiency and safety of innovative therapies targeting these NMDs. This review also contextualizes the model by highlighting its unique genetic value, shaped by the long-term coevolution of humans and domesticated dogs. Because the dog is one of the most protected research animal models, there is considerable opposition to include it in preclinical projects, posing a threat to the use of this model. We thus discuss ethical issues, emphasizing that unlike many other models, the dog also benefits from its contribution to comparative biomedical research with a drastic reduction in the prevalence of morbid alleles in the breeding stock and an improvement in medical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inès Barthélémy
- U955 - IMRB, Team 10 - Biology of the neuromuscular system, Inserm, UPEC, EFS, École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Christophe Hitte
- CNRS, University of Rennes 1, UMR 6290, IGDR, Faculty of Medicine, SFR Biosit, Rennes, France
| | - Laurent Tiret
- U955 - IMRB, Team 10 - Biology of the neuromuscular system, Inserm, UPEC, EFS, École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
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Toedebusch CM, Garcia VB, Snyder JC, Jones MR, Schulz DJ, Johnson GC, Villalón E, Coates JR, Garcia ML. Lumbar spinal cord microglia exhibited increased activation in aging dogs compared with young adult dogs. GeroScience 2019; 42:169-182. [PMID: 31828496 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-019-00133-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered microglia function contributes to loss of CNS homeostasis during aging in the brain. Few studies have evaluated age-related alterations in spinal cord microglia. We previously demonstrated that lumbar spinal cord microglial expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was equivalent between aging, neurologically normal dogs and dogs with canine degenerative myelopathy (Toedebusch et al. 2018, Mol Cell Neurosci. 88, 148-157). This unexpected finding suggested that microglia in aging spinal cord have a pro-inflammatory polarization. In this study, we reexamined our microglial results (Toedebusch et al. 2018, Mol Cell Neurosci. 88, 148-157) within the context of aging rather than disease by comparing microglia in aging versus young adult dogs. For both aging and young adult dogs, the density of microglia was significantly higher closest to the motor neuron cell body. However, there was no difference in densities between aging versus young adult dogs at all distances except for the furthest distance analyzed. The number of motor neurons with polarized microglia was higher in aging dogs; yet, the density per motor neuron of arginase-1-expressing microglia was reduced in aging dogs compared with young adult dogs. Finally, aging dogs had increased steady-state mRNA levels for genes consistent with activated microglia compared with young adult dogs. However, altered mRNA levels were limited to the lumbar spinal cord. These data suggested that aging dog spinal cord microglia exhibit regional immunophenotypic differences, which may render lumbar motor neurons more susceptible to age-related pathological insults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Toedebusch
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California - Davis, 2112 Tupper Hall, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Virginia B Garcia
- Division of Biological Sciences University of Missouri, 612 Hitt St, 117 Tucker Hall, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - John C Snyder
- Department of Statistics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Maria R Jones
- Division of Biological Sciences University of Missouri, 1200 University Avenue, 209A LeFevre Hall, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - David J Schulz
- Division of Biological Sciences University of Missouri, 612 Hitt St, 117 Tucker Hall, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Gayle C Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery University of Missouri, 800 E Campus Dr., Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Eric Villalón
- Division of Biological Sciences University of Missouri, 1200 University Avenue, 209A LeFevre Hall, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Joan R Coates
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery University of Missouri, 800 E Campus Dr., Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Michael L Garcia
- Division of Biological Sciences University of Missouri, 1200 University Avenue, 209A LeFevre Hall, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
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Zhou S, Guo X, Chen S, Xu Z, Duan W, Zeng B. Apelin-13 regulates LPS-induced N9 microglia polarization involving STAT3 signaling pathway. Neuropeptides 2019; 76:101938. [PMID: 31255353 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2019.101938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The process of neurodegenerative diseases has always been accompanied by neuroinflammatory response characterized by microglia activation. Two phenotypes of microglial polarization: the classically activated M1 type and the alternative activated M2 type, have been described. Although apelin-13 has been shown to have neuroprotective effects, its specific mechanism of anti-neuritis is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether apelin-13 can exert anti-neuroinflammatory effects by regulating the polarization of N9 microglia. MTT assay showed that 0.1 μM apelin-13 (24 h) and 2 μg/mL LPS (6 h) treatment had no significant effect on cell viability of N9 microglia. The combined treatment of Apelin-13 and LPS did not affect the viability of N9 microglia. N9 microglia were pretreated with 0.1 μM apelin-13 for 24 h, followed by incubation with LPS for 6 h. Morphological results indicated that apelin-13 (0.1 μM) inhibited LPS-induced N9 microglial activation as observed by smaller soma and slender process compared to LPS-treated group. Western blot confirmed that apelin-13 decreased the level of proinflammatory factor iNOS, IL-6 and up-regulated the level of anti-inflammatory factor arg-1 and IL-10 in N9 microglia. Flow cytometry revealed that apelin-13 inhibited the expression of M1 microglia activation marker CD86 and up-regulated the expression of M2 marker CD206. Furthermore, the data displayed that apelin-13 decreased the expression of p-STAT3 and the radio of p-STAT3/t-STAT3 in M1-type N9 microglia induced by LPS. In conclusion, our results indicated apelin-13 ameliorated neuroinflammation by shifting N9 microglial M1 polarization toward the M2 phenotype, the underlying mechanism of which may be related to STAT3 signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shouhong Zhou
- Department of Physiology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
| | - Xiaoxiao Guo
- Department of Physiology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Shanshan Chen
- Department of Physiology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Ziwei Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Wuxia Duan
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Bin Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
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Golubczyk D, Malysz-Cymborska I, Kalkowski L, Janowski M, Coates JR, Wojtkiewicz J, Maksymowicz W, Walczak P. The Role of Glia in Canine Degenerative Myelopathy: Relevance to Human Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:5740-5748. [PMID: 30674036 PMCID: PMC6614142 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-1488-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons and grim prognosis. Over the last decade, studies on neurodegenerative diseases pointed on the role of glia in supporting the proper function of neurons. Particularly, oligodendrocytes were shown to be essential through myelin production and supplying axons with energy metabolites via monocarboxylate transporters (MCT). We have used dogs with naturally occurring degenerative myelopathy (DM) which closely resembles features observed in human ALS. We have performed two types of analysis of spinal cord tissue samples: histology and molecular analysis. Histology included samples collected from dogs that succumbed to the DM at different disease stages, which were compared to age-matched controls as well as put in the context of young spinal cords. Molecular analysis was performed on spinal cords with advanced DM and age-matched samples and included real-time PCR analysis of selected gene products related to the function of neurons, oligodendrocytes, myelin, and MCT. Demyelination has been detected in dogs with DM through loss of eriochrome staining and decreased expression of genes related to myelin including MBP, Olig1, and Olig2. The prominent reduction of MCT1 and MCT2 and increased MCT4 expression is indicative of disturbed energy supply to neurons. While Rbfox3 expression was not altered, the ChAT production was negatively affected. DM in dogs reproduces main features of human ALS including loss of motor neurons, dysregulation of energy supply to neurons, and loss of myelin, and as such is an ideal model system for highly translational studies on therapeutic approaches for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Golubczyk
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Izabela Malysz-Cymborska
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Lukasz Kalkowski
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Miroslaw Janowski
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of NeuroRepair, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joan R Coates
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Joanna Wojtkiewicz
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Wojciech Maksymowicz
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Piotr Walczak
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland. .,Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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