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Chen KS, Koubek EJ, Sakowski SA, Feldman EL. Stem cell therapeutics and gene therapy for neurologic disorders. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00427. [PMID: 39096590 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Rapid advances in biological knowledge and technological innovation have greatly advanced the fields of stem cell and gene therapies to combat a broad spectrum of neurologic disorders. Researchers are currently exploring a variety of stem cell types (e.g., embryonic, progenitor, induced pluripotent) and various transplantation strategies, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Similarly, various gene modification techniques (zinc finger, TALENs, CRISPR-Cas9) are employed with various delivery vectors to modify underlying genetic contributors to neurologic disorders. While these two individual fields continue to blaze new trails, it is the combination of these technologies which enables genetically engineered stem cells and vastly increases investigational and therapeutic opportunities. The capability to culture and expand stem cells outside the body, along with their potential to correct genetic abnormalities in patient-derived cells or enhance cells with extra gene products, unleashes the full biological potential for innovative, multifaceted approaches to treat complex neurological disorders. In this review, we provide an overview of stem cell and gene therapies in the context of neurologic disorders, highlighting recent advances and current shortcomings, and discuss prospects for future therapies in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin S Chen
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Emily J Koubek
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Stacey A Sakowski
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Eva L Feldman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Ataei B, Hokmabadi M, Asadi S, Asadifard E, Aghaei Zarch SM, Najafi S, Bagheri-Mohammadi S. A review of the advances, insights, and prospects of gene therapy for Alzheimer's disease: A novel target for therapeutic medicine. Gene 2024; 912:148368. [PMID: 38485038 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148368] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) are still an important issue for scientists because it is difficult to cure with the available molecular medications and conventional treatments. Due to the complex nature of the brain structures and heterogeneous morphological and physiological properties of neuronal cells, interventions for cerebral-related disorders using surgical approaches, and classical and ongoing treatments remain hard for physicians. Furthermore, the development of newly designed medications attempts to target AD are not successful in improving AD, because abnormalities of tau protein, aggregation of amyloid β (Aβ) peptide, inflammatory responses, etc lead to advanced neurodegeneration processes that conventional treatments cannot stop them. In recent years, novel diagnostic strategies and therapeutic approaches have been developed to identify and cure early pathological events of AD. Accordingly, many gene-based therapies have been developed and introduce the therapeutic potential to prevent and cure AD. On the other hand, genetic investigations and postmortem assessments have detected a large number of factors associated with AD pathology. Also, genetically diverse animal models of AD help us to detect and prioritize novel resilience mechanisms. Hence, gene therapy can be considered an effective and powerful tool to identify and treat human diseases. Ultimately, gene study and gene-based therapy with a critical role in the detection and cure of various human disorders will have a fundamental role in our lives forever. This scientific review paper discusses the present status of different therapeutic strategies, particularly gene-based therapy in treating AD, along with its challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahar Ataei
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Basic Science, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mahsa Hokmabadi
- Department of Molecular Diagnosis, Armin Pathobiology and Medical Genetics Laboratory, Tehran, Iran; Medical Genomics Research Center, Tehran Medical Sciences Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Asadi
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Elnaz Asadifard
- Medical Genomics Research Center, Tehran Medical Sciences Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohsen Aghaei Zarch
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sajad Najafi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Saeid Bagheri-Mohammadi
- Department of Paramedicine, Amol School of Paramedical Sciences, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Immunogenetics Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
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Kumari S, Kamiya A, Karnik SS, Rohilla S, Dubey SK, Taliyan R. Novel Gene Therapy Approaches for Targeting Neurodegenerative Disorders: Focusing on Delivering Neurotrophic Genes. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04260-y. [PMID: 38856793 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04260-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative illnesses (NDDs) like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, and Huntington's disease have demonstrated considerable potential for gene therapy as a viable therapeutic intervention. NDDs are marked by the decline of neurons, resulting in changes in both behavior and pathology within the body. Strikingly, only symptomatic management is available without a cure for the NDDs. There is an unmet need for a permanent therapeutic approach. Many studies have been going on to target the newer therapeutic molecular targets for NDDs including gene-based therapy. Gene therapy has the potential to provide therapeutic benefits to a large number of patients with NDDs by offering mechanisms including neuroprotection, neuro-restoration, and rectification of pathogenic pathways. Gene therapy is a medical approach that aims to modify the biological characteristics of living cells by controlling the expression of specific genes in certain neurological disorders. Despite being the most complex and well-protected organ in the human body, there is clinical evidence to show that it is possible to specifically target the central nervous system (CNS). This provides hope for the prospective application of gene therapy in treating NDDs in the future. There are several advanced techniques available for using viral or non-viral vectors to deliver the therapeutic gene to the afflicted region. Neurotrophic factors (NTF) in the brain are crucial for the development, differentiation, and survival of neurons in the CNS, making them important in the context of various neurological illnesses. Gene delivery of NTF has the potential to be used as a therapeutic approach for the treatment of neurological problems in the brain. This review primarily focuses on the methodologies employed for delivering the genes of different NTFs to treat neurological disorders. These techniques are currently being explored as a viable therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases. The article exclusively addresses gene delivery approaches and does not cover additional therapy strategies for NDDs. Gene therapy offers a promising alternative treatment for NDDs by stimulating neuronal growth instead of solely relying on symptom relief from drugs and their associated adverse effects. It can serve as a long-lasting and advantageous treatment choice for the management of NDDs. The likelihood of developing NDDs increases with age as a result of neuronal degradation in the brain. Gene therapy is an optimal approach for promoting neuronal growth through the introduction of nerve growth factor genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shobha Kumari
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Senior Research Fellow (ICMR-SRF), Neuropsychopharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Campus, Pilani, 333031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Aayush Kamiya
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Senior Research Fellow (ICMR-SRF), Neuropsychopharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Campus, Pilani, 333031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Sanika Sanjay Karnik
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Senior Research Fellow (ICMR-SRF), Neuropsychopharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Campus, Pilani, 333031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Sumedha Rohilla
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Senior Research Fellow (ICMR-SRF), Neuropsychopharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Campus, Pilani, 333031, Rajasthan, India
| | | | - Rajeev Taliyan
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Senior Research Fellow (ICMR-SRF), Neuropsychopharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Campus, Pilani, 333031, Rajasthan, India.
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Bäckström T, Doverskog M, Blackburn TP, Scharschmidt BF, Felipo V. Allopregnanolone and its antagonist modulate neuroinflammation and neurological impairment. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 161:105668. [PMID: 38608826 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105668] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation accompanies several brain disorders, either as a secondary consequence or as a primary cause and may contribute importantly to disease pathogenesis. Neurosteroids which act as Positive Steroid Allosteric GABA-A receptor Modulators (Steroid-PAM) appear to modulate neuroinflammation and their levels in the brain may vary because of increased or decreased local production or import from the systemic circulation. The increased synthesis of steroid-PAMs is possibly due to increased expression of the mitochondrial cholesterol transporting protein (TSPO) in neuroinflammatory tissue, and reduced production may be due to changes in the enzymatic activity. Microglia and astrocytes play an important role in neuroinflammation, and their production of inflammatory mediators can be both activated and inhibited by steroid-PAMs and GABA. What is surprising is the finding that both allopregnanolone, a steroid-PAM, and golexanolone, a novel GABA-A receptor modulating steroid antagonist (GAMSA), can inhibit microglia and astrocyte activation and normalize their function. This review focuses on the role of steroid-PAMs in neuroinflammation and their importance in new therapeutic approaches to CNS and liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
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Duarte-Silva S, Da Silva JD, Monteiro-Fernandes D, Costa MD, Neves-Carvalho A, Raposo M, Soares-Cunha C, Correia JS, Nogueira-Goncalves G, Fernandes HS, Oliveira S, Ferreira-Fernandes AR, Rodrigues F, Pereira-Sousa J, Vilasboas-Campos D, Guerreiro S, Campos J, Meireles-Costa L, Rodrigues CM, Cabantous S, Sousa SF, Lima M, Teixeira-Castro A, Maciel P. Glucocorticoid receptor-dependent therapeutic efficacy of tauroursodeoxycholic acid in preclinical models of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e162246. [PMID: 38227368 PMCID: PMC10904051 DOI: 10.1172/jci162246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is an adult-onset neurodegenerative disease caused by a polyglutamine expansion in the ataxin-3 (ATXN3) gene. No effective treatment is available for this disorder, other than symptom-directed approaches. Bile acids have shown therapeutic efficacy in neurodegenerative disease models. Here, we pinpointed tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) as an efficient therapeutic, improving the motor and neuropathological phenotype of SCA3 nematode and mouse models. Surprisingly, transcriptomic and functional in vivo data showed that TUDCA acts in neuronal tissue through the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), but independently of its canonical receptor, the farnesoid X receptor (FXR). TUDCA was predicted to bind to the GR, in a similar fashion to corticosteroid molecules. GR levels were decreased in disease-affected brain regions, likely due to increased protein degradation as a consequence of ATXN3 dysfunction being restored by TUDCA treatment. Analysis of a SCA3 clinical cohort showed intriguing correlations between the peripheral expression of GR and the predicted age at disease onset in presymptomatic subjects and FKBP5 expression with disease progression, suggesting this pathway as a potential source of biomarkers for future study. We have established a novel in vivo mechanism for the neuroprotective effects of TUDCA in SCA3 and propose this readily available drug for clinical trials in SCA3 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Duarte-Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Jorge Diogo Da Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Medical Genetics Center Dr. Jacinto de Magalhães, Santo António University Hospital Center, Porto, Portugal
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute, Porto University, Porto, Portugal
| | - Daniela Monteiro-Fernandes
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Marta Daniela Costa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Andreia Neves-Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Raposo
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade dos Açores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Carina Soares-Cunha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Joana S. Correia
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo Nogueira-Goncalves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Henrique S. Fernandes
- UCIBIO – Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, BioSIM – Departamento de Biomedicina and
- Associate Laboratory i4HB – Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Stephanie Oliveira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Ferreira-Fernandes
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Fernando Rodrigues
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Joana Pereira-Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Daniela Vilasboas-Campos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Sara Guerreiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Jonas Campos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Liliana Meireles-Costa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Cecilia M.P. Rodrigues
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Stephanie Cabantous
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse (CRCT), Inserm, Université de Toulouse, UPS, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Sergio F. Sousa
- UCIBIO – Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, BioSIM – Departamento de Biomedicina and
- Associate Laboratory i4HB – Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuela Lima
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade dos Açores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Andreia Teixeira-Castro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Patricia Maciel
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
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Firdaus Z, Li X. Unraveling the Genetic Landscape of Neurological Disorders: Insights into Pathogenesis, Techniques for Variant Identification, and Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2320. [PMID: 38396996 PMCID: PMC10889342 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic abnormalities play a crucial role in the development of neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs). Genetic exploration has indeed contributed to unraveling the molecular complexities responsible for the etiology and progression of various NDDs. The intricate nature of rare and common variants in NDDs contributes to a limited understanding of the genetic risk factors associated with them. Advancements in next-generation sequencing have made whole-genome sequencing and whole-exome sequencing possible, allowing the identification of rare variants with substantial effects, and improving the understanding of both Mendelian and complex neurological conditions. The resurgence of gene therapy holds the promise of targeting the etiology of diseases and ensuring a sustained correction. This approach is particularly enticing for neurodegenerative diseases, where traditional pharmacological methods have fallen short. In the context of our exploration of the genetic epidemiology of the three most prevalent NDDs-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease, our primary goal is to underscore the progress made in the development of next-generation sequencing. This progress aims to enhance our understanding of the disease mechanisms and explore gene-based therapies for NDDs. Throughout this review, we focus on genetic variations, methodologies for their identification, the associated pathophysiology, and the promising potential of gene therapy. Ultimately, our objective is to provide a comprehensive and forward-looking perspective on the emerging research arena of NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeba Firdaus
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Xiaogang Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Nayab DE, Din FU, Ali H, Kausar WA, Urooj S, Zafar M, Khan I, Shabbir K, Khan GM. Nano biomaterials based strategies for enhanced brain targeting in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases: an up-to-date perspective. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:477. [PMID: 38087359 PMCID: PMC10716964 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02250-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurons and their connecting axons gradually degenerate in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), leading to dysfunctionality of the neuronal cells and eventually their death. Drug delivery for the treatment of effected nervous system is notoriously complicated because of the presence of natural barriers, i.e., the blood-brain barrier and the blood cerebrospinal fluid barrier. Palliative care is currently the standard care for many diseases. Therefore, treatment programs that target the disease's origin rather than its symptoms are recommended. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery platforms offer an innovative way to circumvent these obstacles and deliver medications directly to the central nervous system, thereby enabling treatment of several common neurological problems, i.e., Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Interestingly, the combination of nanomedicine and gene therapy enables targeting of selective mutant genes responsible for the progression of NDs, which may provide a much-needed boost in the struggle against these diseases. Herein, we discussed various central nervous system delivery obstacles, followed by a detailed insight into the recently developed techniques to restore neurological function via the differentiation of neural stem cells. Moreover, a comprehensive background on the role of nanomedicine in controlling neurogenesis via differentiation of neural stem cells is explained. Additionally, numerous phytoconstituents with their neuroprotective properties and molecular targets in the identification and management of NDs are also deliberated. Furthermore, a detailed insight of the ongoing clinical trials and currently marketed products for the treatment of NDs is provided in this manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dur E Nayab
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Fakhar Ud Din
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan.
