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Li B, Xiao X, Bi M, Jiao Q, Chen X, Yan C, Du X, Jiang H. Modulating α-synuclein propagation and decomposition: Implications in Parkinson's disease therapy. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 98:102319. [PMID: 38719160 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102319] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
α-Synuclein (α-Syn) is closely related to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Under pathological conditions, the conformation of α-syn changes and different forms of α-syn lead to neurotoxicity. According to Braak stages, α-syn can propagate in different brain regions, inducing neurodegeneration and corresponding clinical manifestations through abnormal aggregation of Lewy bodies (LBs) and lewy axons in different types of neurons in PD. So far, PD lacks early diagnosis biomarkers, and treatments are mainly targeted at some clinical symptoms. There is no effective therapy to delay the progression of PD. This review first summarized the role of α-syn in physiological and pathological states, and the relationship between α-syn and PD. Then, we focused on the origin, secretion, aggregation, propagation and degradation of α-syn as well as the important regulatory factors in these processes systematically. Finally, we reviewed some potential drug candidates for alleviating the abnormal aggregation of α-syn in order to provide valuable targets for the treatment of PD to cope with the occurrence and progression of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beining Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Xue Xiao
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Mingxia Bi
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Qian Jiao
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Xi Chen
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Chunling Yan
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Xixun Du
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Hong Jiang
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao 266113, China; School of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China.
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Sturchio A, Rocha EM, Kauffman MA, Marsili L, Mahajan A, Saraf AA, Vizcarra JA, Guo Z, Espay AJ. Recalibrating the Why and Whom of Animal Models in Parkinson Disease: A Clinician's Perspective. Brain Sci 2024; 14:151. [PMID: 38391726 PMCID: PMC10887152 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14020151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Animal models have been used to gain pathophysiologic insights into Parkinson's disease (PD) and aid in the translational efforts of interventions with therapeutic potential in human clinical trials. However, no disease-modifying therapy for PD has successfully emerged from model predictions. These translational disappointments warrant a reappraisal of the types of preclinical questions asked of animal models. Besides the limitations of experimental designs, the one-size convergence and oversimplification yielded by a model cannot recapitulate the molecular diversity within and between PD patients. Here, we compare the strengths and pitfalls of different models, review the discrepancies between animal and human data on similar pathologic and molecular mechanisms, assess the potential of organoids as novel modeling tools, and evaluate the types of questions for which models can guide and misguide. We propose that animal models may be of greatest utility in the evaluation of molecular mechanisms, neural pathways, drug toxicity, and safety but can be unreliable or misleading when used to generate pathophysiologic hypotheses or predict therapeutic efficacy for compounds with potential neuroprotective effects in humans. To enhance the translational disease-modification potential, the modeling must reflect the biology not of a diseased population but of subtypes of diseased humans to distinguish What data are relevant and to Whom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Sturchio
- James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA
| | - Emily M Rocha
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Marcelo A Kauffman
- Consultorio y Laboratorio de Neurogenética, Centro Universitario de Neurología José María Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires C1221ADC, Argentina
| | - Luca Marsili
- James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA
| | - Abhimanyu Mahajan
- James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA
| | - Ameya A Saraf
- James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA
| | - Joaquin A Vizcarra
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 15213, USA
| | - Ziyuan Guo
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Alberto J Espay
- James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA
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Chaudhary R, Singh R. Therapeutic Viewpoint on Rat Models of Locomotion Abnormalities and Neurobiological Indicators in Parkinson's Disease. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2024; 23:488-503. [PMID: 37202886 DOI: 10.2174/1871527322666230518111323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Locomotion problems in Parkinson's syndrome are still a research and treatment difficulty. With the recent introduction of brain stimulation or neuromodulation equipment that is sufficient to monitor activity in the brain using electrodes placed on the scalp, new locomotion investigations in patients having the capacity to move freely have sprung up. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to find rat models and locomotion-connected neuronal indicators and use them all over a closed-loop system to enhance the future and present treatment options available for Parkinson's disease. METHODS Various publications on locomotor abnormalities, Parkinson's disease, animal models, and other topics have been searched using several search engines, such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, Research Gate, and PubMed. RESULTS Based on the literature, we can conclude that animal models are used for further investigating the locomotion connectivity deficiencies of many biological measuring devices and attempting to address unanswered concerns from clinical and non-clinical research. However, translational validity is required for rat models to contribute to the improvement of upcoming neurostimulation-based medicines. This review discusses the most successful methods for modelling Parkinson's locomotion in rats. CONCLUSION This review article has examined how scientific clinical experiments lead to localised central nervous system injuries in rats, as well as how the associated motor deficits and connection oscillations reflect this. This evolutionary process of therapeutic interventions may help to improve locomotion- based treatment and management of Parkinson's syndrome in the upcoming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishabh Chaudhary
- Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151401, India
- Department of Pharmacology, M.M. College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana 133207, India
| | - Randhir Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151401, India
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Cools R, Kerkhofs K, Leitao RCF, Bormans G. Preclinical Evaluation of Novel PET Probes for Dementia. Semin Nucl Med 2023; 53:599-629. [PMID: 37149435 DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The development of novel PET imaging agents that selectively bind specific dementia-related targets can contribute significantly to accurate, differential and early diagnosis of dementia causing diseases and support the development of therapeutic agents. Consequently, in recent years there has been a growing body of literature describing the development and evaluation of potential new promising PET tracers for dementia. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of novel dementia PET probes under development, classified by their target, and pinpoints their preclinical evaluation pathway, typically involving in silico, in vitro and ex/in vivo evaluation. Specific target-associated challenges and pitfalls, requiring extensive and well-designed preclinical experimental evaluation assays to enable successful clinical translation and avoid shortcomings observed for previously developed 'well-established' dementia PET tracers are highlighted in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romy Cools
- Laboratory for Radiopharmaceutical Research, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kobe Kerkhofs
- Laboratory for Radiopharmaceutical Research, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; NURA, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
| | - Renan C F Leitao
- Laboratory for Radiopharmaceutical Research, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Guy Bormans
- Laboratory for Radiopharmaceutical Research, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Kuan W, Alfaidi M, Horne CB, Vallin B, Fox S, Fazal SV, Williams‐Gray CH, Barker RA. Selective neurodegeneration generated by intravenous α-synuclein pre-formed fibril administration is not associated with endogenous α-synuclein levels in the rat brain. Brain Pathol 2023; 33:e13128. [PMID: 36321260 PMCID: PMC10154377 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.13128] [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: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Selective loss of discrete neuronal populations is a prominent feature of many neurodegenerative conditions, but the molecular basis of this is poorly understood. A central role of α-synuclein in the selective neurodegeneration of Parkinson's disease has been speculated, as its level of expression critically determines the propensity of this protein to misfold. To investigate whether the propensity of neuronal cell loss is associated with the level of endogenous α-synuclein expression, non-transgenic rats were given a single intravenous administration of α-synuclein pre-formed fibrils (PFFs) reversibly complexed with the rabies virus glycoprotein peptide (RVG9R). The number of surviving cells in different neuronal populations was systematically quantified using unbiased stereology. Our data demonstrated that a non-selective, transvascular delivery of α-synuclein PFFs led to a time-dependent loss of specific populations of midbrain (but not olfactory) dopaminergic neurons, medullary (but not pontine) cholinergic neurons, and brainstem serotonergic neurons. Contrary to the central role of endogenous α-synuclein expression in determining the seeding and aggregation propensity of pathological α-synuclein, we did not observe an association between the levels of α-synuclein expression in different regions of the rodent brain (although did not ascertain this at the individual cell level) and neurodegenerative propensity. The results from our study highlight the complexity of the neurodegenerative process generated by α-synuclein seeding. Further investigations are therefore required to elucidate the molecular basis of neurodegeneration driven by exogenous pathogenic α-synuclein spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei‐Li Kuan
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Maha Alfaidi
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Catherine B. Horne
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Benjamin Vallin
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Sarah Fox
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Shaline V. Fazal
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Caroline H. Williams‐Gray
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Roger A. Barker
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Department of NeurologyAddenbrooke's HospitalCambridgeUK
- Wellcome Trust MRC Cambridge Stem Cell CentreCambridgeUK
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Gubinelli F, Sarauskyte L, Venuti C, Kulacz I, Cazzolla G, Negrini M, Anwer D, Vecchio I, Jakobs F, Manfredsson F, Davidsson M, Heuer A. Characterisation of functional deficits induced by AAV overexpression of alpha-synuclein in rats. CURRENT RESEARCH IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 4:100065. [PMID: 36632447 PMCID: PMC9827042 DOI: 10.1016/j.crneur.2022.100065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the last decades different preclinical animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD) have been generated, aiming to mimic the progressive neuronal loss of midbrain dopaminergic (DA) cells as well as motor and non-motor impairment. Among all the available models, AAV-based models of human alpha-synuclein (h-aSYN) overexpression are promising tools for investigation of disease progression and therapeutic interventions. Objectives The goal with this work was to characterise the impairment in motor and non-motor domains following nigrostriatal overexpression of h-aSYN and correlate the behavioural deficits with histological assessment of associated pathology. Methods Intranigral injection of an AAV9 expressing h-aSYN was compared with untreated animals, 6-OHDA and AAV9 expressing either no transgene or GFP. The animals were assessed on a series of simple and complex behavioural tasks probing motor and non-motor domains. Post-mortem neuropathology was analysed using immunohistochemical methods. Results Overexpression of h-aSYN led to progressive degeneration of DA neurons of the SN and axonal terminals in the striatum (STR). We observed extensive nigral and striatal pathology, resembling that of human PD brain, as well as the development of stable progressive deficit in simple motor tasks and in non-motor domains such as deficits in motivation and lateralised neglect. Conclusions In the present work we characterized a rat model of PD that closely resembles human PD pathology at the histological and behavioural level. The correlation of cell loss with behavioural performance enables the selection of rats which can be used in neuroprotective or neurorestorative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Gubinelli
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - L. Sarauskyte
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - C. Venuti
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - I. Kulacz
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - G. Cazzolla
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - M. Negrini
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - D. Anwer
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - I. Vecchio
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - F. Jakobs
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - F.P. Manfredsson
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - M. Davidsson
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA,Molecular Neuromodulation, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - A. Heuer
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden,Corresponding author. Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Sölvegatan 19, 22 184, Lund, Sweden.
