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Germeys C, Vandoorne T, Davie K, Poovathingal S, Heeren K, Vermeire W, Nami F, Moisse M, Quaegebeur A, Sierksma A, Rué L, Sicart A, Eykens C, De Cock L, De Strooper B, Carmeliet P, Van Damme P, De Bock K, Van Den Bosch L. Targeting EGLN2/PHD1 protects motor neurons and normalizes the astrocytic interferon response. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114719. [PMID: 39255062 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation and dysregulated energy metabolism are linked to motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The egl-9 family hypoxia-inducible factor (EGLN) enzymes, also known as prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD) enzymes, are metabolic sensors regulating cellular inflammation and metabolism. Using an oligonucleotide-based and a genetic approach, we showed that the downregulation of Egln2 protected motor neurons and mitigated the ALS phenotype in two zebrafish models and a mouse model of ALS. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing of the murine spinal cord revealed that the loss of EGLN2 induced an astrocyte-specific downregulation of interferon-stimulated genes, mediated via the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) protein. In addition, we found that the genetic deletion of EGLN2 restored this interferon response in patient induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived astrocytes, confirming the link between EGLN2 and astrocytic interferon signaling. In conclusion, we identified EGLN2 as a motor neuron protective target normalizing the astrocytic interferon-dependent inflammatory axis in vivo, as well as in patient-derived cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Germeys
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tijs Vandoorne
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kristofer Davie
- VIB-KU Leuven, Center for Brain & Disease Research Technologies, Single Cell Bioinformatics Unit, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Suresh Poovathingal
- VIB-KU Leuven, Center for Brain & Disease Research Technologies, Single Cell Microfluidics & Analytics Unit, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for AI & Computational Biology (VIB.AI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kara Heeren
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wendy Vermeire
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - FatemehArefeh Nami
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute Leuven (SCIL), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Matthieu Moisse
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annelies Quaegebeur
- University of Cambridge, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, CB2 2PY Cambridge, UK; Cambridge University Hospitals, Department of Histopathology, CB2 0QQ Cambridge, UK
| | - Annerieke Sierksma
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Research Group Molecular Neurobiology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laura Rué
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Adrià Sicart
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Caroline Eykens
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lenja De Cock
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart De Strooper
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Research Group Molecular Neurobiology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Dementia Research Institute, University College London, WC1E 6BT London, UK
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Oncology and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Cancer Biology, Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Center for Biotechnology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Philip Van Damme
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Neurology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katrien De Bock
- ETH Zürich, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Hosseini L, Babaie S, Shahabi P, Fekri K, Shafiee-Kandjani AR, Mafikandi V, Maghsoumi-Norouzabad L, Abolhasanpour N. Klotho: molecular mechanisms and emerging therapeutics in central nervous system diseases. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:913. [PMID: 39153108 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09862-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Klotho is recognized as an aging-suppressor protein that is implicated in a variety of processes and signaling pathways. The anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidant, and anti-tumor bioactivities of klotho have extended its application in neurosciences and made the protein popular for its lifespan-extending capacity. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that klotho levels would reduce with aging and numerous pathologies, particularly those related to the central nervous system (CNS). Evidence supports the idea that klotho can be a key therapeutic target in CNS diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease. Reviewing the literature suggests that the upregulation of klotho expression regulates various signaling pathways related to autophagy, oxidative stress, inflammation, cognition, and ferroptosis in neurological disorders. Therefore, it has been of great interest to develop drugs or agents that boost or restore klotho levels. In this regard, the present review was designed and aimed to gather the delegated documents regarding the therapeutic potential of Klotho in CNS diseases focusing on the molecular and cellular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Hosseini
- Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Soraya Babaie
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research Center, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parviz Shahabi
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Kiarash Fekri
- Department of Paramedicine, Amol School of Paramedicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Preclinical Department, Amol Campus of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ali Reza Shafiee-Kandjani
- Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vida Mafikandi
- Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Nasrin Abolhasanpour
- Research Center for Evidence‑Based Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Zhu Y, Wang F, Xia Y, Wang L, Lin H, Zhong T, Wang X. Research progress on astrocyte-derived extracellular vesicles in the pathogenesis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Rev Neurosci 2024; 0:revneuro-2024-0043. [PMID: 38889403 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2024-0043] [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: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington's disease (HD), pose significant global health risks and represent a substantial public health concern in the contemporary era. A primary factor in the pathophysiology of these disorders is aberrant accumulation and aggregation of pathogenic proteins within the brain and spinal cord. Recent investigations have identified extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the central nervous system (CNS) as potential carriers for intercellular transport of misfolded proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases. EVs are involved in pathological processes that contribute to various brain disorders including neurodegenerative disorders. Proteins linked to neurodegenerative disorders are secreted and distributed from cell to cell via EVs, serving as a mechanism for direct intercellular communication through the transfer of biomolecules. Astrocytes, as active participants in CNS intercellular communication, release astrocyte-derived extracellular vesicles (ADEVs) that are capable of interacting with diverse target cells. This review primarily focuses on the involvement of ADEVs in the development of neurological disorders and explores their potential dual roles - both advantageous and disadvantageous in the context of neurological disorders. Furthermore, this review examines the current studies investigating ADEVs as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The prospects and challenges associated with the application of ADEVs in clinical settings were also comprehensively reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zhu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Fangsheng Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yu Xia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Haihong Lin
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Tianyu Zhong
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiaoling Wang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
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Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is well known for its angiogenic activity, but recent evidence has revealed a neuroprotective action of this factor on injured or diseased neurons. In the present review, we summarize the most relevant findings that have contributed to establish a link between VEGF deficiency and neuronal degeneration. At issue, 1) mutant mice with reduced levels of VEGF show adult-onset muscle weakness and motoneuron degeneration resembling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), 2) administration of VEGF to different animal models of motoneuron degeneration improves motor performance and ameliorates motoneuronal degeneration, and 3) there is an association between low plasmatic levels of VEGF and human ALS. Altogether, the results presented in this review highlight VEGF as an essential motoneuron neurotrophic factor endowed with promising therapeutic potential for the treatment of motoneuron disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula M Calvo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Rosendo G Hernández
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Angel M Pastor
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Rosa R de la Cruz
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
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The Neuroprotective Activities of the Novel Multi-Target Iron-Chelators in Models of Alzheimer's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Aging. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050763. [PMID: 36899898 PMCID: PMC10001413 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The concept of chelation therapy as a valuable therapeutic approach in neurological disorders led us to develop multi-target, non-toxic, lipophilic, brain-permeable compounds with iron chelation and anti-apoptotic properties for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), age-related dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Herein, we reviewed our two most effective such compounds, M30 and HLA20, based on a multimodal drug design paradigm. The compounds have been tested for their mechanisms of action using animal and cellular models such as APP/PS1 AD transgenic (Tg) mice, G93A-SOD1 mutant ALS Tg mice, C57BL/6 mice, Neuroblastoma × Spinal Cord-34 (NSC-34) hybrid cells, a battery of behavior tests, and various immunohistochemical and biochemical techniques. These novel iron chelators exhibit neuroprotective activities by attenuating relevant neurodegenerative pathology, promoting positive behavior changes, and up-regulating neuroprotective signaling pathways. Taken together, these results suggest that our multifunctional iron-chelating compounds can upregulate several neuroprotective-adaptive mechanisms and pro-survival signaling pathways in the brain and might function as ideal drugs for neurodegenerative disorders, such as PD, AD, ALS, and aging-related cognitive decline, in which oxidative stress and iron-mediated toxicity and dysregulation of iron homeostasis have been implicated.