- Nanomedicine Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid- i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan.
| | - Hussain Ali
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan.
| | - Warda Arooj Kausar
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Shaiza Urooj
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
- Nanomedicine Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid- i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Maryam Zafar
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Ibrahim Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Kanwal Shabbir
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
- Nanomedicine Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid- i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Gul Majid Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
- Nanomedicine Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid- i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
- Islamia College University, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
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8
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Cáceres C, Heusser B, Garnham A, Moczko E. The Major Hypotheses of Alzheimer's Disease: Related Nanotechnology-Based Approaches for Its Diagnosis and Treatment. Cells 2023; 12:2669. [PMID: 38067098 PMCID: PMC10705786 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a well-known chronic neurodegenerative disorder that leads to the progressive death of brain cells, resulting in memory loss and the loss of other critical body functions. In March 2019, one of the major pharmaceutical companies and its partners announced that currently, there is no drug to cure AD, and all clinical trials of the new ones have been cancelled, leaving many people without hope. However, despite the clear message and startling reality, the research continued. Finally, in the last two years, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first-ever medications to treat Alzheimer's, aducanumab and lecanemab. Despite researchers' support of this decision, there are serious concerns about their effectiveness and safety. The validation of aducanumab by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is still pending, and lecanemab was authorized without considering data from the phase III trials. Furthermore, numerous reports suggest that patients have died when undergoing extended treatment. While there is evidence that aducanumab and lecanemab may provide some relief to those suffering from AD, their impact remains a topic of ongoing research and debate within the medical community. The fact is that even though there are considerable efforts regarding pharmacological treatment, no definitive cure for AD has been found yet. Nevertheless, it is strongly believed that modern nanotechnology holds promising solutions and effective clinical strategies for the development of diagnostic tools and treatments for AD. This review summarizes the major hallmarks of AD, its etiological mechanisms, and challenges. It explores existing diagnostic and therapeutic methods and the potential of nanotechnology-based approaches for recognizing and monitoring patients at risk of irreversible neuronal degeneration. Overall, it provides a broad overview for those interested in the evolving areas of clinical neuroscience, AD, and related nanotechnology. With further research and development, nanotechnology-based approaches may offer new solutions and hope for millions of people affected by this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ewa Moczko
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Viña del Mar 2562307, Chile; (C.C.)
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Yue NN, Xu HM, Xu J, Zhu MZ, Zhang Y, Tian CM, Nie YQ, Yao J, Liang YJ, Li DF, Wang LS. Therapeutic potential of gene therapy for gastrointestinal diseases: Advancements and future perspectives. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 30:193-215. [PMID: 37663132 PMCID: PMC10471515 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2023.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Advancements in understanding the pathogenesis mechanisms underlying gastrointestinal diseases, encompassing inflammatory bowel disease, gastrointestinal cancer, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, have led to the identification of numerous novel therapeutic targets. These discoveries have opened up exciting possibilities for developing gene therapy strategies to treat gastrointestinal diseases. These strategies include gene replacement, gene enhancement, gene overexpression, gene function blocking, and transgenic somatic cell transplantation. In this review, we introduce the important gene therapy targets and targeted delivery systems within the field of gastroenterology. Furthermore, we provide a comprehensive overview of recent progress in gene therapy related to gastrointestinal disorders and shed light on the application of innovative gene-editing technologies in treating these conditions. These developments are fueling a revolution in the management of gastrointestinal diseases. Ultimately, we discuss the current challenges (particularly regarding safety, oral efficacy, and cost) and explore potential future directions for implementing gene therapy in the clinical settings for gastrointestinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning-ning Yue
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University), Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Hao-ming Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Min-zheng Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Medical Administration, Huizhou Institute of Occupational Diseases Control and Prevention, Huizhou, Guangdong 516000, China
| | - Cheng-Mei Tian
- Department of Emergency, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Yu-qiang Nie
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Jun Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Yu-jie Liang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - De-feng Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Li-sheng Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518000, China
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10
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Sun H, Xu L, Wang K, Li Y, Bai T, Dong S, Wu H, Yao Z. κ-Carrageenan Oligosaccharides Protect Nerves by Regulating Microglial Autophagy in Alzheimer's Disease. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:3540-3550. [PMID: 37650601 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00460] [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] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
κ-Carrageenan is a linear sulfated polysaccharide extracted from the cell wall of marine red algae, and its enzymatically digested oligosaccharides (KOS) can inhibit microglial hyperactivation. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common chronic neurodegenerative disease, characterized by cognitive and memory impairment accompanied by nerve cell damage. Microglia activation causing enhancement of proinflammatory effects and neurotoxicity is one of the early events in AD disease. In this study, whether KOS have therapeutic or preventive effects in the AD model prepared from APP/PS1 transgenic mice was determined. Learning and memory of AD mice were detected by water maze experiments, and microglial activation-related protein expression and deposition of APP and Aβ1-42 in the brain were examined. The effects of KOS on expressed inflammatory factors and inflammation-related proteins by microglia were tested by cell experiments. Transwell coculture was used to investigate the effect of microglia on neural cell activity after KOS treatment. The results showed that KOS could relieve the clinical symptoms in AD mice, and a decrease in the expression of inflammatory factors and inflammation-related proteins in brain tissue was detected. KOS alleviated nerve cell apoptosis by inhibiting the overactivation of microglia, thus exhibiting neuroprotective effects. Exploring the protective effect of KOS inhibition of microglia inflammation is expected to provide a theoretical basis for KOS as a therapeutic drug for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haojian Sun
- College of Life health, Dalian University, No. 10 Xuefu Street, Dalian Economic and Technological Development Zone, Liaoning 116622, Dalian, China
| | - Ling Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Dalian University, Liaoning 116021, Dalian, China
| | - Kangkang Wang
- College of Life health, Dalian University, No. 10 Xuefu Street, Dalian Economic and Technological Development Zone, Liaoning 116622, Dalian, China
| | - Yanfeng Li
- College of Life health, Dalian University, No. 10 Xuefu Street, Dalian Economic and Technological Development Zone, Liaoning 116622, Dalian, China
| | - Tongning Bai
- College of Life health, Dalian University, No. 10 Xuefu Street, Dalian Economic and Technological Development Zone, Liaoning 116622, Dalian, China
| | - Shuo Dong
- College of Life health, Dalian University, No. 10 Xuefu Street, Dalian Economic and Technological Development Zone, Liaoning 116622, Dalian, China
| | - Haige Wu
- College of Life health, Dalian University, No. 10 Xuefu Street, Dalian Economic and Technological Development Zone, Liaoning 116622, Dalian, China
| | - Ziang Yao
- College of Life Science, Dalian Minzu University, No. 18 Liaohe West Road, Jinpu New Area, Liaoning 116600, Dalian, China
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11
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Ashraf SS, Hosseinpour Sarmadi V, Larijani G, Naderi Garahgheshlagh S, Ramezani S, Moghadamifar S, Mohebi SL, Brouki Milan P, Haramshahi SMA, Ahmadirad N, Amini N. Regenerative medicine improve neurodegenerative diseases. Cell Tissue Bank 2023; 24:639-650. [PMID: 36527565 DOI: 10.1007/s10561-022-10062-0] [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: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Regenerative medicine is a subdivision of medicine that improves methods to regrow, repair or replace unhealthy cells and tissues to return to normal function. Cell therapy, gene therapy, nanomedicine as choices used to cure neurodegenerative disease. Recently, studies related to the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders have been focused on stem cell therapy and Nano-drugs beyond other than regenerative medicine. Hence, by data from experimental models and clinical trials, we review the impact of stem cell therapy, gene therapy, and nanomedicine on the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Indeed, improved knowledge and continued research on gene therapy and nanomedicine in treating Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis lead to advancements in effective and practical treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Sara Ashraf
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Institutes of Regenerative Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Hosseinpour Sarmadi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Institutes of Regenerative Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghazaleh Larijani
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soheila Naderi Garahgheshlagh
- Burn Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive surgery, Hazrat Fatemeh Hospital, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Ramezani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Guilan Road Trauma Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Guilan, Iran
- Guilan Road Trauma Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Soraya Moghadamifar
- Department of Textile Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Lena Mohebi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Institutes of Regenerative Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Peiman Brouki Milan
- Institutes of Regenerative Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Amin Haramshahi
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive surgery, Hazrat Fatemeh Hospital, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nooshin Ahmadirad
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Naser Amini
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Institutes of Regenerative Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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12
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Voicu V, Tataru CP, Toader C, Covache-Busuioc RA, Glavan LA, Bratu BG, Costin HP, Corlatescu AD, Ciurea AV. Decoding Neurodegeneration: A Comprehensive Review of Molecular Mechanisms, Genetic Influences, and Therapeutic Innovations. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13006. [PMID: 37629187 PMCID: PMC10455143 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241613006] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders often acquire due to genetic predispositions and genomic alterations after exposure to multiple risk factors. The most commonly found pathologies are variations of dementia, such as frontotemporal dementia and Lewy body dementia, as well as rare subtypes of cerebral and cerebellar atrophy-based syndromes. In an emerging era of biomedical advances, molecular-cellular studies offer an essential avenue for a thorough recognition of the underlying mechanisms and their possible implications in the patient's symptomatology. This comprehensive review is focused on deciphering molecular mechanisms and the implications regarding those pathologies' clinical advancement and provides an analytical overview of genetic mutations in the case of neurodegenerative disorders. With the help of well-developed modern genetic investigations, these clinically complex disturbances are highly understood nowadays, being an important step in establishing molecularly targeted therapies and implementing those approaches in the physician's practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Voicu
- Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Psychopharmacology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Medical Section within the Romanian Academy, 010071 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Calin Petre Tataru
- Department of Opthamology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Central Military Emergency Hospital “Dr. Carol Davila”, 010825 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Corneliu Toader
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (L.A.G.); (B.-G.B.); (H.P.C.); (A.D.C.); (A.V.C.)