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Björklund A, Nilsson F, Mattsson B, Hoban DB, Parmar M. A Combined α-Synuclein/Fibril (SynFib) Model of Parkinson-Like Synucleinopathy Targeting the Nigrostriatal Dopamine System. JOURNAL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2022; 12:2307-2320. [PMID: 36189605 PMCID: PMC9837691 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-223452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Injections of pre-formed α-synuclein fibrils (PFFs) or overexpression of α-synuclein using AAV vectors are commonly used as models of Parkinson-like synucleinopathy in rats and mice. In the modified method reviewed here, the "SynFib" model, the PFFs and the AAV vector are administered together unilaterally into the substantia nigra. This approach combines the key features of these two models, i.e., the generation of toxic α-synuclein aggregates and Lewy body-like inclusions, in combination with the increased vulnerability caused by increased cellular levels of α-synuclein. The combined AAV/PFF delivery offers several advantages over the standard PFF model due to the enhanced and accelerated α-synuclein pathology and microglial response induced by the PFF seeds in the presence of an elevated α-synuclein level. Injection of the AAV/PFF mixture into the substantia nigra makes it possible to target a larger proportion of the nigral dopamine neurons and obtain a level of dopamine cell loss (>60%) needed to induce significant impairments in drug-induced and spontaneous motor tests. The SynFib model shares attractive features of the standard 6-OHDA lesion model: a single unilateral stereotaxic intervention; pathology and cell loss developing over a short time span; and the possibility to monitor the degenerative changes using tests of motor behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Björklund
- Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden,Correspondence to: Anders Björklund, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, BMCA11, 22184 Lund, Sweden. Tel.: +46703146761; E-mail:
| | - Fredrik Nilsson
- Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Bengt Mattsson
- Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Deirdre B. Hoban
- Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Malin Parmar
- Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Kim J, Daadi EW, Oh T, Daadi ES, Daadi MM. Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Phenotyping and Preclinical Modeling of Familial Parkinson's Disease. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:1937. [PMID: 36360174 PMCID: PMC9689743 DOI: 10.3390/genes13111937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is primarily idiopathic and a highly heterogenous neurodegenerative disease with patients experiencing a wide array of motor and non-motor symptoms. A major challenge for understanding susceptibility to PD is to determine the genetic and environmental factors that influence the mechanisms underlying the variations in disease-associated traits. The pathological hallmark of PD is the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta region of the brain and post-mortem Lewy pathology, which leads to the loss of projecting axons innervating the striatum and to impaired motor and cognitive functions. While the cause of PD is still largely unknown, genome-wide association studies provide evidence that numerous polymorphic variants in various genes contribute to sporadic PD, and 10 to 15% of all cases are linked to some form of hereditary mutations, either autosomal dominant or recessive. Among the most common mutations observed in PD patients are in the genes LRRK2, SNCA, GBA1, PINK1, PRKN, and PARK7/DJ-1. In this review, we cover these PD-related mutations, the use of induced pluripotent stem cells as a disease in a dish model, and genetic animal models to better understand the diversity in the pathogenesis and long-term outcomes seen in PD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Kim
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA
- Cell Systems and Anatomy, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Etienne W. Daadi
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA
| | - Thomas Oh
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA
| | - Elyas S. Daadi
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA
| | - Marcel M. Daadi
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA
- Cell Systems and Anatomy, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Department of Radiology, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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Lelos MJ. Investigating cell therapies in animal models of Parkinson's and Huntington's disease: Current challenges and considerations. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 166:159-189. [PMID: 36424091 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cell therapeutics have entered into an exciting era, with first-in-person clinical trials underway for Parkinson's disease and novel cell therapies in development for other neurodegenerative diseases. In the hope of ensuring successful translation of these novel cell products to the clinic, a significant amount of preclinical work continues to be undertaken. Rodent models of neural transplantation are required to thoroughly assess the survival, safety and efficacy of novel therapeutics. It is critical to produce robust and reliable preclinical data, in order to increase the likelihood of clinical success. As a result, significant effort has been driven into generating ever more relevant model systems, from genetically modified disease models to mice with humanized immune systems. Despite this, several challenges remain in the quest to assess human cells in the rodent brain long-term. Here, with a focus on models of Parkinson's and Huntington's disease, we discuss key considerations for choosing an appropriate rodent model for neural transplantation. We also consider the challenges associated with long-term survival and assessment of functional efficacy in these models, as well as the need to consider the clinical relevance of the model. While the choice of model will be dependent on the scientific question, by considering the caveats associated with each model, we identify opportunities to optimize the preclinical assessment and generate reliable data on our novel cell therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariah J Lelos
- Brain Repair Group, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
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Ahnaou A, Whim D. REM sleep behavior and olfactory dysfunction: improving the utility and translation of animal models in the search for neuroprotective therapies for Parkinson's disease. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 143:104897. [PMID: 36183864 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104897] [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: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a heterogeneous neurodegenerative disease that belongs to the family of synucleiopathies, varying in age, symptoms and progression. Hallmark of the disease is the accumulation of misfolded α-synuclein protein (α-Syn) in neuronal and non-neuronal brain cells. In past decades, diagnosis and treatment of PD has focused on motor deficits, which for the clinical endpoint, have contributed to the prevalence of deficits in the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system and animal models related to motor behavior to study disease. However, clinical trials have failed to translate results from animal models into effective treatments. PD as a multisystem disorder therefore requires additional assessment of motor and non-motor symptoms. Braak's staging revealed early α-Syn pathology in pontine brainstem and olfactory circuits controlling rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and olfaction, respectively. Recent converging evidence from multicenter clinical studies supports that RBD is the most important risk factor for prodromal PD and the conduct of neuroprotective therapeutic trials in RBD-enriched cohorts has been recommended. Animal models of RBD and olfaction dysfunction can aid to fill the gap in translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ahnaou
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, a Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV. Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium.
| | - Drinkenburg Whim
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, a Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV. Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
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Sossi V, Patterson JR, McCormick S, Kemp CJ, Miller KM, Stoll AC, Kuhn N, Kubik M, Kochmanski J, Luk KC, Sortwell CE. Dopaminergic Positron Emission Tomography Imaging in the Alpha-Synuclein Preformed Fibril Model Reveals Similarities to Early Parkinson's Disease. Mov Disord 2022; 37:1739-1748. [PMID: 35524682 PMCID: PMC9391270 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in early Parkinson's disease (PD) subjects reveals that increased dopamine (DA) turnover and reduced dopamine transporter (DAT) density precede decreases in DA synthesis and storage. The rat α-synuclein preformed fibril (α-syn PFF) model provides a platform to investigate DA dynamics during multiple stages of α-syn inclusion-triggered nigrostriatal degeneration. OBJECTIVES We investigated multiple aspects of in vivo dopaminergic deficits longitudinally and similarities to human PD using translational PET imaging readouts. METHODS Longitudinal imaging was performed every 2 months in PFF and control rats for 7 months. [18 F]-Fluoro-3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine (FDOPA) imaging was performed to investigate DA synthesis and storage (Kocc ) and DA turnover, estimated by its inverse, the effective distribution volume ratio (EDVR). 11 C-Methylphenidate (MP) was used to estimate DAT density (BPND ). RESULTS Early DA turnover increases and DAT binding decreases were observed in the ipsilateral striatum of PFF rats, progressing longitudinally. EDVR decreased 26%, 38%, and 47%, and BPND decreased 36%, 50%, and 65% at the 2-, 4-, and 6-month time points, respectively, compared to ipsilateral control striatum. In contrast, deficits in DA synthesis and storage were not observed in the ipsilateral striatum of PFF rats compared to control injections and were relatively preserved up to 6 months (Kocc decreased 20% at 6 months). CONCLUSIONS The relative preservation of DA synthesis and storage compared to robust progressive deficits in DAT density and increases in DA turnover in the rat α-syn PFF model display remarkable face validity to dopaminergic alterations in human PD. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vesna Sossi
- Department of Physics and AstronomyUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Joseph R. Patterson
- Department of Translational NeuroscienceMichigan State UniversityGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
| | - Siobhan McCormick
- Pacific Parkinson's Research CentreUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Christopher J. Kemp
- Department of Translational NeuroscienceMichigan State UniversityGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
| | - Kathryn M. Miller
- Department of Translational NeuroscienceMichigan State UniversityGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
| | - Anna C. Stoll
- Department of Translational NeuroscienceMichigan State UniversityGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
| | - Nathan Kuhn
- Department of Translational NeuroscienceMichigan State UniversityGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
| | - Michael Kubik
- Department of Translational NeuroscienceMichigan State UniversityGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
| | - Joseph Kochmanski
- Department of Translational NeuroscienceMichigan State UniversityGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
| | - Kelvin C. Luk
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Caryl E. Sortwell
- Department of Translational NeuroscienceMichigan State UniversityGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
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Lateralized deficits after unilateral AAV-vector based overexpression of alpha-synuclein in the midbrain of rats on drug-free behavioural tests. Behav Brain Res 2022; 429:113887. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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13
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Alzghool OM, van Dongen G, van de Giessen E, Schoonmade L, Beaino W. α-Synuclein Radiotracer Development and In Vivo Imaging: Recent Advancements and New Perspectives. Mov Disord 2022; 37:936-948. [PMID: 35289424 PMCID: PMC9310945 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
α-Synucleinopathies including idiopathic Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple systems atrophy share overlapping symptoms and pathological hallmarks. Selective neurodegeneration and Lewy pathology are the main hallmarks of α-synucleinopathies. Currently, there is no imaging biomarker suitable for a definitive early diagnosis of α-synucleinopathies. Although dopaminergic deficits detected with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracers can support clinical diagnosis by confirming the presence of dopaminergic neurodegeneration, dopaminergic imaging cannot visualize the preceding disease process, nor distinguish α-synucleinopathies from tauopathies with dopaminergic neurodegeneration, especially at early symptomatic disease stage when clinical presentation is often overlapping. Aggregated α-synuclein (αSyn) could be a suitable imaging biomarker in α-synucleinopathies, because αSyn aggregation and therefore, Lewy pathology is evidently an early driver of α-synucleinopathies pathogenesis. Additionally, several antibodies and small molecule compounds targeting aggregated αSyn are in development for therapy. However, there is no way to directly measure if or how much they lower the levels of aggregated αSyn in the brain. There is clearly a paramount diagnostic and therapeutic unmet medical need. To date, aggregated αSyn and Lewy pathology inclusion bodies cannot be assessed ante-mortem with SPECT or PET imaging because of the suboptimal binding characteristics and/or physicochemical properties of current radiotracers. The aim of this narrative review is to highlight the suitability of aggregated αSyn as an imaging biomarker in α-synucleinopathies, the current limitations with and lessons learned from αSyn radiotracer development, and finally to propose antibody-based ligands for imaging αSyn aggregates as a complementary tool rather than an alternative to small molecule ligands. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Obada M Alzghool
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Tracer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Guus van Dongen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Tracer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elsmarieke van de Giessen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Tracer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Linda Schoonmade
- Medical Library, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wissam Beaino
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Tracer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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14
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Animal models of action control and cognitive dysfunction in Parkinson's disease. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2022; 269:227-255. [PMID: 35248196 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2022.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) has historically been considered a motor disorder induced by a loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. More recently, it has been recognized to have significant non-motor symptoms, most prominently cognitive symptoms associated with a dysexecutive syndrome. It is common in the literature to see motor and cognitive symptoms treated separately and, indeed, there has been a general call for specialized treatment of the latter, particularly in the more severe cases of PD with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Animal studies have similarly been developed to model the motor or non-motor symptoms. Nevertheless, considerable research has established that segregating consideration of cognition from the precursors to motor movement, particularly movement associated with goal-directed action, is difficult if not impossible. Indeed, on some contemporary views cognition is embodied in action control, something that is particularly prevalent in theory and evidence relating to the integration of goal-directed and habitual control processes. The current paper addresses these issues within the literature detailing animal models of cognitive dysfunction in PD and their neural and neurochemical bases. Generally, studies using animal models of PD provide some of the clearest evidence for the integration of these action control processes at multiple levels of analysis and imply that consideration of this integrative process may have significant benefits for developing new approaches to the treatment of PD.