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Rei N, Valente CA, Vaz SH, Farinha-Ferreira M, Ribeiro JA, Sebastião AM. Changes in adenosine receptors and neurotrophic factors in the SOD1G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Modulation by chronic caffeine. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272104. [PMID: 36516126 PMCID: PMC9749988 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by the progressive degeneration of corticospinal tract motor neurons. Previous studies showed that adenosine-mediated neuromodulation is disturbed in ALS and that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has a neuroprotective function in ALS mouse models. We evaluated how adenosine (A1R and A2AR) and VEGF (VEGFA, VEGFB, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2) system markers are altered in the cortex and spinal cord of pre-symptomatic and symptomatic SOD1G93A mice. We then assessed if/how chronic treatment of SOD1G93A mice with a widely consumed adenosine receptor antagonist, caffeine, modulates VEGF system and/or the levels of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), known to be under control of A2AR. We found out decreases in A1R and increases in A2AR levels even before disease onset. Concerning the VEGF system, we detected increases of VEGFB and VEGFR-2 levels in the spinal cord at pre-symptomatic stage, which reverses at the symptomatic stage, and decreases of VEGFA levels in the cortex, in very late disease states. Chronic treatment with caffeine rescued cortical A1R levels in SOD1G93A mice, bringing them to control levels, while rendering VEGF signaling nearly unaffected. In contrast, BDNF levels were significantly affected in SOD1G93A mice treated with caffeine, being decreased in the cortex and increased in spinal the cord. Altogether, these findings suggest an early dysfunction of the adenosinergic system in ALS and highlights the possibility that the negative influence of caffeine previously reported in ALS animal models results from interference with BDNF rather than with the VEGF signaling molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nádia Rei
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cláudia A. Valente
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sandra H. Vaz
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel Farinha-Ferreira
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Joaquim A. Ribeiro
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana M. Sebastião
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- * E-mail:
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Neuroprotective Effect of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor on Motoneurons of the Oculomotor System. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020814. [PMID: 33467517 PMCID: PMC7830098 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was initially characterized as a potent angiogenic factor based on its activity on the vascular system. However, it is now well established that VEGF also plays a crucial role as a neuroprotective factor in the nervous system. A deficit of VEGF has been related to motoneuronal degeneration, such as that occurring in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Strikingly, motoneurons of the oculomotor system show lesser vulnerability to neurodegeneration in ALS compared to other motoneurons. These motoneurons presented higher amounts of VEGF and its receptor Flk-1 than other brainstem pools. That higher VEGF level could be due to an enhanced retrograde input from their target muscles, but it can also be produced by the motoneurons themselves and act in an autocrine way. By contrast, VEGF’s paracrine supply from the vicinity cells, such as glial cells, seems to represent a minor source of VEGF for brainstem motoneurons. In addition, ocular motoneurons experiment an increase in VEGF and Flk-1 level in response to axotomy, not observed in facial or hypoglossal motoneurons. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the differences in VEGF availability that could contribute to the higher resistance of extraocular motoneurons to injury and neurodegenerative diseases.
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VEGF/VEGFR-2 system exerts neuroprotection against Phoneutria nigriventer spider envenomation through PI3K-AKT-dependent pathway. Toxicon 2020; 185:76-90. [PMID: 32649934 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
This study was undertaken to elucidate why VEGF/VEGFR-2 is elevated in the hippocampus of rats injected with Phoneutria nigriventer spider venom (PNV). PNV delays Na+ channels inactivation; blocks Ca2+ and K+ channels, increases glutamate release, causes blood-brain breakdown (BBBb), brain edema and severe excitotoxicity. Analytical FT-IR spectroscopy showed profound alteration in molecular biochemical state, with evidences for VEGFR-2 (KDR/Flk-1) signaling mediation. By blocking VEGF/VEGFR-2 binding via pre-treatment with itraconazole we demonstrated that animals' condition was deteriorated soon at 1-2 h post-PNV exposure concurrently with decreased expression of VEGF, BBB-associated proteins, ZO-1, β-catenin, laminin, P-gp (P-glycoprotein), Neu-N (neuron's viability marker) and MAPKphosphorylated-p38, while phosphorylated-ERK and Src pathways were increased. At 5 h and coinciding with incipient signs of animals' recuperation, the proteins associated with protection (HIF-1α, VEGF, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, Neu-N, occludin, β-catenin, laminin, P-gp efflux protein, phosphorylated-p38) increased thus indicating p38 pathway activation together with paracellular route strengthening. However, the BBB transcellular trafficking and caspase-3 increased (pro-apoptotic pathway activation). At 24 h, the transcellular route reestablished physiological state but the pro-survival pathway PI3K/(p-Akt) dropped in animals underwent VEGF/VEGFR-2 binding inhibition, whereas it was significantly activated at matched interval in PNV group without prior itraconazole; these results demonstrate impaired VEGF' survival effects at 24 h. The inhibition of VEGF/VEGFR-2 binding identified 5 h as turning point at which multi-level dynamic interplay was elicited to reverse hippocampal damage. Collectively, the data confirmed VEGFR-2 signaling via serine-threonine kinase Akt as neuroprotective pathway against PNV-induced damage. Further studies are needed to elucidate mechanisms underlying PNV effects.
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Van Damme P, Tilkin P, Mercer KJ, Terryn J, D'Hondt A, Herne N, Tousseyn T, Claeys KG, Thal DR, Zachrisson O, Almqvist P, Nuttin B, Jerling M, Bernadotte F, Haegerstrand A, Robberecht W. Intracerebroventricular delivery of vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a phase I study. Brain Commun 2020; 2:fcaa160. [PMID: 33977260 PMCID: PMC8099230 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcaa160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied the feasibility, safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of intracerebroventricular delivery of recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In this phase I study in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the study drug was delivered using an implantable programmable pump connected to a catheter inserted in the frontal horn of the lateral cerebral ventricle. A first cohort received open label vascular endothelial growth factor (0.2, 0.8 and 2 µg/day), a second cohort received placebo, 0.8 or 2 µg/day of study dug. After the 3-month study period, all patients could participate in an open label extension study. In total, 18 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, seen at the University Hospitals in Leuven were included. The surgical procedure was well tolerated in most patients. One patient had transient postoperative seizures, due to an ischemic lesion along the catheter tract. The first 3-month study period was completed by 15/18 patients. Administration of 2 µg/day vascular endothelial growth factor resulted in sustained detectable levels in cerebrospinal fluid. A pulmonary embolus occurred in 3 patients, in 1 patient in the first 3-month study, and in 2 patients during the open label extension study. The study drug was well tolerated in the other patients, for up to 6 years in the open label extension study. Our study shows that intracerebroventricular administration of 2 µg/day of vascular endothelial growth factor to patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is feasible, results in detectable cerebrospinal fluid levels and is well tolerated in most patients. The most common serious adverse event was a pulmonary embolus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Van Damme
- Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Petra Tilkin
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Joke Terryn
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ann D'Hondt
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Thomas Tousseyn
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kristl G Claeys
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dietmar R Thal
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | - Bart Nuttin
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Wim Robberecht
- Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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10
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Froger N, Matonti F, Roubeix C, Forster V, Ivkovic I, Brunel N, Baudouin C, Sahel JA, Picaud S. VEGF is an autocrine/paracrine neuroprotective factor for injured retinal ganglion neurons. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12409. [PMID: 32710087 PMCID: PMC7382485 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68488-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF) is the angiogenic factor promoting the pathological neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or diabetic macular edema (DME). Evidences have suggested a neurotrophic and neuroprotective role of VEGF, albeit in retina, cellular mechanisms underlying the VEGF neuroprotection remain elusive. Using purified adult retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in culture, we demonstrated here that VEGF is released by RGCs themselves to promote their own survival, while VEGF neutralization by specific antibodies or traps drastically reduced the RGC survival. These results indicate an autocrine VEGF neuroprotection on RGCs. In parallel, VEGF produced by mixed retinal cells or by mesenchymal stem cells exerted a paracrine neuroprotection on RGCs. Such neuroprotective effect was obtained using the recombinant VEGF-B, suggesting the involvement of VEGF-R1 pathway in VEGF-elicited RGC survival. Finally, glaucomatous patients injected with VEGF traps (ranibizumab or aflibercept) due to either AMD or DME comorbidity, showed a significant reduction of RGC axon fiber layer thickness, consistent with the plausible reduction of the VEGF autocrine stimulation of RGCs. Our results provide evidence of the autocrine neuroprotective function of VEGF on RGCs is crucially involved to preserve injured RGCs such as in glaucomatous patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Froger
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de La Vision, 17 rue Moreau, 75012, Paris, France.
| | - Frédéric Matonti
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de La Vision, 17 rue Moreau, 75012, Paris, France.,Centre Monticelli Paradis, 433 bis rue Paradis, 13008, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INT, Inst Neurosci Timone, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Christophe Roubeix
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de La Vision, 17 rue Moreau, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Forster
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de La Vision, 17 rue Moreau, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Ivana Ivkovic
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de La Vision, 17 rue Moreau, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Nadège Brunel
- UMS 29 INSERM Plateforme FluExGen UPMC, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Baudouin
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de La Vision, 17 rue Moreau, 75012, Paris, France.,CHNO Des Quinze-Vingts, DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, 75012, Paris, France
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de La Vision, 17 rue Moreau, 75012, Paris, France.,CHNO Des Quinze-Vingts, DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, 75012, Paris, France.,Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild, 75020, Paris, France.,Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Serge Picaud
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de La Vision, 17 rue Moreau, 75012, Paris, France. .,Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild, 75020, Paris, France.
