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Sanchez KL, Shin SD, Rajagopal NP, White JB, Currais A, Soriano-Castell D, Maher P, Soriano S. A Potential Role for the Amyloid Precursor Protein in the Regulation of Interferon Signaling, Cholesterol Homeostasis, and Tau Phosphorylation in Niemann-Pick Disease Type C. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:1066. [PMID: 39202426 PMCID: PMC11354009 DOI: 10.3390/genes15081066] [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: 07/07/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a rare and fatal neurological disorder caused by mutations in Npc1 or Npc2, with Npc1 accounting for 95% of cases. These mutations result in the functional loss of their respective proteins, causing cellular abnormalities characterized by disrupted lipid dysregulation, calcium dysfunction, elevated damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), and a pro-inflammatory environment. This cellular pathology ultimately triggers neurodegeneration, with the cerebellum being the earliest and most affected region. We have recently shown atypical activation of interferon signaling in the presymptomatic Npc1-/- mouse cerebellum and, to a lesser extent, in the cerebral cortex. In addition, we reported that the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) is an NPC disease modifier. Loss of APP function leads to widespread neurodegeneration in the NPC brain, including exacerbated interferon signaling in the cerebellum. To better understand the role of APP as a disease modifier throughout the NPC brain, here we carried out a transcriptomic analysis of the cerebral cortex and cerebellum from 3-week-old Npc1-/- mice as well as age-matched controls in the presence and absence of APP. We report differential effects of APP loss of function in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum, including cholesterol and tau dysregulation, in both brain regions. Our findings demonstrate a novel link between APP loss and early pathogenic mechanisms in NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla L. Sanchez
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (K.L.S.); (S.D.S.); (N.P.R.); (J.B.W.)
| | - Samuel D. Shin
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (K.L.S.); (S.D.S.); (N.P.R.); (J.B.W.)
| | - Naren P. Rajagopal
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (K.L.S.); (S.D.S.); (N.P.R.); (J.B.W.)
| | - Jacob B. White
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (K.L.S.); (S.D.S.); (N.P.R.); (J.B.W.)
| | - Antonio Currais
- The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (A.C.); (D.S.-C.)
| | - David Soriano-Castell
- The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (A.C.); (D.S.-C.)
| | - Pamela Maher
- The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (A.C.); (D.S.-C.)
| | - Salvador Soriano
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (K.L.S.); (S.D.S.); (N.P.R.); (J.B.W.)
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Farhat NY, Alexander D, McKee K, Iben J, Rodriguez-Gil JL, Wassif CA, Cawley NX, Balch WE, Porter FD. Sterol O-Acyltransferase 1 ( SOAT1): A Genetic Modifier of Niemann-Pick Disease, Type C1. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4217. [PMID: 38673803 PMCID: PMC11050712 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick disease type C1 (NPC1) is a lysosomal disorder due to impaired intracellular cholesterol transport out of the endolysosomal compartment.. Marked heterogeneity has been observed in individuals with the same NPC1 genotype, thus suggesting a significant effect of modifier genes. Prior work demonstrated that decreased SOAT1 activity decreased disease severity in an NPC1 mouse model. Thus, we hypothesized that a polymorphism associated with decreased SOAT1 expression might influence the NPC1 phenotype. Phenotyping and genomic sequencing of 117 individuals with NPC1 was performed as part of a Natural History trial. Phenotyping included determination of disease severity and disease burden. Significant clinical heterogeneity is present in individuals homozygous for the NPC1I1061T variant and in siblings. Analysis of the SOAT1 polymorphism, rs1044925 (A>C), showed a significant association of the C-allele with earlier age of neurological onset. The C-allele may be associated with a higher Annualized Severity Index Score as well as increased frequency of liver disease and seizures. A polymorphism associated with decreased expression of SOAT1 appears to be a genetic modifier of the NPC1 phenotype. This finding is consistent with prior data showing decreased phenotypic severity in Npc1-/-:Soat1-/- mice and supports efforts to investigate the potential of SOAT1 inhibitors as a potential therapy for NPC1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Y. Farhat
- Division of Translational Medicine, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (N.Y.F.); (D.A.); (K.M.); (C.A.W.); (N.X.C.)
