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Qneibi M, Bdir S, Bdair M, Aldwaik SA, Sandouka D, Heeh M, Idais TI. AMPA receptor neurotransmission and therapeutic applications: A comprehensive review of their multifaceted modulation. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 266:116151. [PMID: 38237342 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
The neuropharmacological community has shown a strong interest in AMPA receptors as critical components of excitatory synaptic transmission during the last fifteen years. AMPA receptors, members of the ionotropic glutamate receptor family, allow rapid excitatory neurotransmission in the brain. AMPA receptors, which are permeable to sodium and potassium ions, manage the bulk of the brain's rapid synaptic communications. This study thoroughly examines the recent developments in AMPA receptor regulation, focusing on a shift from single chemical illustrations to a more extensive investigation of underlying processes. The complex interplay of these modulators in modifying the function and structure of AMPA receptors is the main focus, providing insight into their influence on the speed of excitatory neurotransmission. This research emphasizes the potential of AMPA receptor modulation as a therapy for various neurological disorders such as epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease. Analyzing these regulators' sophisticated molecular details enhances our comprehension of neuropharmacology, representing a significant advancement in using AMPA receptors for treating intricate neurological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Qneibi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
| | - Sosana Bdir
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Mohammad Bdair
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Samia Ammar Aldwaik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Dana Sandouka
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | | | - Tala Iyad Idais
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
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2
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Sakti DH, Cornish EE, Fraser CL, Nash BM, Sandercoe TM, Jones MM, Rowe NA, Jamieson RV, Johnson AM, Grigg JR. Early recognition of CLN3 disease facilitated by visual electrophysiology and multimodal imaging. Doc Ophthalmol 2023:10.1007/s10633-023-09930-1. [PMID: 36964447 DOI: 10.1007/s10633-023-09930-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis is a group of neurodegenerative disorders with varying visual dysfunction. CLN3 is a subtype which commonly presents with visual decline. Visual symptomatology can be indistinct making early diagnosis difficult. This study reports ocular biomarkers of CLN3 patients to assist clinicians in early diagnosis, disease monitoring, and future therapy. METHODS Retrospective review of 5 confirmed CLN3 patients in our eye clinic. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), electroretinogram (ERG), ultra-widefield (UWF) fundus photography and fundus autofluorescence (FAF), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) studies were undertaken. RESULTS Five unrelated children, 4 females and 1 male, with median age of 6.2 years (4.6-11.7) at first assessment were investigated at the clinic from 2016 to 2021. Four homozygous and one heterozygous pathogenic CLN3 variants were found. Best corrected visual acuities (BCVAs) ranged from 0.18 to 0.88 logMAR at first presentation. Electronegative ERGs were identified in all patients. Bull's eye maculopathies found in all patients. Hyper-autofluorescence ring surrounding hypo-autofluorescence fovea on FAF was found. Foveal ellipsoid zone (EZ) disruptions were found in all patients with additional inner and outer retinal microcystic changes in one patient. Neurological problems noted included autism, anxiety, motor dyspraxia, behavioural issue, and psychomotor regression. CONCLUSIONS CLN3 patients presented at median age 6.2 years with visual decline. Early onset maculopathy with an electronegative ERG and variable cognitive and motor decline should prompt further investigations including neuropaediatric evaluation and genetic assessment for CLN3 disease. The structural parameters such as EZ and FAF will facilitate ocular monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhimas H Sakti
- Save Sight Institute, Speciality of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney Eye Hospital Campus, 8 Macquarie St, Sydney, NSW, 2001, Australia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Elisa E Cornish
- Save Sight Institute, Speciality of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney Eye Hospital Campus, 8 Macquarie St, Sydney, NSW, 2001, Australia
- Eye Genetics Research Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Save Sight Institute, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Clare L Fraser
- Save Sight Institute, Speciality of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney Eye Hospital Campus, 8 Macquarie St, Sydney, NSW, 2001, Australia
| | - Benjamin M Nash
- Eye Genetics Research Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Save Sight Institute, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Genome Diagnostics, Sydney Children's Hospital Network (Westmead), Sydney, Australia
| | - Trent M Sandercoe
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network (Westmead), Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael M Jones
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network (Westmead), Sydney, Australia
| | - Neil A Rowe
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network (Westmead), Sydney, Australia
| | - Robyn V Jamieson
- Save Sight Institute, Speciality of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney Eye Hospital Campus, 8 Macquarie St, Sydney, NSW, 2001, Australia
- Eye Genetics Research Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Save Sight Institute, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alexandra M Johnson
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - John R Grigg
- Save Sight Institute, Speciality of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney Eye Hospital Campus, 8 Macquarie St, Sydney, NSW, 2001, Australia.
- Eye Genetics Research Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Save Sight Institute, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network (Westmead), Sydney, Australia.
