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Antipova V, Heimes D, Seidel K, Schulz J, Schmitt O, Holzmann C, Rolfs A, Bidmon HJ, González de San Román Martín E, Huesgen PF, Amunts K, Keiler J, Hammer N, Witt M, Wree A. Differently increased volumes of multiple brain areas in Npc1 mutant mice following various drug treatments. Front Neuroanat 2024; 18:1430790. [PMID: 39081805 PMCID: PMC11286580 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2024.1430790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Niemann-Pick disease type C1 (NPC1, MIM 257220) is a heritable lysosomal storage disease characterized by a progressive neurological degeneration that causes disability and premature death. A murine model of Npc1-/- displays a rapidly progressing form of Npc1 disease, which is characterized by weight loss, ataxia, and increased cholesterol storage. Npc1-/- mice receiving a combined therapy (COMBI) of miglustat (MIGLU), the neurosteroid allopregnanolone (ALLO) and the cyclic oligosaccharide 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPßCD) showed prevention of Purkinje cell loss, improved motor function and reduced intracellular lipid storage. Although therapy of Npc1-/- mice with COMBI, MIGLU or HPßCD resulted in the prevention of body weight loss, reduced total brain weight was not positively influenced. Methods In order to evaluate alterations of different brain areas caused by pharmacotherapy, fresh volumes (volumes calculated from the volumes determined from paraffin embedded brain slices) of various brain structures in sham- and drug-treated wild type and mutant mice were measured using stereological methods. Results In the wild type mice, the volumes of investigated brain areas were not significantly altered by either therapy. Compared with the respective wild types, fresh volumes of specific brain areas, which were significantly reduced in sham-treated Npc1-/- mice, partly increased after the pharmacotherapies in all treatment strategies; most pronounced differences were found in the CA1 area of the hippocampus and in olfactory structures. Discussion Volumes of brain areas of Npc1-/- mice were not specifically changed in terms of functionality after administering COMBI, MIGLU, or HPßCD. Measurements of fresh volumes of brain areas in Npc1-/- mice could monitor region-specific changes and response to drug treatment that correlated, in part, with behavioral improvements in this mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Antipova
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
- Division of Macroscopic and Clinical Anatomy, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Diana Heimes
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Katharina Seidel
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
- Klinik für Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe, Dietrich-Bonhoeffer-Klinikum, Neubrandenburg, Germany
| | - Jennifer Schulz
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Oliver Schmitt
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School Hamburg, University of Applied Sciences and Medical University, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carsten Holzmann
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
- Centre of Transdisciplinary Neuroscience Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Arndt Rolfs
- Medical Faculty, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Hans-Jürgen Bidmon
- Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine, Structural and Functional Organisation of the Brain (INM-1), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Central Institute of Engineering, Electronics and Analytics, ZEA-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | | | - Pitter F. Huesgen
- Central Institute of Engineering, Electronics and Analytics, ZEA-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Institut für Biologie II, AG Funktional Proteomics, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katrin Amunts
- Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine, Structural and Functional Organisation of the Brain (INM-1), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- C. and O. Vogt Institute for Brain Research, University Hospital Düsseldorf, University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jonas Keiler
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Niels Hammer
- Division of Macroscopic and Clinical Anatomy, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Division of Biomechatronics, Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Witt
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Anatomy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biostructural Basics of Medical Sciences, Poznan Medical University, Poznan, Poland
| | - Andreas Wree
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
- Centre of Transdisciplinary Neuroscience Rostock, Rostock, Germany
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2
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Hammerschmidt TG, Donida B, Raabe M, Faverzani JL, de Fátima Lopes F, Machado AZ, Kessler RG, Reinhardt LS, Poletto F, Moura DJ, Vargas CR. Evidence of redox imbalance and mitochondrial dysfunction in Niemann-Pick type C 1 patients: the in vitro effect of combined therapy with antioxidants and β-cyclodextrin nanoparticles. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:507-518. [PMID: 36447062 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-022-01128-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Niemann-Pick C disease (NPC) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder resulting from mutation in one of two cholesterol transport genes: NPC1 or NPC2, causing accumulation of unesterified cholesterol, together with glycosphingolipids, within the endosomal/lysosomal compartment of cells. The result is a severe disease in both multiple peripheral organs and the central nervous system, causing neurodegeneration and early death. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms of NPC1 remain poorly understood. Recent studies have shown that the primary lysosomal defect found in fibroblasts from NPC1 patients is accompanied by a deregulation of mitochondrial organization and function. There is currently no cure for NPC1, but recently the potential of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) for the treatment of the disease was discovered, which resulted in the redistribution of cholesterol from subcellular compartments to the circulation and increased longevity in an animal model of NPC1. Considering the above, the present work evaluated the in vitro therapeutic potential of β-CD to reduce cholesterol in fibroblasts from NPC1 patients. β-CD was used in its free and nanoparticulate form. We also evaluated the β-CD potential to restore mitochondrial functions, as well as the beneficial combined effects of treatment with antioxidants N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Besides, we evaluated oxidative and nitrative stress parameters in NPC1 patients. We showed that oxidative and nitrative stress could contribute to the pathophysiology of NPC1, as the levels of lipoperoxidation and the nitrite and nitrate levels were increased in these patients when compared to healthy individuals, as well as DNA damage. The nanoparticles containing β-CD reduced the cholesterol accumulated in the NPC1 fibroblasts. This result was potentiated by the concomitant use of the nanoparticles with the antioxidants NAC and CoQ10 compared to those presented by healthy individuals cells ́. In addition, treatments combining β-CD nanoparticles and antioxidants could reduce mitochondrial oxidative stress, demonstrating advantages compared to free β-CD. The results obtained are promising regarding the combined use of β-CD loaded nanoparticles and antioxidants in the treatment of NPC1 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruna Donida
- Grupo Hospitalar Conceição, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marco Raabe
- Laboratório de Genética Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Lamberty Faverzani
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Franciele de Fátima Lopes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Serviço de Genética Médica, HCPA, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Andryele Z Machado
- Serviço de Genética Médica, HCPA, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Rejane G Kessler
- Serviço de Genética Médica, HCPA, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Luiza S Reinhardt
- Laboratório de Genética Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research, Innovation and Translation, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Fernanda Poletto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Dinara J Moura
- Laboratório de Genética Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Carmen R Vargas
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