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15
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Jiang X, Liang P, Wang K, Jia J, Wang X. Serotonin 1A receptor agonist modulation of motor deficits and cortical oscillations by NMDA receptor interaction in parkinsonian rats. Neuropharmacology 2022; 203:108881. [PMID: 34785162 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Although serotonin 1A (5-HT1A) receptor agonists are widely used as the additive compound to reduce l-dopa-induced dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease (PD), few studies focused on the effect and mechanism of 5-HT1A receptor agonist on the motor symptoms of PD. Unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned rats were used and implantation of electrodes was performed in the motor cortex of these rats. So the effect of 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT on motor behaviors and oscillatory activities were evaluated. In addition, 8-OH-DPAT combined with D2 receptor antagonist raclopride, NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801, or its agonist d-cycloserine (DCS) were co-administrated. 8-OH-DPAT administration significantly improved spontaneous locomotor activity and asymmetric forepaw function in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. Meanwhile, 8-OH-DPAT identified selective modulation of the abnormal high beta oscillations (25-40 Hz) in the motor cortex of 6-OHDA-lesioned rats, without inducing pathological finely tuned gamma around 80 Hz. Different from 8-OH-DPAT, l-dopa treatment produced a prolonged improvement on motor performances and differential regulation of high beta and gamma oscillations. However, dopamine D2 receptor antagonist had no influence on the 8-OH-DPAT-mediated-motor behaviors and beta oscillations in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. In contrast, subthreshold NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 obviously elevated the 8-OH-DPAT-mediated-motor behaviors, while NMDA receptor agonist DCS partially impaired the 8-OH-DPAT-mediated symptoms in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. This study suggests that 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT improves motor activity and modulates the oscillations in the motor cortex of parkinsonian rats. Different from l-dopa, 8-OH-DPAT administration ameliorates motor symptoms of PD through glutamatergic rather than the dopaminergic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Jiang
- Departments of Neurobiology and Physiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
| | - Peirong Liang
- Departments of Neurobiology and Physiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
| | - Ke Wang
- Departments of Neurobiology and Physiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
| | - Jun Jia
- Departments of Neurobiology and Physiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
| | - Xiaomin Wang
- Departments of Neurobiology and Physiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
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16
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Vasili E, Dominguez-Meijide A, Flores-León M, Al-Azzani M, Kanellidi A, Melki R, Stefanis L, Outeiro TF. Endogenous Levels of Alpha-Synuclein Modulate Seeding and Aggregation in Cultured Cells. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:1273-1284. [PMID: 34984585 PMCID: PMC8857012 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02713-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of misfolded alpha-synuclein in intraneuronal inclusions known as Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites. Multiple studies strongly implicate the levels of alpha-synuclein as a major risk factor for the onset and progression of Parkinson’s disease. Alpha-synuclein pathology spreads progressively throughout interconnected brain regions but the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the seeding of alpha-synuclein aggregation are still unclear. Here, using stable cell lines expressing alpha-synuclein, we examined the correlation between endogenous alpha-synuclein levels and the seeding propensity by exogenous alpha-synuclein preformed fibrils. We applied biochemical approaches and imaging methods in stable cell lines expressing alpha-synuclein and in primary neurons to determine the impact of alpha-synuclein levels on seeding and aggregation. Our results indicate that the levels of alpha-synuclein define the pattern and severity of aggregation and the extent of p-alpha-synuclein deposition, likely explaining the selective vulnerability of different cell types in synucleinopathies. The elucidation of the cellular processes involved in the pathological aggregation of alpha-synuclein will enable the identification of novel targets and the development of therapeutic strategies for Parkinson’s disease and other synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eftychia Vasili
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37073, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Antonio Dominguez-Meijide
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37073, Goettingen, Germany
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Department. of Morphological Sciences, CIMUS, IDIS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Manuel Flores-León
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica Y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 70-228, 04510, México, DF, Mexico
| | - Mohammed Al-Azzani
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37073, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Angeliki Kanellidi
- Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Ronald Melki
- Institut Francois Jacob (MIRCen), CEA, and Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, CNRS, Fontenay-Aux-Roses, France
| | - Leonidas Stefanis
- Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Tiago Fleming Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37073, Goettingen, Germany.
- Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Goettingen, Germany.
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
- Scientific Employee With a Honorary Contract at Deutsches Zentrum Für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany.
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17
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Okuda S, Uemura N, Sawamura M, Taguchi T, Ikuno M, Uemura MT, Yamakado H, Takahashi R. Rapid Induction of Dopaminergic Neuron Loss Accompanied by Lewy Body-Like Inclusions in A53T BAC-SNCA Transgenic Mice. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:289-304. [PMID: 34935120 PMCID: PMC9130450 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01169-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD), the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder, is characterized by dopaminergic neuron loss in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and intraneuronal α-synuclein (α-syn) inclusions. It is highly needed to establish a rodent model that recapitulates the clinicopathological features of PD within a short period to efficiently investigate the pathological mechanisms and test disease-modifying therapies. To this end, we analyzed three mouse lines, i.e., wild-type mice, wild-type human α-syn bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenic (BAC-SNCA Tg) mice, and A53T human α-syn BAC transgenic (A53T BAC-SNCA Tg) mice, receiving dorsal striatum injections of human and mouse α-syn preformed fibrils (hPFFs and mPFFs, respectively). mPFF injections induced more severe α-syn pathology in most brain regions, including the ipsilateral SNpc, than hPFF injections in all genotypes at 1-month post-injection. Although these Tg mouse lines expressed a comparable amount of α-syn in the brains, the mPFF-injected A53T BAC-SNCA Tg mice exhibited the most severe α-syn pathology as early as 0.5-month post-injection. The mPFF-injected A53T BAC-SNCA Tg mice showed a 38% reduction in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons in the ipsilateral SNpc, apomorphine-induced rotational behavior, and motor dysfunction at 2 months post-injection. These data indicate that the extent of α-syn pathology induced by α-syn PFF injection depends on the types of α-syn PFFs and exogenously expressed α-syn in Tg mice. The mPFF-injected A53T BAC-SNCA Tg mice recapitulate the key features of PD more rapidly than previously reported mouse models, suggesting their usefulness for testing disease-modifying therapies as well as analyzing the pathological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Okuda
- Department of Neurology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin-Kawaharacho, Sakyoku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Norihito Uemura
- Department of Neurology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin-Kawaharacho, Sakyoku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute On Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-2676, USA.
| | - Masanori Sawamura
- Department of Neurology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin-Kawaharacho, Sakyoku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Taguchi
- Department of Neurology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin-Kawaharacho, Sakyoku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Masashi Ikuno
- Department of Neurology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin-Kawaharacho, Sakyoku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Maiko T Uemura
- Department of Neurology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin-Kawaharacho, Sakyoku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute On Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-2676, USA
| | - Hodaka Yamakado
- Department of Neurology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin-Kawaharacho, Sakyoku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Takahashi
- Department of Neurology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin-Kawaharacho, Sakyoku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
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18
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Negrini M, Tomasello G, Davidsson M, Fenyi A, Adant C, Hauser S, Espa E, Gubinelli F, Manfredsson FP, Melki R, Heuer A. Sequential or Simultaneous Injection of Preformed Fibrils and AAV Overexpression of Alpha-Synuclein Are Equipotent in Producing Relevant Pathology and Behavioral Deficits. JOURNAL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2022; 12:1133-1153. [PMID: 35213388 PMCID: PMC9198765 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-212555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinical rodent models for Parkinson's disease (PD) based on viral human alpha-synuclein (h-αSyn) overexpression recapitulate some of the pathological hallmarks as it presents in humans, such as progressive cell loss and additional synucleinopathy in cortical and subcortical structures. Recent studies have combined viral vector-based overexpression of human wild-type αSyn with the sequential or simultaneous inoculation of preformed fibrils (PFFs) derived from human αSyn. OBJECTIVE The goal of the study was to investigate whether sequential or combined delivery of the AAV vector and the PFFs are equipotent in inducing stable neurodegeneration and behavioral deficits. METHODS Here we compare between four experimental paradigms (PFFs only, AAV-h-αSyn only, AAV-h-αSyn with simultaneous PFFs, and AAV-h-αSyn with sequential PFFs) and their respective GFP control groups. RESULTS We observed reduction of TH expression and loss of neurons in the midbrain in all AAV (h-αSyn or GFP) injected groups, with or without additional PFFs inoculation. The overexpression of either h-αSyn or GFP alone induced motor deficits and dysfunctional dopamine release/reuptake in electrochemical recordings in the ipsilateral striatum. However, we observed a substantial formation of insoluble h-αSyn aggregates and inflammatory response only when h-αSyn and PFFs were combined. Moreover, the presence of h-αSyn induced higher axonal pathology compared to control groups. CONCLUSION Simultaneous AAV and PFFs injections are equipotent in the presented experimental setup in inducing histopathological and behavioral changes. This model provides new and interesting possibilities for characterizing PD pathology in preclinical models and means to assess future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilde Negrini
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Giuseppe Tomasello
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marcus Davidsson
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Molecular Neuromodulation, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Alexis Fenyi
- Institut Francois Jacob (MIRCen), CEA and Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, CNRS, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Cécile Adant
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Swantje Hauser
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Elena Espa
- Basal Ganglia Pathophysiology Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Francesco Gubinelli
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Fredric P. Manfredsson
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Ronald Melki
- Institut Francois Jacob (MIRCen), CEA and Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, CNRS, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Andreas Heuer
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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19
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α-Synuclein Overexpression Increases Dopamine D2/3 Receptor Binding and Immune Activation in a Model of Early Parkinson’s Disease. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121876. [PMID: 34944691 PMCID: PMC8698691 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, immune activation, and α-synuclein pathology characterize Parkinson’s disease (PD). We previously reported that unilateral intranigral injection of recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors encoding wild-type human α-synuclein produced a rat model of early PD with dopamine terminal dysfunction. Here we tested the hypothesis that decreases in dopamine result in increased postsynaptic dopamine D2/D3 receptor expression, neuroinflammation, and reduced synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) density. Rats were injected with rAAV encoding α-synuclein or green fluorescent protein and subjected to non-pharmacological motor tests, before euthanization at 12 weeks post-injection. We performed: (1) in situ hybridization of nigral tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA, (2) HPLC of striatal dopamine content, and (3) autoradiography with [3H]raclopride, [3H]DTBZ, [3H]GBR12935, [3H]PK11195, and [3H]UCB-J to measure binding at D2/3 receptors, vesicular monoamine transporter 2, dopamine transporters, mitochondrial translocator protein, and SV2A, respectively. rAAV-α-synuclein induced motor asymmetry and reduced tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA and dopamine content in ipsilateral brain regions. This was paralleled by elevated ipsilateral postsynaptic dopamine D2/3 receptor expression and immune activation, with no changes to synaptic SV2A density. In conclusion, α-synuclein overexpression results in dopaminergic degeneration that induced compensatory increases in D2/3 binding and immune activation, recapitulating many of the pathological characteristics of PD.