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3
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Takahashi K, Nelvagal HR, Lange J, Cooper JD. Glial Dysfunction and Its Contribution to the Pathogenesis of the Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses. Front Neurol 2022; 13:886567. [PMID: 35444603 PMCID: PMC9013902 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.886567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
While significant efforts have been made in developing pre-clinical treatments for the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), many challenges still remain to bring children with NCLs a cure. Devising effective therapeutic strategies for the NCLs will require a better understanding of pathophysiology, but little is known about the mechanisms by which loss of lysosomal proteins causes such devastating neurodegeneration. Research into glial cells including astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes have revealed many of their critical functions in brain homeostasis and potential contributions to neurodegenerative diseases. Genetically modified mouse models have served as a useful platform to define the disease progression in the central nervous system across NCL subtypes, revealing a wide range of glial responses to disease. The emerging evidence of glial dysfunction questions the traditional “neuron-centric” view of NCLs, and would suggest that directly targeting glia in addition to neurons could lead to better therapeutic outcomes. This review summarizes the most up-to-date understanding of glial pathologies and their contribution to the pathogenesis of NCLs, and highlights some of the associated challenges that require further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keigo Takahashi
- Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Hemanth R. Nelvagal
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jenny Lange
- Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan D. Cooper
- Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: Jonathan D. Cooper
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4
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New 2,3-Benzodiazepine Derivative: Synthesis, Activity on Central Nervous System, and Toxicity Study in Mice. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14080814. [PMID: 34451911 PMCID: PMC8401732 DOI: 10.3390/ph14080814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the design and synthesis of a new diazepine derivative, 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2,3-benzodiazepin-1-one (VBZ102), and the evaluation of its anxiolytic-like profile, memory impairment effect, and toxicity in Swiss mice. VBZ102 was evaluated for central nervous system effects in an open field, light–dark box, and novel object recognition tests under oral administration for acute and sub-acute treatment. We tested the VBZ102 toxicity in mice through a determination of LD50 values and examination of the biochemical and histopathological parameters. The VBZ102 induced an anxiolytic effect at different doses both in the light–dark box and open field tests. Unlike other benzodiazepines (e.g., bromazepam), a sedative effect was noted only after administration of the VBZ102 at 10.0 mg/kg.
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5
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A human model of Batten disease shows role of CLN3 in phagocytosis at the photoreceptor-RPE interface. Commun Biol 2021; 4:161. [PMID: 33547385 PMCID: PMC7864947 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01682-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in CLN3 lead to photoreceptor cell loss in CLN3 disease, a lysosomal storage disorder characterized by childhood-onset vision loss, neurological impairment, and premature death. However, how CLN3 mutations cause photoreceptor cell death is not known. Here, we show that CLN3 is required for phagocytosis of photoreceptor outer segment (POS) by retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, a cellular process essential for photoreceptor survival. Specifically, a proportion of CLN3 in human, mouse, and iPSC-RPE cells localized to RPE microvilli, the site of POS phagocytosis. Furthermore, patient-derived CLN3 disease iPSC-RPE cells showed decreased RPE microvilli density and reduced POS binding and ingestion. Notably, POS phagocytosis defect in CLN3 disease iPSC-RPE cells could be rescued by wild-type CLN3 gene supplementation. Altogether, these results illustrate a novel role of CLN3 in regulating POS phagocytosis and suggest a contribution of primary RPE dysfunction for photoreceptor cell loss in CLN3 disease that can be targeted by gene therapy.
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6
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Nelvagal HR, Lange J, Takahashi K, Tarczyluk-Wells MA, Cooper JD. Pathomechanisms in the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165570. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.165570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Langin L, Johnson TB, Kovács AD, Pearce DA, Weimer JM. A tailored Cln3 Q352X mouse model for testing therapeutic interventions in CLN3 Batten disease. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10591. [PMID: 32601357 PMCID: PMC7324379 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67478-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
CLN3 Batten disease (CLN3 disease) is a pediatric lysosomal storage disorder that presents with progressive blindness, motor and cognitive decline, seizures, and premature death. CLN3 disease results from mutations in CLN3 with the most prevalent mutation, a 966 bp deletion spanning exons 7-8, affecting ~ 75% of patients. Mouse models with complete Cln3 deletion or Cln3Δex7/8 mutation have been invaluable for learning about both the basic biology of CLN3 and the underlying pathological changes associated with CLN3 disease. These models, however, vary in their disease presentation and are limited in their utility for studying the role of nonsense mediated decay, and as a consequence, in testing nonsense suppression therapies and read-through compounds. In order to develop a model containing a disease-causing nonsense point mutation, here we describe a first-of-its-kind Cln3Q352X mouse model containing a c.1054C > T (p.Gln352Ter) point mutation. Similar to previously characterized Cln3 mutant mouse lines, this novel model shows pathological deficits throughout the CNS including accumulation of lysosomal storage material and glial activation, and has limited perturbation in behavioral measures. Thus, at the molecular and cellular level, this mouse line provides a valuable tool for testing nonsense suppression therapies or read through compounds in CLN3 disease in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan Langin
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, 2301 E. 60th N, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA
| | - Tyler B Johnson
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, 2301 E. 60th N, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA
| | - Attila D Kovács
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, 2301 E. 60th N, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - David A Pearce
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, 2301 E. 60th N, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, USA.
| | - Jill M Weimer
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, 2301 E. 60th N, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, USA.
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8
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Nelvagal HR, Cooper JD. An update on the progress of preclinical models for guiding therapeutic management of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2019.1703672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hemanth Ramesh Nelvagal
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of genetics and genomics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jonathan D Cooper
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of genetics and genomics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
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9
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Huber RJ, Hughes SM, Liu W, Morgan A, Tuxworth RI, Russell C. The contribution of multicellular model organisms to neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis research. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1866:165614. [PMID: 31783156 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.165614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The NCLs (neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis) are forms of neurodegenerative disease that affect people of all ages and ethnicities but are most prevalent in children. Commonly known as Batten disease, this debilitating neurological disorder is comprised of 13 different subtypes that are categorized based on the particular gene that is mutated (CLN1-8, CLN10-14). The pathological mechanisms underlying the NCLs are not well understood due to our poor understanding of the functions of NCL proteins. Only one specific treatment (enzyme replacement therapy) is approved, which is for the treating the brain in CLN2 disease. Hence there remains a desperate need for further research into disease-modifying treatments. In this review, we present and evaluate the genes, proteins and studies performed in the social amoeba, nematode, fruit fly, zebrafish, mouse and large animals pertinent to NCL. In particular, we highlight the use of multicellular model organisms to study NCL protein function, pathology and pathomechanisms. Their use in testing novel therapeutic approaches is also presented. With this information, we highlight how future research in these systems may be able to provide new insight into NCL protein functions in human cells and aid in the development of new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Huber
- Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario K9L 0G2, Canada
| | - Stephanie M Hughes
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences, Brain Health Research Centre and Genetics Otago, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Wenfei Liu
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Alan Morgan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Crown St., Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Richard I Tuxworth
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Claire Russell
- Dept. Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London NW1 0TU, UK.