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11
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Morelli C, Tiloca C, Colombrita C, Zambon A, Soranna D, Lafronza A, Solca F, Carelli L, Poletti B, Doretti A, Verde F, Maderna L, Ticozzi N, Ratti A, Silani V. CSF angiogenin levels in amyotrophic lateral Sclerosis-Frontotemporal dementia spectrum. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2019; 21:63-69. [DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2019.1704016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Morelli
- Department of Neurology-Stroke Unit and Laboratory of Neurosciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy,
| | - C. Tiloca
- Department of Neurology-Stroke Unit and Laboratory of Neurosciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy,
| | - C. Colombrita
- Department of Neurology-Stroke Unit and Laboratory of Neurosciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy,
| | - A. Zambon
- Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy,
| | - D. Soranna
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy,
| | - A. Lafronza
- Department of Neurology-Stroke Unit and Laboratory of Neurosciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy,
| | - F. Solca
- Department of Neurology-Stroke Unit and Laboratory of Neurosciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy,
| | - L. Carelli
- Department of Neurology-Stroke Unit and Laboratory of Neurosciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy,
| | - B. Poletti
- Department of Neurology-Stroke Unit and Laboratory of Neurosciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy,
| | - A. Doretti
- Department of Neurology-Stroke Unit and Laboratory of Neurosciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy,
| | - F. Verde
- Department of Neurology-Stroke Unit and Laboratory of Neurosciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy,
| | - L. Maderna
- Department of Neurology-Stroke Unit and Laboratory of Neurosciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy,
| | - N. Ticozzi
- Department of Neurology-Stroke Unit and Laboratory of Neurosciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy,
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, “Dino Ferrari” Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy,
| | - A. Ratti
- Department of Neurology-Stroke Unit and Laboratory of Neurosciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy,
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy,
| | - V. Silani
- Department of Neurology-Stroke Unit and Laboratory of Neurosciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy,
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, “Dino Ferrari” Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy,
- “Aldo Ravelli” Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
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12
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Keskin I, Forsgren E, Lehmann M, Andersen PM, Brännström T, Lange DJ, Synofzik M, Nordström U, Zetterström P, Marklund SL, Gilthorpe JD. The molecular pathogenesis of superoxide dismutase 1-linked ALS is promoted by low oxygen tension. Acta Neuropathol 2019; 138:85-101. [PMID: 30863976 PMCID: PMC6570705 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-019-01986-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Disease pathogenesis is linked to destabilization, disorder and aggregation of the SOD1 protein. However, the non-genetic factors that promote disorder and the subsequent aggregation of SOD1 have not been studied. Mainly located to the reducing cytosol, mature SOD1 contains an oxidized disulfide bond that is important for its stability. Since O2 is required for formation of the bond, we reasoned that low O2 tension might be a risk factor for the pathological changes associated with ALS development. By combining biochemical approaches in an extensive range of genetically distinct patient-derived cell lines, we show that the disulfide bond is an Achilles heel of the SOD1 protein. Culture of patient-derived fibroblasts, astrocytes, and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mixed motor neuron and astrocyte cultures (MNACs) under low O2 tensions caused reductive bond cleavage and increases in disordered SOD1. The effects were greatest in cells derived from patients carrying ALS-linked mutations in SOD1. However, significant increases also occurred in wild-type SOD1 in cultures derived from non-disease controls, and patients carrying mutations in other common ALS-linked genes. Compared to fibroblasts, MNACs showed far greater increases in SOD1 disorder and even aggregation of mutant SOD1s, in line with the vulnerability of the motor system to SOD1-mediated neurotoxicity. Our results show for the first time that O2 tension is a principal determinant of SOD1 stability in human patient-derived cells. Furthermore, we provide a mechanism by which non-genetic risk factors for ALS, such as aging and other conditions causing reduced vascular perfusion, could promote disease initiation and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isil Keskin
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Pathology, Umeå University, 90185, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Elin Forsgren
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, 90187, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Manuela Lehmann
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, 90187, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Peter M Andersen
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, 90187, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Thomas Brännström
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Pathology, Umeå University, 90185, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Dale J Lange
- Department of Neurology, Hospital for Special Surgery and Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Matthis Synofzik
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Research Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ulrika Nordström
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, 90187, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Per Zetterström
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Clinical Chemistry, Umeå University, 90185, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Stefan L Marklund
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Clinical Chemistry, Umeå University, 90185, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Jonathan D Gilthorpe
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, 90187, Umeå, Sweden.
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13
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Staff NP, Jones DT, Singer W. Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Therapies for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Mayo Clin Proc 2019; 94:892-905. [PMID: 31054608 PMCID: PMC6643282 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells are multipotent cells that are being used to treat a variety of medical conditions. Over the past decade, there has been considerable excitement about using MSCs to treat neurodegenerative diseases, which are diseases that are typically fatal and without other robust therapies. In this review, we discuss the proposed MSC mechanisms of action in neurodegenerative diseases, which include growth factor secretion, exosome secretion, and attenuation of neuroinflammation. We then provide a summary of preclinical and early clinical work on MSC therapies in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple system atrophy, Parkinson disease, and Alzheimer disease. Continued rigorous and controlled studies of MSC therapies will be critical in order to establish efficacy and protect patients from possible untoward effects.
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14
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Körner S, Thau-Habermann N, Kefalakes E, Bursch F, Petri S. Expression of the axon-guidance protein receptor Neuropilin 1 is increased in the spinal cord and decreased in muscle of a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 49:1529-1543. [PMID: 30589468 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative motor neuron disorder. It is supposed that ALS is at least in part an axonopathy. Neuropilin 1 is an important receptor of the axon repellent Semaphorin 3A and a co-receptor of vascular endothelial growth factor. It is probably involved in neuronal and axonal de-/regeneration and might be of high relevance for ALS pathogenesis and/or disease progression. To elucidate whether the expression of either Neuropilin1 or Semaphorin3A is altered in ALS we investigated these proteins in human brain, spinal cord and muscle tissue of ALS-patients and controls as well as transgenic SOD1G93A and control mice. Neuropilin1 and Semaphorin3A gene and protein expression were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot and immunohistochemistry. Groups were compared using either Student t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. We observed a consistent increase of Neuropilin1 expression in the spinal cord and decrease of Neuropilin1 and Semaphorin3A in muscle tissue of transgenic SOD1G93A mice at the mRNA and protein level. Previous studies have shown that damage of neurons physiologically causes Neuropilin1 and Semaphorin3A increase in the central nervous system and decrease in the peripheral nervous system. Our results indicate that this also occurs in ALS. Pharmacological modulation of expression and function of axon repellents could be a promising future therapeutic option in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Körner
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Ekaterini Kefalakes
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Franziska Bursch
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
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15
