1
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Huang M, Liu YU, Yao X, Qin D, Su H. Variability in SOD1-associated amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: geographic patterns, clinical heterogeneity, molecular alterations, and therapeutic implications. Transl Neurodegener 2024; 13:28. [PMID: 38811997 PMCID: PMC11138100 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-024-00416-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive loss of motor neurons, resulting in global health burden and limited post-diagnosis life expectancy. Although primarily sporadic, familial ALS (fALS) cases suggest a genetic basis. This review focuses on SOD1, the first gene found to be associated with fALS, which has been more recently confirmed by genome sequencing. While informative, databases such as ALSoD and STRENGTH exhibit regional biases. Through a systematic global examination of SOD1 mutations from 1993 to 2023, we found different geographic distributions and clinical presentations. Even though different SOD1 variants are expressed at different protein levels and have different half-lives and dismutase activities, these alterations lead to loss of function that is not consistently correlated with disease severity. Gain of function of toxic aggregates of SOD1 resulting from mutated SOD1 has emerged as one of the key contributors to ALS. Therapeutic interventions specifically targeting toxic gain of function of mutant SOD1, including RNA interference and antibodies, show promise, but a cure remains elusive. This review provides a comprehensive perspective on SOD1-associated ALS and describes molecular features and the complex genetic landscape of SOD1, highlighting its importance in determining diverse clinical manifestations observed in ALS patients and emphasizing the need for personalized therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaodan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yong U Liu
- Laboratory for Neuroimmunology in Health and Diseases, Guangzhou First People's Hospital School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Yao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Dajiang Qin
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510799, China.
| | - Huanxing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China.
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2
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Tsekrekou M, Giannakou M, Papanikolopoulou K, Skretas G. Protein aggregation and therapeutic strategies in SOD1- and TDP-43- linked ALS. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1383453. [PMID: 38855322 PMCID: PMC11157337 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1383453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with severe socio-economic impact. A hallmark of ALS pathology is the presence of aberrant cytoplasmic inclusions composed of misfolded and aggregated proteins, including both wild-type and mutant forms. This review highlights the critical role of misfolded protein species in ALS pathogenesis, particularly focusing on Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43), and emphasizes the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies targeting these misfolded proteins directly. Despite significant advancements in understanding ALS mechanisms, the disease remains incurable, with current treatments offering limited clinical benefits. Through a comprehensive analysis, the review focuses on the direct modulation of the misfolded proteins and presents recent discoveries in small molecules and peptides that inhibit SOD1 and TDP-43 aggregation, underscoring their potential as effective treatments to modify disease progression and improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tsekrekou
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Giannakou
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Papanikolopoulou
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre “Alexander Fleming”, Vari, Greece
- ResQ Biotech, Patras Science Park, Rio, Greece
| | - Georgios Skretas
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
- ResQ Biotech, Patras Science Park, Rio, Greece
- Institute for Bio-innovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre “Alexander Fleming”, Vari, Greece
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3
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Evans LJ, O'Brien D, Shaw PJ. Current neuroprotective therapies and future prospects for motor neuron disease. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 176:327-384. [PMID: 38802178 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Four medications with neuroprotective disease-modifying effects are now in use for motor neuron disease (MND). With FDA approvals for tofersen, relyvrio and edaravone in just the past year, 2022 ended a quarter of a century when riluzole was the sole such drug to offer to patients. The acceleration of approvals may mean we are witnessing the beginning of a step-change in how MND can be treated. Improvements in understanding underlying disease biology has led to more therapies being developed to target specific and multiple disease mechanisms. Consideration for how the pipeline of new therapeutic agents coming through in clinical and preclinical development can be more effectively evaluated with biomarkers, advances in patient stratification and clinical trial design pave the way for more successful translation for this archetypal complex neurodegenerative disease. While it must be cautioned that only slowed rates of progression have so far been demonstrated, pre-empting rapid neurodegeneration by using neurofilament biomarkers to signal when to treat, as is currently being trialled with tofersen, may be more effective for patients with known genetic predisposition to MND. Early intervention with personalized medicines could mean that for some patients at least, in future we may be able to substantially treat what is considered by many to be one of the most distressing diseases in medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Evans