| | - Derek Alexander
- Division of Translational Medicine, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (N.Y.F.); (D.A.); (K.M.); (C.A.W.); (N.X.C.)
| | - Kyli McKee
- Division of Translational Medicine, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (N.Y.F.); (D.A.); (K.M.); (C.A.W.); (N.X.C.)
| | - James Iben
- Molecular Genomics Core, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Jorge L. Rodriguez-Gil
- Division of Medical Genetics, Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA;
| | - Christopher A. Wassif
- Division of Translational Medicine, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (N.Y.F.); (D.A.); (K.M.); (C.A.W.); (N.X.C.)
| | - Niamh X. Cawley
- Division of Translational Medicine, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (N.Y.F.); (D.A.); (K.M.); (C.A.W.); (N.X.C.)
| | - William E. Balch
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA;
| | - Forbes D. Porter
- Division of Translational Medicine, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (N.Y.F.); (D.A.); (K.M.); (C.A.W.); (N.X.C.)
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Tolan AJ, Sanchez KL, Shin SD, White JB, Currais A, Soriano-Castell D, Wilson CG, Maher P, Soriano S. Differential Interferon Signaling Regulation and Oxidative Stress Responses in the Cerebral Cortex and Cerebellum Could Account for the Spatiotemporal Pattern of Neurodegeneration in Niemann-Pick Disease Type C. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:101. [PMID: 38254990 PMCID: PMC10815326 DOI: 10.3390/genes15010101] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a fatal neurodegenerative condition caused by genetic mutations of the NPC1 or NPC2 genes that encode the NPC1 and NPC2 proteins, respectively, which are believed to be responsible for cholesterol efflux from late-endosomes/lysosomes. The pathogenic mechanisms that lead to neurodegeneration in NPC are not well understood. There are, however, well-defined spatiotemporal patterns of neurodegeneration that may provide insight into the pathogenic process. For example, the cerebellum is severely affected from early disease stages, compared with cerebral regions, which remain relatively spared until later stages. Using a genome-wide transcriptome analysis, we have recently identified an aberrant pattern of interferon activation in the cerebella of pre-symptomatic Npc1-/- mice. Here, we carried out a comparative transcriptomic analysis of cerebral cortices and cerebella of pre-symptomatic Npc1-/- mice and age-matched controls to identify differences that may help explain the pathological progression within the NPC brain. We report lower cerebral expression of genes within interferon signaling pathways, and significant differences in the regulation of oxidative stress, compared with the cerebellum. Our findings suggest that a delayed onset of interferon signaling, possibly linked to lower oxidative stress, may account for the slower onset of cerebral cortical pathology in the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. Tolan
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA (K.L.S.); (S.D.S.); (J.B.W.)
| | - Kayla L. Sanchez
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA (K.L.S.); (S.D.S.); (J.B.W.)
| | - Samuel D. Shin
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA (K.L.S.); (S.D.S.); (J.B.W.)
| | - Jacob B. White
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA (K.L.S.); (S.D.S.); (J.B.W.)
| | - Antonio Currais
- The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (A.C.); (D.S.-C.)
| | - David Soriano-Castell
- The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (A.C.); (D.S.-C.)
| | - Christopher G. Wilson
- Lawrence D. Longo Center for Perinatal Biology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA;
| | - Pamela Maher
- The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (A.C.); (D.S.-C.)
| | - Salvador Soriano
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA (K.L.S.); (S.D.S.); (J.B.W.)