- Department of Vascular Neurosurgery, National Institute of Neurology and Neurovascular Diseases, 077160 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Razvan-Adrian Covache-Busuioc
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (L.A.G.); (B.-G.B.); (H.P.C.); (A.D.C.); (A.V.C.)
| | - Luca Andrei Glavan
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (L.A.G.); (B.-G.B.); (H.P.C.); (A.D.C.); (A.V.C.)
| | - Bogdan-Gabriel Bratu
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (L.A.G.); (B.-G.B.); (H.P.C.); (A.D.C.); (A.V.C.)
| | - Horia Petre Costin
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (L.A.G.); (B.-G.B.); (H.P.C.); (A.D.C.); (A.V.C.)
| | - Antonio Daniel Corlatescu
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (L.A.G.); (B.-G.B.); (H.P.C.); (A.D.C.); (A.V.C.)
| | - Alexandru Vlad Ciurea
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (L.A.G.); (B.-G.B.); (H.P.C.); (A.D.C.); (A.V.C.)
- Neurosurgery Department, Sanador Clinical Hospital, 010991 Bucharest, Romania
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13
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Iranpanah A, Kooshki L, Moradi SZ, Saso L, Fakhri S, Khan H. The Exosome-Mediated PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway in Neurological Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15031006. [PMID: 36986865 PMCID: PMC10057486 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15031006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
As major public health concerns associated with a rapidly growing aging population, neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) and neurological diseases are important causes of disability and mortality. Neurological diseases affect millions of people worldwide. Recent studies have indicated that apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress are the main players of NDDs and have critical roles in neurodegenerative processes. During the aforementioned inflammatory/apoptotic/oxidative stress procedures, the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway plays a crucial role. Considering the functional and structural aspects of the blood-brain barrier, drug delivery to the central nervous system is relatively challenging. Exosomes are nanoscale membrane-bound carriers that can be secreted by cells and carry several cargoes, including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and metabolites. Exosomes significantly take part in the intercellular communications due to their specific features including low immunogenicity, flexibility, and great tissue/cell penetration capabilities. Due to their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, these nano-sized structures have been introduced as proper vehicles for central nervous system drug delivery by multiple studies. In the present systematic review, we highlight the potential therapeutic effects of exosomes in the context of NDDs and neurological diseases by targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Iranpanah
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran
- USERN Office, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6715847141, Iran
| | - Leila Kooshki
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6714415153, Iran
| | - Seyed Zachariah Moradi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sajad Fakhri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
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14
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Nishijima E, Honda S, Kitamura Y, Namekata K, Kimura A, Guo X, Azuchi Y, Harada C, Murakami A, Matsuda A, Nakano T, Parada LF, Harada T. Vision protection and robust axon regeneration in glaucoma models by membrane-associated Trk receptors. Mol Ther 2023; 31:810-824. [PMID: 36463402 PMCID: PMC10014229 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of neurotrophic factor signaling is a promising therapy for neurodegeneration. However, the transient nature of ligand-dependent activation limits its effectiveness. In this study, we solved this problem by inventing a system that forces membrane localization of the intracellular domain of tropomyosin receptor kinase B (iTrkB), which results in constitutive activation without ligands. Our system overcomes the small size limitation of the genome packaging in adeno-associated virus (AAV) and allows high expression of the transgene. Using AAV-mediated gene therapy in the eyes, we demonstrate that iTrkB expression enhances neuroprotection in mouse models of glaucoma and stimulates robust axon regeneration after optic nerve injury. In addition, iTrkB expression in the retina was also effective in an optic tract transection model, in which the injury site is near the superior colliculus. Regenerating axons successfully formed pathways to their brain targets, resulting in partial recovery of visual behavior. Our system may also be applicable to other trophic factor signaling pathways and lead to a significant advance in the field of gene therapy for neurotrauma and neurodegenerative disorders, including glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Euido Nishijima
- Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
| | - Sari Honda
- Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Yuta Kitamura
- Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Namekata
- Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Atsuko Kimura
- Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Xiaoli Guo
- Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Yuriko Azuchi
- Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Chikako Harada
- Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Akira Murakami
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Akira Matsuda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Tadashi Nakano
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
| | - Luis F Parada
- Brain Tumor Center and Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Takayuki Harada
- Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan.
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15
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Tolabi H, Davari N, Khajehmohammadi M, Malektaj H, Nazemi K, Vahedi S, Ghalandari B, Reis RL, Ghorbani F, Oliveira JM. Progress of Microfluidic Hydrogel-Based Scaffolds and Organ-on-Chips for the Cartilage Tissue Engineering. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023:e2208852. [PMID: 36633376 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202208852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Cartilage degeneration is among the fundamental reasons behind disability and pain across the globe. Numerous approaches have been employed to treat cartilage diseases. Nevertheless, none have shown acceptable outcomes in the long run. In this regard, the convergence of tissue engineering and microfabrication principles can allow developing more advanced microfluidic technologies, thus offering attractive alternatives to current treatments and traditional constructs used in tissue engineering applications. Herein, the current developments involving microfluidic hydrogel-based scaffolds, promising structures for cartilage regeneration, ranging from hydrogels with microfluidic channels to hydrogels prepared by the microfluidic devices, that enable therapeutic delivery of cells, drugs, and growth factors, as well as cartilage-related organ-on-chips are reviewed. Thereafter, cartilage anatomy and types of damages, and present treatment options are briefly overviewed. Various hydrogels are introduced, and the advantages of microfluidic hydrogel-based scaffolds over traditional hydrogels are thoroughly discussed. Furthermore, available technologies for fabricating microfluidic hydrogel-based scaffolds and microfluidic chips are presented. The preclinical and clinical applications of microfluidic hydrogel-based scaffolds in cartilage regeneration and the development of cartilage-related microfluidic chips over time are further explained. The current developments, recent key challenges, and attractive prospects that should be considered so as to develop microfluidic systems in cartilage repair are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamidreza Tolabi
- New Technologies Research Center (NTRC), Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, 15875-4413, Iran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, 15875-4413, Iran
| | - Niyousha Davari
- Department of Life Science Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran, 143951561, Iran
| | - Mehran Khajehmohammadi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yazd University, Yazd, 89195-741, Iran
- Medical Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, 8916877391, Iran
| | - Haniyeh Malektaj
- Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, Fibigerstraede 16, Aalborg, 9220, Denmark
| | - Katayoun Nazemi
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Samaneh Vahedi
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, 34149-16818, Iran
| | - Behafarid Ghalandari
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute for Personalized Medicine, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Rui L Reis
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, Guimarães, 4805-017, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, 4805-017, Portugal
| | - Farnaz Ghorbani
- Institute of Biomaterials, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Cauerstrasse 6, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Joaquim Miguel Oliveira
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, Guimarães, 4805-017, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, 4805-017, Portugal
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16
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Lejman J, Panuciak K, Nowicka E, Mastalerczyk A, Wojciechowska K, Lejman M. Gene Therapy in ALS and SMA: Advances, Challenges and Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021130. [PMID: 36674643 PMCID: PMC9860634 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is defined as the administration of genetic material to modify, manipulate gene expression or alter the properties of living cells for therapeutic purposes. Recent advances and improvements in this field have led to many breakthroughs in the treatment of various diseases. As a result, there has been an increasing interest in the use of these therapies to treat motor neuron diseases (MNDs), for which many potential molecular targets have been discovered. MNDs are neurodegenerative disorders that, in their most severe forms, can lead to respiratory failure and death, for instance, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Despite the fact that SMA has been known for many years, it is still one of the most common genetic diseases causing infant mortality. The introduction of drugs based on ASOs-nusinersen; small molecules-risdiplam; and replacement therapy (GRT)-Zolgensma has shown a significant improvement in both event-free survival and the quality of life of patients after using these therapies in the available trial results. Although there is still no drug that would effectively alleviate the course of the disease in ALS, the experience gained from SMA gene therapy gives hope for a positive outcome of the efforts to produce an effective and safe drug. The aim of this review is to present current progress and prospects for the use of gene therapy in the treatment of both SMA and ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Lejman
- Student Scientific Society, Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Kinga Panuciak
- Student Scientific Society, Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Emilia Nowicka
- Student Scientific Society, Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Angelika Mastalerczyk
- Student Scientific Society, Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Wojciechowska
- Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Monika Lejman
- Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
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17
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Labombarda F, Bellini M. Brain and spinal cord trauma: what we know about the therapeutic potential of insulin growth factor 1 gene therapy. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:253-257. [PMID: 35900399 PMCID: PMC9396494 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.343902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although little attention has been paid to cognitive and emotional dysfunctions observed in patients after spinal cord injury, several reports have described impairments in cognitive abilities. Our group also has contributed significantly to the study of cognitive impairments in a rat model of spinal cord injury. These findings are very significant because they demonstrate that cognitive and mood deficits are not induced by lifestyle changes, drugs of abuse, and combined medication. They are related to changes in brain structures involved in cognition and emotion, such as the hippocampus. Chronic spinal cord injury decreases neurogenesis, enhances glial reactivity leading to hippocampal neuroinflammation, and triggers cognitive deficits. These brain distal abnormalities are recently called tertiary damage. Given that there is no treatment for Tertiary Damage, insulin growth factor 1 gene therapy emerges as a good candidate. Insulin growth factor 1 gene therapy recovers neurogenesis and induces the polarization from pro-inflammatory towards anti-inflammatory microglial phenotypes, which represents a potential strategy to treat the neuroinflammation that supports tertiary damage. Insulin growth factor 1 gene therapy can be extended to other central nervous system pathologies such as traumatic brain injury where the neuroinflammatory component is crucial. Insulin growth factor 1 gene therapy could emerge as a new therapeutic strategy for treating traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury.