- Serviço de Genética Médica, HCPA, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 90035-003, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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Schiavo A, Martins LA, Wearick-Silva LE, Orso R, Xavier LL, Mestriner RG. Can anxiety-like behavior and spatial memory predict the extremes of skilled walking performance in mice? An exploratory, preliminary study. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1059029. [PMID: 36926582 PMCID: PMC10011164 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1059029] [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: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Skilled walking is influenced by memory, stress, and anxiety. While this is evident in cases of neurological disorders, memory, and anxiety traits may predict skilled walking performance even in normal functioning. Here, we address whether spatial memory and anxiety-like behavior can predict skilled walking performance in mice. Methods A cohort of 60 adult mice underwent a behavioral assessment including general exploration (open field), anxiety-like behavior (elevated plus maze), working and spatial memory (Y-maze and Barnes maze), and skilled walking performance (ladder walking test). Three groups were established based on their skilled walking performance: superior (SP, percentiles ≥75), regular (RP, percentiles 74-26), and inferior (IP, percentiles ≤25) performers. Results Animals from the SP and IP groups spent more time in the elevated plus maze closed arms compared to the RP group. With every second spent in the elevated plus maze closed arms, the probability of the animal exhibiting extreme percentiles in the ladder walking test increased by 1.4%. Moreover, animals that spent 219 s (73% of the total time of the test) or more in those arms were 4.67 times more likely to exhibit either higher or lower percentiles of skilled walking performance. Discussion We discuss and conclude anxiety traits may influence skilled walking performance in facility-reared mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniuska Schiavo
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Neuroplasticity and Rehabilitation Research Group (NEUROPLAR), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Lucas Athaydes Martins
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Neuroplasticity and Rehabilitation Research Group (NEUROPLAR), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Luís Eduardo Wearick-Silva
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab (DCNL), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Orso
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab (DCNL), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Léder Leal Xavier
- Neuroplasticity and Rehabilitation Research Group (NEUROPLAR), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Régis Gemerasca Mestriner
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Neuroplasticity and Rehabilitation Research Group (NEUROPLAR), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Organ Weights in NPC1 Mutant Mice Partly Normalized by Various Pharmacological Treatment Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010573. [PMID: 36614015 PMCID: PMC9820376 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick Type C1 (NPC1, MIM 257220) is a rare, progressive, lethal, inherited autosomal-recessive endolysosomal storage disease caused by mutations in the NPC1 leading to intracellular lipid storage. We analyzed mostly not jet known alterations of the weights of 14 different organs in the BALB/cNctr-Npc1m1N/-J Jackson Npc1 mice in female and male Npc1+/+ and Npc1-/- mice under various treatment strategies. Mice were treated with (i) no therapy, (ii) vehicle injection, (iii) a combination of miglustat, allopregnanolone, and 2-hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin (HPßCD), (iv) miglustat, and (v) HPßCD alone starting at P7 and repeated weekly throughout life. The 12 respective male and female wild-type mice groups were evaluated in parallel. In total, 351 mice (176 Npc1+/+, 175 Npc1-/-) were dissected at P65. In both sexes, the body weights of None and Sham Npc1-/- mice were lower than those of respective Npc1+/+ mice. The influence of the Npc1 mutation and/or sex on the weights of various organs, however, differed considerably. In males, Npc1+/+ and Npc1-/- mice had comparable absolute weights of lungs, spleen, and adrenal glands. In Npc1-/- mice, smaller weights of hearts, livers, kidneys, testes, vesicular, and scent glands were found. In female Npc1-/- mice, ovaries, and uteri were significantly smaller. In Npc1-/- mice, relative organ weights, i.e., normalized with body weights, were sex-specifically altered to different extents by the different therapies. The combination of miglustat, allopregnanolone, and the sterol chelator HPßCD partly normalized the weights of more organs than miglustat or HPßCD mono-therapies.
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5
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Ishitsuka Y, Irie T, Matsuo M. Cyclodextrins applied to the treatment of lysosomal storage disorders. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 191:114617. [PMID: 36356931 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cyclodextrin (CD), a cyclic oligosaccharide, is a pharmaceutical additive that improves the solubility of hydrophobic compounds. Recent research has focused on the potential active pharmaceutical abilities of CD. Lysosomal storage diseases are inherited metabolic diseases characterized by lysosomal dysfunction and abnormal lipid storage. Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is caused by mutations in cholesterol transporter genes (NPC1, NPC2) and is characterized by cholesterol accumulation in lysosomes. A biocompatible cholesterol solubilizer 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) was recently used in NPC patients for compassionate use and in clinical trials. HP-β-CD is an attractive drug candidate for NPC; however, its adverse effects, such as ototoxicity, should be solved. In this review, we discuss the current use of HP-β-CD in basic and clinical research and discuss alternative CD derivatives that may outperform HP-β-CD, which should be considered for clinical use. The potential of CD therapy for the treatment of other lysosomal storage diseases is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoichi Ishitsuka
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Informatics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan.
| | - Tetsumi Irie
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Informatics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan; Department of Pharmaceutical Packaging Technology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
| | - Muneaki Matsuo
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, 5-1-1, Nabeshima, Saga 849-8501, Japan
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Diviccaro S, Cioffi L, Falvo E, Giatti S, Melcangi RC. Allopregnanolone: An overview on its synthesis and effects. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e12996. [PMID: 34189791 PMCID: PMC9285581 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Allopregnanolone, a 3α,5α-progesterone metabolite, acts as a potent allosteric modulator of the γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor. In the present review, the synthesis of this neuroactive steroid occurring in the nervous system is discussed with respect to physiological and pathological conditions. In addition, its physiological and neuroprotective effects are also reported. Interestingly, the levels of this neuroactive steroid, as well as its effects, are sex-dimorphic, suggesting a possible gender medicine based on this neuroactive steroid for neurological disorders. However, allopregnanolone presents low bioavailability and extensive hepatic metabolism, limiting its use as a drug. Therefore, synthetic analogues or a different therapeutic strategy able to increase allopregnanolone levels have been proposed to overcome any pharmacokinetic issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Lucia Cioffi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Eva Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
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7
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Holzmann C, Witt M, Rolfs A, Antipova V, Wree A. Gender-Specific Effects of Two Treatment Strategies in a Mouse Model of Niemann-Pick Disease Type C1. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052539. [PMID: 33802605 PMCID: PMC7962008 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In a mouse model of Niemann-Pick disease type C1 (NPC1), a combination therapy (COMBI) of miglustat (MIGLU), the neurosteroid allopregnanolone (ALLO) and the cyclic oligosaccharide 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPßCD) has previously resulted in, among other things, significantly improved motor function. The present study was designed to compare the therapeutic effects of the COMBI therapy with that of MIGLU or HPßCD alone on body and brain weight and the behavior of NPC1−/− mice in a larger cohort, with special reference to gender differences. A total of 117 NPC1−/− and 123 NPC1+/+ mice underwent either COMBI, MIGLU only, HPßCD only, or vehicle treatment (Sham), or received no treatment at all (None). In male and female NPC1−/− mice, all treatments led to decreased loss of body weight and, partly, brain weight. Concerning motor coordination, as revealed by the accelerod test, male NPC1−/− mice benefited from COMBI treatment, whereas female mice benefited from COMBI, MIGLU, and HPßCD treatment. As seen in the open field test, the reduced locomotor activity of male and female NPC1−/− mice was not significantly ameliorated in either treatment group. Our results suggest that in NPC1−/− mice, each drug treatment scheme had a beneficial effect on at least some of the parameters evaluated compared with Sham-treated mice. Only in COMBI-treated male and female NPC+/+ mice were drug effects seen in reduced body and brain weights. Upon COMBI treatment, the increased dosage of drugs necessary for anesthesia in Sham-treated male and female NPC1−/− mice was almost completely reduced only in the female groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Holzmann