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Pfrieger FW. The Niemann-Pick type diseases – A synopsis of inborn errors in sphingolipid and cholesterol metabolism. Prog Lipid Res 2023; 90:101225. [PMID: 37003582 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2023.101225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Disturbances of lipid homeostasis in cells provoke human diseases. The elucidation of the underlying mechanisms and the development of efficient therapies represent formidable challenges for biomedical research. Exemplary cases are two rare, autosomal recessive, and ultimately fatal lysosomal diseases historically named "Niemann-Pick" honoring the physicians, whose pioneering observations led to their discovery. Acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD) and Niemann-Pick type C disease (NPCD) are caused by specific variants of the sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 1 (SMPD1) and NPC intracellular cholesterol transporter 1 (NPC1) or NPC intracellular cholesterol transporter 2 (NPC2) genes that perturb homeostasis of two key membrane components, sphingomyelin and cholesterol, respectively. Patients with severe forms of these diseases present visceral and neurologic symptoms and succumb to premature death. This synopsis traces the tortuous discovery of the Niemann-Pick diseases, highlights important advances with respect to genetic culprits and cellular mechanisms, and exposes efforts to improve diagnosis and to explore new therapeutic approaches.
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Loss of APP in mice increases thigmotaxis and is associated with elevated brain expression of IL-13 and IP-10/CXCL10. Physiol Behav 2021; 240:113533. [PMID: 34293404 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113533] [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: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to memory loss and is often accompanied by increased anxiety. Although AD is a heterogeneous disease, dysregulation of inflammatory pathways is a consistent event. Interestingly, the amyloid precursor protein (APP), which is the source of the amyloid peptide Aβ, is also necessary for the efficient regulation of the innate immune response. Here, we hypothesize that loss of APP function in mice would lead to cognitive loss and anxiety behavior, both of which are typically present in AD, as well as changes in the expression of inflammatory mediators. To test this hypothesis, we performed open field, Y-maze and novel object recognition tests on 12-18-week-old male and female wildtype and AppKO mice to measure thigmotaxis, short-term spatial memory and long-term recognition memory. We then performed a quantitative multiplexed immunoassay to measure levels of 32 cytokines/chemokines associated with AD and anxiety. Our results showed that AppKO mice, compared to wildtype controls, experienced increased thigmotactic behavior but no memory impairments, and this phenotype correlated with increased IP-10 and IL-13 levels. Future studies will determine whether dysregulation of these inflammatory mediators contributes to pathogenesis in AD.
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Wei J, Takamatsu Y, Wada R, Fujita M, Ho G, Masliah E, Hashimoto M. Therapeutic Potential of αS Evolvability for Neuropathic Gaucher Disease. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11020289. [PMID: 33672048 PMCID: PMC7919466 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gaucher disease (GD), the most common lysosomal storage disorder (LSD), is caused by autosomal recessive mutations of the glucocerebrosidase gene, GBA1. In the majority of cases, GD has a non-neuropathic chronic form with adult onset (GD1), while other cases are more acute and severer neuropathic forms with early onset (GD2/3). Currently, no radical therapies are established for GD2/3. Notably, GD1, but not GD2/3, is associated with increased risk of Parkinson's disease (PD), the elucidation of which might provide a clue for novel therapeutic strategies. In this context, the objective of the present study is to discuss that the evolvability of α-synuclein (αS) might be differentially involved in GD subtypes. Hypothetically, aging-associated PD features with accumulation of αS, and the autophagy-lysosomal dysfunction might be an antagonistic pleiotropy phenomenon derived from αS evolvability in the development in GD1, without which neuropathies like GD2/3 might be manifested due to the autophagy-lysosomal dysfunction. Supposing that the increased severity of GD2/3 might be attributed to the decreased activity of αS evolvability, suppressing the expression of β-synuclein (βS), a potential buffer against αS evolvability, might be therapeutically efficient. Of interest, a similar view might be applicable to Niemann-Pick type C (NPC), another LSD, given that the adult type of NPC, which is comorbid with Alzheimer's disease, exhibits milder medical symptoms compared with those of infantile NPC. Thus, it is predicted that the evolvability of amyloid β and tau, might be beneficial for the adult type of NPC. Collectively, a better understanding of amyloidogenic evolvability in the pathogenesis of LSD may inform rational therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianshe Wei
- Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-0057, Japan; (J.W.); (Y.T.); (R.W.); (M.F.)