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Izrael M, Slutsky SG, Admoni T, Cohen L, Granit A, Hasson A, Itskovitz-Eldor J, Krush Paker L, Kuperstein G, Lavon N, Yehezkel Ionescu S, Solmesky LJ, Zaguri R, Zhuravlev A, Volman E, Chebath J, Revel M. Safety and efficacy of human embryonic stem cell-derived astrocytes following intrathecal transplantation in SOD1 G93A and NSG animal models. Stem Cell Res Ther 2018; 9:152. [PMID: 29871694 PMCID: PMC5989413 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-018-0890-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a motor neuron (MN) disease characterized by the loss of MNs in the central nervous system. As MNs die, patients progressively lose their ability to control voluntary movements, become paralyzed and eventually die from respiratory/deglutition failure. Despite the selective MN death in ALS, there is growing evidence that malfunctional astrocytes play a crucial role in disease progression. Thus, transplantation of healthy astrocytes may compensate for the diseased astrocytes. METHODS We developed a good manufacturing practice-grade protocol for generation of astrocytes from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). The first stage of our protocol is derivation of astrocyte progenitor cells (APCs) from hESCs. These APCs can be expanded in large quantities and stored frozen as cell banks. Further differentiation of the APCs yields an enriched population of astrocytes with more than 90% GFAP expression (hES-AS). hES-AS were injected intrathecally into hSOD1G93A transgenic mice and rats to evaluate their therapeutic potential. The safety and biodistribution of hES-AS were evaluated in a 9-month study conducted in immunodeficient NSG mice under good laboratory practice conditions. RESULTS In vitro, hES-AS possess the activities of functional healthy astrocytes, including glutamate uptake, promotion of axon outgrowth and protection of MNs from oxidative stress. A secretome analysis shows that these hES-AS also secrete several inhibitors of metalloproteases as well as a variety of neuroprotective factors (e.g. TIMP-1, TIMP-2, OPN, MIF and Midkine). Intrathecal injections of the hES-AS into transgenic hSOD1G93A mice and rats significantly delayed disease onset and improved motor performance compared to sham-injected animals. A safety study in immunodeficient mice showed that intrathecal transplantation of hES-AS is safe. Transplanted hES-AS attached to the meninges along the neuroaxis and survived for the entire duration of the study without formation of tumors or teratomas. Cell-injected mice gained similar body weight to the sham-injected group and did not exhibit clinical signs that could be related to the treatment. No differences from the vehicle control were observed in hematological parameters or blood chemistry. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate the safety and potential therapeutic benefits of intrathecal injection of hES-AS for the treatment of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Izrael
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Department at Kadimastem Ltd, Pinchas Sapir 7, Weizmann Science Park, Nes-Ziona, Israel
| | - Shalom Guy Slutsky
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Department at Kadimastem Ltd, Pinchas Sapir 7, Weizmann Science Park, Nes-Ziona, Israel
| | - Tamar Admoni
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Department at Kadimastem Ltd, Pinchas Sapir 7, Weizmann Science Park, Nes-Ziona, Israel
| | - Louisa Cohen
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Department at Kadimastem Ltd, Pinchas Sapir 7, Weizmann Science Park, Nes-Ziona, Israel
| | - Avital Granit
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Department at Kadimastem Ltd, Pinchas Sapir 7, Weizmann Science Park, Nes-Ziona, Israel
| | - Arik Hasson
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Department at Kadimastem Ltd, Pinchas Sapir 7, Weizmann Science Park, Nes-Ziona, Israel
| | - Joseph Itskovitz-Eldor
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Department at Kadimastem Ltd, Pinchas Sapir 7, Weizmann Science Park, Nes-Ziona, Israel
| | - Lena Krush Paker
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Department at Kadimastem Ltd, Pinchas Sapir 7, Weizmann Science Park, Nes-Ziona, Israel
| | - Graciela Kuperstein
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Department at Kadimastem Ltd, Pinchas Sapir 7, Weizmann Science Park, Nes-Ziona, Israel
| | - Neta Lavon
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Department at Kadimastem Ltd, Pinchas Sapir 7, Weizmann Science Park, Nes-Ziona, Israel
| | - Shiran Yehezkel Ionescu
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Department at Kadimastem Ltd, Pinchas Sapir 7, Weizmann Science Park, Nes-Ziona, Israel
| | - Leonardo Javier Solmesky
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Department at Kadimastem Ltd, Pinchas Sapir 7, Weizmann Science Park, Nes-Ziona, Israel
| | - Rachel Zaguri
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Department at Kadimastem Ltd, Pinchas Sapir 7, Weizmann Science Park, Nes-Ziona, Israel
| | - Alina Zhuravlev
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Department at Kadimastem Ltd, Pinchas Sapir 7, Weizmann Science Park, Nes-Ziona, Israel
| | - Ella Volman
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Department at Kadimastem Ltd, Pinchas Sapir 7, Weizmann Science Park, Nes-Ziona, Israel
| | - Judith Chebath
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Department at Kadimastem Ltd, Pinchas Sapir 7, Weizmann Science Park, Nes-Ziona, Israel
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Michel Revel
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Department at Kadimastem Ltd, Pinchas Sapir 7, Weizmann Science Park, Nes-Ziona, Israel
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100 Rehovot, Israel
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16
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Forostyak S, Sykova E. Neuroprotective Potential of Cell-Based Therapies in ALS: From Bench to Bedside. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:591. [PMID: 29114200 PMCID: PMC5660803 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor neurons (MN) degeneration is a main feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurological disorder with a progressive course. The diagnosis of ALS is essentially a clinical one. Most common symptoms include a gradual neurological deterioration that reflect the impairment and subsequent loss of muscle functions. Up-to-date ALS has no therapy that would prevent or cure a disease. Modern therapeutic strategies comprise of neuroprotective treatment focused on antiglutamatergic, antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory molecules. Stem cells application and gene therapy has provided researchers with a powerful tool for discovery of new mechanisms and therapeutic agents, as well as opened new perspectives for patients and family members. Here, we review latest progress made in basic, translational and clinical stem cell research related to the ALS. We overviewed results of preclinical and clinical studies employing cell-based therapy to treat neurodegenerative disorders. A special focus has been made on the neuroprotective properties of adult mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) application into ALS patients. Finally, we overviewed latest progress in the field of embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells used for the modeling and application during neurodegeneration in general and in ALS in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serhiy Forostyak
- Centre of Reconstructive Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Medicine (ASCR), Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia.,Department of Neuroscience, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Eva Sykova
- Department of Neuroscience, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia.,Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
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17
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Zhang N, Chen J, Ferraro GB, Wu L, Datta M, Jain RK, Plotkin SR, Stemmer-Rachamimov A, Xu L. Anti-VEGF treatment improves neurological function in tumors of the nervous system. Exp Neurol 2017; 299:326-333. [PMID: 28911884 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2017.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Research of various diseases of the nervous system has shown that VEGF has direct neuroprotective effects in the central and peripheral nervous systems, and indirect effects on improving neuronal vessel perfusion which leads to nerve protection. In the tumors of the nervous system, VEGF plays a critical role in tumor angiogenesis and tumor progression. The effect of anti-VEGF treatment on nerve protection and function has been recently reported - by normalizing the tumor vasculature, anti-VEGF treatment is able to relieve nerve edema and deliver oxygen more efficiently into the nerve, thus reducing nerve damage and improving nerve function. This review aims to summarize the divergent roles of VEGF in diseases of the nervous system and the recent findings of anti-VEGF therapy in nerve damage/regeneration and function in tumors, specifically, in Neurofibromatosis type 2 associated schwannomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhang
- Edwin Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jie Chen
- Edwin Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Gino B Ferraro
- Edwin Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Limeng Wu
- Edwin Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Meenal Datta
- Edwin Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Rakesh K Jain
- Edwin Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Scott R Plotkin
- Department of Neurology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, USA
| | - Anat Stemmer-Rachamimov
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Lei Xu
- Edwin Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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18
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Targeting Extracellular Cyclophilin A Reduces Neuroinflammation and Extends Survival in a Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. J Neurosci 2016; 37:1413-1427. [PMID: 28011744 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2462-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a major hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which is currently untreatable. Several anti-inflammatory compounds have been evaluated in patients and in animal models of ALS, but have been proven disappointing in part because effective targets have not yet been identified. Cyclophilin A, also known as peptidylprolyl cis-/trans-isomerase A (PPIA), as a foldase is beneficial intracellularly, but extracellularly has detrimental functions. We found that extracellular PPIA is a mediator of neuroinflammation in ALS. It is a major inducer of matrix metalloproteinase 9 and is selectively toxic for motor neurons. High levels of PPIA were found in the CSF of SOD1G93A mice and rats and sporadic ALS patients, suggesting that our findings may be relevant for familial and sporadic cases. A specific inhibitor of extracellular PPIA, MM218, given at symptom onset, rescued motor neurons and extended survival in the SOD1G93A mouse model of familial ALS by 11 d. The treatment resulted in the polarization of glia toward a prohealing phenotype associated with reduced NF-κB activation, proinflammatory markers, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and insoluble phosphorylated TDP-43. Our results indicates that extracellular PPIA is a promising druggable target for ALS and support further studies to develop a therapy to arrest or slow the progression of the disease in patients.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We provide evidence that extracellular cyclophilin A, also known as peptidylprolyl cis-/trans-isomerase A (PPIA), is a mediator of the neuroinflammatory reaction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and is toxic for motor neurons. Supporting this, a specific extracellular PPIA inhibitor reduced neuroinflammation, rescued motor neurons, and extended survival in the SOD1G93A mouse model of familial ALS. Our findings suggest selective pharmacological inhibition of extracellular PPIA as a novel therapeutic strategy, not only for SOD1-linked ALS, but possibly also for sporadic ALS. This approach aims to address the neuroinflammatory reaction that is a major hallmark of ALS. However, given the complexity of the disease, a combination of therapeutic approaches may be necessary.