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10
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Changes in motor behavior, neuropathology, and gut microbiota of a Batten disease mouse model following administration of acidified drinking water. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14962. [PMID: 31628420 PMCID: PMC6802212 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51488-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
CLN3 mutations cause the fatal neurodegenerative disorder, CLN3 Batten disease. The Cln3−/− mouse model displays characteristic features of the human disease including motor deficits. When mice received acidified drinking water (pH 2.5–2.9) instead of normal tap water (pH 8.4) for several generations, the motor skills of Cln3−/− mice normalized to control levels, indicating a disease-modifying effect of acidified water. Here we investigated if acidified water administered from postnatal day 21 has therapeutic benefits in Cln3−/− mice. Indeed, acidified water temporarily attenuated the motor deficits, had beneficial effects on behavioral parameters and prevented microglial activation in the brain of Cln3−/− mice. Interestingly, in control mice, acidified drinking water caused brain region-specific glial activation and significant changes in motor performance. Since the gut microbiota can influence neurological functions, we examined it in our disease model and found that the gut microbiota of Cln3−/− mice was markedly different from control mice, and acidified water differentially changed the gut microbiota composition in these mice. These results indicate that acidified water may provide therapeutic benefit to CLN3 Batten disease patients, and that the pH of drinking water is a major environmental factor that strongly influences the results of murine behavioral and pathological studies.
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11
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Kauss V, Dambrova M, Medina DL. Pharmacological approaches to tackle NCLs. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1866:165553. [PMID: 31521819 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.165553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses, also collectively known as Batten disease, are a group of rare monogenic disorders caused by mutations in at least 13 different genes. They are characterized by the accumulation of lysosomal storage material and progressive neurological deterioration with dementia, epilepsy, retinopathy, motor disturbances, and early death [1]. Although the identification of disease-causing genes provides an important step for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses, compared to other diseases, obstacles to the development of therapies for these rare diseases include less extensive physiopathology knowledge, limited number of patients to test treatments, and poor commercial interest from the industry. Current therapeutic strategies include enzyme replacement therapies, gene therapies targeting the brain and the eye, cell therapies, and pharmacological drugs that could modulate defective molecular pathways. In this review, we will focus in the emerging therapies based in the identification of small-molecules. Recent advances in high- throughput and high-content screening (HTS and HCS) using relevant cell-based assays and applying automation and imaging analysis algorithms, will allow the screening of a large number of compounds in lesser time. These approaches are particularly useful for drug repurposing for Batten disease, that takes the advantage to search for compounds that have already been tested in humans, thereby reducing significantly the resources needed for translation to clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerjans Kauss
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, Riga LV-1006, Latvia; Riga Stradins University, Dzirciema 16, Riga LV-1007, Latvia
| | - Maija Dambrova
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, Riga LV-1006, Latvia; Riga Stradins University, Dzirciema 16, Riga LV-1007, Latvia
| | - Diego Luis Medina
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy; Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Medical and Translational Science, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
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Tarczyluk-Wells MA, Salzlechner C, Najafi AR, Lim MJ, Smith D, Platt FM, Williams BP, Cooper JD. Combined Anti-inflammatory and Neuroprotective Treatments Have the Potential to Impact Disease Phenotypes in Cln3 -/- Mice. Front Neurol 2019; 10:963. [PMID: 31572287 PMCID: PMC6749847 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Batten disease, or juvenile NCL, is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder that occurs due to mutations in the CLN3 gene. Because the function of CLN3 remains unclear, experimental therapies for JNCL have largely concentrated upon the targeting of downstream pathomechanisms. Neuron loss is preceded by localized glial activation, and in this proof-of-concept study we have investigated whether targeting this innate immune response with ibuprofen in combination with the neuroprotective agent lamotrigine improves the previously documented beneficial effects of immunosuppressants alone. Drugs were administered daily to symptomatic Cln3 -/- mice over a 3 month period, starting at 6 months of age, and their impact was assessed using both behavioral and neuropathological outcome measures. During the treatment period, the combination of ibuprofen and lamotrigine significantly improved the performance of Cln3 -/- mice on the vertical pole test, slowing the disease-associated decline, but had less of an impact upon their rotarod performance. There were also moderate and regionally dependent effects upon astrocyte activation that were most pronounced for ibuprofen alone, but there was no overt effect upon microglial activation. Administering such treatments for longer periods will enable testing for any impact upon the neuron loss that occurs later in disease progression. Given the partial efficacy of these treatments, it will be important to test further drugs of this type in order to find more effective combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta A. Tarczyluk-Wells
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christoph Salzlechner
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Allison R. Najafi
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
| | - Ming J. Lim
- Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, King's Health Partners Academic Health Science Centre, Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Frances M. Platt
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Brenda P. Williams
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan D. Cooper
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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13
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Johnson TB, Cain JT, White KA, Ramirez-Montealegre D, Pearce DA, Weimer JM. Therapeutic landscape for Batten disease: current treatments and future prospects. Nat Rev Neurol 2019; 15:161-178. [PMID: 30783219 PMCID: PMC6681450 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-019-0138-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Batten disease (also known as neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses) constitutes a family of devastating lysosomal storage disorders that collectively represent the most common inherited paediatric neurodegenerative disorders worldwide. Batten disease can result from mutations in 1 of 13 genes. These mutations lead to a group of diseases with loosely overlapping symptoms and pathology. Phenotypically, patients with Batten disease have visual impairment and blindness, cognitive and motor decline, seizures and premature death. Pathologically, Batten disease is characterized by lysosomal accumulation of autofluorescent storage material, glial reactivity and neuronal loss. Substantial progress has been made towards the development of effective therapies and treatments for the multiple forms of Batten disease. In 2017, cerliponase alfa (Brineura), a tripeptidyl peptidase enzyme replacement therapy, became the first globally approved treatment for CLN2 Batten disease. Here, we provide an overview of the promising therapeutic avenues for Batten disease, highlighting current FDA-approved clinical trials and prospective future treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler B Johnson
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Jacob T Cain
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Katherine A White
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | | | - David A Pearce
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, USA.
| | - Jill M Weimer
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, USA.