- Institute for Brain Sciences Research, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Yoshiki Takamatsu
- Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-0057, Japan; (J.W.); (Y.T.); (R.W.); (M.F.)
| | - Ryoko Wada
- Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-0057, Japan; (J.W.); (Y.T.); (R.W.); (M.F.)
| | - Masayo Fujita
- Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-0057, Japan; (J.W.); (Y.T.); (R.W.); (M.F.)
| | - Gilbert Ho
- PCND Neuroscience Research Institute, Poway, CA 92064, USA;
| | - Eliezer Masliah
- Division of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Makoto Hashimoto
- Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-0057, Japan; (J.W.); (Y.T.); (R.W.); (M.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-3-6834-2354; Fax: +81-3-5316-3150
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Haploinsufficiency of tau decreases survival of the mouse model of Niemann-Pick disease type C1 but does not alter tau phosphorylation. J Appl Genet 2020; 61:567-570. [PMID: 32794098 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-020-00572-6] [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: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1) mouse models show neurofibrillary tangles as do human patients. A previous study in NPC1/tau double-null mutant mice showed that tau knockout nulls and heterozygotes unexpectedly had decreased survival when compared with NPC1 single mutants (Pacheco et al., Hum Molec Genetics 18:956-965, 2009). This was done in a null model of NPC1 (Npc1-/-). We have extended these results to a hypomorphic model (Npc1nmf164) and additionally studied tau phosphorylation, which has not been previously done in a tau heterozygote. As before, NPC1/tau double-mutant mice had shortened survival when compared with the NPC1 single mutant. Tau dosage was not affected by the Npc1 mutation. The increased phosphorylation of tau-ser396 previously noted in NPC1 mouse models was also present, but unaffected by the tau knockout, indicating that changes in tau phosphorylation are not the cause of decreased survival in NPC1/tau double mutants. Thus, the reason for shortened survival of NPC1 mouse models with concomitant tau haploinsufficiency is uncertain.
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Mayagoitia K, Shin SD, Rubini M, Siebold L, Wilson CG, Bellinger DL, Figueroa JD, Soriano S. Short-term exposure to dietary cholesterol is associated with downregulation of interleukin-15, reduced thigmotaxis and memory impairment in mice. Behav Brain Res 2020; 393:112779. [PMID: 32585301 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition associated with loss of memory function, depression and anxiety. The etiology of AD is poorly understood, but both cholesterol dyshomeostasis and dysregulation of the immune system are contributing factors. Current evidence is consistent with a detrimental effect of excess cholesterol on neuroinflammation, both in mouse models of memory loss and in dementia in humans. However, whether the impact of cholesterol on neuroinflammation occurs early and contributes to pathogenesis of the disease or simply reflects a pleiotropic impact at advanced stages of disease is unclear. To explore this question, we measured, in 9-13 week-old mice, cognitive status and changes in brain inflammatory mediators in response to a short-term high-cholesterol diet. We hypothesized that short-term exposure to excess dietary cholesterol would alter the early inflammatory responses associated with cognitive and/or behavioral impairment. We report that short-term exposure to a high-cholesterol diet led to decreased thigmotaxis and short-term spatial memory impairment without affecting long-term recognition memory. Furthermore, cognitive and behavioral phenotypes in these mice were associated with a reduction in interleukin-15 levels in the absence of changes in other inflammatory mediators. Our findings indicate that interleukin-15 may play a role in early stages of cognitive impairment secondary to hypercholesterolemia. Consequently, optimization of interleukin-15 signaling may be a viable effective cognitive therapy in the population susceptible to developing dementia due to risk factors associated with cholesterol dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Mayagoitia
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Sam D Shin
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Marsilio Rubini
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Lorraine Siebold
- Lawrence D. Longo Center for Perinatal Biology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Christopher G Wilson
- Lawrence D. Longo Center for Perinatal Biology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Denise L Bellinger
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Johnny D Figueroa
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda CA, USA
| | - Salvador Soriano
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA.