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Rostock University Medical Center, D-18057 Rostock, Germany;
- Centre of Transdisciplinary Neuroscience Rostock, D-18147 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Martin Witt
- Centre of Transdisciplinary Neuroscience Rostock, D-18147 Rostock, Germany;
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, D-18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Arndt Rolfs
- Centogene AG, Rostock, Am Strande 7, 18055 Rostock, Germany;
- University of Rostock, 18055 Rostock, Germany
| | - Veronica Antipova
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, D-18057 Rostock, Germany;
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Macroscopic and Clinical Anatomy, Medical University of Graz, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Wree
- Centre of Transdisciplinary Neuroscience Rostock, D-18147 Rostock, Germany;
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, D-18057 Rostock, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-381-494-8429
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Kurokawa Y, Osaka H, Kouga T, Jimbo E, Muramatsu K, Nakamura S, Takayanagi Y, Onaka T, Muramatsu SI, Yamagata T. Gene Therapy in a Mouse Model of Niemann-Pick Disease Type C1. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:589-598. [PMID: 33256498 PMCID: PMC8236559 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Niemann–Pick disease type C1 (NPC1) is a fatal congenital neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the NPC1 gene, which is involved in cholesterol transport in lysosomes. Broad clinical manifestations of NPC1 include liver failure, pulmonary disorder, neurological deficits, and psychiatric symptoms. The main cause of death in NPC1 patients involves central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction; there is no essential treatment. We generated a tyrosine-mutant adeno-associated virus (AAV) 9/3 vector that expresses human NPC1 under a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter (AAV-CMV-hNPC1) and injected it into the left lateral ventricle (5 μL) and cisterna magna (10 μL) of Npc1 homo-knockout (Npc1−/−) mice. Each mouse received total 1.35 × 1011 vector genome on days 4 or 5 of life. AAV-treated Npc1−/− mice (n = 11) had an average survival of >28 weeks, while all saline-treated Npc1−/− mice (n = 11) and untreated Npc1−/− mice (n = 6) died within 16 weeks. Saline-treated and untreated Npc1−/− mice lost body weight from 7 weeks until death. However, the average body weight of AAV-treated Npc1−/− mice increased until 15 weeks. AAV-treated Npc1−/− mice also showed a significant improvement in the rotarod test performance. A pathological analysis at 11 weeks showed that cerebellar Purkinje cells were preserved in AAV-treated Npc1−/− mice. In contrast, untreated Npc1−/− mice showed an almost total loss of cerebellar Purkinje cells. Combined injection into both the lateral ventricle and cisterna magna achieved broader delivery of the vector to the CNS, leading to better outcomes than noted in previous reports, with injection into the lateral ventricles or veins alone. In AAV-treated Npc1−/− mice, vector genome DNA was detected widely in the CNS and liver. Human NPC1 RNA was detected in the brain, liver, lung, and heart. Accumulated unesterified cholesterol in the liver was reduced in the AAV-treated Npc1−/− mice. Our results suggest the feasibility of gene therapy for patients with NPC1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshie Kurokawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Osaka
- Department of Pediatrics, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kouga
- Department of Pediatrics, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Eriko Jimbo
- Department of Pediatrics, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | | | - Sachie Nakamura
- Department of Pediatrics, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yuki Takayanagi
- Division of Brain and Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Tatsushi Onaka
- Division of Brain and Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Muramatsu
- Division of Neurological Gene Therapy, Center for Open Innovation, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan.,Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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9
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Gläser A, Hammerl F, Gräler MH, Coldewey SM, Völkner C, Frech MJ, Yang F, Luo J, Tönnies E, von Bohlen und Halbach O, Brandt N, Heimes D, Neßlauer AM, Korenke GC, Owczarek-Lipska M, Neidhardt J, Rolfs A, Wree A, Witt M, Bräuer AU. Identification of Brain-Specific Treatment Effects in NPC1 Disease by Focusing on Cellular and Molecular Changes of Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Metabolism. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124502. [PMID: 32599915 PMCID: PMC7352403 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick type C1 (NPC1) is a lysosomal storage disorder, inherited as an autosomal-recessive trait. Mutations in the Npc1 gene result in malfunction of the NPC1 protein, leading to an accumulation of unesterified cholesterol and glycosphingolipids. Beside visceral symptoms like hepatosplenomegaly, severe neurological symptoms such as ataxia occur. Here, we analyzed the sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)/S1P receptor (S1PR) axis in different brain regions of Npc1-/- mice and evaluated specific effects of treatment with 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) together with the iminosugar miglustat. Using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), mass spectrometry, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot analyses, we studied lipid metabolism in an NPC1 mouse model and human skin fibroblasts. Lipid analyses showed disrupted S1P metabolism in Npc1-/- mice in all brain regions, together with distinct changes in S1pr3/S1PR3 and S1pr5/S1PR5 expression. Brains of Npc1-/- mice showed only weak treatment effects. However, side effects of the treatment were observed in Npc1+/+ mice. The S1P/S1PR axis seems to be involved in NPC1 pathology, showing only weak treatment effects in mouse brain. S1pr expression appears to be affected in human fibroblasts, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived neural progenitor and neuronal differentiated cells. Nevertheless, treatment-induced side effects make examination of further treatment strategies indispensable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Gläser
- Research Group Anatomy, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany; (A.G.); (F.H.); (N.B.)
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (D.H.); (A.-M.N.); (A.W.); (M.W.)
| | - Franziska Hammerl
- Research Group Anatomy, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany; (A.G.); (F.H.); (N.B.)
| | - Markus H. Gräler
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Center for Molecular Biomedicine (CMB), Jena University Hospital, 07745 Jena, Germany;
| | - Sina M. Coldewey
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Septomics Research Center, Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany;
| | - Christin Völkner
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany; (C.V.); (M.J.F.); (F.Y.); (J.L.)
| | - Moritz J. Frech
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany; (C.V.); (M.J.F.); (F.Y.); (J.L.)
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock (CTNR), Rostock University Medical Center, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Fan Yang
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany; (C.V.); (M.J.F.); (F.Y.); (J.L.)
| | - Jiankai Luo
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany; (C.V.); (M.J.F.); (F.Y.); (J.L.)
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock (CTNR), Rostock University Medical Center, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Eric Tönnies
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medicine Greifswald, 17487 Greifswald, Germany; (E.T.); (O.v.B.u.H.)
| | - Oliver von Bohlen und Halbach
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medicine Greifswald, 17487 Greifswald, Germany; (E.T.); (O.v.B.u.H.)
| | - Nicola Brandt
- Research Group Anatomy, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany; (A.G.); (F.H.); (N.B.)
| | - Diana Heimes
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (D.H.); (A.-M.N.); (A.W.); (M.W.)
| | - Anna-Maria Neßlauer
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (D.H.); (A.-M.N.); (A.W.); (M.W.)
| | | | - Marta Owczarek-Lipska
- Human Genetics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany; (M.O.-L.); (J.N.)
- Junior Research Group, Genetics of childhood brain malformations, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - John Neidhardt
- Human Genetics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany; (M.O.-L.); (J.N.)
- Research Center for Neurosensory Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg,26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Wree
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (D.H.); (A.-M.N.); (A.W.); (M.W.)
| | - Martin Witt
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (D.H.); (A.-M.N.); (A.W.); (M.W.)
| | - Anja Ursula Bräuer
- Research Group Anatomy, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany; (A.G.); (F.H.); (N.B.)
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (D.H.); (A.-M.N.); (A.W.); (M.W.)