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Kohlschütter A, Schulz A, Bartsch U, Storch S. Current and Emerging Treatment Strategies for Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses. CNS Drugs 2019; 33:315-325. [PMID: 30877620 PMCID: PMC6440934 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-019-00620-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses comprise a group of neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorders caused by mutations in at least 13 different genes and primarily affect the brain and the retina of children or young adults. The disorders are characterized by progressive neurological deterioration with dementia, epilepsy, loss of vision, motor disturbances, and early death. While various therapeutic strategies are currently being explored as treatment options for these fatal disorders, there is presently only one clinically approved drug that has been shown to effectively attenuate the progression of a specific form of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, CLN2 disease (cerliponase alfa, a lysosomal enzyme infused into the brain ventricles of patients with CLN2 disease). Therapeutic approaches for the treatment of other forms of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis include the administration of immunosuppressive agents to antagonize neuroinflammation associated with neurodegeneration, the use of various small molecules, stem cell therapy, and gene therapy. An important aspect of future work aimed at developing therapies for neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses is the need for treatments that effectively attenuate neurodegeneration in both the brain and the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfried Kohlschütter
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Angela Schulz
- 0000 0001 2180 3484grid.13648.38Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Udo Bartsch
- 0000 0001 2180 3484grid.13648.38Department of Ophthalmology, Experimental Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Storch
- 0000 0001 2180 3484grid.13648.38Department of Pediatrics, Section Biochemistry, University Medical Center Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
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15
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Bosch ME, Kielian T. Astrocytes in juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN3) display metabolic and calcium signaling abnormalities. J Neurochem 2018; 148:612-624. [PMID: 29964296 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (JNCL) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by autosomal recessive mutations in ceroid lipofuscinosis 3 (CLN3). Children with JNCL experience progressive visual, cognitive, and motor deterioration with a decreased life expectancy (late teens-early 20s). Neuronal loss is thought to occur, in part, via glutamate excitotoxicity; however, little is known about astrocyte glutamate regulation in JNCL. Spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations were reduced in murine Cln3Δex7/8 astrocytes, which were also observed following glutamate or cytokine exposure. Astrocyte glutamate transport is an energy-demanding process and disruptions in metabolic pathways could influence glutamate homeostasis in Cln3Δex7/8 astrocytes. Indeed, basal mitochondrial respiration and ATP production were significantly reduced in Cln3Δex7/8 astrocytes. These changes were not attributable to reduced mitochondria, since mitochondrial DNA levels were similar between wild type and Cln3Δex7/8 astrocytes. Interestingly, despite these functional deficits in Cln3Δex7/8 astrocytes, glutamate transporter expression and glutamate uptake were not dramatically affected. Concurrent with impaired astrocyte metabolism and Ca2+ signaling, murine Cln3Δex7/8 neurons were hyper-responsive to glutamate, as reflected by heightened and prolonged Ca2+ signals. These findings identify intrinsic metabolic and Ca2+ signaling defects in Cln3Δex7/8 astrocytes that may contribute to neuronal dysfunction in CLN3 disease. This article is part of the Special Issue "Lysosomal Storage Disorders".
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Bosch
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Tammy Kielian
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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Grünewald B, Lange MD, Werner C, O'Leary A, Weishaupt A, Popp S, Pearce DA, Wiendl H, Reif A, Pape HC, Toyka KV, Sommer C, Geis C. Defective synaptic transmission causes disease signs in a mouse model of juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. eLife 2017; 6:28685. [PMID: 29135436 PMCID: PMC5724993 DOI: 10.7554/elife.28685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (JNCL or Batten disease) caused by mutations in the CLN3 gene is the most prevalent inherited neurodegenerative disease in childhood resulting in widespread central nervous system dysfunction and premature death. The consequences of CLN3 mutation on the progression of the disease, on neuronal transmission, and on central nervous network dysfunction are poorly understood. We used Cln3 knockout (Cln3Δex1-6) mice and found increased anxiety-related behavior and impaired aversive learning as well as markedly affected motor function including disordered coordination. Patch-clamp and loose-patch recordings revealed severely affected inhibitory and excitatory synaptic transmission in the amygdala, hippocampus, and cerebellar networks. Changes in presynaptic release properties may result from dysfunction of CLN3 protein. Furthermore, loss of calbindin, neuropeptide Y, parvalbumin, and GAD65-positive interneurons in central networks collectively support the hypothesis that degeneration of GABAergic interneurons may be the cause of supraspinal GABAergic disinhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Grünewald
- Hans-Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.,Integrated Research and Treatment Center-Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Maren D Lange
- Institute of Physiology I, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Christian Werner
- Hans-Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Aet O'Leary
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andreas Weishaupt
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sandy Popp
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - David A Pearce
- Sanford Children's Health Research Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, United States
| | - Heinz Wiendl
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Andreas Reif
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Hans C Pape
- Institute of Physiology I, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Klaus V Toyka
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Sommer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christian Geis