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Shin SD, Shin A, Mayagoitia K, Siebold L, Rubini M, Wilson CG, Bellinger DL, Soriano S. Loss of amyloid precursor protein exacerbates early inflammation in Niemann-Pick disease type C. J Neuroinflammation 2019; 16:269. [PMID: 31847862 PMCID: PMC6918596 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-019-1663-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that results in early fatality. NPC is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern from mutations in NPC1 or NPC2 genes. The etiology of NPC is poorly defined. In that regard, neuroinflammation occurs early in the disease and we have recently unveiled an atypical pattern of interferon signaling in pre-symptomatic Npc1-/- mice, with microglial activation, anti-viral response, activation of antigen-presenting cells, and activation and chemotaxis of T lymphocytes as the key affected pathologic pathways. Furthermore, IP-10/CXCL10, a potent IFN-γ-responsive cytokine, was identified as the potential mediator of these early inflammatory abnormalities. Here, we asked whether this aberrant signaling may be exacerbated by the loss of amyloid precursor protein (APP) function, a loss known to shorten lifespan and accelerate neurodegeneration in Npc1-/- mice. METHODS We carried out genome-wide comparative transcriptome analyses of pre-symptomatic Npc1+/+/App+/+, Npc1-/-/App+/+, Npc1+/+/App-/-, and Npc1-/-/App-/- mouse cerebella to identify biological pathways in the NPC brain further affected by the loss of APP. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis were utilized for molecular mapping and functional upstream pathway analyses of highly differentially expressed genes. We simultaneously measured the expression of 32 inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the cerebella from these mice, including those identified in our genome-wide analyses. Finally, we used immunohistochemistry to measure T cell infiltration in the cerebellum. RESULTS Expression of IFN-γ- and IFN-α-responsive genes in pre-symptomatic Npc1-/-/App-/- cerebella is upregulated compared with Npc1-/-/App+/+ mice, compounding the dysregulation of microglial activation, anti-viral response, activation of antigen-presenting cells, and T-lymphocyte activation and chemotaxis pathways present in the NPC brain. Multiplex protein analysis further showed elevated expression of IP-10/CXCL10, a potent downstream effector of IFN-γ, as well as RANTES/CCL5, eotaxin/CCL11 and IL-10, prior to symptomatic onset in Npc1-/-/App-/- cerebella, compared with Npc1-/-/App+/+mice. In the terminal disease stage, loss of APP caused pleiotropic differential expression of the vast majority of cytokines evaluated. Finally, we present evidence of T cell infiltration in Npc1-/-/App-/- cerebella. CONCLUSIONS Loss of APP exacerbates the pathogenic neuroinflammation that occurs prior to symptomatic onset in the NPC brain. These findings shed new light on the function of APP as a cytoprotective modulator in the CNS, offering potential evidence-based therapies against NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel D Shin
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, 24785 Stewart St, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Alexandra Shin
- Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Karina Mayagoitia
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, 24785 Stewart St, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Lorraine Siebold
- Lawrence D. Longo Center for Perinatal Biology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Marsilio Rubini
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, 24785 Stewart St, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Christopher G Wilson
- Lawrence D. Longo Center for Perinatal Biology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Denise L Bellinger
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, 24785 Stewart St, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Salvador Soriano
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, 24785 Stewart St, Loma Linda, California, USA.
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Shin SD, Shin A, Mayagoitia K, Wilson CG, Bellinger DL, Soriano S. Interferon downstream signaling is activated early in pre-symptomatic Niemann-Pick disease type C. Neurosci Lett 2019; 706:43-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Do GWAS and studies of heterozygotes for NPC1 and/or NPC2 explain why NPC disease cases are so rare? J Appl Genet 2018; 59:441-447. [PMID: 30209687 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-018-0465-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Early onset Niemann-Pick C diseases are extremely rare, especially Niemann-Pick C2. Perhaps unusually for autosomal recessive diseases, heterozygotes for mutations in NPC1 manifest many biological variations. NPC2 deficiency has large effects on fertility. These features of NPC1 and NPC2 are reviewed in regard to possible negative selection for heterozygotes carrying null and hypomorphic alleles.