- Research Center for Neurosensory Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg,26129 Oldenburg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-441-798-3995
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10
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Favret JM, Weinstock NI, Feltri ML, Shin D. Pre-clinical Mouse Models of Neurodegenerative Lysosomal Storage Diseases. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:57. [PMID: 32351971 PMCID: PMC7174556 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There are over 50 lysosomal hydrolase deficiencies, many of which cause neurodegeneration, cognitive decline and death. In recent years, a number of broad innovative therapies have been proposed and investigated for lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs), such as enzyme replacement, substrate reduction, pharmacologic chaperones, stem cell transplantation, and various forms of gene therapy. Murine models that accurately reflect the phenotypes observed in human LSDs are critical for the development, assessment and implementation of novel translational therapies. The goal of this review is to summarize the neurodegenerative murine LSD models available that recapitulate human disease, and the pre-clinical studies previously conducted. We also describe some limitations and difficulties in working with mouse models of neurodegenerative LSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Daesung Shin
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
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11
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Bräuer AU, Kuhla A, Holzmann C, Wree A, Witt M. Current Challenges in Understanding the Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms in Niemann-Pick Disease Type C1. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20184392. [PMID: 31500175 PMCID: PMC6771135 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rare diseases are a heterogeneous group of very different clinical syndromes. Their most common causes are defects in the hereditary material, and they can therefore be passed on to descendants. Rare diseases become manifest in almost all organs and often have a systemic expressivity, i.e., they affect several organs simultaneously. An effective causal therapy is often not available and can only be developed when the underlying causes of the disease are understood. In this review, we focus on Niemann–Pick disease type C1 (NPC1), which is a rare lipid-storage disorder. Lipids, in particular phospholipids, are a major component of the cell membrane and play important roles in cellular functions, such as extracellular receptor signaling, intracellular second messengers and cellular pressure regulation. An excessive storage of fats, as seen in NPC1, can cause permanent damage to cells and tissues in the brain and peripheral nervous system, but also in other parts of the body. Here, we summarize the impact of NPC1 pathology on several organ systems, as revealed in experimental animal models and humans, and give an overview of current available treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja U Bräuer
- Research Group Anatomy, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, D-26129 Oldenburg, Germany.
- Research Center for Neurosensory Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, D-26129 Oldenburg, Germany.
| | - Angela Kuhla
- Institute for Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, Schillingallee 69a, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
- Center of Transdisciplinary Neuroscience Rostock, D-18147 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Carsten Holzmann
- Center of Transdisciplinary Neuroscience Rostock, D-18147 Rostock, Germany.
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Rostock University Medical Center, D-18057 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Andreas Wree
- Center of Transdisciplinary Neuroscience Rostock, D-18147 Rostock, Germany.
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, D-18057 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Martin Witt
- Center of Transdisciplinary Neuroscience Rostock, D-18147 Rostock, Germany.
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, D-18057 Rostock, Germany.
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12
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Jeong MS, Bae JS, Jin HK. Vascular endothelial growth factor improves the therapeutic effects of cyclodextrin in Niemann-Pick type C mice. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2019; 23:346-354. [PMID: 31700700 PMCID: PMC6830204 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2019.1651768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick type C disease (NP-C) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by a deficiency in the function of the NPC1 gene. Malfunction of this gene/protein leads to progressive accumulation of unesterified cholesterol and sphingolipids in many organs, including the brain. To date, drugs that target pivotal stages in the pathogenic cascade have been tested as monotherapies or in combination with a second agent, showing additive benefits. In this study, we have investigated the effects of combining centrally and systemically administered therapies in a mouse model of NP-C, i.e. overexpression of brain-specific vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in combination with systemic administration of 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (CD). We found that animals treated using a combination of VEGF and CD showed an improvement in pathophysiology compared to those treated with CD alone or brain VEGF overexpression alone, or non-treated NP-C mice. Combination therapy increased the time period over which NP-C mice maintained their body-weight and motor function, and decreased the abnormal accumulation of lipids. In addition, combination therapy delayed the onset of Purkinje cell loss and reduced neuroinflammation. Taken together, our results demonstrate that combination therapy using VEGF and CD is a promising therapeutic modality for treating NP-C, and suggest that it represents a potential strategy for the treatment of diseases that cause both visceral and brain pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Seock Jeong
- KNU Alzheimer's disease Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea.,Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Jae-Sung Bae
- KNU Alzheimer's disease Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea.,Department of Physiology, Cell and Matrix Research Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea.,Department of Biomedical Science, BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Hee Kyung Jin
- KNU Alzheimer's disease Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea.,Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
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13
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Park MH, Choi BJ, Jeong MS, Lee JY, Jung IK, Park KH, Lee HW, Yamaguchi T, Marti HH, Lee BH, Schuchman EH, Jin HK, Bae JS. Characterization of the Subventricular-Thalamo-Cortical Circuit in the NP-C Mouse Brain, and New Insights Regarding Treatment. Mol Ther 2019; 27:1507-1526. [PMID: 31138511 PMCID: PMC6697385 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliosis in Niemann-Pick type C (NP-C) disease is characterized by marked changes in microglia and astrocytes. However, the gliosis onset and progression in NP-C has not been systematically studied, nor has the mechanism underlying this finding. Here, we found early gliosis in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of NP-C mice. Neural progenitor damage by Npc1 mutation suppressed vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and further induced microglia activation followed by astrogliosis. Interestingly, excessive astrogliosis in the SVZ induced neural progenitor retention and/or migration into thalamus via astrocyte-derived VEGF, resulting in acceleration of thalamic and cortical gliosis through thalamo-cortical pathways. Transplantation of VEGF-overexpressing neural stem cells into the SVZ improved whole-brain pathology of NP-C mice. Overall, our data provide a new pathological perspective on NP-C neural pathology, revealing abnormalities in the subventricular-thalamo-cortical circuit of NP-C mouse brain and highlighting the importance of the SVZ microenvironment as a therapeutic target for NP-C disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Hee Park
- KNU Alzheimer's disease Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea; Department of Physiology, Cell and Matrix Research Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea; Department of Biomedical Science, BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Byung Jo Choi
- KNU Alzheimer's disease Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea; Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Min Seock Jeong
- KNU Alzheimer's disease Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea; Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Ju Youn Lee
- KNU Alzheimer's disease Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea; Department of Physiology, Cell and Matrix Research Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea; Department of Biomedical Science, BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - In Kyung Jung
- KNU Alzheimer's disease Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea; Department of Physiology, Cell and Matrix Research Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea; Department of Biomedical Science, BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Kang Ho Park
- KNU Alzheimer's disease Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea; Department of Physiology, Cell and Matrix Research Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea; Department of Biomedical Science, BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Hye Won Lee
- Department of Physiology, Cell and Matrix Research Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea; Department of Biomedical Science, BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Tomoyuki Yamaguchi
- Division of Stem Cell Therapy, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hugo H Marti
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Beom Hee Lee
- Medical Genetics Center, Asan Medical Center, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul, Korea
| | - Edward H Schuchman
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hee Kyung Jin
- KNU Alzheimer's disease Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea; Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea.
| | - Jae-Sung Bae
- KNU Alzheimer's disease Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea; Department of Physiology, Cell and Matrix Research Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea; Department of Biomedical Science, BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea.