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19
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Lange C, Storkebaum E, de Almodóvar CR, Dewerchin M, Carmeliet P. Vascular endothelial growth factor: a neurovascular target in neurological diseases. Nat Rev Neurol 2016; 12:439-54. [PMID: 27364743 DOI: 10.1038/nrneurol.2016.88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Brain function critically relies on blood vessels to supply oxygen and nutrients, to establish a barrier for neurotoxic substances, and to clear waste products. The archetypal vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF, arose in evolution as a signal affecting neural cells, but was later co-opted by blood vessels to regulate vascular function. Consequently, VEGF represents an attractive target to modulate brain function at the neurovascular interface. On the one hand, VEGF is neuroprotective, through direct effects on neural cells and their progenitors and indirect effects on brain perfusion. In accordance, preclinical studies show beneficial effects of VEGF administration in neurodegenerative diseases, peripheral neuropathies and epilepsy. On the other hand, pathologically elevated VEGF levels enhance vessel permeability and leakage, and disrupt blood-brain barrier integrity, as in demyelinating diseases, for which blockade of VEGF may be beneficial. Here, we summarize current knowledge on the role and therapeutic potential of VEGF in neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Lange
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Vesalius Research Center, Department of Oncology (KU Leuven) and Vesalius Research Center (VIB), Campus Gasthuisberg O&N4, Herestraat 49 - 912, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Erik Storkebaum
- Molecular Neurogenetics Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Roentgenstrasse 20, D-48149 Muenster, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Muenster, Roentgenstrasse 20, D-48149 Muenster, Germany
| | | | - Mieke Dewerchin
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Vesalius Research Center, Department of Oncology (KU Leuven) and Vesalius Research Center (VIB), Campus Gasthuisberg O&N4, Herestraat 49 - 912, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Vesalius Research Center, Department of Oncology (KU Leuven) and Vesalius Research Center (VIB), Campus Gasthuisberg O&N4, Herestraat 49 - 912, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
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20
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Egervari K, Potter G, Guzman-Hernandez ML, Salmon P, Soto-Ribeiro M, Kastberger B, Balla T, Wehrle-Haller B, Kiss JZ. Astrocytes spatially restrict VEGF signaling by polarized secretion and incorporation of VEGF into the actively assembling extracellular matrix. Glia 2015; 64:440-56. [PMID: 26539695 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Revised: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The spatial organization of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling is a key determinant of vascular patterning during development and tissue repair. How VEGF signaling becomes spatially restricted and the role of VEGF secreting astrocytes in this process remains poorly understood. Using a VEGF-GFP fusion protein and confocal time-lapse microscopy, we observed the intracellular routing, secretion and immobilization of VEGF in scratch-activated living astrocytes. We found VEGF to be directly transported to cell-extracellular matrix attachments where it is incorporated into fibronectin fibrils. VEGF accumulated at β1 integrin containing fibrillar adhesions and was translocated along the cell surface prior to internalization and degradation. We also found that only the astrocyte-derived, matrix-bound, and not soluble VEGF decreases β1 integrin turnover in fibrillar adhesions. We suggest that polarized VEGF release and ECM remodeling by VEGF secreting cells is key to control the local concentration and signaling of VEGF. Our findings highlight the importance of astrocytes in directing VEGF functions and identify these mechanisms as promising target for angiogenic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gael Potter
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maria Luisa Guzman-Hernandez
- Section on Molecular Signal Transduction, Program for Developmental Neuroscience, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Patrick Salmon
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Birgit Kastberger
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tamas Balla
- Section on Molecular Signal Transduction, Program for Developmental Neuroscience, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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Enhanced brain release of erythropoietin, cytokines and NO during carotid clamping. Neurol Sci 2015; 37:243-52. [PMID: 26494654 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-015-2398-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Although effective and safe, carotid endarterectomy (CEA) implies a reduced blood flow to the brain and likely an ischemia/reperfusion event. The high rate of uneventful outcomes associated with CEA suggests the activation of brain endogenous protection mechanisms aimed at limiting the possible ischemia/reperfusion damage. This study aims at assessing whether CEA triggers protective mechanisms such as brain release of erythropoietin and nitric oxide. CEA was performed in 12 patients; blood samples were withdrawn simultaneously from the surgically exposed ipsilateral jugular and leg veins before, during (2 and 40 min) and after clamp removal (2 min). Plasma antioxidant capacity, carbonylated proteins, erythropoietin, nitrates and nitrites (NOx) were determined. No changes in intraoperative EEG, peripheral and transcranial blood oxygen saturation were detectable, and no patients showed any neurologic sign after the intervention. Antioxidant capacity and protein carbonylation in plasma were unaffected. Differently, erythropoietin, VEGF, TNF-α and NOx increased during clamping in the jugular blood (2 and 40 min), while no changes were observed in the peripheral circulation. These results show that blood erythropoietin, VEGF, TNF-α, and NOx increased in the brain during uncomplicated CEA. This may represent an endogenous self-activated neuroprotective mechanism aimed at the prevention of ischemia/reperfusion damage.
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Wang H, Wang Y, Li D, Liu Z, Zhao Z, Han D, Yuan Y, Bi J, Mei X. VEGF inhibits the inflammation in spinal cord injury through activation of autophagy. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 464:453-8. [PMID: 26116774 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.06.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a secreted mitogen associated with angiogenesis and re-vascularization of spinal cord injury (SCI). VEGF has long been thought to be a potent neurotrophic factor for the survival of spinal cord neuron. However, the neuroprotective mechanism of VEGF is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of VEGF on spinal cord injury and its mechanisms. Young male Wistar rats were subjected to SCI and then VEGF165 were injected directly into the lesion epicenter 24 h post injury. We detected Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) scores and numbers of motor neuron via Nissl staining. The expressions of autophagy related protein Beclin1 and LC3B were determined by Western blot and RT-PCR. We also detected the contents of inflammation factors interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-10(IL-10) in LPS (Lipopolysaccharide) treated spinal neuron-glia co-culture by ELISA. We found that VEGF165 administration increased the BBB score and reduced the loss of motor neuron of rats induced by SCI. VEGF decreased the protein expressions of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-10 and up-regulated the expressions of Beclin1 and LC3B of rats. In the in vitro study, VEGF165 decreased the levels of IL-1β, IL-10 and TNF-a in the medium of LPS treated spinal neuron-glia co-culture, which was partially blocked by 3-MA, the inhibitor of autophagy. In addition, VEGF165 up-regulate the expressions of Beclin1 and LC3B in co-culture cells. The results suggested that VEGF165 attenuated the spinal cord injury by inhibiting the inflammation and increasing the autophagy function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou City, PR China
| | - Yansong Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou City, PR China
| | - Dingding Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou City, PR China
| | - Zhiyuan Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou City, PR China
| | - Ziming Zhao
- Department of Stomatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou City, PR China
| | - Donghe Han
- Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases of Liaoning Province, Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou City, PR China
| | - Yajiang Yuan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou City, PR China
| | - Jing Bi
- Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases of Liaoning Province, Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou City, PR China
| | - Xifan Mei
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou City, PR China.
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Mazibuko Z, Choonara YE, Kumar P, Du Toit LC, Modi G, Naidoo D, Pillay V. A Review of the Potential Role of Nano-Enabled Drug Delivery Technologies in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Lessons Learned from Other Neurodegenerative Disorders. J Pharm Sci 2015; 104:1213-29. [DOI: 10.1002/jps.24322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Revised: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Evidence of hydrogen sulfide involvement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Ann Neurol 2015; 77:697-709. [DOI: 10.1002/ana.24372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Revised: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Poppe L, Rué L, Robberecht W, Van Den Bosch L. Translating biological findings into new treatment strategies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Exp Neurol 2014; 262 Pt B:138-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2014.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Revised: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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VEGF levels in CSF and serum in mild ALS patients. J Neurol Sci 2014; 346:216-20. [PMID: 25204587 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2014.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Revised: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable neurodegenerative disorder involving both upper and lower motor neurons in the cerebral cortex, brainstem and spinal cord. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was originally described as a factor with a regulatory role in vascular growth and development, and now it also functions as a neurotrophic factor protecting motoneurons from insults such as oxidative stress, hypoxia and glutamate-excitotoxicity, but the role of VEGF in ALS is still unclear. The aim of this study is to measure cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum VEGF levels in patients with ALS, and to investigate whether there are correlations between CSF and serum VEGF levels and clinical parameters of the disease and whether VEGF has a prognostic and evaluating potential for ALS. Results showed that VEGF levels were found to increase significantly in CSF and serum in ALS patients studied; they were positively and significantly correlated with the disease duration in ALS patients and inversely and significantly correlated with disease progression rate (DPR) of ALS patients. Moreover, CSF and serum from ALS patients with long duration and slow disease progression rate revealed higher VEGF levels as compared to ALS patients with short duration and rapid disease progression rate. In conclusion, VEGF upregulation may indicate an activation of compensatory responses in ALS which may reflect or in fact account for increased duration and slow disease progression rate. We propose that VEGF may be a useful biomarker having the prognostic and evaluating potential for ALS.
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Abstract
We hypothesized that placental villous branching that is measured by disk chorionic plate expansion and disk thickness is correlated with factors also involved in regulation of branching growth of other fetal viscera (e.g. lung, kidney) including neuronal dendrites, and thus may be associated with variation in childhood intelligence quotient (IQ). IQ at age 7 years was assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. Placental measures [placental weight (g), thickness (mm), chorionic plate surface diameters (cm), area (cm2), shape, and cord length and cord eccentricity] were independent variables in regression analyses of age 7-year IQ in 12,926 singleton term live born infants with complete placental data. Analyses were stratified on gender with adjustment for socioeconomic status, race, parity, gestational age, exact age at testing and centered parental ages. After adjustment for covariates, placental measurements were independently associated with IQ at age 7 years but results varied by gender. Chorionic plate diameters were only associated with higher IQ in girls. Placental thickness was positively associated with higher IQ for boys and girls. We have previously shown that placental measures affect age 7-year body mass index and diastolic blood pressure. Here we demonstrate that specific measures, placental chorionic plate diameters in girls and disk thickness, independent of gender, are correlated with age 7-year IQ. Further exploration of the possible interaction of these factors on the placental villous arborization reflected by the chorionic plate expansion and placental thickness that correlate with age 7-year IQ, as well as other age 7 somatic features as previously addressed, is indicated.