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20
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Ferrer-Lorente R, Lozano-Cruz T, Fernández-Carasa I, Miłowska K, de la Mata FJ, Bryszewska M, Consiglio A, Ortega P, Gómez R, Raya A. Cationic Carbosilane Dendrimers Prevent Abnormal α-Synuclein Accumulation in Parkinson's Disease Patient-Specific Dopamine Neurons. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:4582-4591. [PMID: 34613701 PMCID: PMC8906628 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c00884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Accumulation
of misfolded α-synuclein (α-syn) is a
hallmark of Parkinson’s disease (PD) thought to play important
roles in the pathophysiology of the disease. Dendritic systems, able
to modulate the folding of proteins, have emerged as promising new
therapeutic strategies for PD treatment. Dendrimers have been shown
to be effective at inhibiting α-syn aggregation in cell-free
systems and in cell lines. Here, we set out to investigate the effects
of dendrimers on endogenous α-syn accumulation in disease-relevant
cell types from PD patients. For this purpose, we chose cationic carbosilane
dendrimers of bow-tie topology based on their performance at inhibiting
α-syn aggregation in vitro. Dopamine neurons
were differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines
generated from PD patients carrying the LRRK2G2019S mutation, which reportedly display
abnormal accumulation of α-syn, and from healthy individuals
as controls. Treatment of PD dopamine neurons with non-cytotoxic concentrations
of dendrimers was effective at preventing abnormal accumulation and
aggregation of α-syn. Our results in a genuinely human experimental
model of PD highlight the therapeutic potential of dendritic systems
and open the way to developing safe and efficient therapies for delaying
or even halting PD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Ferrer-Lorente
- Regenerative Medicine Program, and Program for Clinical Translation of Regenerative Medicine in Catalonia─P-CMR[C], L'Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge─IDIBELL, Barcelona 08907, Spain.,Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Tania Lozano-Cruz
- University of Alcalá, Department of Organic Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry and Research Institute in Chemistry "Andrés M. del Río" (IQAR), Madrid 28805, Spain
| | - Irene Fernández-Carasa
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Universitat de Barcelona and Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge─IDIBELL, Barcelona 08907, Spain
| | - Katarzyna Miłowska
- Department of General Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, Lodz 90-236, Poland
| | - Francisco Javier de la Mata
- Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid 28029, Spain.,University of Alcalá, Department of Organic Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry and Research Institute in Chemistry "Andrés M. del Río" (IQAR), Madrid 28805, Spain
| | - Maria Bryszewska
- Department of General Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, Lodz 90-236, Poland
| | - Antonella Consiglio
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Universitat de Barcelona and Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge─IDIBELL, Barcelona 08907, Spain.,Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia 25121, Italy
| | - Paula Ortega
- Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid 28029, Spain.,University of Alcalá, Department of Organic Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry and Research Institute in Chemistry "Andrés M. del Río" (IQAR), Madrid 28805, Spain
| | - Rafael Gómez
- Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid 28029, Spain.,University of Alcalá, Department of Organic Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry and Research Institute in Chemistry "Andrés M. del Río" (IQAR), Madrid 28805, Spain
| | - Angel Raya
- Regenerative Medicine Program, and Program for Clinical Translation of Regenerative Medicine in Catalonia─P-CMR[C], L'Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge─IDIBELL, Barcelona 08907, Spain.,Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid 28029, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona 08907, Spain
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21
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Becker G, Michel A, Bahri MA, Mairet-Coello G, Lemaire C, Deprez T, Freyssin A, Jacquin L, Hustadt F, De Wolf C, Caruso M, Frequin JM, Gillent E, Bezard E, Garraux G, Luxen A, Citron M, Downey P, Plenevaux A. Monitoring of a progressive functional dopaminergic deficit in the A53T-AAV synuclein rats by combining 6-[ 18F]fluoro-L-m-tyrosine imaging and motor performances analysis. Neurobiol Aging 2021; 107:142-152. [PMID: 34433125 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2021.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
With the emergence of disease-modifying therapies for Parkinson's disease, reliable longitudinal markers are needed to quantify pathology and demonstrate disease progression. We developed the A53T-AAV rat model of synucleinopathy by combining longitudinal measures over 12 weeks. We first characterized the progression of the motor and dopaminergic deficits. Then, we monitored the disease progression using the [18F]FMT Positron Emission Tomography (PET) radiotracer. The nigral injection of A53T-AAV led to an increase in phosphorylated α-synuclein on S129, a progressive accumulation of α-synuclein aggregates, and a decrease of dopaminergic function associated with a deterioration of motor activity. The longitudinal monitoring of A53T-AAV rats with [18F]FMT PET showed a progressive reduction of the Kc outcome parameter in the caudate putamen from the lesioned side. Interestingly, the progressive reduction in the [18F]FMT PET signal correlated with defects in the stepping test. In conclusion, we established a progressive rat model of α-synuclein pathology which monitors the deficit longitudinally using both the [18F]FMT PET tracer and behavioral parameters, 2 features that have strong relevance for translational approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Erwan Bezard
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, Bordeaux, France; CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, Bordeaux, France; Motac Neuroscience, Manchester, UK
| | - Gaetan Garraux
- GIGA - CRC In vivo Imaging, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - André Luxen
- GIGA - CRC In vivo Imaging, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | | | | | - Alain Plenevaux
- GIGA - CRC In vivo Imaging, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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22
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Szegö EM, Van den Haute C, Höfs L, Baekelandt V, Van der Perren A, Falkenburger BH. Rab7 reduces α-synuclein toxicity in rats and primary neurons. Exp Neurol 2021; 347:113900. [PMID: 34695425 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
During the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), aggregation of alpha-synuclein (αSyn) induces a vicious cycle of cellular impairments that lead to neurodegeneration. Consequently, removing toxic αSyn aggregates constitutes a plausible strategy against PD. In this work, we tested whether stimulating the autolysosomal degradation of αSyn aggregates through the Ras-related in brain 7 (Rab7) pathway can reverse αSyn-induced cellular impairment and prevent neurodegeneration in vivo. The disease-related A53T mutant of αSyn was expressed in primary neurons and in dopaminergic neurons of the rat brain simultaneously with wild type (WT) Rab7 or the T22N mutant as negative control. The cellular integrity was quantified by morphological and biochemical analyses. In primary neurons, WT Rab7 rescued the αSyn-induced loss of neurons and neurites. Furthermore, Rab7 decreased the amount of reactive oxygen species and the amount of Triton X-100 insoluble αSyn. In rat brain, WT Rab7 reduced αSyn-induced loss of dopaminergic axon terminals in the striatum and the loss of dopaminergic dendrites in the substantia nigra pars reticulata. Further, WT Rab7 lowered αSyn pathology as quantified by phosphorylated αSyn staining. Finally, WT Rab7 attenuated αSyn-induced DNA damage in primary neurons and rat brain. In brief, Rab7 reduced αSyn-induced pathology, ameliorated αSyn-induced neuronal degeneration, oxidative stress and DNA damage. These findings indicate that Rab7 is able to disrupt the vicious cycle of cellular impairment, αSyn pathology and neurodegeneration present in PD. Stimulation of Rab7 and the autolysosomal degradation pathway could therefore constitute a beneficial strategy for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M Szegö
- Department of Neurology, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Chris Van den Haute
- Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Viral Vector Core, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Lennart Höfs
- Department of Neurology, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Veerle Baekelandt
- Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Viral Vector Core, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Anke Van der Perren
- Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Björn H Falkenburger
- Department of Neurology, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Dresden, Germany; Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
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23
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Huntington TE, Srinivasan R. Adeno-Associated Virus Expression of α-Synuclein as a Tool to Model Parkinson's Disease: Current Understanding and Knowledge Gaps. Aging Dis 2021; 12:1120-1137. [PMID: 34221553 PMCID: PMC8219504 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2021.0517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in the aging population and is characterized by a constellation of motor and non-motor symptoms. The abnormal aggregation and spread of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) is thought to underlie the loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), leading to the development of PD. It is in this context that the use of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) to express a-syn in the rodent midbrain has become a popular tool to model SNc DA neuron loss during PD. In this review, we summarize results from two decades of experiments using AAV-mediated a-syn expression in rodents to model PD. Specifically, we outline aspects of AAV vectors that are particularly relevant to modeling a-syn dysfunction in rodent models of PD such as changes in striatal neurochemistry, a-syn biochemistry, and PD-related behaviors resulting from AAV-mediated a-syn expression in the midbrain. Finally, we discuss the emerging role of astrocytes in propagating a-syn pathology, and point to future directions for employing AAVs as a tool to better understand how astrocytes contribute to a-syn pathology during the development of PD. We envision that lessons learned from two decades of utilizing AAVs to express a-syn in the rodent brain will enable us to develop an optimized set of parameters for gaining a better understanding of how a-syn leads to the development of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor E Huntington
- Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, 8447 Riverside Pkwy, Bryan, TX 77807, USA.
- Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience (TAMIN), College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Rahul Srinivasan
- Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, 8447 Riverside Pkwy, Bryan, TX 77807, USA.
- Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience (TAMIN), College Station, TX 77843, USA
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24
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George S, Tyson T, Rey NL, Sheridan R, Peelaerts W, Becker K, Schulz E, Meyerdirk L, Burmeister AR, von Linstow CU, Steiner JA, Galvis MLE, Ma J, Pospisilik JA, Labrie V, Brundin L, Brundin P. T Cells Limit Accumulation of Aggregate Pathology Following Intrastriatal Injection of α-Synuclein Fibrils. JOURNAL OF PARKINSONS DISEASE 2021; 11:585-603. [PMID: 33579871 PMCID: PMC8150548 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-202351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND α-Synuclein (α-syn) is the predominant protein in Lewy-body inclusions, which are pathological hallmarks of α-synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Other hallmarks include activation of microglia, elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as the activation of T and B cells. These immune changes point towards a dysregulation of both the innate and the adaptive immune system. T cells have been shown to recognize epitopes derived from α-syn and altered populations of T cells have been found in PD and MSA patients, providing evidence that these cells can be key to the pathogenesis of the disease.ObjectiveTo study the role of the adaptive immune system with respect to α-syn pathology. METHODS We injected human α-syn preformed fibrils (PFFs) into the striatum of immunocompromised mice (NSG) and assessed accumulation of phosphorylated α-syn pathology, proteinase K-resistant α-syn pathology and microgliosis in the striatum, substantia nigra and frontal cortex. We also assessed the impact of adoptive transfer of naïve T and B cells into PFF-injected immunocompromised mice. RESULTS Compared to wildtype mice, NSG mice had an 8-fold increase in phosphorylated α-syn pathology in the substantia nigra. Reconstituting the T cell population decreased the accumulation of phosphorylated α-syn pathology and resulted in persistent microgliosis in the striatum when compared to non-transplanted mice. CONCLUSION Our work provides evidence that T cells play a role in the pathogenesis of experimental α-synucleinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia George
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Trevor Tyson
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Nolwen L Rey
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.,Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institut François Jacob, MIRCen, CEA, CNRS, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Rachael Sheridan
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Wouter Peelaerts
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Katelyn Becker
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Emily Schulz
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Lindsay Meyerdirk
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Amanda R Burmeister
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | | | - Jennifer A Steiner
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | | | - Jiyan Ma
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | | | - Viviane Labrie
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.,Michigan State University - College of Human Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Lena Brundin
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.,Michigan State University - College of Human Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Patrik Brundin
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.,Michigan State University - College of Human Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
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25
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Van der Perren A, Cabezudo D, Gelders G, Peralta Ramos JM, Van den Haute C, Baekelandt V, Lobbestael E. LRRK2 Ablation Attenuates Αlpha-Synuclein-Induced Neuroinflammation Without Affecting Neurodegeneration or Neuropathology In Vivo. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:949-961. [PMID: 33594532 PMCID: PMC8423964 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01007-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of disease-modifying therapies for Parkinson's disease is a major challenge which would be facilitated by a better understanding of the pathogenesis. Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) and α-synuclein are key players in Parkinson's disease, but their relationship remains incompletely resolved. Previous studies investigating the effect of LRRK2 on α-synuclein-induced neurotoxicity and neuroinflammation in preclinical Parkinson's disease models have reported conflicting results. Here, we aimed to further explore the functional interaction between α-synuclein and LRRK2 and to evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting physiological LRRK2 levels. We studied the effects of total LRRK2 protein loss as well as pharmacological LRRK2 kinase inhibition in viral vector-mediated α-synuclein-based Parkinson's disease models developing early- and late-stage neurodegeneration. Surprisingly, total LRRK2 ablation or in-diet treatment with the LRRK2 kinase inhibitor MLi-2 did not significantly modify α-synuclein-induced motor deficits, dopaminergic cell loss, or α-synuclein pathology. Interestingly, we found a significant effect on α-synuclein-induced neuroinflammatory changes in the absence of LRRK2, with a reduced microglial activation and CD4+ and CD8+ T cell infiltration. This observed lack of protection against α-synuclein-induced toxicity should be well considered in light of the ongoing therapeutic development of LRRK2 kinase inhibitors for idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Future studies will be crucial to understand the link between these neuroinflammatory processes and disease progression as well as the role of α-synuclein and LRRK2 in these pathological events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Van der Perren
- Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 bus 1023, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Diego Cabezudo
- Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 bus 1023, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Géraldine Gelders
- Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 bus 1023, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Chris Van den Haute
- Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 bus 1023, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Viral Vector Core, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Veerle Baekelandt
- Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 bus 1023, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Evy Lobbestael
- Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 bus 1023, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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26
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Biophysical studies of protein misfolding and aggregation in in vivo models of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Q Rev Biophys 2020; 49:e22. [PMID: 32493529 DOI: 10.1017/s0033583520000025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's diseases (PD), are characterised by the formation of aberrant assemblies of misfolded proteins. The discovery of disease-modifying drugs for these disorders is challenging, in part because we still have a limited understanding of their molecular origins. In this review, we discuss how biophysical approaches can help explain the formation of the aberrant conformational states of proteins whose neurotoxic effects underlie these diseases. We discuss in particular models based on the transgenic expression of amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau in AD, and α-synuclein in PD. Because biophysical methods have enabled an accurate quantification and a detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying protein misfolding and aggregation in vitro, we expect that the further development of these methods to probe directly the corresponding mechanisms in vivo will open effective routes for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
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27
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The structural differences between patient-derived α-synuclein strains dictate characteristics of Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy and dementia with Lewy bodies. Acta Neuropathol 2020; 139:977-1000. [PMID: 32356200 PMCID: PMC7244622 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-020-02157-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), are defined by the presence of α-synuclein (αSYN) aggregates throughout the nervous system but diverge from one another with regard to their clinical and pathological phenotype. The recent generation of pure fibrillar αSYN polymorphs with noticeable differences in structural and phenotypic traits has led to the hypothesis that different αSYN strains may be in part responsible for the heterogeneous nature of synucleinopathies. To further characterize distinct αSYN strains in the human brain, and establish a structure-pathology relationship, we pursued a detailed comparison of αSYN assemblies derived from well-stratified patients with distinct synucleinopathies. We exploited the capacity of αSYN aggregates found in the brain of patients suffering from PD, MSA or DLB to seed and template monomeric human αSYN in vitro via a protein misfolding cyclic amplification assay. A careful comparison of the properties of total brain homogenates and pure in vitro amplified αSYN fibrillar assemblies upon inoculation in cells and in the rat brain demonstrates that the intrinsic structure of αSYN fibrils dictates synucleinopathies characteristics. We report that MSA strains show several similarities with PD strains, but are significantly more potent in inducing motor deficits, nigrostriatal neurodegeneration, αSYN pathology, spreading, and inflammation, reflecting the aggressive nature of this disease. In contrast, DLB strains display no or only very modest neuropathological features under our experimental conditions. Collectively, our data demonstrate a specific signature for PD, MSA, and DLB-derived strains that differs from previously described recombinant strains, with MSA strains provoking the most aggressive phenotype and more similarities with PD compared to DLB strains.
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28
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Advances in modelling alpha-synuclein-induced Parkinson’s diseases in rodents: Virus-based models versus inoculation of exogenous preformed toxic species. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 338:108685. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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29
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Cenci MA, Björklund A. Animal models for preclinical Parkinson's research: An update and critical appraisal. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2020; 252:27-59. [PMID: 32247366 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2020.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD) are essential to investigate pathogenic pathways at the whole-organism level. Moreover, they are necessary for a preclinical investigation of potential new therapies. Different pathological features of PD can be induced in a variety of invertebrate and vertebrate species using toxins, drugs, or genetic perturbations. Each model has a particular utility and range of applicability. Invertebrate PD models are particularly useful for high throughput-screening applications, whereas mammalian models are needed to explore complex motor and non-motor features of the human disease. Here, we provide a comprehensive review and critical appraisal of the most commonly used mammalian models of PD, which are produced in rats and mice. A substantial loss of nigrostriatal dopamine neurons is necessary for the animal to exhibit a hypokinetic motor phenotype responsive to dopaminergic agents, thus resembling clinical PD. This level of dopaminergic neurodegeneration can be induced using specific neurotoxins, environmental toxicants, or proteasome inhibitors. Alternatively, nigrostriatal dopamine degeneration can be induced via overexpression of α-synuclein using viral vectors or transgenic techniques. In addition, protein aggregation pathology can be triggered by inoculating preformed fibrils of α-synuclein in the substantia nigra or the striatum. Thanks to the conceptual and technical progress made in the past few years a vast repertoire of well-characterized animal models are currently available to address different aspects of PD in the laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Angela Cenci
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Centre, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Anders Björklund
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Centre, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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30
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Torre-Muruzabal T, Devoght J, Van den Haute C, Brône B, Van der Perren A, Baekelandt V. Chronic nigral neuromodulation aggravates behavioral deficits and synaptic changes in an α-synuclein based rat model for Parkinson's disease. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2019; 7:160. [PMID: 31640762 PMCID: PMC6805517 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-019-0814-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Aggregation of alpha-synuclein (α-SYN) is the pathological hallmark of several diseases named synucleinopathies, including Parkinson's disease (PD), which is the most common neurodegenerative motor disorder. Alpha-SYN has been linked to synaptic function both in physiological and pathological conditions. However, the exact link between neuronal activity, α-SYN toxicity and disease progression in PD is not clear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of chronic neuromodulation in an α-SYN-based rat model for PD using chemogenetics. To do this, we expressed excitatory Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) combined with mutant A53T α-SYN, using two different recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors (serotypes 2/7 and 2/8) in rat substantia nigra (SN) and investigated the effect on motor behavior, synapses and neuropathology. We found that chronic neuromodulation aggravates motor deficits induced by α-SYN, without altering dopaminergic neurodegeneration. In addition, neuronal activation led to changes in post-translational modification and subcellular localization of α-SYN, linking neuronal activity to the pathophysiological role of α-SYN in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Torre-Muruzabal
- KU Leuven, Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Chris Van den Haute
- KU Leuven, Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Leuven Viral Vector Core, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Anke Van der Perren
- KU Leuven, Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Veerle Baekelandt
- KU Leuven, Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
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31
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Crabbé M, Dirkx N, Casteels C, Laere KV. Excitotoxic neurodegeneration is associated with a focal decrease in metabotropic glutamate receptor type 5 availability: an in vivo PET imaging study. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12916. [PMID: 31501497 PMCID: PMC6733799 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49356-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) have been proposed as promising therapeutic targets to correct the dysregulated glutamate signaling, associated with neurodegenerative pathologies. Of all mGluR subtypes, especially mGluR5 acts as a modulator of glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. To study the behavior of mGluR5 following localized excitotoxicity, we utilised a pharmacological model that portrays exacerbated neuronal glutamate release, mediated by the endogenous excitotoxin quinolinic acid (QA). Using longitudinal positron emission tomography (PET) with [18F]FPEB, we investigated cerebral changes in mGluR5 following striatal QA-lesioning. Behavioral tests were executed to monitor motor and cognitive performance. Decreased mGluR5 binding potential (BPND) was found in the affected striatum and globus pallidus of QA-lesioned rats at week 3, and further decreased at week 7, as compared to sham-injected controls. mGluR5 availability in the ipsilateral nucleus accumbens was significantly decreased at 7 weeks post-injection. QA rats performed significantly worse on motor coordination and balance compared to control rats. Correlation analysis indicated a positive correlation between striatal mGluR5 BPND and rotarod performance whereas print width of the unaffected forepaws showed a positive relation with mGluR5 BPND in the contralateral motor cortex. Together, our results suggest decreased mGluR5 availability to be related to excitotoxin-induced neurodegeneration and symptomatology although late stage effects do indicate possible cortical mGluR5-mediated effects on motor behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Crabbé
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven and University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. .,MoSAIC - Molecular Small Animal Imaging Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Nina Dirkx
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven and University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,MoSAIC - Molecular Small Animal Imaging Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cindy Casteels
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven and University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,MoSAIC - Molecular Small Animal Imaging Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Koen Van Laere
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven and University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,MoSAIC - Molecular Small Animal Imaging Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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32
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Identifying a glucose metabolic brain pattern in an adeno-associated viral vector based rat model for Parkinson's disease using 18F-FDG PET imaging. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12368. [PMID: 31451742 PMCID: PMC6710432 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48713-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the glucose metabolism in an adeno-associated viral vector based alpha-synuclein rat model for Parkinson’s disease (PD) using longitudinal 18F-FDG PET imaging, which resulted in an improved characterization of this animal model. We generated a PD specific pattern (PDSP) based on a multivariate classification approach to differentiate between a PD and control group at a late disease stage, where the neurodegeneration is considered nearly complete. In particular, we applied a principal component analysis prior to classification by a support vector machine (SVM). Moreover, by using a SVM for regression to predict corresponding motor scores, a PD motor pattern (PDMP) was derived as well. The PDSP mainly corresponds to the PDMP and overlaps to a large extent with the human pattern. We were able to quantify disease expression at previous time points by projecting onto the PDSP and PDMP. While a univariate analysis indicated metabolic changes which did not persist through time, both PDSP and PDMP were able to differentiate significantly (p-value < 0.05) between the PD and control group at week 4, 6 and 9 post injection, while no significant differences were obtained at baseline and at week 3, which is in accordance with the animal model.