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14
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Houben T, Magro Dos Reis I, Oligschlaeger Y, Steinbusch H, Gijbels MJJ, Hendrikx T, Binder CJ, Cassiman D, Westerterp M, Prickaerts J, Shiri-Sverdlov R. Pneumococcal Immunization Reduces Neurological and Hepatic Symptoms in a Mouse Model for Niemann-Pick Type C1 Disease. Front Immunol 2019; 9:3089. [PMID: 30666257 PMCID: PMC6330339 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.03089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick type C1 (NPC1) disease is caused by a deleterious mutation in the Npc1 gene, causing lysosomal accumulation of unesterified cholesterol and sphingolipids. Consequently, NPC1 disease patients suffer from severe neurovisceral symptoms which, in the absence of effective treatments, result in premature death. NPC1 disease patients display increased plasma levels of cholesterol oxidation products such as those enriched in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), a pro-inflammatory mediator. While it has been shown that inflammation precedes and exacerbates symptom severity in NPC1 disease, it is unclear whether oxLDL contributes to NPC1 disease progression. In this study, we investigated the effects of increasing anti-oxLDL IgM autoantibodies on systemic and neurological symptoms in an NPC1 disease mouse model. For this purpose, Npc1nih mice were immunized with heat-inactivated S. pneumoniae, an immunogen which elicits an IgM autoantibody-mediated immune response against oxLDL. Npc1nih mice injected with heat-inactivated pneumococci displayed an improved hepatic phenotype, including liver lipid accumulation and inflammation. In addition, regression of motor skills was delayed in immunized Npc1nih. In line with these results, brain analyses showed an improved cerebellar phenotype and neuroinflammation in comparison with control-treated subjects. This study highlights the potential of the pneumococcal immunization as a novel therapeutical approach in NPC1 disease. Future research should investigate whether implementation of this therapy can improve life span and quality of life of NPC1 disease patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Houben
- Department of Molecular Genetics, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Inês Magro Dos Reis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Yvonne Oligschlaeger
- Department of Molecular Genetics, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Hellen Steinbusch
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Marion J J Gijbels
- Department of Molecular Genetics, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Tim Hendrikx
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Center for Molecular Medicine, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph J Binder
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Center for Molecular Medicine, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Cassiman
- Liver Research Unit, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology and Metabolic Center, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marit Westerterp
- Section Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Jos Prickaerts
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ronit Shiri-Sverdlov
- Department of Molecular Genetics, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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15
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Witt M, Thiemer R, Meyer A, Schmitt O, Wree A. Main Olfactory and Vomeronasal Epithelium Are Differently Affected in Niemann-Pick Disease Type C1. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113563. [PMID: 30424529 PMCID: PMC6274921 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Olfactory impairment is one of the earliest symptoms in neurodegenerative disorders that has also been documented in Niemann-Pick disease type C1 (NPC1). NPC1 is a very rare, neurovisceral lipid storage disorder, characterized by a deficiency of Npc1 gene function that leads to progressive neurodegeneration. Here, we compared the pathologic effect of defective Npc1 gene on the vomeronasal neuroepithelium (VNE) with that of the olfactory epithelium (OE) in an NPC1 mouse model. METHODS Proliferation in the VNE and OE was assessed by applying a bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) protocol. We further compared the immunoreactivities of anti-olfactory marker protein (OMP), and the lysosomal marker cathepsin-D in both epithelia. To investigate if degenerative effects of both olfactory systems can be prevented or reversed, some animals were treated with a combination of miglustat/allopregnanolone/2-hydroxypropyl-cyclodextrin (HPβCD), or a monotherapy with HPβCD alone. RESULTS Using BrdU to label dividing cells of the VNE, we detected a proliferation increase of 215% ± 12% in Npc1-/- mice, and 270% ± 10% in combination- treated Npc1-/- animals. The monotherapy with HPβCD led to an increase of 261% ± 10.5% compared to sham-treated Npc1-/- mice. Similar to the OE, we assessed the high regenerative potential of vomeronasal progenitor cells. OMP reactivity in the VNE of Npc1-/- mice was not affected, in contrast to that observed in the OE. Concomitantly, cathepsin-D reactivity in the VNE was virtually absent. Conclusion: Vomeronasal receptor neurons are less susceptible against NPC1 pathology than olfactory receptor neurons. Compared to control mice, however, the VNE of Npc1-/- mice displays an increased neuroregenerative potential, indicating compensatory cell renewal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Witt
- Department of Anatomy, University of Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
| | - René Thiemer
- Department of Anatomy, University of Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Anja Meyer
- Department of Anatomy, University of Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Oliver Schmitt
- Department of Anatomy, University of Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Andreas Wree
- Department of Anatomy, University of Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
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16
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Park MH, Lee JY, Jeong MS, Jang HS, Endo S, Bae JS, Jin HK. The role of Purkinje cell-derived VEGF in cerebellar astrogliosis in Niemann-Pick type C mice. BMB Rep 2018; 51:79-84. [PMID: 29397865 PMCID: PMC5836561 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2018.51.2.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick type C disease (NP-C) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by a deficiency of NPC1 gene function, which leads to severe neuroinflammation such as astrogliosis. While reports demonstrating neuroinflammation are prevalent in NP-C, information about the onset and progression of cerebellar astrogliosis in this disorder is lacking. Using gene targeting, we generated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) conditional null mutant mice. Deletion of VEGF in cerebellar Purkinje neurons (PNs) led to a significant increase of astrogliosis in the brain of NP-C mice in addition to the loss of PNs, suggesting PN-derived VEGF as an important factor in NP-C pathology. Moreover, replenishment of VEGF in neurons improved brain pathology in NP-C mice. Overall, our data provide a new pathological perspective on cerebellar astrogliosis in NP-C and suggest the importance of VEGF as a therapeutic target for this disease. [BMB Reports 2018; 51(2): 79-84].