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18
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Caulfield ME, Manfredsson FP, Steece-Collier K. The Role of Striatal Cav1.3 Calcium Channels in Therapeutics for Parkinson's Disease. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2023; 279:107-137. [PMID: 36592226 DOI: 10.1007/164_2022_629] [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] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a relentlessly progressive neurodegenerative disorder with typical motor symptoms that include rigidity, tremor, and akinesia/bradykinesia, in addition to a host of non-motor symptoms. Motor symptoms are caused by progressive and selective degeneration of dopamine (DA) neurons in the SN pars compacta (SNpc) and the accompanying loss of striatal DA innervation from these neurons. With the exception of monogenic forms of PD, the etiology of idiopathic PD remains unknown. While there are a number of symptomatic treatment options available to individuals with PD, these therapies do not work uniformly well in all patients, and eventually most are plagued with waning efficacy and significant side-effect liability with disease progression. The incidence of PD increases with aging, and as such the expected burden of this disease will continue to escalate as our aging population increases (Dorsey et al. Neurology 68:384-386, 2007). The daunting personal and socioeconomic burden has pressed scientists and clinicians to find improved symptomatic treatment options devoid side-effect liability and meaningful disease-modifying therapies. Federal and private sources have supported clinical investigations over the past two-plus decades; however, no trial has yet been successful in finding an effective therapy to slow progression of PD, and there is currently just one FDA approved drug to treat the antiparkinsonian side-effect known as levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) that impacts approximately 90% of all individuals with PD. In this review, we present biological rationale and experimental evidence on the potential therapeutic role of the L-type voltage-gated Cav1.3 calcium (Ca2+) channels in two distinct brain regions, with two distinct mechanisms of action, in impacting the lives of individuals with PD. Our primary emphasis will be on the role of Cav1.3 channels in the striatum and the compelling evidence of their involvement in LID side-effect liability. We also briefly discuss the role of these same Ca2+ channels in the SNpc and the longstanding interest in Cav1.3 in this brain region in halting or delaying progression of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret E Caulfield
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Fredric P Manfredsson
- Parkinson's Disease Research Unit, Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Kathy Steece-Collier
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
- Hauenstein Neuroscience Center, Mercy Health Saint Mary's, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
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19
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Quach TT, Stratton HJ, Khanna R, Mackey-Alfonso S, Deems N, Honnorat J, Meyer K, Duchemin AM. Neurodegenerative Diseases: From Dysproteostasis, Altered Calcium Signalosome to Selective Neuronal Vulnerability to AAV-Mediated Gene Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214188. [PMID: 36430666 PMCID: PMC9694178 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite intense research into the multifaceted etiology of neurodegenerative diseases (ND), they remain incurable. Here we provide a brief overview of several major ND and explore novel therapeutic approaches. Although the cause (s) of ND are not fully understood, the accumulation of misfolded/aggregated proteins in the brain is a common pathological feature. This aggregation may initiate disruption of Ca++ signaling, which is an early pathological event leading to altered dendritic structure, neuronal dysfunction, and cell death. Presently, ND gene therapies remain unidimensional, elusive, and limited to modifying one pathological feature while ignoring others. Considering the complexity of signaling cascades in ND, we discuss emerging therapeutic concepts and suggest that deciphering the molecular mechanisms involved in dendritic pathology may broaden the phenotypic spectrum of ND treatment. An innovative multiplexed gene transfer strategy that employs silencing and/or over-expressing multiple effectors could preserve vulnerable neurons before they are lost. Such therapeutic approaches may extend brain health span and ameliorate burdensome chronic disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tam T. Quach
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- INSERM U1217/CNRS UMR5310, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69677 Lyon, France
| | | | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Sabrina Mackey-Alfonso
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Nicolas Deems
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jérome Honnorat
- INSERM U1217/CNRS UMR5310, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69677 Lyon, France
- French Reference Center on Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndromes and Autoimmune Encephalitis, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69677 Lyon, France
- SynatAc Team, Institut NeuroMyoGène, 69677 Lyon, France
| | - Kathrin Meyer
- The Research Institute of Nationwide Children Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Department of Pediatric, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Anne-Marie Duchemin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-614-293-5517; Fax: +1-614-293-7599
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20
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Wan J, Zhou S, Mea HJ, Guo Y, Ku H, Urbina BM. Emerging Roles of Microfluidics in Brain Research: From Cerebral Fluids Manipulation to Brain-on-a-Chip and Neuroelectronic Devices Engineering. Chem Rev 2022; 122:7142-7181. [PMID: 35080375 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Remarkable progress made in the past few decades in brain research enables the manipulation of neuronal activity in single neurons and neural circuits and thus allows the decipherment of relations between nervous systems and behavior. The discovery of glymphatic and lymphatic systems in the brain and the recently unveiled tight relations between the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the central nervous system (CNS) further revolutionize our understanding of brain structures and functions. Fundamental questions about how neurons conduct two-way communications with the gut to establish the gut-brain axis (GBA) and interact with essential brain components such as glial cells and blood vessels to regulate cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in health and disease, however, remain. Microfluidics with unparalleled advantages in the control of fluids at microscale has emerged recently as an effective approach to address these critical questions in brain research. The dynamics of cerebral fluids (i.e., blood and CSF) and novel in vitro brain-on-a-chip models and microfluidic-integrated multifunctional neuroelectronic devices, for example, have been investigated. This review starts with a critical discussion of the current understanding of several key topics in brain research such as neurovascular coupling (NVC), glymphatic pathway, and GBA and then interrogates a wide range of microfluidic-based approaches that have been developed or can be improved to advance our fundamental understanding of brain functions. Last, emerging technologies for structuring microfluidic devices and their implications and future directions in brain research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiandi Wan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Sitong Zhou
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Hing Jii Mea
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Yaojun Guo
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Hansol Ku
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Brianna M Urbina
- Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Program, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
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21
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Ji W, Li Y, Peng H, Zhao R, Shen J, Wu Y, Wang J, Hao Q, Lu Z, Yang J, Zhang X. Self-Catalytic Small Interfering RNA Nanocarriers for Synergistic Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2105711. [PMID: 34601753 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202105711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy has shown great potential for neurodegenerative diseases with complex pathology. However, its therapeutic effect is limited due to the delivery barriers and its own single function. Herein, self-catalytic small interfering RNA (siRNA) nanocarriers (S/Ce-PABMS) are developed to catalyze delivery process and treatment process for synergistic treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. On the one hand, the rough surface of the S/Ce-PABMS mediated by ceria (CeO2 ) nanozymes can catalyze cellular uptake in the delivery process, so that S/Ce-PABMS with acetylcholine analogs penetrate the blood-brain barrier and enter neurons more effectively. On the other hand, the CeO2 nanozymes can catalyze the treatment process by scavenging excess reactive oxygen species, and cooperate with siRNA-targeting SNCA to decrease the α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregation and alleviate the Parkinsonian pathology. Moreover, the S/Ce-PABMS treatment reduces the number of activated microglia and regulates the release of inflammatory cytokine, thereby relieving neuroinflammation. After treatment with S/Ce-PABMS, dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease model mice is significantly alleviated. The finding shows that the self-catalytic nanocarriers, S/Ce-PABMS, have great potential in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihong Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Yan Li
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, P. R. China
| | - Huan Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Ruichen Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Jie Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Yanyue Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Jianze Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Qiulian Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Zhiguo Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Jun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
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22
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Whole and fractionated human platelet lysate biomaterials-based biotherapy induces strong neuroprotection in experimental models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Biomaterials 2021; 280:121311. [PMID: 34952382 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.121311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease of motor neurons leading to death within 3 years and without a curative treatment. Neurotrophic growth factors (NTFs) are pivotal for cell survival. A reason for the lack of patient efficacy with single recombinant NTF brain infusion is likely to be due to the synergistic neuroprotective action of multiple NTFs on a diverse set of signaling pathways. Fractionated (protein size <50, <30, <10, <3 kDa) heat-treated human platelet lysate (HHPL) preparations were adapted for use in brain tissue with the aim of demonstrating therapeutic value in ALS models and further elucidation of the mechanisms of action. In neuronal culture all fractions induced Akt-dependent neuroprotection as well as a strong anti-apoptotic and anti-ferroptotic action. In the <3 kDa fraction anti-ferroptotic properties were shown to be GPX4 dependent highlighting a role for other platelet elements associated with NTFs. In the SOD1G86R mouse model, lifespan was strongly increased by intracerebroventricular delivery of HHPL or by intranasal administration of <3 kDa fraction. Our results suggest that the platelet lysate biomaterials are neuroprotective in ALS. Further studies would now validate theragnostic biomarker on its antiferroptotic action, for further clinical development.
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23
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Gene Therapy Approach with an Emphasis on Growth Factors: Theoretical and Clinical Outcomes in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 59:191-233. [PMID: 34655056 PMCID: PMC8518903 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02555-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The etiology of many neurological diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS) is unknown and still needs more effective and specific therapeutic approaches. Gene therapy has a promising future in treating neurodegenerative disorders by correcting the genetic defects or by therapeutic protein delivery and is now an attraction for neurologists to treat brain disorders, like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, spinocerebellar ataxia, epilepsy, Huntington’s disease, stroke, and spinal cord injury. Gene therapy allows the transgene induction, with a unique expression in cells’ substrate. This article mainly focuses on the delivering modes of genetic materials in the CNS, which includes viral and non-viral vectors and their application in gene therapy. Despite the many clinical trials conducted so far, data have shown disappointing outcomes. The efforts done to improve outcomes, efficacy, and safety in the identification of targets in various neurological disorders are also discussed here. Adapting gene therapy as a new therapeutic approach for treating neurological disorders seems to be promising, with early detection and delivery of therapy before the neuron is lost, helping a lot the development of new therapeutic options to translate to the clinic.