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33
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Crabbé M, Van der Perren A, Bollaerts I, Kounelis S, Baekelandt V, Bormans G, Casteels C, Moons L, Van Laere K. Increased P2X7 Receptor Binding Is Associated With Neuroinflammation in Acute but Not Chronic Rodent Models for Parkinson's Disease. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:799. [PMID: 31417352 PMCID: PMC6684733 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The purinergic P2X7 receptor is a key mediator in (neuro)inflammation, a process that is associated with neurodegeneration and excitotoxicity in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Recently, P2X7 imaging has become possible with [11C]JNJ-(54173)717. We investigated P2X7 availability, in comparison with availability of the translocator protein (TSPO), in two well-characterized rat models of PD using in vitro autoradiography at multiple time points throughout the disease progression. Rats received either a unilateral injection with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in the striatum, or with recombinant adeno-associated viral vector overexpressing human A53T alpha-synuclein (α-SYN) in the substantia nigra. Transverse cryosections were incubated with [11C]JNJ-717 for P2X7 or [18F]DPA-714 for TSPO. [11C]JNJ-717 binding ratios were transiently elevated in the striatum of 6-OHDA rats at day 14–28 post-injection, with peak P2X7 binding at day 14. This largely coincided with the time course of striatal [18F]DPA-714 binding which was elevated at day 7–21, with peak TSPO binding at day 7. Increased P2X7 availability co-localized with microglial, but not astrocyte or neuronal markers. In the chronic α-SYN model, no significant differences were found in P2X7 binding, although in vitro TSPO overexpression was reported previously. This first study showed an increased P2X7 availability in the acute PD model in a time window corresponding with elevated TSPO binding and motor behavior changes. In contrast, the dynamics of TSPO and P2X7 were divergent in the chronic α-SYN model where no P2X7 changes were detectable. Overall, extended P2X7 phenotyping is warranted prior to implementation of P2X7 imaging for monitoring of neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Crabbé
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, University Hospital Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Molecular Small Animal Imaging Center, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anke Van der Perren
- Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene therapy, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Leuven Viral Vector Core, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ilse Bollaerts
- Laboratory of Neuronal Circuit Development and Regeneration, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Savannah Kounelis
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, University Hospital Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Molecular Small Animal Imaging Center, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Veerle Baekelandt
- Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene therapy, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Leuven Viral Vector Core, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Guy Bormans
- Molecular Small Animal Imaging Center, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Radiopharmaceutical Research, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cindy Casteels
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, University Hospital Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Molecular Small Animal Imaging Center, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lieve Moons
- Laboratory of Neuronal Circuit Development and Regeneration, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Koen Van Laere
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, University Hospital Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Molecular Small Animal Imaging Center, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Crabbé M, Van der Perren A, Kounelis S, Lavreys T, Bormans G, Baekelandt V, Casteels C, Van Laere K. Temporal changes in neuroinflammation and brain glucose metabolism in a rat model of viral vector-induced α-synucleinopathy. Exp Neurol 2019; 320:112964. [PMID: 31136763 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2019.112964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Rat models based on viral vector-mediated overexpression of α-synuclein are regarded as highly valuable models that closely mimic cardinal features of human Parkinson's disease (PD) such as L-DOPA-dependent motor impairment, dopaminergic neurodegeneration and α-synuclein inclusions. To date, the downstream effects of dopaminergic cell loss on brain glucose metabolism, including the neuroinflammation component, have not been phenotyped in detail for this model. Cerebral glucose metabolism was monitored throughout different stages of the disease using in vivo 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose ([18F]FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) and was combined with in vitro [18F]DPA-714 autoradiography to assess concomitant inflammation. Rats were unilaterally injected with recombinant adeno-associated viral vector serotype 2/7 (rAAV2/7) encoding either A53T α-synuclein or eGFP. Brain [18F]FDG microPET was performed at baseline, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 9 weeks post-surgery, in combination with behavioral tests. As a second experiment, [18F]DPA-714 autoradiography was executed across the same timeline. Voxel-based analysis of relative [18F]FDG uptake showed a dynamic pattern of PD-related metabolic changes throughout the disease progression (weeks 2-9). Glucose hypermetabolism covering a large bilateral area reaching from the insular, motor- and somatosensory cortex to the striatum was observed at week 2. At week 4, hypermetabolism presented in a cluster covering the ipsilateral nigra-thalamic region, whereas hypometabolism was noted in the ipsilateral striatum at week 6. Elevated [18F]FDG uptake was seen in a cluster extending across the contralateral striatum, motor- and somatosensory cortex at week 9. Increased [18F]FDG in the region of the substantia nigra was associated with increased [18F]DPA-714 binding, and correlated significantly with motor symptoms. These findings point to disease-associated metabolic and neuroinflammatory changes taking place in the primary area of dopaminergic neurodegeneration but also closely interconnected motor and somatosensory brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Crabbé
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; MoSAIC - Molecular Small Animal Imaging Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Anke Van der Perren
- Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Viral Vector Core, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Savannah Kounelis
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; MoSAIC - Molecular Small Animal Imaging Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas Lavreys
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; MoSAIC - Molecular Small Animal Imaging Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Guy Bormans
- Radiopharmaceutical Research, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Veerle Baekelandt
- MoSAIC - Molecular Small Animal Imaging Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Viral Vector Core, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cindy Casteels
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; MoSAIC - Molecular Small Animal Imaging Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Koen Van Laere
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; MoSAIC - Molecular Small Animal Imaging Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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AAV2/DJ-mediated alpha-synuclein overexpression in the rat substantia nigra as early stage model of Parkinson's disease. Cell Tissue Res 2019; 378:1-14. [PMID: 30989398 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-019-03013-x] [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: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is pathologically characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and alpha-synucleinopathy. We mimic the disease pathology with overexpression of either the human α-syn wildtype (α-syn-WT) or E46K mutant form (α-syn-E46K) in DA neurons of the SNpc in adult rats using AAV2/DJ as a viral vector for the first time. Transduction efficiency was compared to an equal virus titer expressing the green fluorescent protein (GFP). Motor skills of all animals were evaluated in the cylinder and amphetamine-induced rotation test over a total time period of 12 weeks. Additionally, stereological quantification of DA cells and striatal fiber density measurements were performed every 4 weeks after injection. Rats overexpressing α-syn-WT showed a progressive loss of DA neurons with 40% reduction after 12 weeks accompanied by a greater loss of striatal DA fibers. In contrast, α-syn-E46K led to this reduction after 4 weeks without further progress. Insoluble α-syn positive cytoplasmic inclusions were observed in both groups within DA neurons of the SNpc and VTA. In addition, both α-syn groups developed a characteristic worsening of the rotational behavior over time. However, only the α-syn-WT group reached statistically significant different values in the cylinder test. Summarizing these effects, we established a motor symptom animal model of PD by using AAV2/DJ in the brain for the first time. Thereby, overexpressing of α-syn-E46K mimicked a rather pre-symptomatic stage of the disease, while the α-syn-WT overexpressing animals imitated an early symptomatic stage of PD.
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1-Trichloromethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline (TaClo) Induces the Apoptosis of Dopaminergic Neurons via Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:1292891. [PMID: 30984332 PMCID: PMC6431519 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1292891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Several in vitro studies have revealed the neurotoxicity of 1-trichloromethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline (TaClo). However, the underlying mechanism has not been completely elucidated, particularly in vivo. This study was designed to study the neurotoxicity of TaClo in vivo by stereotactically injecting TaClo into the striatum of Wistar rats. After the TaClo injections, rats were subjected to an open field test, and their distance travelled and tracks showed decreasing trends over time. The results of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that the motor dysfunction of the TaClo-treated rats was accompanied by reduced dopamine levels in the striatum. Based on the diffusion tensor imaging data, the apparent diffusion coefficient of the nigrostriatal pathway was significantly increased, and subsequent histological staining revealed the demyelination of nigrostriatal fibres after the TaClo treatment. TaClo induced a loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells in the substantia nigra compacta. Regarding the underlying mechanism, TaClo caused oxidative stress in the nigrostriatal system by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species and reducing the mitochondria membrane potential. Meanwhile, the elevated expression of Iba-1, TNF-α, IL-6, Cox-2, and iNOS indicated microglial activation and a strong innate immune response in the nigrostriatal system. In addition, activated caspase-3 levels were increased. Thus, both mitochondrial impairments and the innate immune response are involved in TaClo-induced neurotoxicity.
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Veys L, Vandenabeele M, Ortuño-Lizarán I, Baekelandt V, Cuenca N, Moons L, De Groef L. Retinal α-synuclein deposits in Parkinson's disease patients and animal models. Acta Neuropathol 2019; 137:379-395. [PMID: 30721408 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-018-01956-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Revised: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite decades of research, accurate diagnosis of Parkinson's disease remains a challenge, and disease-modifying treatments are still lacking. Research into the early (presymptomatic) stages of Parkinson's disease and the discovery of novel biomarkers is of utmost importance to reduce this burden and to come to a more accurate diagnosis at the very onset of the disease. Many have speculated that non-motor symptoms could provide a breakthrough in the quest for early biomarkers of Parkinson's disease, including the visual disturbances and retinal abnormalities that are seen in the majority of Parkinson's disease patients. An expanding number of clinical studies have investigated the use of in vivo assessments of retinal structure, electrophysiological function, and vision-driven tasks as novel means for identifying patients at risk that need further neurological examination and for longitudinal follow-up of disease progression in Parkinson's disease patients. Often, the results of these studies have been interpreted in relation to α-synuclein deposits and dopamine deficiency in the retina, mirroring the defining pathological features of Parkinson's disease in the brain. To better understand the visual defects seen in Parkinson's disease patients and to propel the use of retinal changes as biomarkers for Parkinson's disease, however, more conclusive neuropathological evidence for the presence of retinal α-synuclein aggregates, and its relation to the cerebral α-synuclein burden, is urgently needed. This review provides a comprehensive and critical overview of the research conducted to unveil α-synuclein aggregates in the retina of Parkinson's disease patients and animal models, and thereby aims to aid the ongoing discussion about the potential use of the retinal changes and/or visual symptoms as biomarkers for Parkinson's disease.