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Hee Park
- Stem Cell Neuroplasticity Research Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566; Department of Physiology, Cell and Matrix Research Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944; Department of Biomedical Science, BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Korea
| | - Ju Youn Lee
- Stem Cell Neuroplasticity Research Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566; Department of Physiology, Cell and Matrix Research Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944; Department of Biomedical Science, BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Korea
| | - Min Seock Jeong
- Stem Cell Neuroplasticity Research Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566; Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Hyung Sup Jang
- Stem Cell Neuroplasticity Research Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566; Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Shogo Endo
- Aging Neuroscience Research Team, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan
| | - Jae-Sung Bae
- Stem Cell Neuroplasticity Research Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566; Department of Physiology, Cell and Matrix Research Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944; Department of Biomedical Science, BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Korea
| | - Hee Kyung Jin
- Stem Cell Neuroplasticity Research Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566; Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
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17
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Meyer A, Gläser A, Bräuer AU, Wree A, Strotmann J, Rolfs A, Witt M. Olfactory Performance as an Indicator for Protective Treatment Effects in an Animal Model of Neurodegeneration. Front Integr Neurosci 2018; 12:35. [PMID: 30154701 PMCID: PMC6102364 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2018.00035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Neurodegenerative diseases are often accompanied by olfactory deficits. Here we use a rare neurovisceral lipid storage disorder, Niemann–Pick disease C1 (NPC1), to illustrate disease-specific dynamics of olfactory dysfunction and its reaction upon therapy. Previous findings in a transgenic mouse model (NPC1-/-) showed severe morphological and electrophysiological alterations of the olfactory epithelium (OE) and the olfactory bulb (OB) that ameliorated under therapy with combined 2-hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin (HPßCD)/allopregnanolone/miglustat or HPßCD alone. Methods: A buried pellet test was conducted to assess olfactory performance. qPCR for olfactory key markers and several olfactory receptors was applied to determine if their expression was changed under treatment conditions. In order to investigate the cell dynamics of the OB, we determined proliferative and apoptotic activities using a bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) protocol and caspase-3 (cas-3) activity. Further, we performed immunohistochemistry and western blotting for microglia (Iba1), astroglia (GFAP) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Results: The buried pellet test revealed a significant olfactory deterioration in NPC1-/- mice, which reverted to normal levels after treatment. At the OE level, mRNA for olfactory markers showed no changes; the mRNA level of classical olfactory receptor (ORs) was unaltered, that of unique ORs was reduced. In the OB of untreated NPC1-/- mice, BrdU and cas-3 data showed increased proliferation and apoptotic activity, respectively. At the protein level, Iba1 and GFAP in the OB indicated increased microgliosis and astrogliosis, which was prevented by treatment. Conclusion: Due to the unique plasticity especially of peripheral olfactory components the results show a successful treatment in NPC1 condition with respect to normalization of olfaction. Unchanged mRNA levels for olfactory marker protein and distinct olfactory receptors indicate no effects in the OE in NPC1-/- mice. Olfactory deficits are thus likely due to central deficits at the level of the OB. Further studies are needed to examine if olfactory performance can also be changed at a later onset and interrupted treatment of the disease. Taken together, our results demonstrate that olfactory testing in patients with NPC1 may be successfully used as a biomarker during the monitoring of the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Meyer
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Anne Gläser
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany.,Research Group Anatomy, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Anja U Bräuer
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany.,Research Group Anatomy, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.,Research Center for Neurosensory Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Wree
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Jörg Strotmann
- Institute of Physiology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Arndt Rolfs
- Albrecht-Kossel-Institute for Neuroregeneration, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Martin Witt
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
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18
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Ebner L, Gläser A, Bräuer A, Witt M, Wree A, Rolfs A, Frank M, Vollmar B, Kuhla A. Evaluation of Two Liver Treatment Strategies in a Mouse Model of Niemann-Pick-Disease Type C1. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19040972. [PMID: 29587349 PMCID: PMC5979582 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19040972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Niemann–Pick-disease type C1 (NPC1) is an autosomal-recessive cholesterol-storage disorder. Besides other symptoms, NPC1 patients develop liver dysfunction and hepatosplenomegaly. The mechanisms of hepatomegaly and alterations of lipid metabolism-related genes in NPC1 disease are still poorly understood. Here, we used an NPC1 mouse model to study an additive hepatoprotective effect of a combination of 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD), miglustat and allopregnanolone (combination therapy) with the previously established monotherapy using HPβCD. We examined transgene effects as well as treatment effects on liver morphology and hepatic lipid metabolism, focusing on hepatic cholesterol transporter genes. Livers of Npc1−/− mice showed hepatic cholesterol sequestration with consecutive liver injury, an increase of lipogenetic gene expression, e.g., HMG-CoA, a decrease of lipolytic gene expression, e.g., pparα and acox1, and a decrease of lipid transporter gene expression, e.g., acat1, abca1 and fatp2. Both, combination therapy and monotherapy, led to a reduction of hepatic lipids and an amelioration of NPC1 liver disease symptoms. Monotherapy effects were related to pparα- and acox1-associated lipolysis/β-oxidation and to fatp2-induced fatty acid transport, whereas the combination therapy additionally increased the cholesterol transport via abca1 and apoE. However, HPβCD monotherapy additionally increased cholesterol synthesis as indicated by a marked increase of the HMG-CoA and srebp-2 mRNA expression, probably as a result of increased hepatocellular proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Ebner
- Institute for Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, Schillingallee 69a, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Anne Gläser
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Gertrudenstraße 9, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Anja Bräuer
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Gertrudenstraße 9, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Martin Witt
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Gertrudenstraße 9, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Andreas Wree
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Gertrudenstraße 9, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Arndt Rolfs
- Albrecht Kossel Institute for Neuroregeneration, Rostock University Medical Center, Gehlsheimer Straße 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Marcus Frank
- Medical Biology and Electron Microscopy Center, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Brigitte Vollmar
- Institute for Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, Schillingallee 69a, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Angela Kuhla
- Institute for Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, Schillingallee 69a, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
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19