- Hans-Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.,Integrated Research and Treatment Center-Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Cárcel-Trullols J, Kovács AD, Pearce DA. Role of the Lysosomal Membrane Protein, CLN3, in the Regulation of Cathepsin D Activity. J Cell Biochem 2017; 118:3883-3890. [PMID: 28390177 PMCID: PMC5603378 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Among Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (NCLs), which are childhood fatal neurodegenerative disorders, the juvenile onset form (JNCL) is the most common. JNCL is caused by recessive mutations in the CLN3 gene. CLN3 encodes a lysosomal/endosomal transmembrane protein but its precise function is not completely known. We have previously reported that in baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells stably expressing myc-tagged human CLN3 (myc-CLN3), hyperosmotic conditions drastically increased myc-CLN3 mRNA and protein expression. In the present study, we analyzed the consequences of hyperosmolarity, and increased CLN3 expression on cathepsin D (CTSD) activity and prosaposin processing using BHK cells transiently or stably expressing myc-CLN3. We found that hyperosmolarity increased lysotracker staining of lysosomes, and elevated the levels of myc-CLN3 and lysosome-associated membrane protein-1 (LAMP1). Hyperosmolarity, independently of the expression level of myc-CLN3, decreased the levels of PSAP and saposin D, which are protein cofactors in sphingolipid metabolism. The lysosomal enzyme cathepsin D (CTSD) mediates the proteolytic cleavage of PSAP precursor into saposins A-D. Myc-CLN3 colocalized with CTSD and activity of CTSD decreased as myc-CLN3 expression increased, and clearly decreased under hyperosmotic conditions. Nevertheless, levels of CTSD measured by Western blotting were not altered under any studied condition. Our results suggest a direct involvement of CLN3 in the regulation of CTSD activity. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3883-3890, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Cárcel-Trullols
- Sanford Children’s Health Research Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 57104 USA
| | - Attila D. Kovács
- Sanford Children’s Health Research Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 57104 USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 57104 USA
| | - David A. Pearce
- Sanford Children’s Health Research Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 57104 USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 57104 USA
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Parviainen L, Dihanich S, Anderson GW, Wong AM, Brooks HR, Abeti R, Rezaie P, Lalli G, Pope S, Heales SJ, Mitchison HM, Williams BP, Cooper JD. Glial cells are functionally impaired in juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis and detrimental to neurons. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2017; 5:74. [PMID: 29041969 PMCID: PMC5645909 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-017-0476-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs or Batten disease) are a group of inherited, fatal neurodegenerative disorders of childhood. In these disorders, glial (microglial and astrocyte) activation typically occurs early in disease progression and predicts where neuron loss subsequently occurs. We have found that in the most common juvenile form of NCL (CLN3 disease or JNCL) this glial response is less pronounced in both mouse models and human autopsy material, with the morphological transformation of both astrocytes and microglia severely attenuated or delayed. To investigate their properties, we isolated glia and neurons from Cln3-deficient mice and studied their basic biology in culture. Upon stimulation, both Cln3-deficient astrocytes and microglia also showed an attenuated ability to transform morphologically, and an altered protein secretion profile. These defects were more pronounced in astrocytes, including the reduced secretion of a range of neuroprotective factors, mitogens, chemokines and cytokines, in addition to impaired calcium signalling and glutamate clearance. Cln3-deficient neurons also displayed an abnormal organization of their neurites. Most importantly, using a co-culture system, Cln3-deficient astrocytes and microglia had a negative impact on the survival and morphology of both Cln3-deficient and wildtype neurons, but these effects were largely reversed by growing mutant neurons with healthy glia. These data provide evidence that CLN3 disease astrocytes are functionally compromised. Together with microglia, they may play an active role in neuron loss in this disorder and can be considered as potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
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19
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Nelvagal HR, Cooper JD. Translating preclinical models of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis: progress and prospects. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2017.1360182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hemanth R. Nelvagal
- Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan D. Cooper
- Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Torrance, CA, USA
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20
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Aldrich A, Bosch ME, Fallet R, Odvody J, Burkovetskaya M, Rama Rao KV, Cooper JD, Drack AV, Kielian T. Efficacy of phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors in juvenile Batten disease (CLN3). Ann Neurol 2016; 80:909-923. [PMID: 27804148 PMCID: PMC5215570 DOI: 10.1002/ana.24815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (JNCL), or juvenile Batten disease, is a pediatric lysosomal storage disease caused by autosomal recessive mutations in CLN3, typified by blindness, seizures, progressive cognitive and motor decline, and premature death. Currently, there is no treatment for JNCL that slows disease progression, which highlights the need to explore novel strategies to extend the survival and quality of life of afflicted children. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a second messenger with pleiotropic effects, including regulating neuroinflammation and neuronal survival. Here we investigated whether 3 phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitors (rolipram, roflumilast, and PF-06266047) could mitigate behavioral deficits and cell-specific pathology in the Cln3Δex7/8 mouse model of JNCL. METHODS In a randomized, blinded study, wild-type (WT) and Cln3Δex7/8 mice received PDE4 inhibitors daily beginning at 1 or 3 months of age and continuing for 6 to 9 months, with motor deficits assessed by accelerating rotarod testing. The effect of PDE4 inhibitors on cAMP levels, astrocyte and microglial activation (glial fibrillary acidic protein and CD68, respectively), lysosomal pathology (lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1), and astrocyte glutamate transporter expression (glutamate/aspartate transporter) were also examined in WT and Cln3Δex7/8 animals. RESULTS cAMP levels were significantly reduced in the Cln3Δex7/8 brain, and were restored by PF-06266047. PDE4 inhibitors significantly improved motor function in Cln3Δex7/8 mice, attenuated glial activation and lysosomal pathology, and restored glutamate transporter expression to levels observed in WT animals, with no evidence of toxicity as revealed by blood chemistry analysis. INTERPRETATION These studies reveal neuroprotective effects for PDE4 inhibitors in Cln3Δex7/8 mice and support their therapeutic potential in JNCL patients. Ann Neurol 2016;80:909-923.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Aldrich