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Ismailov SM, Barykova YA, Shmarov MM, Tarantul VZ, Barskov IV, Kucheryanu VG, Brylev LV, Logunov DY, Tutykhina IL, Bocharov EV, Zakharova MN, Narodizky BS, Illarioshkin SN. Experimental approach to the gene therapy of motor neuron disease with the use of genes hypoxia-inducible factors. RUSS J GENET+ 2014. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795414050056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Van Damme P, Robberecht W. Developments in treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis via intracerebroventricular or intrathecal delivery. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2014; 23:955-63. [PMID: 24816247 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2014.912275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic lateral scleroses (ALS) are neurodegenerative disorders primarily affecting the motor system. These incurable disorders are relentlessly progressive and typically limit survival to 2 - 5 years after disease onset. An improved knowledge about disease-causing genes, disease proteins and pathways has revealed considerable heterogeneity in ALS. Novel targeted therapies are being developed, but getting these beyond the BBB remains a challenge. AREAS COVERED The authors review the intracerebroventricular and intrathecal delivery of drugs for the treatment of ALS in preclinical and clinical studies. EXPERT OPINION Lack of BBB permeability should not hold back the development of promising treatments for ALS, as the available evidence suggest that direct intrathecal or intracerebroventricular administration of drug is a feasible delivery route in patients with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Van Damme
- KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND) , Leuven , Belgium
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Pronto-Laborinho AC, Pinto S, de Carvalho M. Roles of vascular endothelial growth factor in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:947513. [PMID: 24987705 PMCID: PMC4022172 DOI: 10.1155/2014/947513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal devastating neurodegenerative disorder, involving progressive degeneration of motor neurons in spinal cord, brainstem, and motor cortex. Riluzole is the only drug approved in ALS but it only confers a modest improvement in survival. In spite of a high number of clinical trials no other drug has proved effectiveness. Recent studies support that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), originally described as a key angiogenic factor, also plays a key role in the nervous system, including neurogenesis, neuronal survival, neuronal migration, and axon guidance. VEGF has been used in exploratory clinical studies with promising results in ALS and other neurological disorders. Although VEGF is a very promising compound, translating the basic science breakthroughs into clinical practice is the major challenge ahead. VEGF-B, presenting a single safety profile, protects motor neurons from degeneration in ALS animal models and, therefore, it will be particularly interesting to test its effects in ALS patients. In the present paper the authors make a brief description of the molecular properties of VEGF and its receptors and review its different features and therapeutic potential in the nervous system/neurodegenerative disease, particularly in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Catarina Pronto-Laborinho
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular (IMM), Translational Clinical Physiology Unit, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Susana Pinto
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular (IMM), Translational Clinical Physiology Unit, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mamede de Carvalho
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular (IMM), Translational Clinical Physiology Unit, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
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Kim SM, Kim H, Lee JS, Park KS, Jeon GS, Shon J, Ahn SW, Kim SH, Lee KM, Sung JJ, Lee KW. Intermittent hypoxia can aggravate motor neuronal loss and cognitive dysfunction in ALS mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e81808. [PMID: 24303073 PMCID: PMC3841127 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with ALS may be exposed to variable degrees of chronic intermittent hypoxia. However, all previous experimental studies on the effects of hypoxia in ALS have only used a sustained hypoxia model and it is possible that chronic intermittent hypoxia exerts effects via a different molecular mechanism from that of sustained hypoxia. No study has yet shown that hypoxia (either chronic intermittent or sustained) can affect the loss of motor neurons or cognitive function in an in vivo model of ALS. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of chronic intermittent hypoxia on motor and cognitive function in ALS mice. METHODS Sixteen ALS mice and 16 wild-type mice were divided into 2 groups and subjected to either chronic intermittent hypoxia or normoxia for 2 weeks. The effects of chronic intermittent hypoxia on ALS mice were evaluated using the rotarod, Y-maze, and wire-hanging tests. In addition, numbers of motor neurons in the ventral horn of the spinal cord were counted and western blot analyses were performed for markers of oxidative stress and inflammatory pathway activation. RESULTS Compared to ALS mice kept in normoxic conditions, ALS mice that experienced chronic intermittent hypoxia had poorer motor learning on the rotarod test, poorer spatial memory on the Y-maze test, shorter wire hanging time, and fewer motor neurons in the ventral spinal cord. Compared to ALS-normoxic and wild-type mice, ALS mice that experienced chronic intermittent hypoxia had higher levels of oxidative stress and inflammation. CONCLUSIONS Chronic intermittent hypoxia can aggravate motor neuronal death, neuromuscular weakness, and probably cognitive dysfunction in ALS mice. The generation of oxidative stress with activation of inflammatory pathways may be associated with this mechanism. Our study will provide insight into the association of hypoxia with disease progression, and in turn, the rationale for an early non-invasive ventilation treatment in patients with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Min Kim
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Heejaung Kim
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong-Seon Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Seok Park
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gye Sun Jeon
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeeheun Shon
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Suk-Won Ahn
- Department of Neurology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hyun Kim
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Min Lee
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung-Joon Sung
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwang-Woo Lee
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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The neurotrophic properties of progranulin depend on the granulin E domain but do not require sortilin binding. Neurobiol Aging 2013; 34:2541-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2013.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Revised: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 04/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Keifer OP, O'Connor DM, Boulis NM. Gene and protein therapies utilizing VEGF for ALS. Pharmacol Ther 2013; 141:261-71. [PMID: 24177067 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2013.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is usually fatal within 2-5years. Unfortunately, the only treatment currently available is riluzole, which has a limited efficacy. As a redress, there is an expanding literature focusing on other potential treatments. One such potential treatment option utilizes the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family, which includes factors that are primarily associated with angiogenesis but are now increasingly recognized to have neurotrophic effects. Reduced expression of a member of this family, VEGF-A, in mice results in neurodegeneration similar to that of ALS, while treatment of animal models of ALS with either VEGF-A gene therapy or VEGF-A protein has yielded positive therapeutic outcomes. These basic research findings raise the potential for a VEGF therapy to be translated to the clinic for the treatment of ALS. This review covers the VEGF family, its receptors and neurotrophic effects as well as VEGF therapy in animal models of ALS and advances towards clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orion P Keifer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University, 101 Woodruff Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Deirdre M O'Connor
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University, 101 Woodruff Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Nicholas M Boulis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University, 101 Woodruff Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States.