- The Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, and the NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - David O'Brien
- The Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, and the NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- The Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, and the NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
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4
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Polikarpova AV, Egorova TV, Lunev EA, Tsitrina AA, Vassilieva SG, Savchenko IM, Silaeva YY, Deykin AV, Bardina MV. CRISPR/Cas9-generated mouse model with humanizing single-base substitution in the Gnao1 for safety studies of RNA therapeutics. Front Genome Ed 2023; 5:1034720. [PMID: 37077890 PMCID: PMC10106585 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2023.1034720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of personalized medicine for genetic diseases requires preclinical testing in the appropriate animal models. GNAO1 encephalopathy is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by heterozygous de novo mutations in the GNAO1 gene. GNAO1 c.607 G>A is one of the most common pathogenic variants, and the mutant protein Gαo-G203R likely adversely affects neuronal signaling. As an innovative approach, sequence-specific RNA-based therapeutics such as antisense oligonucleotides or effectors of RNA interference are potentially applicable for selective suppression of the mutant GNAO1 transcript. While in vitro validation can be performed in patient-derived cells, a humanized mouse model to rule out the safety of RNA therapeutics is currently lacking. In the present work, we employed CRISPR/Cas9 technology to introduce a single-base substitution into exon 6 of the Gnao1 to replace the murine Gly203-coding triplet (GGG) with the codon used in the human gene (GGA). We verified that genome-editing did not interfere with the Gnao1 mRNA or Gαo protein synthesis and did not alter localization of the protein in the brain structures. The analysis of blastocysts revealed the off-target activity of the CRISPR/Cas9 complexes; however, no modifications of the predicted off-target sites were detected in the founder mouse. Histological staining confirmed the absence of abnormal changes in the brain of genome-edited mice. The created mouse model with the “humanized” fragment of the endogenous Gnao1 is suitable to rule out unintended targeting of the wild-type allele by RNA therapeutics directed at lowering GNAO1 c.607 G>A transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna V. Polikarpova
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech, Sochi, Russia
| | - Tatiana V. Egorova
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech, Sochi, Russia
| | - Evgenii A. Lunev
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech, Sochi, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexandra A. Tsitrina
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Svetlana G. Vassilieva
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech, Sochi, Russia
| | - Irina M. Savchenko
- Marlin Biotech, Sochi, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yuliya Y. Silaeva
- Core Facility Center, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey V. Deykin
- Marlin Biotech, Sochi, Russia
- Core Facility Center, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Laboratory of Genetic Technologies and Genome Editing for Biomedicine and Animal Health, Joint Center for Genetic Technologies, Belgorod National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
| | - Maryana V. Bardina
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech, Sochi, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- *Correspondence: Maryana V. Bardina,
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Mead RJ, Shan N, Reiser HJ, Marshall F, Shaw PJ. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a neurodegenerative disorder poised for successful therapeutic translation. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:185-212. [PMID: 36543887 PMCID: PMC9768794 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00612-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 109.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating disease caused by degeneration of motor neurons. As with all major neurodegenerative disorders, development of disease-modifying therapies has proven challenging for multiple reasons. Nevertheless, ALS is one of the few neurodegenerative diseases for which disease-modifying therapies are approved. Significant discoveries and advances have been made in ALS preclinical models, genetics, pathology, biomarkers, imaging and clinical readouts over the last 10-15 years. At the same time, novel therapeutic paradigms are being applied in areas of high unmet medical need, including neurodegenerative disorders. These developments have evolved our knowledge base, allowing identification of targeted candidate therapies for ALS with diverse mechanisms of action. In this Review, we discuss how this advanced knowledge, aligned with new approaches, can enable effective translation of therapeutic agents from preclinical studies through to clinical benefit for patients with ALS. We anticipate that this approach in ALS will also positively impact the field of drug discovery for neurodegenerative disorders more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Mead
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Keapstone Therapeutics, The Innovation Centre, Broomhall, Sheffield, UK
| | - Ning Shan
- Aclipse Therapeutics, Radnor, PA, US
| | | | - Fiona Marshall
- MSD UK Discovery Centre, Merck, Sharp and Dohme (UK) Limited, London, UK
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
- Keapstone Therapeutics, The Innovation Centre, Broomhall, Sheffield, UK.