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Megan E Bosch
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Rachel Fallet
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Jessica Odvody
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Maria Burkovetskaya
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | | | - Jonathan D Cooper
- Department of Basic & Clinical Neuroscience, King's College, London, United Kingdom.,Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute and David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA
| | - Arlene V Drack
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA
| | - Tammy Kielian
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
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21
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Wager K, Zdebik AA, Fu S, Cooper JD, Harvey RJ, Russell C. Neurodegeneration and Epilepsy in a Zebrafish Model of CLN3 Disease (Batten Disease). PLoS One 2016; 11:e0157365. [PMID: 27327661 PMCID: PMC4915684 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses are a group of lysosomal storage disorders that comprise the most common, genetically heterogeneous, fatal neurodegenerative disorders of children. They are characterised by childhood onset, visual failure, epileptic seizures, psychomotor retardation and dementia. CLN3 disease, also known as Batten disease, is caused by autosomal recessive mutations in the CLN3 gene, 80–85% of which are a ~1 kb deletion. Currently no treatments exist, and after much suffering, the disease inevitably results in premature death. The aim of this study was to generate a zebrafish model of CLN3 disease using antisense morpholino injection, and characterise the pathological and functional consequences of Cln3 deficiency, thereby providing a tool for future drug discovery. The model was shown to faithfully recapitulate the pathological signs of CLN3 disease, including reduced survival, neuronal loss, retinopathy, axonopathy, loss of motor function, lysosomal storage of subunit c of mitochondrial ATP synthase, and epileptic seizures, albeit with an earlier onset and faster progression than the human disease. Our study provides proof of principle that the advantages of the zebrafish over other model systems can be utilised to further our understanding of the pathogenesis of CLN3 disease and accelerate drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Wager
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London, NW1 0TU, United Kingdom
| | - Anselm A. Zdebik
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Campus, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
- Department of Nephrology, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Campus, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (CR); (AAZ)
| | - Sonia Fu
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London, NW1 0TU, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan D. Cooper
- Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, 5 Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RX, United Kingdom
| | - Robert J. Harvey
- Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Russell
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London, NW1 0TU, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (CR); (AAZ)
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Kovács AD, Pearce DA. Finding the most appropriate mouse model of juvenile CLN3 (Batten) disease for therapeutic studies: the importance of genetic background and gender. Dis Model Mech 2016; 8:351-61. [PMID: 26035843 PMCID: PMC4381334 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.018804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the CLN3 gene cause a fatal neurodegenerative disorder: juvenile CLN3 disease, also known as juvenile Batten disease. The two most commonly utilized mouse models of juvenile CLN3 disease are Cln3-knockout (Cln3−/−) and Cln3Δex7/8-knock-in mice, the latter mimicking the most frequent disease-causing human mutation. To determine which mouse model has the most pronounced neurological phenotypes that can be used as outcome measures for therapeutic studies, we compared the exploratory activity, motor function and depressive-like behavior of 1-, 3- and 6-month-old Cln3−/− and Cln3Δex7/8-knock-in mice on two different genetic backgrounds (129S6/SvEv and C57BL/6J). Although, in many cases, the behavior of Cln3−/− and Cln3Δex7/8 mice was similar, we found genetic-background-, gender- and age-dependent differences between the two mouse models. We also observed large differences in the behavior of the 129S6/SvEv and C57BL/6J wild-type strains, which highlights the strong influence that genetic background can have on phenotype. Based on our results, Cln3−/− male mice on the 129S6/SvEv genetic background are the most appropriate candidates for therapeutic studies. They exhibit motor deficits at 1 and 6 months of age in the vertical pole test, and they were the only mice to show impaired motor coordination in the rotarod test at both 3 and 6 months. Cln3−/− males on the C57BL/6J background and Cln3Δex7/8 males on the 129S6/SvEv background also provide good outcome measures for therapeutic interventions. Cln3−/− (C57BL/6J) males had serious difficulties in climbing down (at 1 and 6 months) and turning downward on (at 1, 3 and 6 months) the vertical pole, whereas Cln3Δex7/8 (129S6/SvEv) males climbed down the vertical pole drastically slower than wild-type males at 3 and 6 months of age. Our study demonstrates the importance of testing mouse models on different genetic backgrounds and comparing males and females in order to find the most appropriate disease model for therapeutic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila D Kovács
- Sanford Children's Health Research Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | - David A Pearce
- Sanford Children's Health Research Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA. Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA.