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24
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Vázquez-Mojena Y, León-Arcia K, González-Zaldivar Y, Rodríguez-Labrada R, Velázquez-Pérez L. Gene Therapy for Polyglutamine Spinocerebellar Ataxias: Advances, Challenges, and Perspectives. Mov Disord 2021; 36:2731-2744. [PMID: 34628681 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) comprise a heterogeneous group of six autosomal dominant ataxias caused by cytosine-adenine-guanine repeat expansions in the coding region of single genes. Currently, there is no curative or disease-slowing treatment for these disorders, but their monogenic inheritance has informed rationales for development of gene therapy strategies. In fact, RNA interference strategies have shown promising findings in cellular and/or animal models of SCA1, SCA3, SCA6, and SCA7. In addition, antisense oligonucleotide therapy has provided encouraging proofs of concept in models of SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, and SCA7, but they have not yet progressed to clinical trials. On the contrary, the gene editing strategies, such as the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR/Cas9), have been introduced to a limited extent in these disorders. In this article, we review the available literature about gene therapy in polyglutamine SCAs and discuss the main technological and ethical challenges toward the prospect of their use in future clinical trials. Although antisense oligonucleotide therapies are further along the path to clinical phases, the recent failure of three clinical trials in Huntington's disease may delay their utilization for polyglutamine SCAs, but they offer lessons that could optimize the likelihood of success in potential future clinical studies. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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25
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Arango D, Bittar A, Esmeral NP, Ocasión C, Muñoz-Camargo C, Cruz JC, Reyes LH, Bloch NI. Understanding the Potential of Genome Editing in Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9241. [PMID: 34502143 PMCID: PMC8430539 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR is a simple and cost-efficient gene-editing technique that has become increasingly popular over the last decades. Various CRISPR/Cas-based applications have been developed to introduce changes in the genome and alter gene expression in diverse systems and tissues. These novel gene-editing techniques are particularly promising for investigating and treating neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease, for which we currently lack efficient disease-modifying treatment options. Gene therapy could thus provide treatment alternatives, revolutionizing our ability to treat this disease. Here, we review our current knowledge on the genetic basis of Parkinson's disease to highlight the main biological pathways that become disrupted in Parkinson's disease and their potential as gene therapy targets. Next, we perform a comprehensive review of novel delivery vehicles available for gene-editing applications, critical for their successful application in both innovative research and potential therapies. Finally, we review the latest developments in CRISPR-based applications and gene therapies to understand and treat Parkinson's disease. We carefully examine their advantages and shortcomings for diverse gene-editing applications in the brain, highlighting promising avenues for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Arango
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Colombia; (D.A.); (A.B.); (N.P.E.); (C.M.-C.); (J.C.C.)
| | - Amaury Bittar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Colombia; (D.A.); (A.B.); (N.P.E.); (C.M.-C.); (J.C.C.)
| | - Natalia P. Esmeral
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Colombia; (D.A.); (A.B.); (N.P.E.); (C.M.-C.); (J.C.C.)
| | - Camila Ocasión
- Grupo de Diseño de Productos y Procesos, Department of Chemical and Food Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Colombia; (C.O.); (L.H.R.)
| | - Carolina Muñoz-Camargo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Colombia; (D.A.); (A.B.); (N.P.E.); (C.M.-C.); (J.C.C.)
| | - Juan C. Cruz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Colombia; (D.A.); (A.B.); (N.P.E.); (C.M.-C.); (J.C.C.)
| | - Luis H. Reyes
- Grupo de Diseño de Productos y Procesos, Department of Chemical and Food Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Colombia; (C.O.); (L.H.R.)
| | - Natasha I. Bloch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Colombia; (D.A.); (A.B.); (N.P.E.); (C.M.-C.); (J.C.C.)
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26
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Jeon MT, Kim KS, Kim ES, Lee S, Kim J, Hoe HS, Kim DG. Emerging pathogenic role of peripheral blood factors following BBB disruption in neurodegenerative disease. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 68:101333. [PMID: 33774194 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The responses of central nervous system (CNS) cells such as neurons and glia in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) suggest that regulation of neuronal and glial functions could be a strategy for ND prevention and/or treatment. However, attempts to develop such therapeutics for NDs have been hindered by the challenge of blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and continued constitutive neuronal loss. These limitations indicate the need for additional perspectives for the prevention/treatment of NDs. In particular, the disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) that accompanies NDs allows brain infiltration by peripheral factors, which may stimulate innate immune responses involved in the progression of neurodegeneration. The accumulation of blood factors like thrombin, fibrinogen, c-reactive protein (CRP) and complement components in the brain has been observed in NDs and may activate the innate immune system in the CNS. Thus, strengthening the integrity of the BBB may enhance its protective role to attenuate ND progression and functional loss. In this review, we describe the innate immune system in the CNS and the contribution of blood factors to the role of the CNS immune system in neurodegeneration and neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Tae Jeon
- Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), 61, Cheomdan-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu, 41062, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Sung Kim
- Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), 61, Cheomdan-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu, 41062, Republic of Korea; Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST), 333, Techno jungang-daero, Hyeonpung-eup, Dalseong-gun, Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Seon Kim
- Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), 61, Cheomdan-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu, 41062, Republic of Korea; Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST), 333, Techno jungang-daero, Hyeonpung-eup, Dalseong-gun, Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Suji Lee
- Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), 61, Cheomdan-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu, 41062, Republic of Korea; Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Jieun Kim
- Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), 61, Cheomdan-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu, 41062, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyang-Sook Hoe
- Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), 61, Cheomdan-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu, 41062, Republic of Korea; Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST), 333, Techno jungang-daero, Hyeonpung-eup, Dalseong-gun, Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea.
| | - Do-Geun Kim
- Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), 61, Cheomdan-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu, 41062, Republic of Korea.
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27
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Hunt C, Montgomery S, Berkenpas JW, Sigafoos N, Oakley JC, Espinosa J, Justice N, Kishaba K, Hippe K, Si D, Hou J, Ding H, Cao R. Recent Progress of Machine Learning in Gene Therapy. Curr Gene Ther 2021; 22:132-143. [PMID: 34161210 DOI: 10.2174/1566523221666210622164133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
With new developments in biomedical technology, it is now a viable therapeutic treatment to alter genes with techniques like CRISPR. At the same time, it is increasingly cheaper to do whole genome sequencing, resulting in rapid advancement in gene therapy and editing in precision medicine. Thus, understanding the current industry and academic applications of gene therapy provides an important backdrop to future scientific developments. Additionally, machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques allow for the reduction of time and money spent in the development of new gene therapy products and techniques. In this paper, we survey the current progress of gene therapy treatments for several diseases and explore machine learning applications in gene therapy. We also discuss the ethical implications of gene therapy and the use of machine learning in precision medicine. Machine learning and gene therapy are both topics gaining popularity in various publications, and we conclude that there is still room for continued research and application of machine learning techniques in the gene therapy field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra Hunt
- Department of Computer Science, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA, United States
| | - Sandra Montgomery
- Department of Physics, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA, United States
| | | | - Noel Sigafoos
- Department of Computer Science, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA, United States
| | - John Christian Oakley
- Department of Computer Science, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA, United States
| | - Jacob Espinosa
- Department of Mathematics, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA, United States
| | - Nicola Justice
- Department of Mathematics, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA, United States
| | - Kiyomi Kishaba
- Department of Humanities, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA, United States
| | - Kyle Hippe
- Department of Computer Science, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA, United States
| | - Dong Si
- Division of Computing Software Systems, University of Washington-Bothell, Bothell, WA, United States
| | - Jie Hou
- Department of Computer Science, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Hui Ding
- School of Life Science and Technology and Center for Informational Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Renzhi Cao
- Department of Computer Science, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA, United States
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28
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Ozawa A, Arakawa H. Chemogenetics drives paradigm change in the investigation of behavioral circuits and neural mechanisms underlying drug action. Behav Brain Res 2021; 406:113234. [PMID: 33741409 PMCID: PMC8110310 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recent developments in chemogenetic approaches to the investigation of brain function have ushered in a paradigm change in the strategy for drug and behavior research and clinical drug-based medications. As the nature of the drug action is based on humoral regulation, it is a challenge to identify the neuronal mechanisms responsible for the expression of certain targeted behavior induced by drug application. The development of chemogenetic approaches has allowed researchers to control neural activities in targeted neurons through a toolbox, including engineered G protein-coupled receptors or ligand-gated ion channels together with exogenously inert synthetic ligands. This review provides a brief overview of the chemogenetics toolbox with an emphasis on the DREADDs (Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs) technique used in rodent models, which is applicable to the investigation of how specific neural circuits regulate behavioral processes. The use of chemogenetics has had a significant impact on basic neuroscience for a better understanding of the relationships between brain activity and the expression of behaviors with cell- and circuit-specific orders. Furthermore, chemogenetics is potentially a useful tool to deconstruct the neuropathological mechanisms of mental diseases and its regulation by drug, and provide us with transformative therapeutics with medication. We also review recent findings in the use of chemogenetic techniques to uncover functional circuit connections of serotonergic neurons in rodent models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiko Ozawa
- Department of Biomedical Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Hiroyuki Arakawa
- Department of Psychology, Tokiwa University, Mito, Ibaraki, Japan; Department of Systems Physiology, University of Ryukyus, Faculty of Medicine, Nakagami District, Okinawa, Japan.