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Lladó J, Tolosa L, Olmos G. Cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the neuroprotective effects of VEGF on motoneurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:181. [PMID: 24155688 PMCID: PMC3803143 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Accepted: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), originally described as a factor with a regulatory role in vascular growth and development, it is also known for its direct effects on neuronal cells. The discovery in the past decade that transgenic mice expressing reduced levels of VEGF developed late-onset motoneuron pathology, reminiscent of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), opened a new field of research on this disease. VEGF has been shown to protect motoneurons from excitotoxic death, which is a relevant mechanism involved in motoneuron degeneration in ALS. Thus, VEGF delays motoneuron degeneration and increases survival in animal models of ALS. VEGF exerts its anti-excitotoxic effects on motoneurons through molecular mechanisms involving the VEGF receptor-2 resulting in the activation of the PI3-K/Akt signaling pathway, upregulation of GluR2 subunit of AMPA receptors, inhibition of p38MAPK, and induction of the anti-apoptotic molecule Bcl-2. In addition, VEGF acts on astrocytes to reduce astroglial activation and to induce the release of growth factors. The potential use of VEGF as a therapeutic tool in ALS is counteracted by its vascular effects and by its short effective time frame. More studies are needed to assess the optimal isoform, route of administration, and time frame for using VEGF in the treatment of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerònia Lladó
- Grup de Neurobiologia Celular, Departament de Biologia, Universitat de les Illes Balears Palma de Mallorca, Spain ; Institut Universitari d'Investigacions en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), Universitat de les Illes Balears Palma de Mallorca, Spain
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Park SY, Kim SM, Sung JJ, Lee KM, Park KS, Kim SY, Nam HW, Lee KW. Nocturnal hypoxia in ALS is related to cognitive dysfunction and can occur as clusters of desaturations. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75324. [PMID: 24058674 PMCID: PMC3776791 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that leads to progressive weakness of the respiratory and limb muscles. Consequently, most patients with ALS exhibit progressive hypoventilation, which worsens during sleep. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between nocturnal hypoxia and cognitive dysfunction and to assess the pattern of nocturnal hypoxia in patients with ALS. Method Twenty-five patients with definite or probable ALS underwent neuropsychologic testing, nocturnal pulse oximetry, and capnography. Patients were grouped according to the presence of nocturnal hypoxia (SpO2<95% for ≥10% of the night) and their clinical characteristics and cognitive function were compared. Results Compared to patients without nocturnal hypoxia, those with nocturnal hypoxia (n = 10, 40%) had poor memory retention (p = 0.039) and retrieval efficiency (p = 0.045). A cluster-of-desaturation pattern was identified in 7 patients (70%) in the Hypoxia Group. Conclusions These results suggest that nocturnal hypoxia can be related to cognitive dysfunction in ALS. In addition, a considerable number of patients with ALS may be exposed to repeated episodes of deoxygenation–reoxygenation (a cluster-of-desaturation pattern) during sleep, which could be associated with the generation of reactive oxygen species. Further studies are required to define the exact causal relationships between these phenomena, the exact manifestations of nocturnal cluster-of-desaturation patterns, and the effect of clusters of desaturation on ALS progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Yeon Park
- Department of Neurology, Korea Cancer Center Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung-Min Kim
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- * E-mail: (SMK); (JJS)
| | - Jung-Joon Sung
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- * E-mail: (SMK); (JJS)
| | - Kyung-Min Lee
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung-Seok Park
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University, Bundang Hospital, Gyeonggi, Korea
| | - Sang-Yun Kim
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University, Bundang Hospital, Gyeonggi, Korea
| | - Hyun-woo Nam
- Department of Neurology, Boramae Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwang-Woo Lee
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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Ellison SM, Trabalza A, Tisato V, Pazarentzos E, Lee S, Papadaki V, Goniotaki D, Morgan S, Mirzaei N, Mazarakis ND. Dose-dependent neuroprotection of VEGF₁₆₅ in Huntington's disease striatum. Mol Ther 2013; 21:1862-75. [PMID: 23799534 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2013.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 05/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder caused by abnormal polyglutamine expansion in the huntingtin protein (Exp-Htt). Currently, there are no effective treatments for HD. We used bidirectional lentiviral transfer vectors to generate in vitro and in vivo models of HD and to test the therapeutic potential of vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF₁₆₅). Lentiviral-mediated expression of Exp-Htt caused cell death and aggregate formation in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y and rat primary striatal cultures. Lentiviral-mediated VEGF₁₆₅ expression was found to be neuroprotective in both of these models. Unilateral stereotaxic vector delivery of Exp-Htt vector in adult rat striatum led to progressive inclusion formation and striatal neuron loss at 10 weeks post-transduction. Coinjection of a lower dose VEGF₁₆₅ significantly attenuated DARPP-32(+) neuronal loss, enhanced NeuN staining and reduced Exp-Htt aggregation. A tenfold higher dose VEGF₁₆₅ led to overt neuronal toxicity marked by tissue damage, neovascularization, extensive astrogliosis, vascular leakage, chronic inflammation and distal neuronal loss. No overt behavioral phenotype was observed in these animals. Expression of VEGF₁₆₅ at this higher dose in the brain of wild-type rats led to early mortality with global neuronal loss. This report raises important safety concerns about unregulated VEGF₁₆₅ CNS applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart M Ellison
- Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Gene Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Neuroinflammation & Neurodegeneration, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
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Carmeliet P, Ruiz de Almodovar C, Carmen RDA. VEGF ligands and receptors: implications in neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration. Cell Mol Life Sci 2013; 70:1763-78. [PMID: 23475071 PMCID: PMC11113464 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-013-1283-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Revised: 01/28/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Intensive research in the last decade shows that the prototypic angiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) can have direct effects in neurons and modulate processes such as neuronal migration, axon outgrowth, axon guidance and neuronal survival. Depending on the neuronal cell type and the process, VEGF seems to exert these effects by signaling via different receptors. It is also becoming clear that other VEGF ligands such as VEGF-B, -C and -D can act in various neuronal cell types as well. Moreover, apart from playing a role in physiological conditions, VEGF and VEGF-B have been related to different neurological disorders. We give an update on how VEGF controls different processes during neurodevelopment as well as on its role in several neurodegenerative disorders. We also discuss recent findings demonstrating that other VEGF ligands influence processes such as neurogenesis and dendrite arborization and participate in neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Neurovascular Link, Vesalius Research Center, K.U.Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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Evans MC, Couch Y, Sibson N, Turner MR. Inflammation and neurovascular changes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Mol Cell Neurosci 2013; 53:34-41. [PMID: 23110760 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2012.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2012] [Revised: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 10/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation in now established as an important factor in the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). At various time points, astrocytes and microglia are markedly activated, either producing neuroprotective or pro-inflammatory molecules, which can decrease or increase the rate of primary motor neuron degeneration respectively. Recent research has shown that this neuroinflammatory component is affected by the peripheral immune system; T lymphocytes in particular are able to cross into the brain and spinal cord parenchyma, where they interact with resident microglia, either inducing them to adopt an M1 (cytotoxic) or M2 (protective) phenotype, depending on the stage of disease. Clearly understanding the changes that occur to allow the interaction between peripheral and central immune responses will be essential in any attempt to manipulate the disease process via neuroinflammatory mechanisms. However, our understanding of the endothelial changes, which facilitate the infiltration of peripheral immune cells into the brain and spinal cord, is still in its infancy. There are suggestions, though, of up-regulation of cellular adhesion molecules, which are able to arrest circulating leukocytes and facilitate diapedesis into the brain parenchyma. In addition, tight junction proteins appear to be down-regulated, leading to an increase in vascular permeability, an effect that is amplified by vascular damage late in the disease process. This review summarises our current knowledge regarding neuroinflammation, peripheral immune involvement, and endothelial changes in ALS. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Neuroinflammation in neurodegeneration and neurodysfunction'.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Evans
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University, UK
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Sambataro F, Pennuto M. Cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous toxicity in polyglutamine diseases. Prog Neurobiol 2012; 97:152-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2011.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2011] [Revised: 10/21/2011] [Accepted: 10/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Xia YP, Dai RL, Li YN, Mao L, Xue YM, He QW, Huang M, Huang Y, Mei YW, Hu B. The protective effect of sonic hedgehog is mediated by the propidium iodide 3-kinase/AKT/Bcl-2 pathway in cultured rat astrocytes under oxidative stress. Neuroscience 2012; 209:1-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2011] [Revised: 02/12/2012] [Accepted: 02/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Delayed administration of VEGF rescues spinal motor neurons from death with a short effective time frame in excitotoxic experimental models in vivo. ASN Neuro 2012; 4:AN20110057. [PMID: 22369757 PMCID: PMC3314302 DOI: 10.1042/an20110057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) prevents neuronal death in different models of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), but few studies have addressed the efficacy of VEGF to protect motor neurons after the onset of symptoms, a critical point when considering VEGF as a potential therapeutic target for ALS. We studied the capability of VEGF to protect motor neurons after an excitotoxic challenge in two models of spinal neurodegeneration in rats induced by AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid) administered either chronically with osmotic minipumps or acutely by microdialysis. VEGF was administered through osmotic minipumps in the chronic model or injected intracerebroventricularly in the acute model, and its effects were assessed by immunohistochemical and histological analyses and motor performance tests. In the chronic model, VEGF stopped the progression of the paralysis and protected motor neurons when administered after AMPA before the onset of the motor symptoms, whereas no protection was observed when administered after the onset. VEGF was also protective in the acute model, but with a short time window, since the protection was effective when administered 1 h but not 2 h after AMPA. Our results indicate that while VEGF has an indubitable neuroprotective effect, its therapeutic potential for halting or delaying the progression of motor neuron loss in ALS would likely have a short effective time frame.
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d'Ydewalle C, Bogaert E, Van Den Bosch L. HDAC6 at the Intersection of Neuroprotection and Neurodegeneration. Traffic 2012; 13:771-9. [PMID: 22372633 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0854.2012.01347.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Revised: 02/23/2012] [Accepted: 02/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) catalyzes multiple reactions. We summarize the current knowledge on HDAC6, its targets and functions. Among others, HDAC6 recognizes damaged proteins and assures that these proteins are destroyed by autophagy. On the other hand, HDAC6 also modifies the tracks used by the clearance mechanism so that axonal transport becomes less efficient. We hypothesize that a disturbance in the equilibrium between the different functions of HDAC6 could play an important role in neurodegeneration.