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12
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Gongol B, Marin TL, Jeppson JD, Mayagoitia K, Shin S, Sanchez N, Kirsch WM, Vinters HV, Wilson CG, Ghribi O, Soriano S. Cellular hormetic response to 27-hydroxycholesterol promotes neuroprotection through AICD induction of MAST4 abundance and kinase activity. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13898. [PMID: 29066835 PMCID: PMC5654999 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13933-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The function of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) in brain health remains unclear. This study elucidated a novel cytoprotective signaling pathway initiated by the APP transcriptionally active intracellular domain (AICD) in response to 27-hydroxycholesterol (27OHC), an oxidized cholesterol metabolite associated with neurodegeneration. The cellular response to 27OHC was hormetic, such that low, but not high, doses promoted AICD transactivation of microtubule associated serine/threonine kinase family member 4 (MAST4). MAST4 in turn phosphorylated and inhibited FOXO1-dependent transcriptional repression of rhotekin 2 (RTKN2), an oxysterol stress responder, to optimize cell survival. A palmitate-rich diet, which increases serum 27OHC, or APP ablation, abrogated this response in vivo. Further, this pathway was downregulated in human Alzheimer's Disease (AD) brains but not in frontotemporal dementia brains. These results unveil MAST4 as functional kinase of FOXO1 in a 27OHC AICD-driven, hormetic pathway providing insight for therapeutic approaches against cholesterol associated neuronal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Gongol
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Division of Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
- Cardiopulmonary Sciences, Schools of Allied Health Professions and Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Traci L Marin
- Cardiopulmonary Sciences, Schools of Allied Health Professions and Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - John D Jeppson
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Division of Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Karina Mayagoitia
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Division of Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Samuel Shin
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Division of Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Nicholas Sanchez
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Wolff M Kirsch
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Harry V Vinters
- Section of Neuropathology, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, 90095, USA
| | - Christopher G Wilson
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Physiology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Othman Ghribi
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58202, USA
| | - Salvador Soriano
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Division of Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA.
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13
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Vanden Dries V, Stygelbout V, Pierrot N, Yilmaz Z, Suain V, De Decker R, Buée L, Octave JN, Brion JP, Leroy K. Amyloid precursor protein reduction enhances the formation of neurofibrillary tangles in a mutant tau transgenic mouse model. Neurobiol Aging 2017; 55:202-212. [PMID: 28464981 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2017.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the presence of 2 neuropathological lesions: neurofibrillary tangles, composed of tau proteins which are highly phosphorylated and phosphorylated on uncommon sites, and amyloid plaques, containing the Aß peptides generated from the amyloid precursor protein (APP). Reduction of some APP proteolytic derivatives in Alzheimer's disease such as sAPPα fragment has been reported and sAPPα has been shown to affect tau phosphorylation. To investigate in vivo the effect of absence of APP protein and its fragments on tau phosphorylation and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles, we have generated mice deleted for APP gene and overexpressing a human mutant tau protein and developing neurofibrillary tangles (APPKOTg30 mice). These APPKOTg30 mice showed more severe motor and cognitive deficits, increased tau phosphorylation, increased load of neurofibrillary tangles, and increased p25/35 ratio in the brain, compared with Tg30 mice. These data suggest that APP and/or its proteolytic derivatives interfere with the formation of neurofibrillary tangles in a transgenic mouse model that will be useful for investigating the relationship between APP and tau.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Vanden Dries
- Laboratory of Histology, Neuroanatomy and Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Virginie Stygelbout
- Laboratory of Histology, Neuroanatomy and Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Pierrot
- Institute of Neurosciences, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Zehra Yilmaz
- Laboratory of Histology, Neuroanatomy and Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Valérie Suain
- Laboratory of Histology, Neuroanatomy and Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robert De Decker
- Laboratory of Histology, Neuroanatomy and Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Luc Buée
- Universite de Lille, INSERM, CHU-Lille, UMR-S 1172, LabEx DISTALZ, Lille, France
| | - Jean-Noël Octave
- Institute of Neurosciences, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean-Pierre Brion
- Laboratory of Histology, Neuroanatomy and Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karelle Leroy
- Laboratory of Histology, Neuroanatomy and Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Brussels, Belgium.