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29
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Olsen I. Possible effects of Porphyromonas gingivalis on the blood-brain barrier in Alzheimer's disease. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2021; 19:1367-1371. [PMID: 33938372 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2021.1925540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ingar Olsen
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,
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30
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Cui K, Yang F, Tufan T, Raza MU, Zhan Y, Fan Y, Zeng F, Brown RW, Price JB, Jones TC, Miller GW, Zhu MY. Restoration of Noradrenergic Function in Parkinson's Disease Model Mice. ASN Neuro 2021; 13:17590914211009730. [PMID: 33940943 PMCID: PMC8114769 DOI: 10.1177/17590914211009730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of the central noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems is the primary neurobiological characteristic of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Importantly, neuronal loss in the locus coeruleus (LC) that occurs in early stages of PD may accelerate progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons. Therefore, restoring the activity and function of the deficient noradrenergic system may be an important therapeutic strategy for early PD. In the present study, the lentiviral constructions of transcription factors Phox2a/2b, Hand2 and Gata3, either alone or in combination, were microinjected into the LC region of the PD model VMAT2 Lo mice at 12 and 18 month age. Biochemical analysis showed that microinjection of lentiviral expression cassettes into the LC significantly increased mRNA levels of Phox2a, and Phox2b, which were accompanied by parallel increases of mRNA and proteins of dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the LC. Furthermore, there was considerable enhancement of DBH protein levels in the frontal cortex and hippocampus, as well as enhanced TH protein levels in the striatum and substantia nigra. Moreover, these manipulations profoundly increased norepinephrine and dopamine concentrations in the striatum, which was followed by a remarkable improvement of the spatial memory and locomotor behavior. These results reveal that over-expression of these transcription factors in the LC improves noradrenergic and dopaminergic activities and functions in this rodent model of PD. It provides the necessary groundwork for the development of gene therapies of PD, and expands our understanding of the link between the LC-norepinephrine and dopamine systems during the progression of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kui Cui
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, United States
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, United States.,Hong Kong Institute, Asia Metropolitan University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Turan Tufan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, United States
| | - Muhammad U Raza
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, United States
| | - Yanqiang Zhan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, United States.,Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of the Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Fan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, United States.,Department of Biochemistry, Nantong University College of Medicine, Nantong, China
| | - Fei Zeng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, United States.,Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of the Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Russell W Brown
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, United States
| | - Jennifer B Price
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences; East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, United States
| | - Thomas C Jones
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences; East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, United States
| | - Gary W Miller
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailmen School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Meng-Yang Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, United States
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31
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Scaricamazza S, Salvatori I, Ferri A, Valle C. Skeletal Muscle in ALS: An Unappreciated Therapeutic Opportunity? Cells 2021; 10:525. [PMID: 33801336 PMCID: PMC8000428 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the selective degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons and by the progressive weakness and paralysis of voluntary muscles. Despite intense research efforts and numerous clinical trials, it is still an incurable disease. ALS had long been considered a pure motor neuron disease; however, recent studies have shown that motor neuron protection is not sufficient to prevent the course of the disease since the dismantlement of neuromuscular junctions occurs before motor neuron degeneration. Skeletal muscle alterations have been described in the early stages of the disease, and they seem to be mainly involved in the "dying back" phenomenon of motor neurons and metabolic dysfunctions. In recent years, skeletal muscles have been considered crucial not only for the etiology of ALS but also for its treatment. Here, we review clinical and preclinical studies that targeted skeletal muscles and discuss the different approaches, including pharmacological interventions, supplements or diets, genetic modifications, and training programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Scaricamazza
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, c/o CERC, 00143 Rome, Italy; (S.S.); (I.S.)
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Illari Salvatori
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, c/o CERC, 00143 Rome, Italy; (S.S.); (I.S.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferri
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, c/o CERC, 00143 Rome, Italy; (S.S.); (I.S.)
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristiana Valle
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, c/o CERC, 00143 Rome, Italy; (S.S.); (I.S.)
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, 00133 Rome, Italy
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32
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Singh M, Singh SP, Yadav D, Agarwal M, Agarwal S, Agarwal V, Swargiary G, Srivastava S, Tyagi S, Kaur R, Mani S. Targeted Delivery for Neurodegenerative Disorders Using Gene Therapy Vectors: Gene Next Therapeutic Goals. Curr Gene Ther 2021; 21:23-42. [PMID: 32811395 DOI: 10.2174/1566523220999200817164907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The technique of gene therapy, ever since its advent nearly fifty years ago, has been utilized by scientists as a potential treatment option for various disorders. This review discusses some of the major neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) like Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's Disease (PD), Motor neuron diseases (MND), Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Huntington's Disease (HD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), etc. and their underlying genetic mechanisms along with the role that gene therapy can play in combating them. The pathogenesis and the molecular mechanisms specifying the altered gene expression of each of these NDDs have also been discussed in elaboration. The use of gene therapy vectors can prove to be an effective tool in the field of curative modern medicine for the generations to come. Therefore, consistent efforts and progressive research towards its implementation can provide us with powerful treatment options for disease conditions that have so far been considered as incurable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT) Noida, U.P, India
| | - Surinder P Singh
- Bhartiya Nirdeshak Dravya Division, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi, India
| | - Deepshikha Yadav
- Bhartiya Nirdeshak Dravya Division, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi, India
| | - Mugdha Agarwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT) Noida, U.P., India
| | - Shriya Agarwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT) Noida, U.P., India
| | - Vinayak Agarwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT) Noida, U.P., India
| | - Geeta Swargiary
- Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT) Noida, U.P., India
| | - Sahil Srivastava
- Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT) Noida, U.P., India
| | - Sakshi Tyagi
- Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT) Noida, U.P., India
| | - Ramneek Kaur
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shalini Mani
- Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT) Noida, U.P., India
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33
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Puranik N, Yadav D, Chauhan PS, Kwak M, Jin JO. Exploring the Role of Gene Therapy for Neurological Disorders. Curr Gene Ther 2021; 21:11-22. [PMID: 32940177 DOI: 10.2174/1566523220999200917114101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy is one of the frontier fields of medical breakthroughs that poses as an effective solution to previously incurable diseases. The delivery of the corrective genetic material or a therapeutic gene into the cell restores the missing gene function and cures a plethora of diseases, incurable by the conventional medical approaches. This discovery holds the potential to treat many neurodegenerative disorders such as muscular atrophy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), among others. Gene therapy proves as a humane, cost-effective alternative to the exhaustive often arduous and timely impossible process of finding matched donors and extensive surgery. It also overcomes the shortcoming of conventional methods to cross the blood-brain barrier. However, the use of gene therapy is only possible after procuring the in-depth knowledge of the immuno-pathogenesis and molecular mechanism of the disease. The process of gene therapy can be broadly categorized into three main steps: elucidating the target gene, culling the appropriate vector, and determining the best mode of transfer; each step mandating pervasive research. This review aims to dissertate and summarize the role, various vectors and methods of delivery employed in gene therapy with special emphasis on therapy directed at the central nervous system (CNS) associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Puranik
- Biological Science Department, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu-641046, India
| | - Dhananjay Yadav
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea
| | - Pallavi Singh Chauhan
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474005, India
| | - Minseok Kwak
- Department of Chemistry, Pukyong National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Jun-O Jin
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea
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34
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Prasuhn J, Davis RL, Kumar KR. Targeting Mitochondrial Impairment in Parkinson's Disease: Challenges and Opportunities. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:615461. [PMID: 33469539 PMCID: PMC7813753 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.615461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The underlying pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease is complex, but mitochondrial dysfunction has an established and prominent role. This is supported by an already large and rapidly growing body of evidence showing that the role of mitochondrial (dys)function is central and multifaceted. However, there are clear gaps in knowledge, including the dilemma of explaining why inherited mitochondriopathies do not usually present with parkinsonian symptoms. Many aspects of mitochondrial function are potential therapeutic targets, including reactive oxygen species production, mitophagy, mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial dynamics and trafficking, mitochondrial metal ion homeostasis, sirtuins, and endoplasmic reticulum links with mitochondria. Potential therapeutic strategies may also incorporate exercise, microRNAs, mitochondrial transplantation, stem cell therapies, and photobiomodulation. Despite multiple studies adopting numerous treatment strategies, clinical trials to date have generally failed to show benefit. To overcome this hurdle, more accurate biomarkers of mitochondrial dysfunction are required to detect subtle beneficial effects. Furthermore, selecting study participants early in the disease course, studying them for suitable durations, and stratifying them according to genetic and neuroimaging findings may increase the likelihood of successful clinical trials. Moreover, treatments involving combined approaches will likely better address the complexity of mitochondrial dysfunction in Parkinson's disease. Therefore, selecting the right patients, at the right time, and using targeted combination treatments, may offer the best chance for development of an effective novel therapy targeting mitochondrial dysfunction in Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannik Prasuhn
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany.,Center for Brain, Behavior, and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ryan L Davis
- Department of Neurogenetics, Kolling Institute, University of Sydney and Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Neurogenetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kishore R Kumar
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory and Department of Neurology, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
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35
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Song Y, Tu J, Cheng Y, Zhou F, Liu P, Zhou S, Gu Y, Sun Y. HHIP Overexpression Suppresses Human Gastric Cancer Progression and Metastasis by Reducing Its CpG Island Methylation. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1667. [PMID: 33415068 PMCID: PMC7784629 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Human hedgehog-interacting protein (HHIP), a negative regulator of hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway, has been reported to be dysregulated in many types of cancer, including gastric cancer. However, the inhibitory role of HHIP as well as the underlying molecular mechanism of HHIP regulation in gastric cancer haven't been fully elucidated yet. In this study, we demonstrated that HHIP overexpression significantly suppressed the proliferation and invasion of AGS cells evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and transwell assays, respectively. Interestingly, methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MS-PCR, MSP) showed that HHIP overexpression dramatically decreased its de novo promoter methylation levels in AGS cells. Furthermore, HHIP expression was higher in adjacent non-cancerous tissue compared to matched gastric cancer tissue. High HHIP level was negatively correlated with metastasis (p = 0.035) but not local recurrence (p = 0.58). Taken together, our study suggested that HHIP can modulate gastric cancer progression and metastasis via regulation of its de novo promoter methylation levels in a feedback manner. Lower HHIP levels is positively associated with gastric cancer metastasis, which not only indicates HHIP could be served as a protective marker for gastric cancer, but also suggests restoring HHIP expression might be a potential therapeutic strategy for clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Song
- Department of Oncology, The First People Hospital of Zhangjiagang City, Soochow University, Zhangjiagang, China
| | - Jianchen Tu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First People Hospital of Zhangjiagang City, Soochow University, Zhangjiagang, China
| | - Yanan Cheng
- Department of Oncology, The First People Hospital of Zhangjiagang City, Soochow University, Zhangjiagang, China
| | - Fang Zhou
- Department of Oncology, The First People Hospital of Zhangjiagang City, Soochow University, Zhangjiagang, China
| | - Peilin Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First People Hospital of Zhangjiagang City, Soochow University, Zhangjiagang, China
| | - Shuangshuang Zhou
- Department of Oncology, The First People Hospital of Zhangjiagang City, Soochow University, Zhangjiagang, China
| | - Yongjun Gu
- Department of Oncology, The First People Hospital of Zhangjiagang City, Soochow University, Zhangjiagang, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Oncology, The First People Hospital of Zhangjiagang City, Soochow University, Zhangjiagang, China
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36
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Taiarol L, Formicola B, Magro RD, Sesana S, Re F. An update of nanoparticle-based approaches for glioblastoma multiforme immunotherapy. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2020; 15:1861-1871. [PMID: 32731839 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2020-0132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme is a serious medical issue in the brain oncology field due to its aggressiveness and recurrence. Immunotherapy has emerged as a valid approach to counteract the growth and metastasization of glioblastoma multiforme. Among the different innovative approaches investigated, nanoparticles gain attention because of their versatility which is key in allowing precise targeting of brain tumors and increasing targeted drug delivery to the brain, thus minimizing adverse effects. This article reviews the progress made in this field over the past 2 years, focusing on nonspherical and biomimetic particles and on vectors for the delivery of nucleic acids. However, challenges still need to be addressed, considering the improvement of the particles passage across the blood-meningeal barrier and/or the blood-brain barrier, promoting the clinical translatability of these approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Taiarol
- School of Medicine & Surgery, Nanomedicine Center NANOMIB, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, 20900, Italy
| | - Beatrice Formicola
- School of Medicine & Surgery, Nanomedicine Center NANOMIB, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, 20900, Italy
| | - Roberta Dal Magro
- School of Medicine & Surgery, Nanomedicine Center NANOMIB, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, 20900, Italy
| | - Silvia Sesana
- School of Medicine & Surgery, Nanomedicine Center NANOMIB, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, 20900, Italy
| | - Francesca Re
- School of Medicine & Surgery, Nanomedicine Center NANOMIB, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, 20900, Italy
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37
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Pinteala M, Abadie MJM, Rusu RD. Smart Supra- and Macro-Molecular Tools for Biomedical Applications. MATERIALS 2020; 13:ma13153343. [PMID: 32727155 PMCID: PMC7435709 DOI: 10.3390/ma13153343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Stimuli-responsive, “smart” polymeric materials used in the biomedical field function in a bio-mimicking manner by providing a non-linear response to triggers coming from a physiological microenvironment or other external source. They are built based on various chemical, physical, and biological tools that enable pH and/or temperature-stimulated changes in structural or physicochemical attributes, like shape, volume, solubility, supramolecular arrangement, and others. This review touches on some particular developments on the topic of stimuli-sensitive molecular tools for biomedical applications. Design and mechanistic details are provided concerning the smart synthetic instruments that are employed to prepare supra- and macro-molecular architectures with specific responses to external stimuli. Five major themes are approached: (i) temperature- and pH-responsive systems for controlled drug delivery; (ii) glycodynameric hydrogels for drug delivery; (iii) polymeric non-viral vectors for gene delivery; (iv) metallic nanoconjugates for biomedical applications; and, (v) smart organic tools for biomedical imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Pinteala
- “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Romanian Academy, Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 41A, 700487 Iasi, Romania; (M.P.); (M.J.M.A.)