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Iyer S, Acharya KR. Tying the knot: the cystine signature and molecular-recognition processes of the vascular endothelial growth factor family of angiogenic cytokines. FEBS J 2011; 278:4304-22. [PMID: 21917115 PMCID: PMC3328748 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2011.08350.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The cystine-knot motif, made up of three intertwined disulfide bridges, is a unique feature of several toxins, cyclotides and growth factors, and occurs in a variety of species, including fungi, insects, molluscs and mammals. Growth factor molecules containing the cystine-knot motif serve as ligands for a diverse range of receptors and play an important role in extracellular signalling. This superfamily of polypeptides comprises several homodimeric and heterodimeric molecules that are central characters in both health and disease. Amongst these molecules are a group of proteins that belong to the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) subfamily. The members of this family are known angiogenic factors that regulate processes leading to blood vessel formation in physiological and pathological conditions. The focus of the present review is on the structural characteristics of proteins that belong to the VEGF family and on signal-transduction pathways that become initiated via the VEGF receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Iyer
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, UK
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Abstract
Proper vascular regulation is of paramount importance for the control of blood flow to tissues. In particular, the regulation of peripheral resistance arteries is essential for several physiological processes, including control of blood pressure, thermoregulation and increase of blood flow to central nervous system and heart under stress conditions such as hypoxia. Arterial tone is regulated by the periarterial autonomic nervous plexus, as well as by endothelium-dependent, myogenic and humoral mechanisms. Underscoring the importance of proper vascular regulation, defects in these processes can lead to diseases such as hypertension, orthostatic hypotension, Raynaud's phenomenon, defective thermoregulation, hand-foot syndrome, migraine and congestive heart failure. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms controlling the development of the periarterial nerve plexus, retrograde and localized signalling at neuro-effector junctions, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of vascular regulation and adult plasticity and maintenance of periarterial innervation. We particularly highlight a newly discovered role for vascular endothelial growth factor in the structural and functional maintenance of arterial neuro-effector junctions. Finally, we discuss how defects in neuronal vascular regulation can lead to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Storkebaum
- Molecular Neurogenetics Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Muenster, Germany.
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Spinal vascular endothelial growth factor induces phrenic motor facilitation via extracellular signal-regulated kinase and Akt signaling. J Neurosci 2011; 31:7682-90. [PMID: 21613481 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0239-11.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA-165) is primarily known for its role in angiogenesis, it also plays important neurotrophic and neuroprotective roles for spinal motor neurons. VEGFA-165 signals by activating its receptor tyrosine kinase VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2). Because another growth/trophic factor that signals via a receptor tyrosine kinase (brain derived neurotrophic factor) elicits a long-lasting facilitation of respiratory motor activity in the phrenic nerve, we tested the hypothesis that VEGFA-165 elicits similar phrenic motor facilitation (pMF). Using immunohistochemistry and retrograde labeling techniques, we demonstrate that VEGFA-165 and VEGFR-2 are expressed in identified phrenic motor neurons. Furthermore, intrathecal VEGFA-165 administration at C4 elicits long-lasting pMF; intraspinal VEGFA-165 increased integrated phrenic nerve burst amplitude for at least 90 min after injection (53.1 ± 5.0% at 90 min; p < 0.001). Intrathecal VEGFA-165 increased phosphorylation (and presumed activation) of signaling molecules downstream from VEGFR-2 within the phrenic motor nucleus, including ERK (1.53 ± 0.13 vs 1.0 ± 0.05 arbitrary units in control rats; p < 0.05) and Akt (2.16 ± 0.41 vs 1.0 ± 0.41 arbitrary units in control rats; p < 0.05). VEGF-induced pMF was attenuated by the MEK/ERK inhibitor U0126 [1,4-diamino-2,3-dicyano-1,4-bis(o-aminophenylmercapto)butadiene] and was abolished by the phosphotidinositol 3 kinase/Akt inhibitor LY294002 [2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-1(4H)-benzopyran-4-one hydrochloride], demonstrating that ERK mitogen-activated protein kinases and Akt are both required for full expression of VEGF-induced pMF. This is the first report that VEGFA-165 elicits plasticity in any motor system. Furthermore, because VEGFA-165 expression is hypoxia sensitive, it may play a role in respiratory plasticity after prolonged exposures to low oxygen.
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Riboldi G, Nizzardo M, Simone C, Falcone M, Bresolin N, Comi GP, Corti S. ALS genetic modifiers that increase survival of SOD1 mice and are suitable for therapeutic development. Prog Neurobiol 2011; 95:133-48. [PMID: 21816207 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2011.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2011] [Accepted: 07/19/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a frequently fatal motor neuron disease without any cure. To find molecular therapeutic targets, several studies crossed transgenic ALS murine models with animals transgenic for some ALS target genes. We aimed to revise the new discoveries and new works in this field. We selected the 10 most promising genes, according to their capability when down-regulated or up-regulated in ALS animal models, for increasing life span and mitigating disease progression: XBP-1, NogoA and NogoB, dynein, heavy and medium neurofilament, NOX1 and NOX2, MLC-mIGF-1, NSE-VEGF, and MMP-9. Interestingly, some crucial modifier genes have been described as being involved in common pathways, the most significant of which are inflammation and cytoskeletal activities. The endoplasmic reticulum also seems to play an important role in ALS pathogenesis, as it is involved in different selected gene pathways. In addition, these genes have evident links to each other, introducing the hypothesis of a single unknown, common pathway involving all of these identified genes and others to be discovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulietta Riboldi
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Dino Ferrari Centre, University of Milan, IRCCS Fondazione Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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Gould TW, Oppenheim RW. Motor neuron trophic factors: therapeutic use in ALS? BRAIN RESEARCH REVIEWS 2011; 67:1-39. [PMID: 20971133 PMCID: PMC3109102 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresrev.2010.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2010] [Revised: 10/12/2010] [Accepted: 10/18/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The modest effects of neurotrophic factor (NTF) treatment on lifespan in both animal models and clinical studies of Amyotropic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) may result from any one or combination of the four following explanations: 1.) NTFs block cell death in some physiological contexts but not in ALS; 2.) NTFs do not rescue motoneurons (MNs) from death in any physiological context; 3.) NTFs block cell death in ALS but to no avail; and 4.) NTFs are physiologically effective but limited by pharmacokinetic constraints. The object of this review is to critically evaluate the role of both NTFs and the intracellular cell death pathway itself in regulating the survival of spinal and cranial (lower) MNs during development, after injury and in response to disease. Because the role of molecules mediating MN survival has been most clearly resolved by the in vivo analysis of genetically engineered mice, this review will focus on studies of such mice expressing reporter, null or other mutant alleles of NTFs, NTF receptors, cell death or ALS-associated genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Gould
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1010, USA.
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De Laporte L, des Rieux A, Tuinstra HM, Zelivyanskaya ML, De Clerck NM, Postnov AA, Préat V, Shea LD. Vascular endothelial growth factor and fibroblast growth factor 2 delivery from spinal cord bridges to enhance angiogenesis following injury. J Biomed Mater Res A 2011; 98:372-82. [PMID: 21630429 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.33112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2010] [Revised: 12/18/2010] [Accepted: 01/13/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The host response to spinal cord injury can lead to an ischemic environment that can induce cell death and limits cell transplantation approaches to promote spinal cord regeneration. Spinal cord bridges that provide a localized and sustained release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) were investigated for their ability to promote angiogenesis and nerve growth within the injury. Bridges were fabricated by fusion of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres using a gas foaming/particulate leaching technique, and proteins were incorporated by encapsulation into the microspheres and/or mixing with the microspheres before foaming. Compared to the mixing method, encapsulation reduced the losses during leaching and had a slower protein release, while VEGF was released more rapidly than FGF-2. In vivo implantation of bridges loaded with VEGF enhanced the levels of VEGF within the injury at 1 week, and bridges releasing VEGF and FGF-2 increased the infiltration of endothelial cells and the formation of blood vessel at 6 weeks postimplantation. Additionally, substantial neurofilament staining was observed within the bridge; however, no significant difference was observed between bridges with or without protein. Bridges releasing angiogenic factors may provide an approach to overcome an ischemic environment that limits regeneration and cell transplantation-based approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura De Laporte
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208-3120, USA
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Abstract
Although often considered as a group, spinal motor neurons are highly diverse in terms of their morphology, connectivity, and functional properties and differ significantly in their response to disease. Recent studies of motor neuron diversity have clarified developmental mechanisms and provided novel insights into neurodegeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Motor neurons of different classes and subtypes--fast/slow, alpha/gamma--are grouped together into motor pools, each of which innervates a single skeletal muscle. Distinct mechanisms regulate their development. For example, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has effects that are pool-specific on motor neuron connectivity, column-specific on axonal growth, and subtype-specific on survival. In multiple degenerative contexts including ALS, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and aging, fast-fatigable (FF) motor units degenerate early, whereas motor neurons innervating slow muscles and those involved in eye movement and pelvic sphincter control are strikingly preserved. Extrinsic and intrinsic mechanisms that confer resistance represent promising therapeutic targets in these currently incurable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin C Kanning
- Department of Pathology, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Bento-Abreu A, Van Damme P, Van Den Bosch L, Robberecht W. The neurobiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Eur J Neurosci 2010; 31:2247-65. [PMID: 20529130 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2010.07260.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a degenerative disease affecting the motor neurons. In spite of our growing insights into its biology, it remains a lethal condition. The identification of the cause of several of the familial forms of ALS allowed generation of models to study this disease both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we summarize what is known about the pathogenic mechanisms of ALS induced by hereditary mutations, and attempt to identify the relevance of these findings for understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of the sporadic form of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Bento-Abreu
- Laboratory for Neurobiology, Experimental Neurology, K.U.Leuven, Herestraat, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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