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6
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Chandran J, Chowdhury EA, Perkinton M, Jamier T, Sutton D, Wu S, Dobson C, Shah DK, Chessell I, Meno-Tetang GML. Assessment of AAV9 distribution and transduction in rats after administration through Intrastriatal, Intracisterna magna and Lumbar Intrathecal routes. Gene Ther 2023; 30:132-141. [PMID: 35637286 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00346-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Challenges in obtaining efficient transduction of brain and spinal cord following systemic AAV delivery have led to alternative administration routes being used in clinical trials that directly infuse the virus into the CNS. However, data comparing different direct AAV injections into the brain remain limited making it difficult to choose optimal routes. Here we tested both AAV9-egfp and AAV9-fLuc delivery via intrastriatal (IST), intracisterna magna (ICM) and lumbar intrathecal (LIT) routes in adult rats and assessed vector distribution and transduction in brain, spinal cord and peripheral tissues. We find that IST infusion leads to robust transgene expression in the striatum, thalamus and cortex with lower peripheral tissue transduction and anti-AAV9 capsid titers compared to ICM or LIT. ICM delivery provided strong GFP and luciferase expression across more brain regions than the other routes and similar expression in the spinal cord to LIT injections, which itself largely failed to transduce the rat brain. Our data highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each direct CNS delivery route which will help with future clinical targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayanth Chandran
- Discovery Sciences, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ekram Ahmed Chowdhury
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | - Tanguy Jamier
- Neuroscience, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Daniel Sutton
- Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Science, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Shengjia Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Claire Dobson
- Discovery Sciences, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Dhaval K Shah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Iain Chessell
- Neuroscience, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
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7
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Lejman J, Panuciak K, Nowicka E, Mastalerczyk A, Wojciechowska K, Lejman M. Gene Therapy in ALS and SMA: Advances, Challenges and Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021130. [PMID: 36674643 PMCID: PMC9860634 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is defined as the administration of genetic material to modify, manipulate gene expression or alter the properties of living cells for therapeutic purposes. Recent advances and improvements in this field have led to many breakthroughs in the treatment of various diseases. As a result, there has been an increasing interest in the use of these therapies to treat motor neuron diseases (MNDs), for which many potential molecular targets have been discovered. MNDs are neurodegenerative disorders that, in their most severe forms, can lead to respiratory failure and death, for instance, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Despite the fact that SMA has been known for many years, it is still one of the most common genetic diseases causing infant mortality. The introduction of drugs based on ASOs-nusinersen; small molecules-risdiplam; and replacement therapy (GRT)-Zolgensma has shown a significant improvement in both event-free survival and the quality of life of patients after using these therapies in the available trial results. Although there is still no drug that would effectively alleviate the course of the disease in ALS, the experience gained from SMA gene therapy gives hope for a positive outcome of the efforts to produce an effective and safe drug. The aim of this review is to present current progress and prospects for the use of gene therapy in the treatment of both SMA and ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Lejman
- Student Scientific Society, Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Kinga Panuciak
- Student Scientific Society, Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Emilia Nowicka
- Student Scientific Society, Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Angelika Mastalerczyk
- Student Scientific Society, Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Wojciechowska
- Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Monika Lejman
- Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
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8
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Camu W, De La Cruz E, Esselin F. Therapeutic tools for familial ALS. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2023; 179:49-53. [PMID: 36503675 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2022.10.001] [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: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Familial ALS (FALS) accounts for 10 to 15% of ALS cases. In more than 70% of FALS patients, a causal gene is identified and animal models have been developed for a subset of them, mainly for the most frequently mutated genes. Therapeutic tools to treat those patients are dominated by gene-specific therapy and the most advanced approaches target the SOD1 gene mutations. Either by direct delivery of antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) or using viral vectors such as adenoviruses (AAV) to deliver ASOs, gene specific therapies have shown promising results in animal models. The recent use of subpial injections of AAV9+anti SOD1 ASO now shows that the disease is completely prevented or stopped in the animal, depending on the moment of injection, e.g., before or after disease onset. However, the use of viral vectors in humans seems to be limited at least by their immunogenicity. Antibody-based therapies are also efficient to treat animal models, but to a lesser extent. Most of the experiments targeted the SOD1 protein in its misfolded conformation. This approach seems better tolerated than the AAV one, an important limit being the choice of the epitope. Unexpectedly, some advances in treating the C9ORF72 animal model have been obtained using a modulation of microbiota, and this strategy has the great advantage to have an easy route of administration and a good safety profile. The landscape of experimental FALS treatment is rapidly evolving and results are promising. This is an important unmet need for ALS patients and several human phase I, II and III trials are ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Camu
- Explorations neurologiques et centre de référence SLA, université de Montpellier, CHU Gui de Chauliac, INM, Inserm, Montpellier, France.