| | - Marc J. M. Abadie
- “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Romanian Academy, Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 41A, 700487 Iasi, Romania; (M.P.); (M.J.M.A.)
- Institute Charles Gerhardt Montpellier, Bat 15, CC 1052, University of Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Radu D. Rusu
- “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Romanian Academy, Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 41A, 700487 Iasi, Romania; (M.P.); (M.J.M.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-232-217454
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38
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Molecular aspects of the role of groove and stacked regions of DNA in binding with lipids: Spectroscopic and docking studies. J Mol Liq 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2020.112672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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39
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Wang G, Rayner S, Chung R, Shi B, Liang X. Advances in nanotechnology-based strategies for the treatments of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Mater Today Bio 2020; 6:100055. [PMID: 32529183 PMCID: PMC7280770 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2020.100055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease (MND), is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects both upper and lower motor neurons, which results in loss of muscle control and eventual paralysis [1]. Currently, there are as yet unresolved challenges regarding efficient drug delivery into the central nervous system (CNS). These challenges can be attributed to multiple factors including the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB), as well as the inherent characteristics of the drugs themselves (e.g. low solubility, insufficient bioavailability/bio-stability, 'off-target' effects) etc. As a result, conventional drug delivery systems may not facilitate adequate dosage of the required drugs for functional recovery in ALS patients. Nanotechnology-based strategies, however, employ engineered nanostructures that show great potential in delivering single or combined therapeutic agents to overcome the biological barriers, enhance interaction with targeted sites, improve drug bioavailability/bio-stability and achieve real-time tracking while minimizing the systemic side-effects. This review provides a concise discussion of recent advances in nanotechnology-based strategies in relation to combating specific pathophysiology relevant to ALS disease progression and investigates the future scope of using nanotechnology to develop innovative treatments for ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- G.Y. Wang
- Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - S.L. Rayner
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - R. Chung
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - B.Y. Shi
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
- Henan-Macquarie University Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - X.J. Liang
- Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
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40
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Anti-ageing gene therapy: Not so far away? Ageing Res Rev 2019; 56:100977. [PMID: 31669577 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2019.100977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Improving healthspan is the main objective of anti-ageing research. Currently, innovative gene therapy-based approaches seem to be among the most promising for preventing and treating chronic polygenic pathologies, including age-related ones. The gene-based therapy allows to modulate the genome architecture using both direct (e.g., by gene editing) and indirect (e.g., by viral or non-viral vectors) approaches. Nevertheless, considering the extraordinary complexity of processes involved in ageing and ageing-related diseases, the effectiveness of these therapeutic options is often unsatisfactory and limited by their side-effects. Thus, clinical implementation of such applications is certainly a long-time process that will require many translation phases for addressing challenges. However, after overcoming these issues, their implementation in clinical practice may obviously provide new possibilities in anti-ageing medicine. Here, we review and discuss recent advances in this rapidly developing research field.
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41
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Xu X, Sun M, Wang D, Bu W, Wang Z, Shen Y, Zhang K, Zhou D, Yang B, Sun H. Bone formation promoted by bone morphogenetic protein-2 plasmid-loaded porous silica nanoparticles with the involvement of autophagy. NANOSCALE 2019; 11:21953-21963. [PMID: 31709429 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr07017f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy is one of the most common and effective ways for the regeneration of defective bone tissue, but even highly efficient gene delivery vectors are insufficient. In this study, bone morphogenetic protein-2 plasmid (pBMP-2) was encapsulated by polyethylenimine-modified porous silica nanoparticles (PPSNs), which were synthesized via an ethyl ether emulsion method. Owing to the high specific surface area and high absorption characteristics, low cytotoxicy PPSNs can efficiently load and protect pBMP-2. The resulting PPSN/pBMP-2 can transfect MC3T3-E1 cells effectively to promote osteogenic differentiation and increase calcium deposition in vitro. Interestingly, the mass of calcium deposition nodules decreased dur to the presence of an autophagy inhibitor, demonstrating that PPSNs stimulated the autophagy pathway. Because of their excellent biocompatibility, high transfection efficiency, and ability to stimulate autophagy, the as-prepared PPSN/pBMP-2 could efficiently transfect local cells in a defect area in vivo. Micro-computed tomography and histological images demonstrated that PPSN/pBMP-2 could efficiently promote new bone formation in a 5 mm sized rat calvarial defect model. Taken together, our newly synthesized PPSNs could efficiently carry pBMP-2 and deliver it to the target cells as well as stimulating the autophagy pathway, resulting in significant osteogenic differentiation and bone regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Xu
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, P. R. China.
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42
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Saleeba C, Dempsey B, Le S, Goodchild A, McMullan S. A Student's Guide to Neural Circuit Tracing. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:897. [PMID: 31507369 PMCID: PMC6718611 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian nervous system is comprised of a seemingly infinitely complex network of specialized synaptic connections that coordinate the flow of information through it. The field of connectomics seeks to map the structure that underlies brain function at resolutions that range from the ultrastructural, which examines the organization of individual synapses that impinge upon a neuron, to the macroscopic, which examines gross connectivity between large brain regions. At the mesoscopic level, distant and local connections between neuronal populations are identified, providing insights into circuit-level architecture. Although neural tract tracing techniques have been available to experimental neuroscientists for many decades, considerable methodological advances have been made in the last 20 years due to synergies between the fields of molecular biology, virology, microscopy, computer science and genetics. As a consequence, investigators now enjoy an unprecedented toolbox of reagents that can be directed against selected subpopulations of neurons to identify their efferent and afferent connectomes. Unfortunately, the intersectional nature of this progress presents newcomers to the field with a daunting array of technologies that have emerged from disciplines they may not be familiar with. This review outlines the current state of mesoscale connectomic approaches, from data collection to analysis, written for the novice to this field. A brief history of neuroanatomy is followed by an assessment of the techniques used by contemporary neuroscientists to resolve mesoscale organization, such as conventional and viral tracers, and methods of selecting for sub-populations of neurons. We consider some weaknesses and bottlenecks of the most widely used approaches for the analysis and dissemination of tracing data and explore the trajectories that rapidly developing neuroanatomy technologies are likely to take.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Saleeba
- Neurobiology of Vital Systems Node, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- The School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Bowen Dempsey
- CNRS, Hindbrain Integrative Neurobiology Laboratory, Neuroscience Paris-Saclay Institute (Neuro-PSI), Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Sheng Le
- Neurobiology of Vital Systems Node, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ann Goodchild
- Neurobiology of Vital Systems Node, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Simon McMullan
- Neurobiology of Vital Systems Node, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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43
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Smith T, Ram D. Fifteen-minute consultation: A practical approach to developmental regression in children. Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed 2019; 104:173-177. [PMID: 30181142 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2017-313792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Developmental regression is an important red flag in any child's developmental performance and should be recognised promptly. It is the loss of previously acquired skills and can affect any sphere of childhood development. Presentation and underlying causes are heterogeneous in nature, in turn presenting many clinical challenges. While broad, the causes of regression can be categorised based on clinical findings, so that investigation and management options can be tailored appropriately. It is extremely important to try and make a definitive diagnosis if possible. This allows appropriate initiation of treatment for potentially reversible causes and for specific therapies, which may alter disease progression and improve quality of life in some cases. This article outlines a systematic approach to the evaluation of a child with suspected regression, covering the nature of presentation, key differential diagnoses, first-line investigations and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Smith
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Dipak Ram
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester, UK
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Weber JJ, Clemensson LE, Schiöth HB, Nguyen HP. Olesoxime in neurodegenerative diseases: Scrutinising a promising drug candidate. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 168:305-318. [PMID: 31283931 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Over the last years, the experimental compound olesoxime, a mitochondria-targeting cholesterol derivative, has emerged as a promising drug candidate for neurodegenerative diseases. Numerous preclinical studies have successfully proved olesoxime's neuroprotective properties in cell and animal models of clinical conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington disease, Parkinson disease, peripheral neuropathy and spinal muscular atrophy. The beneficial effects were attributed to olesoxime's potential impact on oxidative stress, mitochondrial permeability transition or cholesterol homoeostasis. Although no significant benefits have been demonstrated in patients of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and only the first 12 months of a phase II/III clinical trial showed an improvement in motor symptoms of spinal muscular atrophy, this orphan drug may still offer undiscovered potential in the treatment of neurological diseases. In our earlier preclinical studies, we demonstrated that administration of olesoxime in mouse and rat models of Huntington disease improved psychiatric and molecular phenotypes. Aside from stabilising mitochondrial function, the drug reduced the overactivation of calpains, a class of calcium-dependent proteases entangled in neurodegenerative conditions. This observation may be credited to olesoxime's action on calcium dyshomeostasis, a further hallmark in neurodegeneration, and linked to its targets TSPO and VDAC, two proteins of the outer mitochondrial membrane associated with mitochondrial calcium handling. Further research into the mode of action of olesoxime under pathological conditions, including its effect on neuronal calcium homeostasis, may strengthen the untapped potential of olesoxime or other similar compounds as a therapeutic for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonasz Jeremiasz Weber