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Albert K, Voutilainen MH, Domanskyi A, Piepponen TP, Ahola S, Tuominen RK, Richie C, Harvey BK, Airavaara M. Downregulation of tyrosine hydroxylase phenotype after AAV injection above substantia nigra: Caution in experimental models of Parkinson's disease. J Neurosci Res 2018; 97:346-361. [PMID: 30548446 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-mediated delivery of human α-synuclein (α-syn) gene in rat substantia nigra (SN) results in increased expression of α-syn protein in the SN and striatum which can progressively degenerate dopaminergic neurons. Therefore, this model is thought to recapitulate the neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease. Here, using AAV to deliver α-syn above the SN in male and female rats resulted in clear expression of human α-syn in the SN and striatum. The protein was associated with moderate behavioral deficits and some loss of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the nigrostriatal areas. However, the immunohistochemistry results were highly variable and showed little to no correlation with behavior and the amount of α-syn present. Expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) was used as a control to monitor gene delivery and expression efficacy. AAV-GFP resulted in a similar or greater TH loss compared to AAV-α-syn and therefore an additional vector that does not express a protein was tested. Vectors with double-floxed inverse open reading frame (DIO ORF) encoding fluorescent proteins that generate RNA that is not translated also resulted in TH downregulation in the SN but showed no significant behavioral deficits. These results demonstrate that although expression of wild-type human α-syn can cause neurodegeneration, the variability and lack of correlation with outcome measures are drawbacks with the model. Furthermore, design and control selection should be considered carefully because of conflicting conclusions due to AAV downregulation of TH, and we recommend caution with having highly regulated TH as the only marker for the dopamine system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Albert
- Institute of Biotechnology, Program of Developmental Biology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Merja H Voutilainen
- Institute of Biotechnology, Program of Developmental Biology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Andrii Domanskyi
- Institute of Biotechnology, Program of Developmental Biology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - T Petteri Piepponen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sari Ahola
- Institute of Biotechnology, Program of Developmental Biology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Raimo K Tuominen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Christopher Richie
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Brandon K Harvey
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mikko Airavaara
- Institute of Biotechnology, Program of Developmental Biology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Taguchi K, Watanabe Y, Tsujimura A, Tanaka M. Expression of α-synuclein is regulated in a neuronal cell type-dependent manner. Anat Sci Int 2018; 94:11-22. [PMID: 30362073 PMCID: PMC6315015 DOI: 10.1007/s12565-018-0464-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
α-Synuclein, the major component of Lewy bodies (LBs) and Lewy neurites (LNs), is expressed in presynapses under physiologically normal conditions and is involved in synaptic function. Abnormal intracellular aggregates of misfolded α-synuclein such as LBs and LNs are pathological hallmarks of synucleinopathies, including Parkinson’s disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). According to previous studies using pathological models overexpressing α-synuclein, high expression of this protein in neurons is a critical risk factor for neurodegeneration. Therefore, it is important to know the endogenous expression levels of α-synuclein in each neuronal cell type. We previously reported differential expression profiles of α-synuclein in vitro and in vivo. In the wild-type mouse brain, particularly in vulnerable regions affected during the progression of idiopathic PD, α-synuclein is highly expressed in neuronal cell bodies of some early PD-affected regions, such as the olfactory bulb, the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, and the substantia nigra pars compacta. Synaptic expression of α-synuclein is mostly accompanied by expression of vesicular glutamate transporter-1, an excitatory synapse marker protein. In contrast, α-synuclein expression in inhibitory synapses differs among brain regions. Recently accumulated evidence indicates the close relationship between differential expression profiles of α-synuclein and selective vulnerability of certain neuronal populations. Further studies on the regulation of α-synuclein expression will help to understand the mechanism of LB pathology and provide an innovative therapeutic strategy to prevent PD and DLB onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsutoshi Taguchi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamikyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Watanabe
- Department of Basic Geriatrics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamikyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Atsushi Tsujimura
- Department of Basic Geriatrics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamikyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Masaki Tanaka
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamikyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan.
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Rodriguez-Perez AI, Sucunza D, Pedrosa MA, Garrido-Gil P, Kulisevsky J, Lanciego JL, Labandeira-Garcia JL. Angiotensin Type 1 Receptor Antagonists Protect Against Alpha-Synuclein-Induced Neuroinflammation and Dopaminergic Neuron Death. Neurotherapeutics 2018; 15:1063-1081. [PMID: 29987762 PMCID: PMC6277291 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-018-0646-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The loss of dopaminergic neurons and α-synuclein accumulation are major hallmarks of Parkinson's disease (PD), and it has been suggested that a major mechanism of α-synuclein toxicity is microglial activation. The lack of animal models that properly reproduce PD, and particularly the underlying synucleinopathy, has hampered the clarification of PD mechanisms and the development of effective therapies. Here, we used neurospecific adeno-associated viral vectors serotype 9 coding for either the wild-type or mutated forms of human alpha-synuclein (WT and SynA53T, respectively) under the control of a synapsin promoter to further induce a marked dopaminergic neuron loss together with an important microglial neuroinflammatory response. Overexpression of neuronal alpha-synuclein led to increased expression of angiotensin type 1 receptors and NADPH oxidase activity, together with a marked increase in the number of OX-6-positive microglial cells and expression of markers of phagocytic activity (CD68) and classical pro-inflammatory/M1 microglial phenotype markers such as inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1β, and IL-6. Moreover, a significant decrease in the expression of markers of immunoregulatory/M2 microglial phenotype such as the enzyme arginase-1 was constantly observed. Interestingly, alpha-synuclein-induced changes in microglial phenotype markers and dopaminergic neuron death were inhibited by simultaneous treatment with the angiotensin type 1 blockers candesartan or telmisartan. Our results suggest the repurposing of candesartan and telmisartan as a neuroprotective strategy for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana I Rodriguez-Perez
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Centro de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas, Faculty of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas), Madrid, 28031, Spain
| | - Diego Sucunza
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas), Madrid, 28031, Spain
- Neurosciences Division, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, University of Navarra, Pamplona, 31008, Spain
| | - Maria A Pedrosa
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Centro de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas, Faculty of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas), Madrid, 28031, Spain
| | - Pablo Garrido-Gil
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Centro de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas, Faculty of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas), Madrid, 28031, Spain
| | - Jaime Kulisevsky
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas), Madrid, 28031, Spain
- Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Department, Sant Pau Hospital and Biomedical Research Institute, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona and Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Barcelona, 08025, Spain
| | - Jose L Lanciego
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas), Madrid, 28031, Spain
- Neurosciences Division, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, University of Navarra, Pamplona, 31008, Spain
| | - Jose L Labandeira-Garcia
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Centro de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas, Faculty of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas), Madrid, 28031, Spain.
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Weerasekera A, Sima DM, Dresselaers T, Van Huffel S, Van Damme P, Himmelreich U. Non-invasive assessment of disease progression and neuroprotective effects of dietary coconut oil supplementation in the ALS SOD1 G93A mouse model: A 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopic study. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2018; 20:1092-1105. [PMID: 30368196 PMCID: PMC6202692 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2018.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable neurodegenerative disease primarily characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons in the motor cortex, brainstem and spinal cord. Due to relatively fast progression of ALS, early diagnosis is essential for possible therapeutic intervention and disease management. To identify potential diagnostic markers, we investigated age-dependent effects of disease onset and progression on regional neurochemistry in the SOD1G93A ALS mouse model using localized in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). We focused mainly on the brainstem region since brainstem motor nuclei are the primarily affected regions in SOD1G93A mice and ALS patients. In addition, metabolite profiles of the motor cortex were also assessed. In the brainstem, a gradual decrease in creatine levels were detected starting from the pre-symptomatic age of 70 days postpartum. During the early symptomatic phase (day 90), a significant increase in the levels of the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ- aminobutyric acid (GABA) was measured. At later time points, alterations in the form of decreased NAA, glutamate, glutamine and increased myo-inositol were observed. Also, decreased glutamate, NAA and increased taurine levels were seen at late stages in the motor cortex. A proof-of-concept (PoC) study was conducted to assess the effects of coconut oil supplementation in SODG93A mice. The PoC revealed that the coconut oil supplementation together with the regular diet delayed disease symptoms, enhanced motor performance, and prolonged survival in the SOD1G93A mouse model. Furthermore, MRS data showed stable metabolic profile at day 120 in the coconut oil diet group compared to the group receiving a standard diet without coconut oil supplementation. In addition, a positive correlation between survival and the neuronal marker NAA was found. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that reports metabolic changes in the brainstem using in vivo MRS and effects of coconut oil supplementation as a prophylactic treatment in SOD1G93A mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Weerasekera
- Biomedical MRI Unit/MoSAIC, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - D M Sima
- Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT), STADIUS Center for Dynamical Systems, Signal Processing and Data Analytics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; icometrix, R&D department, Leuven, Belgium
| | - T Dresselaers
- Radiology, Department of Imaging and Pathology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - S Van Huffel
- Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT), STADIUS Center for Dynamical Systems, Signal Processing and Data Analytics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - P Van Damme
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - U Himmelreich
- Biomedical MRI Unit/MoSAIC, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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42
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Creed RB, Goldberg MS. New Developments in Genetic rat models of Parkinson's Disease. Mov Disord 2018; 33:717-729. [PMID: 29418019 DOI: 10.1002/mds.27296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Preclinical research on Parkinson's disease has relied heavily on mouse and rat animal models. Initially, PD animal models were generated primarily by chemical neurotoxins that induce acute loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. On the discovery of genetic mutations causally linked to PD, mice were used more than rats to generate laboratory animals bearing PD-linked mutations because mutagenesis was more difficult in rats. Recent advances in technology for mammalian genome engineering and optimization of viral expression vectors have increased the use of genetic rat models of PD. Emerging research tools include "knockout" rats with disruption of genes in which mutations have been causally linked to PD, including LRRK2, α-synuclein, Parkin, PINK1, and DJ-1. Rats have also been increasingly used for transgenic and viral-mediated overexpression of genes relevant to PD, particularly α-synuclein. It may not be realistic to obtain a single animal model that completely reproduces every feature of a human disease as complex as PD. Nevertheless, compared with mice with the same mutations, many genetic rat animal models of PD better reproduce key aspects of PD including progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, locomotor behavior deficits, and age-dependent formation of abnormal α-synuclein protein aggregates. Here we briefly review new developments in genetic rat models of PD that may have greater potential for identifying underlying mechanisms, for discovering novel therapeutic targets, and for developing greatly needed treatments to slow or halt disease progression. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose B Creed
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Matthew S Goldberg
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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43
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Crabbé M, Van der Perren A, Weerasekera A, Himmelreich U, Baekelandt V, Van Laere K, Casteels C. Altered mGluR5 binding potential and glutamine concentration in the 6-OHDA rat model of acute Parkinson's disease and levodopa-induced dyskinesia. Neurobiol Aging 2018; 61:82-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2017.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Bentea E, Verbruggen L, Massie A. The Proteasome Inhibition Model of Parkinson's Disease. JOURNAL OF PARKINSONS DISEASE 2017; 7:31-63. [PMID: 27802243 PMCID: PMC5302045 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-160921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The pathological hallmarks of Parkinson's disease are the progressive loss of nigral dopaminergic neurons and the formation of intracellular inclusion bodies, termed Lewy bodies, in surviving neurons. Accumulation of proteins in large insoluble cytoplasmic aggregates has been proposed to result, partly, from a failure in the function of intracellular protein degradation pathways. Evidence in support for such a hypothesis emerged in the beginning of the years 2000 with studies demonstrating structural and functional deficits in the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in post-mortem nigral tissue of patients with Parkinson's disease. These fundamental findings have inspired the development of a new generation of animal models based on the use of proteasome inhibitors to disturb protein homeostasis and trigger nigral dopaminergic neurodegeneration. In this review, we provide an updated overview of the current approaches in employing proteasome inhibitors to model Parkinson's disease, with particular emphasis on rodent studies. In addition, the mechanisms underlying proteasome inhibition-induced cell death and the validity criteria (construct, face and predictive validity) of the model will be critically discussed. Due to its distinct, but highly relevant mechanism of inducing neuronal death, the proteasome inhibition model represents a useful addition to the repertoire of toxin-based models of Parkinson's disease that might provide novel clues to unravel the complex pathogenesis of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ann Massie
- Correspondence to: Dr. Ann Massie, Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium. Tel.: +32 2 477 4502; E-mail:
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45
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α-Synuclein transfer between neurons and astrocytes indicates that astrocytes play a role in degradation rather than in spreading. Acta Neuropathol 2017; 134:789-808. [PMID: 28725967 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-017-1746-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that disease progression in Parkinson's disease (PD) could occur by the spreading of α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregates between neurons. Here we studied the role of astrocytes in the intercellular transfer and fate of α-syn fibrils, using in vitro and ex vivo models. α-Syn fibrils can be transferred to neighboring cells; however, the transfer efficiency changes depending on the cell types. We found that α-syn is efficiently transferred from astrocytes to astrocytes and from neurons to astrocytes, but less efficiently from astrocytes to neurons. Interestingly, α-syn puncta are mainly found inside the lysosomal compartments of the recipient cells. However, differently from neurons, astrocytes are able to efficiently degrade fibrillar α-syn, suggesting an active role for these cells in clearing α-syn deposits. Astrocytes co-cultured with organotypic brain slices are able to take up α-syn fibrils from the slices. Altogether our data support a role for astrocytes in trapping and clearing α-syn pathological deposits in PD.