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Ferrante A, Pezzola A, Matteucci A, Di Biase A, Attorri L, Armida M, Martire A, Chern Y, Popoli P. The adenosine A 2A receptor agonist T1-11 ameliorates neurovisceral symptoms and extends the lifespan of a mouse model of Niemann-Pick type C disease. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 110:1-11. [PMID: 29079454 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick C is a fatal neurovisceral disorder caused, in 95% of cases, by mutation of NPC1 gene. Therapeutic options are extremely limited and new "druggable" targets are highly warranted. We previously demonstrated that the stimulation of the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) normalized the pathological phenotype of cellular models of NPC1. Since the validation of A2ARs as a therapeutic target for NPC1 can be obtained only conducting studies in in vivo models of the disease, in the present paper, the effects of two agonists of A2ARs were evaluated in the mouse model Balb/c Npc1nih, hereafter indicated as NPC1-/-. The agonists CGS21680 (2.5 and 5mg/kg/day by intraperitoneal injection) and T1-11 (50mg/kg/day in drinking water) were administered at a presymptomatic stage of the disease of NPC1-/- mice (PN28 and PN30, respectively); the experimental groups were the following: vehicle-treated WT mice (N=16 for both CGS and T1-11 treatments); vehicle-treated NPC1-/- mice (N=14 for CGS and 12 for T1-11 treatment); CGS-treated NPC1-/- mice (N=7) and T1-11-treated NPC1-/- mice (N=11). The efficacy of the treatments was evaluated by comparing vehicle-treated and CGS or T1-11-treated NPC1-/- mice for their motor deficits (analyzed by both rotarod and footprint tests), hippocampal cognitive impairment (by Novel Object Recognition (NOR) test), cerebellar neurodegeneration (Purkinje neurons counting), and cholesterol and sphingomyelin accumulation in spleen and liver. Finally, the effect of both agonists on survival was evaluated by applying a humane late endpoint (weight loss >30% of peak weight, punched posture and reduced activity in the cage). The results demonstrated that, while CGS21680 only slightly attenuated cognitive deficits, T1-11 ameliorated motor coordination, significantly improved cognitive impairments, increased the survival of Purkinje neurons and reduced sphingomyelin accumulation in the liver. More importantly, it significantly prolonged the lifespan of NPC1-/- mice. In vitro experiments conducted in a neuronal model of NPC1 demonstrated that the ability of T1-11 to normalize cell phenotype was mediated by the selective activation of A2ARs and modulation of intracellular calcium levels. In conclusion, our results fully confirm the validity of A2ARs as a new target for NPC1 treatment. As soon as new ligands with improved pharmacokinetic characteristics (i.e. orally active, with brain bioavailability and metabolic stability) will be obtained, A2AR agonists could represent a breakthrough in the treatment of NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Ferrante
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Antonella Pezzola
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Matteucci
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Di Biase
- Dept. Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucilla Attorri
- Dept. Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Armida
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Martire
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Yijuang Chern
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences N333, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Patrizia Popoli
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
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20
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Meyer A, Wree A, Günther R, Holzmann C, Schmitt O, Rolfs A, Witt M. Increased Regenerative Capacity of the Olfactory Epithelium in Niemann-Pick Disease Type C1. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18040777. [PMID: 28383485 PMCID: PMC5412361 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18040777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Niemann–Pick disease type C1 (NPC1) is a fatal neurovisceral lysosomal lipid storage disorder. The mutation of the NPC1 protein affects the homeostasis and transport of cholesterol and glycosphingolipids from late endosomes/lysosomes to the endoplasmic reticulum resulting in progressive neurodegeneration. Since olfactory impairment is one of the earliest symptoms in many neurodegenerative disorders, we focused on alterations of the olfactory epithelium in an NPC1 mouse model. Previous findings revealed severe morphological and immunohistochemical alterations in the olfactory system of NPC1−/− mutant mice compared with healthy controls (NPC1+/+). Based on immunohistochemical evaluation of the olfactory epithelium, we analyzed the impact of neurodegeneration in the olfactory epithelium of NPC1−/− mice and observed considerable loss of mature olfactory receptor neurons as well as an increased number of proliferating and apoptotic cells. Additionally, after administration of two different therapy approaches using either a combination of miglustat, 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) and allopregnanolone or a monotherapy with HPβCD, we recorded a remarkable reduction of morphological damages in NPC1−/− mice and an up to four-fold increase of proliferating cells within the olfactory epithelium. Numbers of mature olfactory receptor neurons doubled after both therapy approaches. Interestingly, we also observed therapy-induced alterations in treated NPC1+/+ controls. Thus, olfactory testing may provide useful information to monitor pharmacologic treatment approaches in human NPC1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Meyer
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Andreas Wree
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
| | - René Günther
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Carsten Holzmann
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Oliver Schmitt
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Arndt Rolfs
- Albrecht-Kossel Institute for Neuroregeneration, Rostock University Medical Center, 18147 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Martin Witt
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
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21
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New murine Niemann-Pick type C models bearing a pseudoexon-generating mutation recapitulate the main neurobehavioural and molecular features of the disease. Sci Rep 2017; 7:41931. [PMID: 28167839 PMCID: PMC5294585 DOI: 10.1038/srep41931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a rare neurovisceral disease caused mainly by mutations in the NPC1 gene. This autosomal recessive lysosomal disorder is characterised by the defective lysosomal secretion of cholesterol and sphingolipids. No effective therapy exists for the disease. We previously described a deep intronic point mutation (c.1554-1009 G > A) in NPC1 that generated a pseudoexon, which could be corrected at the cellular level using antisense oligonucleotides. Here, we describe the generation of two mouse models bearing this mutation, one in homozygosity and the other in compound heterozygosity with the c.1920delG mutation. Both the homozygotes for the c.1554-1009 G > A mutation and the compound heterozygotes recapitulated the hallmarks of NPC. Lipid analysis revealed accumulation of cholesterol in the liver and sphingolipids in the brain, with both types of transgenic mice displaying tremor and ataxia at 7–8 weeks of age. Behavioural tests showed motor impairment, hyperactivity, reduced anxiety-like behaviour and impaired learning and memory performances, features consistent with those reported previously in NPC animal models and human patients. These mutant mice, the first NPC models bearing a pseudoexon-generating mutation, could be suitable for assessing the efficacy of specific splicing-targeted therapeutic strategies against NPC.
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22
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Schlegel V, Thieme M, Holzmann C, Witt M, Grittner U, Rolfs A, Wree A. Pharmacologic Treatment Assigned for Niemann Pick Type C1 Disease Partly Changes Behavioral Traits in Wild-Type Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:E1866. [PMID: 27834854 PMCID: PMC5133866 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17111866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick Type C1 (NPC1) is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder characterized by accumulation of cholesterol and glycosphingolipids. Previously, we demonstrated that BALB/c-npc1nihNpc1-/- mice treated with miglustat, cyclodextrin and allopregnanolone generally performed better than untreated Npc1-/- animals. Unexpectedly, they also seemed to accomplish motor tests better than their sham-treated wild-type littermates. However, combination-treated mutant mice displayed worse cognition performance compared to sham-treated ones. To evaluate effects of these drugs in healthy BALB/c mice, we here analyzed pharmacologic effects on motor and cognitive behavior of wild-type mice. For combination treatment mice were injected with allopregnanolone/cyclodextrin weekly, starting at P7. Miglustat injections were performed daily from P10 till P23. Starting at P23, miglustat was embedded in the chow. Other mice were treated with miglustat only, or sham-treated. The battery of behavioral tests consisted of accelerod, Morris water maze, elevated plus maze, open field and hot-plate tests. Motor capabilities and spontaneous motor behavior were unaltered in both drug-treated groups. Miglustat-treated wild-type mice displayed impaired spatial learning compared to sham- and combination-treated mice. Both combination- and miglustat-treated mice showed enhanced anxiety in the elevated plus maze compared to sham-treated mice. Additionally, combination treatment as well as miglustat alone significantly reduced brain weight, whereas only combination treatment reduced body weight significantly. Our results suggest that allopregnanolone/cyclodextrin ameliorate most side effects of miglustat in wild-type mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Schlegel
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Rostock, 18055 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Markus Thieme
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Rostock, 18055 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Carsten Holzmann
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Martin Witt
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Rostock, 18055 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Ulrike Grittner
- Department for Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Arndt Rolfs
- Albrecht-Kossel Institute for Neuroregeneration, Rostock University Medical Center, 18147 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Andreas Wree
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Rostock, 18055 Rostock, Germany.