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Kinarivala N, Trippier PC. Progress in the Development of Small Molecule Therapeutics for the Treatment of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (NCLs). J Med Chem 2015; 59:4415-27. [PMID: 26565590 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a group of inherited and incurable neurodegenerative disorders primarily afflicting the pediatric population. Current treatment regimens offer only symptomatic relief and do not target the underlying cause of the disease. Although the underlying pathophysiology that drives disease progression is unknown, several small molecules have been identified with diverse mechanisms of action that provide promise for the treatment of this devastating disease. This review aims to summarize the current cellular and animal models available for the identification of potential therapeutics and presents the current state of knowledge on small molecule compounds that demonstrate in vitro and/or in vivo efficacy across the NCLs with an emphasis on targets of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nihar Kinarivala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center , Amarillo, Texas 79106, United States
| | - Paul C Trippier
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center , Amarillo, Texas 79106, United States.,Center for Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University , Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
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Kovács AD, Hof C, Pearce DA. Abnormally increased surface expression of AMPA receptors in the cerebellum, cortex and striatum of Cln3(-/-) mice. Neurosci Lett 2015; 607:29-34. [PMID: 26375929 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2015.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Revised: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the CLN3 gene cause a fatal neurodegenerative disorder, juvenile CLN3 disease. Exploring the cause of the motor coordination deficit in the Cln3(-/-) mouse model of the disease we have previously found that attenuation of AMPA receptor activity in 1-month-old Cln3(-/-) mice significantly improves their motor coordination [20]. To elucidate the mechanism of the abnormally increased AMPA receptor function in Cln3(-/-) mice, we examined the surface expression of AMPA receptors using surface cross-linking in brain slices from 1-month-old wild type (WT) and Cln3(-/-) mice. In surface cross-linked brain samples, Western blotting for AMPA receptor subunits revealed significantly increased surface levels of GluA1 and GluA2 in the cerebellum, and of GluA2 in the cortex and striatum of Cln3(-/-) mice as compared to WT mice. Expression levels of the GluA4 subunit were similar in the cerebellum of WT and Cln3(-/-) mice. While intracellular GluA1 levels in the WT and Cln3(-/-) cerebellum or cortex were similar, the intracellular expression of GluA1 in the Cln3(-/-) striatum was decreased to 56% of the WT level. Our results show a prominent increase in AMPA receptor surface expression in the brain of Cln3(-/-) mice and suggest that CLN3 is involved in the regulation of AMPA receptor surface expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila D Kovács
- Sanford Children's Health Research Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | - Caitlin Hof
- Sanford Children's Health Research Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | - David A Pearce
- Sanford Children's Health Research Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA.
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25
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Gharedaghi MH, Rahimian R, Dehpour AR, Yousefzadeh-Fard Y, Mohammadi-Farani A. Dinitrobenzene sulphonic acid-induced colitis impairs spatial recognition memory in mice: roles of N-methyl D-aspartate receptors and nitric oxide. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2015; 232:3081-90. [PMID: 25971874 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-3950-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Many peripheral diseases are associated with a decline in cognitive function. In this regard, there have been reports of patients with inflammatory bowel disease and an otherwise unexplained memory impairment. OBJECTIVES We sought to assess the memory performance of mice with colitis. We also investigated the roles of N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and nitric oxide (NO) as possible mediators of colitis-induced amnesia. METHODS To induce colitis, male NMRI mice were intrarectally injected with a solution containing dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS; 4 mg in 100 μl) under anesthesia. Three days after intrarectal DNBS instillation, spatial recognition and associative memories were assessed by the Y-maze and passive avoidance tasks, respectively. The NMDA antagonists, MK-801 and memantine, and the inducible NO synthase (iNOS) inhibitor, aminoguanidine, were injected intraperitoneally 45 min before the Y-maze task. RESULTS Induction of colitis by DNBS impaired spatial recognition memory in the Y-maze task but had no effect on step through latencies in the passive avoidance test. Colitis-induced amnesia was reversed by administering specific doses of MK-801 and memantine (30 μg/kg and 1 mg/kg, respectively) suggesting dysregulated NMDA receptor activation as an underlying mechanism. No effect was seen with lower and higher doses of these drugs, resulting in a bell-shaped dose response curve. Colitis-induced amnesia was also inhibited by aminoguanidine (50 mg/kg), implicating a role for iNOS activation and neuroinflammation in this phenomenon. CONCLUSION DNBS-induced colitis impairs memory through NMDA receptor overstimulation and NO overproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hadi Gharedaghi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, PO Box 13145-784, Tehran, Iran
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27
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Cooper JD, Tarczyluk MA, Nelvagal HR. Towards a new understanding of NCL pathogenesis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2015; 1852:2256-61. [PMID: 26026924 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2015.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Revised: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (NCLs, Batten disease) are a group of inherited neurodegenerative disorders that have been traditionally grouped together on the basis of certain shared clinical and pathological features. However, as the number of genes that appear to cause new forms of NCL continues to grow, it is timely to reassess our understanding of the pathogenesis of these disorders and what groups them together. The various NCL subtypes do indeed share features of a build-up of autofluorescent storage material, progressive neuron loss and activation of the innate immune system. The characterisation of animal models has highlighted the selective nature of neuron loss and its intimate relationship with glial activation, rather than the generalised build-up of storage material. More recent data provide evidence for the pathway-dependent nature of pathology, the contribution of glial dysfunction, and the involvement of new brain regions previously thought to be unaffected, and it is becoming apparent that pathology extends beyond the brain. These data have important implications, not just for therapy, but also for our understanding of these disorders. However, looking beneath these broadly similar pathological themes evidence emerges for marked differences in the nature and extent of these events in different forms of NCL. Indeed, given the widely different nature of the mutated gene products it is perhaps more surprising that these disorders resemble each other as much as they do. Such data raise the question whether we should rethink the collective grouping of these gene deficiencies together, or whether it would be better to consider them as separate entities. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Current Research on the Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (Batten Disease).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Cooper
- Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory (PSDL), Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, James Black Centre, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NU, UK.
| | - Marta A Tarczyluk
- Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory (PSDL), Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, James Black Centre, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Hemanth R Nelvagal
- Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory (PSDL), Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, James Black Centre, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NU, UK
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Faller KME, Gutierrez-Quintana R, Mohammed A, Rahim AA, Tuxworth RI, Wager K, Bond M. The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses: Opportunities from model systems. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2015; 1852:2267-78. [PMID: 25937302 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2015.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Revised: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses are a group of severe and progressive neurodegenerative disorders, generally with childhood onset. Despite the fact that these diseases remain fatal, significant breakthroughs have been made in our understanding of the genetics that underpin these conditions. This understanding has allowed the development of a broad range of models to study disease processes, and to develop new therapeutic approaches. Such models have contributed significantly to our knowledge of these conditions. In this review we will focus on the advantages of each individual model, describe some of the contributions the models have made to our understanding of the broader disease biology and highlight new techniques and approaches relevant to the study and potential treatment of the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: "Current Research on the Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (Batten Disease)".