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14
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Malnar M, Hecimovic S, Mattsson N, Zetterberg H. Bidirectional links between Alzheimer's disease and Niemann-Pick type C disease. Neurobiol Dis 2014; 72 Pt A:37-47. [PMID: 24907492 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2014.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2014] [Revised: 05/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease are progressive neurodegenerative diseases with very different epidemiology and etiology. AD is a common cause of dementia with a complex polyfactorial etiology, including both genetic and environmental risk factors, while NPC is a very rare autosomal recessive disease. However, the diseases share some disease-related molecular pathways, including abnormal cholesterol metabolism, and involvement of amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau pathology. Here we review recent studies on these pathological traits, focusing on studies of Aβ and tau pathology in NPC, and the importance of the NPC1 gene in AD. Further studies of similarities and differences between AD and NPC may be useful to increase the understanding of both these devastating neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Malnar
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Silva Hecimovic
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Niklas Mattsson
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Gothenburg, Sweden; Center for Imaging of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIND), San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Gothenburg, Sweden; UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK.
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15
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The impact of cholesterol, DHA, and sphingolipids on Alzheimer's disease. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2013:814390. [PMID: 24575399 PMCID: PMC3929518 DOI: 10.1155/2013/814390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 07/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder currently affecting over 35 million people worldwide. Pathological hallmarks of AD are massive amyloidosis, extracellular senile plaques, and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles accompanied by an excessive loss of synapses. Major constituents of senile plaques are 40–42 amino acid long peptides termed β-amyloid (Aβ). Aβ is produced by sequential proteolytic processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP). APP processing and Aβ production have been one of the central scopes in AD research in the past. In the last years, lipids and lipid-related issues are more frequently discussed to contribute to the AD pathogenesis. This review summarizes lipid alterations found in AD postmortem brains, AD transgenic mouse models, and the current understanding of how lipids influence the molecular mechanisms leading to AD and Aβ generation, focusing especially on cholesterol, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and sphingolipids/glycosphingolipids.
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16
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On the origin of Alzheimer's disease. Trials and tribulations of the amyloid hypothesis. Ageing Res Rev 2014; 13:10-2. [PMID: 24252390 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2013.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Revised: 10/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/31/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The amyloid cascade hypothesis, which implicates the amyloid Aβ peptide as the pathological initiator of both familial and sporadic, late onset Alzheimer's disease (AD), continues to guide the majority of research. We believe that current evidence does not support the amyloid cascade hypothesis for late onset AD. Instead, we propose that Aβ is a key regulator of brain homeostasis. During AD, while Aβ accumulation may occur in the long term in parallel with disease progression, it does not contribute to primary pathogenesis. This view predicts that amyloid-centric therapies will continue to fail, and that progress in developing successful alternative therapies for AD will be slow until closer attention is paid to understanding the physiological function of Aβ and its precursor protein.
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17
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Castello MA, Soriano S. Rational heterodoxy: cholesterol reformation of the amyloid doctrine. Ageing Res Rev 2013; 12:282-8. [PMID: 22771381 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2012.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2012] [Accepted: 06/28/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
According to the amyloid cascade hypothesis, accumulation of the amyloid peptide Aβ, derived by proteolytic processing from the amyloid precursor protein (APP), is the key pathogenic trigger in Alzheimer's disease (AD). This view has led researchers for more than two decades and continues to be the most influential model of neurodegeneration. Nevertheless, close scrutiny of the current evidence does not support a central pathogenic role for Aβ in late-onset AD. Furthermore, the amyloid cascade hypothesis lacks a theoretical foundation from which the physiological generation of Aβ can be understood, and therapeutic approaches based on its premises have failed. We present an alternative model of neurodegeneration, in which sustained cholesterol-associated neuronal distress is the most likely pathogenic trigger in late-onset AD, directly causing oxidative stress, inflammation and tau hyperphosphorylation. In this scenario, Aβ generation is part of an APP-driven adaptive response to the initial cholesterol distress, and its accumulation is neither central to, nor a requirement for, the initiation of the disease. Our model provides a theoretical framework that places APP as a regulator of cholesterol homeostasis, accounts for the generation of Aβ in both healthy and demented brains, and provides suitable targets for therapeutic intervention.