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23
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Ferrante A, De Nuccio C, Pepponi R, Visentin S, Martire A, Bernardo A, Minghetti L, Popoli P. Stimulation of adenosine A2A receptors reduces intracellular cholesterol accumulation and rescues mitochondrial abnormalities in human neural cell models of Niemann-Pick C1. Neuropharmacology 2015; 103:155-62. [PMID: 26631535 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Revised: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Niemann Pick C 1 (NPC1) disease is an incurable, devastating lysosomal-lipid storage disorder characterized by hepatosplenomegaly, progressive neurological impairment and early death. Current treatments are very limited and the research of new therapeutic targets is thus mandatory. We recently showed that the stimulation of adenosine A2A receptors (A2ARs) rescues the abnormal phenotype of fibroblasts from NPC1 patients suggesting that A2AR agonists could represent a therapeutic option for this disease. However, since all NPC1 patients develop severe neurological symptoms which can be ascribed to the complex pathology occurring in both neurons and oligodendrocytes, in the present paper we tested the effects of the A2AR agonist CGS21680 in human neuronal and oligodendroglial NPC1 cell lines (i.e. neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y and oligodendroglial MO3.13 transiently transfected with NPC1 small interfering RNA). The down-regulation of the NPC1 protein effectively resulted in intracellular cholesterol accumulation and altered mitochondrial membrane potential. Both effects were significantly attenuated by CGS21680 (500 nM). The protective effects of CGS were prevented by the selective A2AR antagonist ZM241385 (500 nM). The involvement of calcium modulation was demonstrated by the ability of Bapta-AM (5-7 μM) in reverting the effect of CGS. The A2A-dependent activity was prevented by the PKA-inhibitor KT5720, thus showing the involvement of the cAMP/PKA signaling. These findings provide a clear in vitro proof of concept that A2AR agonists are promising potential drugs for NPC disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ferrante
- Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicine Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - C De Nuccio
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - R Pepponi
- Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicine Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - S Visentin
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - A Martire
- Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicine Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - A Bernardo
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - L Minghetti
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - P Popoli
- Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicine Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
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Maass F, Petersen J, Hovakimyan M, Schmitt O, Witt M, Hawlitschka A, Lukas J, Rolfs A, Wree A. Reduced cerebellar neurodegeneration after combined therapy with cyclodextrin/allopregnanolone and miglustat in NPC1: a mouse model of Niemann-Pick type C1 disease. J Neurosci Res 2014; 93:433-42. [PMID: 25400034 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Revised: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Niemann-Pick type C1 (NPC1) disease is a lysosomal storage disease characterized by a deficiency of NPC1 gene function. The malfunction of protein results in a progressive accumulation of lipids in many organs. A combined approach with substrate-reduction therapy (SRT) and byproduct therapy (BPT) has been shown to ameliorate the disease course in a mutant mouse model (NPC1(-/-)). The present study examines the morphological parameters underlying these changes. For the combined SRT/BPT treatment, NPC1(-/-) mutant mice (NPC1(-/-SRT/BPT)) were injected with allopregnanolone/cyclodextrin weekly, starting at postnatal day (P) 7. Starting at P10, a miglustat injection was administered daily until P23. Thereafter, miglustat was added to the powdered chow. For the sham treatment, both mutant NPC1(-/-) (NPC1(-/-sham)) and wild-type (NPC1(+/+sham)) mice received an NaCl injection and were fed powdered chow without miglustat. Analysis was performed on cerebellar slices by histology and immunohistochemistry. The volumes and cell counts of cerebellar structures were quantified. Additionally, ultrastructural analysis was performed with transmission electron microscopy. In agreement with previous studies, the current study demonstrates Purkinje cell degeneration in the mutant mice, which was partially abrogated by SRT/BPT. The volumes of cerebellar white matter and molecular layer were reduced as well. Also, the number of neurons was reduced in granular and molecular layers. However, only the molecular layer benefited from the therapy, as shown by an increase in the volume and the amount of neurons. The volume and number of neurons of the deep cerebellar nuclei were significantly decreased in mutant mice; an appreciable therapeutic benefit could be demonstrated for the nucleus interpositus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Maass
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
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25
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Improved neuroprotection using miglustat, curcumin and ibuprofen as a triple combination therapy in Niemann–Pick disease type C1 mice. Neurobiol Dis 2014; 67:9-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2014.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2013] [Revised: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 03/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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Cendelin J. From mice to men: lessons from mutant ataxic mice. CEREBELLUM & ATAXIAS 2014; 1:4. [PMID: 26331028 PMCID: PMC4549131 DOI: 10.1186/2053-8871-1-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Ataxic mutant mice can be used to represent models of cerebellar degenerative disorders. They serve for investigation of cerebellar function, pathogenesis of degenerative processes as well as of therapeutic approaches. Lurcher, Hot-foot, Purkinje cell degeneration, Nervous, Staggerer, Weaver, Reeler, and Scrambler mouse models and mouse models of SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, SCA6, SCA7, SCA23, DRPLA, Niemann-Pick disease and Friedreich ataxia are reviewed with special regard to cerebellar pathology, pathogenesis, functional changes and possible therapeutic influences, if any. Finally, benefits and limitations of mouse models are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Cendelin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, Lidicka 1, 301 66 Plzen, Czech Republic ; Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, Plzen, Czech Republic
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27
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Yan X, Yang F, Lukas J, Witt M, Wree A, Rolfs A, Luo J. Hyperactive glial cells contribute to axonal pathologies in the spinal cord of Npc1 mutant mice. Glia 2014; 62:1024-40. [PMID: 24644136 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2013] [Revised: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Niemann-Pick disease type C1 (NPC1) is a neurodegenerative disease with various progressive pathological features, for example, neuronal loss, dysmyelination, abnormal axon swelling, and gliosis, in the brain. Pathological activation of p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) results in hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, which contributes to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, axonal varicosities or spheroids and presynaptic aggregates in the spinal cord of the Npc1 mutant mice were found from postnatal day (P) 35 onwards, as indicated by the increased hyperphosphorylated neurofilament and synaptophysin immunoreactivity as well as the findings from electron microscopy. However, activities of astrocytes and microglia in the Npc1 mutant spinal cord were progressively increased earlier from P10 onwards, accompanied by increased expression of interleukin-1β and apolipoprotein E, as well as up-regulated p38-MAPK activity and enhanced phosphorylated tau protein, but not cyclin-dependent kinase 5/p35 complex and glycogen synthase kinase-3β. Taken together, our data suggest that the axonal pathologies in the Npc1 mutant spinal cord are strongly correlated with the increase of activated glial cells, which produce IL-1β and ApoE, resulting in the activation of p38-MAPK signaling pathway and enhanced phosphorylated tau protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yan
- Albrecht-Kossel-Institute for Neuroregeneration, Rostock University Medical Center, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
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Hovakimyan M, Meyer A, Lukas J, Luo J, Gudziol V, Hummel T, Rolfs A, Wree A, Witt M. Olfactory deficits in Niemann-Pick type C1 (NPC1) disease. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82216. [PMID: 24391715 PMCID: PMC3877006 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Niemann-Pick type C disease (NPC) is a rare autosomal recessive lipid storage disease characterized by progressive neurodegeneration. As only a few studies have been conducted on the impact of NPC on sensory systems, we used a mutant mouse model (NPC1−/−) to examine the effects of this disorder to morphologically distinct regions of the olfactory system, namely the olfactory epithelium (OE) and olfactory bulb (OB). Methodology/Principal findings For structural and functional analysis immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, western blotting, and electrophysiology have been applied. For histochemistry and western blotting, we used antibodies against a series of neuronal and glia marker proteins, as well as macrophage markers. NPC1−/− animals present myelin-like lysosomal deposits in virtually all types of cells of the peripheral and central olfactory system. Especially supporting cells of the OE and central glia cells are affected, resulting in pronounced astrocytosis and microgliosis in the OB and other olfactory cortices. Up-regulation of Galectin-3, Cathepsin D and GFAP in the cortical layers of the OB underlines the critical role and location of the OB as a possible entrance gate for noxious substances. Unmyelinated olfactory afferents of the lamina propria seem less affected than ensheathing cells. Supporting the structural findings, electro-olfactometry of the olfactory mucosa suggests that NPC1−/− animals exhibit olfactory and trigeminal deficits. Conclusions/Significance Our data demonstrate a pronounced neurodegeneration and glia activation in the olfactory system of NPC1−/−, which is accompanied by sensory deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Hovakimyan
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Anja Meyer
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Jan Lukas
- Albrecht-Kossel Institute for Neuroregeneration, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Jiankai Luo
- Albrecht-Kossel Institute for Neuroregeneration, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Volker Gudziol
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Dresden Medical School, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Dresden Medical School, Dresden, Germany
| | - Arndt Rolfs
- Albrecht-Kossel Institute for Neuroregeneration, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Andreas Wree
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Martin Witt
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
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