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiterie M E Faller
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary, Medical and Life Sciences, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Rodrigo Gutierrez-Quintana
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary, Medical and Life Sciences, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Alamin Mohammed
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Ahad A Rahim
- UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Richard I Tuxworth
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Kim Wager
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, The Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Michael Bond
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College of London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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Burkovetskaya M, Karpuk N, Xiong J, Bosch M, Boska MD, Takeuchi H, Suzumura A, Kielian T. Evidence for aberrant astrocyte hemichannel activity in Juvenile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (JNCL). PLoS One 2014; 9:e95023. [PMID: 24736558 PMCID: PMC3988164 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 03/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Juvenile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (JNCL) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by an autosomal recessive mutation in CLN3 that leads to vision loss, progressive cognitive and motor decline, and premature death. Morphological evidence of astrocyte activation occurs early in the disease process and coincides with regions where neuronal loss eventually ensues. However, the consequences of CLN3 mutation on astrocyte function remain relatively ill-defined. Astrocytes play a critical role in CNS homeostasis, in part, by their ability to regulate the extracellular milieu via the formation of extensive syncytial networks coupled by gap junction (GJ) channels. In contrast, unopposed hemichannels (HCs) have been implicated in CNS pathology by allowing the non-discriminant passage of molecules between the intracellular and extracellular milieus. Here we examined acute brain slices from CLN3 mutant mice (CLN3Δex7/8) to determine whether CLN3 loss alters the balance of GJ and HC activity. CLN3Δex7/8 mice displayed transient increases in astrocyte HC opening at postnatal day 30 in numerous brain regions, compared to wild type (WT) animals; however, HC activity steadily decreased at postnatal days 60 and 90 in CLN3Δex7/8 astrocytes to reach levels lower than WT cells. This suggested a progressive decline in astrocyte function, which was supported by significant reductions in glutamine synthetase, GLAST, and connexin expression in CLN3Δex7/8 mice compared to WT animals. Based on the early increase in astrocyte HC activity, CLN3Δex7/8 mice were treated with the novel carbenoxolone derivative INI-0602 to inhibit HCs. Administration of INI-0602 for a one month period significantly reduced lysosomal ceroid inclusions in the brains of CLN3Δex7/8 mice compared to WT animals, which coincided with significant increases in astrocyte GJ communication and normalization of astrocyte resting membrane potential to WT levels. Collectively, these findings suggest that alterations in astrocyte communication may impact the progression of JNCL and could offer a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Burkovetskaya
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Nikolay Karpuk
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Juan Xiong
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Megan Bosch
- Departments of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Michael D. Boska
- Department of Radiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Hideyuki Takeuchi
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akio Suzumura
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tammy Kielian
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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NCL disease mechanisms. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2013; 1832:1882-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2013.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2012] [Revised: 05/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Finn R, Kovács AD, Pearce DA. Treatment of the Ppt1(-/-) mouse model of infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis with the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist memantine. J Child Neurol 2013; 28:1159-68. [PMID: 24014511 PMCID: PMC4017336 DOI: 10.1177/0883073813494480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses, a family of neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorders, represent the most common cause of pediatric-onset neurodegeneration. The infantile form has a devastatingly early onset and one of the fastest-progressing disease courses. Despite decades of research, the molecular mechanisms driving neuronal loss in infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis remain unknown. We have previously shown that N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptors in the Ppt1(-/-) mouse model of this disease exhibit a hyperfunctional phenotype and postulate that aberrant glutamatergic activity may contribute to neural pathology in both the mouse model and human patients. To test this hypothesis, we treated Ppt1(-/-) mice with the NMDA receptor antagonist memantine and assessed their response to the drug using an accelerating rotarod. At 20 mg/kg, memantine treatment induced a delayed but notable improvement in Ppt1(-/-) mice. Much remains to be assessed before moving to patient trials, but these results suggest memantine has potential as a treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rozzy Finn
- Sanford Children’s Health Research Center, Sanford Research/USD, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Attila D. Kovács
- Sanford Children’s Health Research Center, Sanford Research/USD, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - David A. Pearce
- Sanford Children’s Health Research Center, Sanford Research/USD, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine of the University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
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Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses constitute one of many groups of rare childhood diseases for which disease-modifying treatments are nonexistent. Disease-specific barriers to therapeutic success include incomplete understanding of disease pathophysiology and limitations of treatments that cannot adequately cross the blood-brain barrier to access the central nervous system. Therapeutic development in the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses shares many challenges with other rare diseases, such as incomplete understanding of natural history to inform trial design, need for alternatives to the randomized controlled clinical trial, requirement for more sensitive outcome measures to quantify disease, limited access to resources required to mount a clinical trial (including funding), and difficulties of recruiting a small sample to participation. Solutions to these barriers will require multicenter collaboration, partnership with patient organizations, training a new generation of researchers interested in rare diseases, and leveraging existing resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika F Augustine
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, NY, USA
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Use of model organisms for the study of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2013; 1832:1842-65. [PMID: 23338040 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2013.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2012] [Revised: 01/07/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses are a group of fatal progressive neurodegenerative diseases predominantly affecting children. Identification of mutations that cause neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, and subsequent functional and pathological studies of the affected genes, underpins efforts to investigate disease mechanisms and identify and test potential therapeutic strategies. These functional studies and pre-clinical trials necessitate the use of model organisms in addition to cell and tissue culture models as they enable the study of protein function within a complex organ such as the brain and the testing of therapies on a whole organism. To this end, a large number of disease models and genetic tools have been identified or created in a variety of model organisms. In this review, we will discuss the ethical issues associated with experiments using model organisms, the factors underlying the choice of model organism, the disease models and genetic tools available, and the contributions of those disease models and tools to neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis research. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses or Batten Disease.
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