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | | | - Helgi Birgir Schiöth
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Institute for Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Huu Phuc Nguyen
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
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45
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Qu Y, Liu Y, Noor AF, Tran J, Li R. Characteristics and advantages of adeno-associated virus vector-mediated gene therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. Neural Regen Res 2019; 14:931-938. [PMID: 30761996 PMCID: PMC6404499 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.250570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Common neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system are characterized by progressive damage to the function of neurons, even leading to the permanent loss of function. Gene therapy via gene replacement or gene correction provides the potential for transformative therapies to delay or possibly stop further progression of the neurodegenerative disease in affected patients. Adeno-associated virus has been the vector of choice in recent clinical trials of therapies for neurodegenerative diseases due to its safety and efficiency in mediating gene transfer to the central nervous system. This review aims to discuss and summarize the progress and clinical applications of adeno-associated virus in neurodegenerative disease in central nervous system. Results from some clinical trials and successful cases of central neurodegenerative diseases deserve further study and exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Qu
- Department of Hand Surgery, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ahmed Fayyaz Noor
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Johnathan Tran
- Department of Premedical and Health Studies, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Hand Surgery, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
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46
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Guo Q, Zheng X, Yang P, Pang X, Qian K, Wang P, Xu S, Sheng D, Wang L, Cao J, Lu W, Zhang Q, Jiang X. Small interfering RNA delivery to the neurons near the amyloid plaques for improved treatment of Alzheimer׳s disease. Acta Pharm Sin B 2019; 9:590-603. [PMID: 31193846 PMCID: PMC6543096 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2018.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy represents a promising treatment for the Alzheimer׳s disease (AD). However, gene delivery specific to brain lesions through systemic administration remains big challenge. In our previous work, we have developed an siRNA nanocomplex able to be specifically delivered to the amyloid plaques through surface modification with both CGN peptide for the blood–brain barrier (BBB) penetration and QSH peptide for β-amyloid binding. But, whether the as-designed nanocomplex could indeed improve the gene accumulation in the impaired neuron cells and ameliorate AD-associated symptoms remains further study. Herein, we prepared the nanocomplexes with an siRNA against β-site amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), the rate-limiting enzyme of Aβ production, as the therapeutic siRNA of AD. The nanocomplexes exhibited high distribution in the Aβ deposits-enriched hippocampus, especially in the neurons near the amyloid plaques after intravenous administration. In APP/PS1 transgenic mice, the nanocomplexes down-regulated BACE1 in both mRNA and protein levels, as well as Aβ and amyloid plaques to the level of wild-type mice. Moreover, the nanocomplexes significantly increased the level of synaptophysin and rescued memory loss of the AD transgenic mice without hematological or histological toxicity. Taken together, this work presented direct evidences that the design of precise gene delivery to the AD lesions markedly improves the therapeutic outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Wei Lu
- Corresponding authors. Tel.: +86 21 519980068; fax: +86 21 51980067.
| | - Qizhi Zhang
- Corresponding authors. Tel.: +86 21 519980068; fax: +86 21 51980067.
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47
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Sawada A, Wang S, Jian M, Leem J, Wackerbarth J, Egawa J, Schilling JM, Platoshyn O, Zemljic-Harpf A, Roth DM, Patel HH, Patel PM, Marsala M, Head BP. Neuron-targeted caveolin-1 improves neuromuscular function and extends survival in SOD1 G93A mice. FASEB J 2019; 33:7545-7554. [PMID: 30894019 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201802652rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Interventions that preserve motor neurons or restore functional motor neuroplasticity may extend longevity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Delivery of neurotrophins may potentially revive degenerating motor neurons, yet this approach is dependent on the proper subcellular localization of neurotrophin receptor (NTR) to plasmalemmal signaling microdomains, termed membrane/lipid rafts (MLRs). We previously showed that overexpression of synapsin-driven caveolin-1 (Cav-1) (SynCav1) increases MLR localization of NTR [e.g., receptor tyrosine kinase B (TrkB)], promotes hippocampal synaptic and neuroplasticity, and significantly improves learning and memory in aged mice. The present study crossed a SynCav1 transgene-positive (SynCav1+) mouse with the mutant human superoxide dismutase glycine to alanine point mutation at amino acid 93 (hSOD1G93A) mouse model of ALS. When compared with hSOD1G93A, hSOD1G93A/SynCav1+ mice exhibited greater body weight and longer survival as well as better motor function. Microscopic analyses of hSOD1G93A/SynCav1+ spinal cords revealed preserved spinal cord α-motor neurons and preserved mitochondrial morphology. Moreover, hSOD1G93A/SynCav1+ spinal cords contained more MLRs (cholera toxin subunit B positive) and MLR-associated TrkB and Cav-1 protein expression. These findings demonstrate that SynCav1 delays disease progression in a mouse model of ALS, potentially by preserving or restoring NTR expression and localization to MLRs.-Sawada, A., Wang, S., Jian, M., Leem, J., Wackerbarth, J., Egawa, J., Schilling, J. M., Platoshyn, O., Zemljic-Harpf, A., Roth, D. M., Patel, H. H., Patel, P. M., Marsala, M., Head, B. P. Neuron-targeted caveolin-1 improves neuromuscular function and extends survival in SOD1G93A mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Sawada
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Minyu Jian
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Joseph Leem
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Jesse Wackerbarth
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Junji Egawa
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan; and
| | - Jan M Schilling
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Oleksandr Platoshyn
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Alice Zemljic-Harpf
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - David M Roth
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Hemal H Patel
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Piyush M Patel
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Martin Marsala
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Brian P Head
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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Jakaria M, Haque ME, Cho DY, Azam S, Kim IS, Choi DK. Molecular Insights into NR4A2(Nurr1): an Emerging Target for Neuroprotective Therapy Against Neuroinflammation and Neuronal Cell Death. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:5799-5814. [PMID: 30684217 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-1487-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
NR4A2 is a nuclear receptor and a transcription factor, with distinctive physiological features. In the cell nuclei of the central nervous system, it is widely expressed and identified as a crucial regulator of dopaminergic (DA) neuronal differentiation, survival, and maintenance. Importantly, it has regulated different genes crucial for dopaminergic signals, and its expression has been diminished in both aged and PD post-mortem brains and reduced in PD patients. In microglia and astrocytes, the expression of NR4A2 has been found where it can be capable of inhibiting the expression of proinflammatory mediators; hence, it protected inflammation-mediated DA neuronal death. In addition, NR4A2 plays neuroprotective role via regulating different signals. However, NR4A2 has been mainly focused on Parkinson's research, but, in recent times, it has been studied in Alzheimer's disease (AD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and stroke. Altered expression of NR4A2 is connected to AD progression, and activation of its may improve cognitive function. It is downregulated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of MS patients; nonetheless, its role in MS has not been fully clear. miR-145-5p known as a putative regulator of NR4A2 and in a middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion model, anti-miR-145-5p administration promoted neurological outcomes in rat. To date, various activators and modulators of NR4A2 have been discovered and investigated as probable therapeutic drugs in neuroinflammatory and neuronal cell death models. The NR4A2 gene and cell-based therapy are described as promising drug candidates for neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, microRNA might have a crucial role in neurodegeneration via affecting NR4A2 expression. Herein, we present the role of NR4A2 in neuroinflammation and neuronal cell death focusing on neurodegenerative conditions and display NR4A2 as a promising therapeutic target for the therapy of neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Jakaria
- Department of Applied Life Sciences and Integrated Bioscience, Graduate School, Konkuk University, Chungju, South Korea
| | - Md Ezazul Haque
- Department of Applied Life Sciences and Integrated Bioscience, Graduate School, Konkuk University, Chungju, South Korea
| | - Duk-Yeon Cho
- Department of Applied Life Sciences and Integrated Bioscience, Graduate School, Konkuk University, Chungju, South Korea
| | - Shofiul Azam
- Department of Applied Life Sciences and Integrated Bioscience, Graduate School, Konkuk University, Chungju, South Korea
| | - In-Su Kim
- Department of Applied Life Sciences and Integrated Bioscience, Graduate School, Konkuk University, Chungju, South Korea.,Department of Integrated Bioscience and Biotechnology, College of Biomedical and Health Sciences and Research Institute of Inflammatory Diseases (RID), Konkuk University, Chungju, South Korea
| | - Dong-Kug Choi
- Department of Applied Life Sciences and Integrated Bioscience, Graduate School, Konkuk University, Chungju, South Korea. .,Department of Integrated Bioscience and Biotechnology, College of Biomedical and Health Sciences and Research Institute of Inflammatory Diseases (RID), Konkuk University, Chungju, South Korea.
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GDNF-mediated rescue of the nigrostriatal system depends on the degree of degeneration. Gene Ther 2018; 26:57-64. [PMID: 30531868 PMCID: PMC6514883 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-018-0049-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a promising therapeutic molecule to treat Parkinson’s disease. Despite an excellent profile in experimental settings, clinical trials testing GDNF have failed. One of the theories to explain these negative outcomes is that the clinical trials were done in late-stage patients that have advanced nigrostriatal degeneration and may therefore not respond to a neurotrophic factor therapy. Based on this idea, we tested if the stage of nigrostriatal degeneration is important for GDNF-based therapies. Lentiviral vectors expressing regulated GDNF were delivered to the striatum of rats to allow GDNF expression to be turned on either while the nigrostriatal system was degenerating or after the nigrostriatal system had been fully lesioned by 6-OHDA. In the group of animals where GDNF expression was on during degeneration, neurons were rescued and there was a reversal of motor deficits. Turning GDNF expression on after the nigrostriatal system was lesioned did not rescue neurons or reverse motor deficits. In fact, these animals were indistinguishable from the control groups. Our results suggest that GDNF can reverse motor deficits and nigrostriatal pathology despite an ongoing nigrostriatal degeneration, if there is still a sufficient number of remaining neurons to respond to therapy.
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50
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Kreiner G. What have we learned recently from transgenic mouse models about neurodegeneration? The most promising discoveries of this millennium. Pharmacol Rep 2018; 70:1105-1115. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2018.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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