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18
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Quantitative proteomic analysis of Niemann-Pick disease, type C1 cerebellum identifies protein biomarkers and provides pathological insight. PLoS One 2012; 7:e47845. [PMID: 23144710 PMCID: PMC3483225 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0047845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2012] [Accepted: 09/21/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick disease, type C1 (NPC1) is a fatal, neurodegenerative disorder for which there is no definitive therapy. In NPC1, a pathological cascade including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis likely contribute to the clinical phenotype. While the genetic cause of NPC1 is known, we sought to gain a further understanding into the pathophysiology by identifying differentially expressed proteins in Npc1 mutant mouse cerebella. Using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, 77 differentially expressed proteins were identified in Npc1 mutant mice cerebella compared to controls. These include proteins involved in glucose metabolism, detoxification/oxidative stress and Alzheimer disease-related proteins. Furthermore, members of the fatty acid binding protein family, including FABP3, FABP5 and FABP7, were found to have altered expression in the Npc1 mutant cerebellum relative to control. Translating our findings from the murine model to patients, we confirm altered expression of glutathione s-transferase α, superoxide dismutase, and FABP3 in cerebrospinal fluid of NPC1 patients relative to pediatric controls. A subset of NPC1 patients on miglustat, a glycosphingolipid synthesis inhibitor, showed significantly decreased levels of FABP3 compared to patients not on miglustat therapy. This study provides an initial report of dysregulated proteins in NPC1 which will assist with further investigation of NPC1 pathology and facilitate implementation of therapeutic trials.
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19
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Hovakimyan M, Petersen J, Maass F, Reichard M, Witt M, Lukas J, Stachs O, Guthoff R, Rolfs A, Wree A. Corneal alterations during combined therapy with cyclodextrin/allopregnanolone and miglustat in a knock-out mouse model of NPC1 disease. PLoS One 2011; 6:e28418. [PMID: 22163015 PMCID: PMC3232193 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2011] [Accepted: 11/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Niemann Pick disease type C1 is a neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in the NPC1 gene, which result in accumulation of unesterified cholesterol and glycosphingolipids in the endosomal-lysosomal system as well as limiting membranes. We have previously shown the corneal involvement in NPC1 pathology in form of intracellular inclusions in epithelial cells and keratocytes. The purpose of the present study was to clarify if these inclusions regress during combined substrate reduction- and by-product therapy (SRT and BPT). Methodology/Principal Findings Starting at postnatal day 7 (P7) and thereafter, NPC1 knock-out mice (NPC1−/−) and wild type controls (NPC1+/+) were injected with cyclodextrin/allopregnanolone weekly. Additionally, a daily miglustat injection started at P10 until P23. Starting at P23 the mice were fed powdered chow with daily addition of miglustat. The sham group was injected with 0.9% NaCl at P7, thereafter daily starting at P10 until P23, and fed powdered chow starting at P23. For corneal examination, in vivo confocal laser-scanning microscopy (CLSM) was performed one day before experiment was terminated. Excised corneas were harvested for lipid analysis (HPLC/MS) and electron microscopy. In vivo CLSM demonstrated a regression of hyperreflective inclusions in all treated NPC1−/−mice. The findings varied between individual mice, demonstrating a regression, ranging from complete absence to pronounced depositions. The reflectivity of inclusions, however, was significantly lower when compared to untreated and sham-injected NPC1−/− mice. These confocal findings were confirmed by lipid analysis and electron microscopy. Another important CLSM finding revealed a distinct increase of mature dendritic cell number in corneas of all treated mice (NPC1−/− and NPC1+/+), including sham-treated ones. Conclusions/Significance The combined substrate reduction- and by-product therapy revealed beneficial effects on the cornea. In vivo CLSM is a non-invasive tool to monitor disease progression and treatment effects in NPC1 disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Hovakimyan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
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