| | - E De La Cruz
- Explorations neurologiques et centre de référence SLA, université de Montpellier, CHU Gui de Chauliac, INM, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - F Esselin
- Explorations neurologiques et centre de référence SLA, université de Montpellier, CHU Gui de Chauliac, INM, Inserm, Montpellier, France
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9
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In vivo genome editing using novel AAV-PHP variants rescues motor function deficits and extends survival in a SOD1-ALS mouse model. Gene Ther 2022; 30:443-454. [PMID: 36450833 PMCID: PMC9713118 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00375-w] [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: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR-based gene editing technology represents a promising approach to deliver therapies for inherited disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Toxic gain-of-function superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) mutations are responsible for ~20% of familial ALS cases. Thus, current clinical strategies to treat SOD1-ALS are designed to lower SOD1 levels. Here, we utilized AAV-PHP.B variants to deliver CRISPR-Cas9 guide RNAs designed to disrupt the human SOD1 (huSOD1) transgene in SOD1G93A mice. A one-time intracerebroventricular injection of AAV.PHP.B-huSOD1-sgRNA into neonatal H11Cas9 SOD1G93A mice caused robust and sustained mutant huSOD1 protein reduction in the cortex and spinal cord, and restored motor function. Neonatal treatment also reduced spinal motor neuron loss, denervation at neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and muscle atrophy, diminished axonal damage and preserved compound muscle action potential throughout the lifespan of treated mice. SOD1G93A treated mice achieved significant disease-free survival, extending lifespan by more than 110 days. Importantly, a one-time intrathecal or intravenous injection of AAV.PHP.eB-huSOD1-sgRNA in adult H11Cas9 SOD1G93A mice, immediately before symptom onset, also extended lifespan by at least 170 days. We observed substantial protection against disease progression, demonstrating the utility of our CRISPR editing preclinical approach for target evaluation. Our approach uncovered key parameters (e.g., AAV capsid, Cas9 expression) that resulted in improved efficacy compared to similar approaches and can also serve to accelerate drug target validation.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable, devastating neurodegenerative disease. Still, the diagnosis is mainly based on clinical symptoms, and the treatment options are strongly limited. However, the pipeline of potential treatments currently tested in clinical trials is promising. This review will discuss developments in ALS biomarker research and applications within the last 2 years and suggest future directions and needs. RECENT FINDINGS The diagnostic and prognostic utility of neurofilaments, a general marker for axoneuronal degeneration, has been confirmed by further studies in patients with ALS, and neurofilaments are finding their way into routine diagnostic and clinical trials. Additionally, there have been advancements in developing and implementing disease-specific biomarkers, especially in patients with a genetic variant, such as SOD1 or C9orf72 . Here, biomarkers have already been used as target markers and outcome parameters for novel treatment approaches. In addition, several novel biomarkers have shown encouraging results but should be discussed in the context of their early stage of assay and clinical establishment. SUMMARY The first biomarkers have found their way into clinical routine in ALS. In light of an increasing pipeline of potential treatments, further progress in discovering and implementing novel and existing biomarkers is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Witzel
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University Hospital, Oberer Eselsberg
| | - Kristina Mayer
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University Hospital, Oberer Eselsberg
| | - Patrick Oeckl
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University Hospital, Oberer Eselsberg
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Site Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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11
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Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating motor neuron disease for which there is currently no robust therapy. Recent progress in understanding ALS disease mechanisms and genetics in combination with innovations in gene modulation strategies creates promising new options for the development of ALS therapies. In recent years, six gene modulation therapies have been tested in ALS patients. These target gain-of-function pathology of the most common ALS genes, SOD1, C9ORF72, FUS, and ATXN2, using adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated microRNAs and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). Here, we review the latest clinical and preclinical advances in gene modulation approaches for ALS, including gene silencing, gene correction, and gene augmentation. These techniques have the potential to positively impact the direction of future research trials and transform ALS treatments for this grave disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina E Meijboom
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Robert H Brown
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