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Vingill S, Connor-Robson N, Wade-Martins R. Are rodent models of Parkinson's disease behaving as they should? Behav Brain Res 2017; 352:133-141. [PMID: 29074404 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In recent years our understanding of Parkinson's disease has expanded both in terms of pathological hallmarks as well as relevant genetic influences. In parallel with the aetiological discoveries a multitude of PD animal models have been established. The vast majority of these are rodent models based on environmental, genetic and mechanistic insight. A major challenge in many of these models is their ability to only recapitulate some of the complex disease features seen in humans. Although symptom alleviation and clinical signs are of utmost importance in therapeutic research many of these models lack comprehensive behavioural testing. While non-motor symptoms become increasingly important as early diagnostic markers in PD, they are poorly characterized in rodents. In this review we look at well-established and more recent animal models of PD in terms of behavioural characterization and discuss how they can best contribute to progression in Parkinson's research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siv Vingill
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK.
| | - Natalie Connor-Robson
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Richard Wade-Martins
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
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47
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Joers V, Tansey MG, Mulas G, Carta AR. Microglial phenotypes in Parkinson's disease and animal models of the disease. Prog Neurobiol 2017; 155:57-75. [PMID: 27107797 PMCID: PMC5073045 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2016.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decade the important concept has emerged that microglia, similar to other tissue macrophages, assume different phenotypes and serve several effector functions, generating the theory that activated microglia can be organized by their pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory and repairing functions. Importantly, microglia exist in a heterogenous population and their phenotypes are not permanently polarized into two categories; they exist along a continuum where they acquire different profiles based on their local environment. In Parkinson's disease (PD), neuroinflammation and microglia activation are considered neuropathological hallmarks, however their precise role in relation to disease progression is not clear, yet represent a critical challenge in the search of disease-modifying strategies. This review will critically address current knowledge on the activation states of microglia as well as microglial phenotypes found in PD and in animal models of PD, focusing on the expression of surface molecules as well as pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine production during the disease process. While human studies have reported an elevation of both pro- or anti-inflammatory markers in the serum and CSF of PD patients, animal models have provided insights on dynamic changes of microglia phenotypes in relation to disease progression especially prior to the development of motor deficits. We also review recent evidence of malfunction at multiple steps of NFκB signaling that may have a causal interrelationship with pathological microglia activation in animal models of PD. Finally, we discuss the immune-modifying strategies that have been explored regarding mechanisms of chronic microglial activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Joers
- Department of Physiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Malú G Tansey
- Department of Physiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.
| | - Giovanna Mulas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Anna R Carta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy.
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Phan JA, Stokholm K, Zareba-Paslawska J, Jakobsen S, Vang K, Gjedde A, Landau AM, Romero-Ramos M. Early synaptic dysfunction induced by α-synuclein in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. Sci Rep 2017; 7:6363. [PMID: 28743955 PMCID: PMC5526979 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06724-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence suggests that synapses are affected first in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Here, we tested the claim that pathological accumulation of α-synuclein, and subsequent synaptic disruption, occur in absence of dopaminergic neuron loss in PD. We determined early synaptic changes in rats that overexpress human α-synuclein by local injection of viral-vectors in midbrain. We aimed to achieve α-synuclein levels sufficient to induce terminal pathology without significant loss of nigral neurons. We tested synaptic disruption in vivo by analyzing motor defects and binding of a positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand to the vesicular monoamine transporter 2, (VMAT2), [11C]dihydrotetrabenazine (DTBZ). Animals overexpressing α-synuclein had progressive motor impairment and, 12 weeks post-surgery, showed asymmetric in vivo striatal DTBZ binding. The PET images matched ligand binding in post-mortem tissue, and histological markers of dopaminergic integrity. Histology confirmed the absence of nigral cell death with concomitant significant loss of striatal terminals. Progressive aggregation of proteinase-K resistant and Ser129-phosphorylated α-synuclein was observed in dopaminergic terminals, in dystrophic swellings that resembled axonal spheroids and contained mitochondria and vesicular proteins. In conclusion, pathological α-synuclein in nigro-striatal axonal terminals leads to early axonal pathology, synaptic disruption, dysfunction of dopaminergic neurotransmission, motor impairment, and measurable change of VMAT2 in the absence of cell loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny-Ann Phan
- Department of Biomedicine, NEURODIN AU IDEAS Center, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 4, bldg. 1242, Aarhus C, 8000, Denmark.,Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Centre, Aarhus University and Hospital, Norrebrogade 44, bldg. 10G, Aarhus C, 8000, Denmark
| | - Kathrine Stokholm
- Department of Biomedicine, NEURODIN AU IDEAS Center, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 4, bldg. 1242, Aarhus C, 8000, Denmark.,Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Centre, Aarhus University and Hospital, Norrebrogade 44, bldg. 10G, Aarhus C, 8000, Denmark
| | - Justyna Zareba-Paslawska
- Department of Biomedicine, NEURODIN AU IDEAS Center, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 4, bldg. 1242, Aarhus C, 8000, Denmark
| | - Steen Jakobsen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Centre, Aarhus University and Hospital, Norrebrogade 44, bldg. 10G, Aarhus C, 8000, Denmark
| | - Kim Vang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Centre, Aarhus University and Hospital, Norrebrogade 44, bldg. 10G, Aarhus C, 8000, Denmark
| | - Albert Gjedde
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, Copenhagen, 2200, Denmark.,Center of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Dept of Radiology & Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Neurosciences Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Anne M Landau
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Centre, Aarhus University and Hospital, Norrebrogade 44, bldg. 10G, Aarhus C, 8000, Denmark. .,Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Aarhus University, Skovagervej 2, Risskov, 8240, Denmark.
| | - Marina Romero-Ramos
- Department of Biomedicine, NEURODIN AU IDEAS Center, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 4, bldg. 1242, Aarhus C, 8000, Denmark.
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Animal models of α-synucleinopathy for Parkinson disease drug development. Nat Rev Neurosci 2017; 18:515-529. [DOI: 10.1038/nrn.2017.75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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50
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Altered adenosine 2A and dopamine D2 receptor availability in the 6-hydroxydopamine-treated rats with and without levodopa-induced dyskinesia. Neuroimage 2017; 157:209-218. [PMID: 28583881 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2017.05.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Several lines of evidence imply alterations in adenosine signaling in Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we investigated cerebral changes in adenosine 2A receptor (A2AR) availability in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned rats with and without levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) using positron-emission tomography (PET) with [11C]preladenant. In parallel dopamine type 2 receptor (D2R) imaging with [11C]raclopride PET and behavioral tests for motor and cognitive function were performed. METHODS Parametric A2AR and D2R binding potential (BPND) images were reconstructed using reference tissue models with midbrain and cerebellum as reference tissue, respectively. All images were anatomically standardized to Paxinos space and analyzed using volume-of-interest (VOI) and voxel-based approaches. The behavioral alternations were assessed with the open field test, Y-maze, novel object recognition test, cylinder test, and abnormal involuntary movement (AIM) score. In total, 28 female Wistar rats were included. RESULTS On the behavioral level, 6-OHDA-lesioned rats showed asymmetry in forepaw use and deficits in spatial memory and explorative behavior as compared to the sham-operated animals. 15-Days of levodopa (L-DOPA) treatment induced dyskinesia but did not alleviate motor deficits in PD rats. Intranigral 6-OHDA injection significantly increased D2R binding in the lesioned striatum (BPND: 2.69 ± 0.40 6-OHDA vs. 2.31 ± 0.18 sham, + 16.6%; p = 0.03), whereas L-DOPA treatment did not affect the D2R binding in the ipsilateral striatum of the PD rats. In addition, intranigral 6-OHDA injection tended to decrease the A2AR availability in the lesioned striatum. The decrease became significant when data were normalized to the non-affected side (BPND: 4.32 ± 0.41 6-OHDA vs. 4.58 ± 0.89 sham; NS, ratio: 0.94 ± 0.03 6-OHDA vs. 1.00 ± 0.02 sham; - 6.1%; p = 0.01). L-DOPA treatment significantly increased A2AR binding in the affected striatum (BPND: 6.02 ± 0.91 L-DOPA vs. 4.90 ± 0.76 saline; + 23.4%; p = 0.02). In PD rats with LID, positive correlations were found between D2R and A2AR BPND values in the ipsilateral striatum (r = 0.88, ppeak = 8.56.10-4 uncorr), and between AIM score and the D2R BPND in the contralateral striatum (r = 0.98; ppeak = 9.55.10-5 uncorr). CONCLUSION A2AR availability changed in drug-naïve and in L-DOPA-treated PD rats. The observed correlations of striatal D2R availability with A2AR availability and with AIM score may provide new knowledge on striatal physiology and new possibilities to further unravel the functions of these targets in the pathophysiology of PD.
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