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12
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Polikarpova AV, Egorova TV, Bardina MV. Genetically modified animal models of hereditary diseases for testing of gene-directed therapy. RESEARCH RESULTS IN PHARMACOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.3897/rrpharmacology.8.82618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Disease-causing genes have been identified for many severe muscular and neurological genetic disorders. Advances in the gene therapy field offer promising solutions for drug development to treat these life-threatening conditions. Depending on how the mutation affects the function of the gene product, different gene therapy approaches may be beneficial. Gene replacement therapy is appropriate for diseases caused by mutations that result in the deficiency of the functional protein. Gene suppression strategy is suggested for disorders caused by the toxic product of the mutant gene. Splicing modulators, genome editing, and base editing techniques can be applied to disorders with different types of underlying mutations. Testing potential drugs in animal models of human diseases is an indispensable step of development. Given the specific gene therapy approach, appropriate animal models can be generated using a variety of technologies ranging from transgenesis to precise genome editing. In this review, we discuss technologies used to generate small and large animal models of the most common muscular and neurological genetic disorders. We specifically focus on animal models that were used to test gene therapies based on adeno-associated vectors and antisense nucleotides.
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13
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Marchi PM, Marrone L, Azzouz M. Delivery of therapeutic AAV9 vectors via cisterna magna to treat neurological disorders. Trends Mol Med 2021; 28:79-80. [PMID: 34756547 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2021.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo M Marchi
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Lara Marrone
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Mimoun Azzouz
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK.
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14
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Jensen TL, Gøtzsche CR, Woldbye DPD. Current and Future Prospects for Gene Therapy for Rare Genetic Diseases Affecting the Brain and Spinal Cord. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:695937. [PMID: 34690692 PMCID: PMC8527017 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.695937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, gene therapy has been raising hopes toward viable treatment strategies for rare genetic diseases for which there has been almost exclusively supportive treatment. We here review this progress at the pre-clinical and clinical trial levels as well as market approvals within diseases that specifically affect the brain and spinal cord, including degenerative, developmental, lysosomal storage, and metabolic disorders. The field reached an unprecedented milestone when Zolgensma® (onasemnogene abeparvovec) was approved by the FDA and EMA for in vivo adeno-associated virus-mediated gene replacement therapy for spinal muscular atrophy. Shortly after EMA approved Libmeldy®, an ex vivo gene therapy with lentivirus vector-transduced autologous CD34-positive stem cells, for treatment of metachromatic leukodystrophy. These successes could be the first of many more new gene therapies in development that mostly target loss-of-function mutation diseases with gene replacement (e.g., Batten disease, mucopolysaccharidoses, gangliosidoses) or, less frequently, gain-of-toxic-function mutation diseases by gene therapeutic silencing of pathologic genes (e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease). In addition, the use of genome editing as a gene therapy is being explored for some diseases, but this has so far only reached clinical testing in the treatment of mucopolysaccharidoses. Based on the large number of planned, ongoing, and completed clinical trials for rare genetic central nervous system diseases, it can be expected that several novel gene therapies will be approved and become available within the near future. Essential for this to happen is the in depth characterization of short- and long-term effects, safety aspects, and pharmacodynamics of the applied gene therapy platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Leth Jensen
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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15
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Erel-Akbaba G, Akbaba H. Investigation of the potential therapeutic effect of cationic lipoplex mediated fibroblast growth factor-2 encoding plasmid DNA delivery on wound healing. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 29:329-340. [PMID: 34491567 DOI: 10.1007/s40199-021-00410-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developing an alternative and efficient therapy for wound healing has been an important research topic for pharmaceutical sciences. A straightforward but effective system for delivering fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) encoding plasmid DNA (pFGF-2) for wound healing therapy was aimed to develop in this study. METHODS In order to provide the delivery of pFGF-2, a delivery vector, namely, cationic lipid nanoparticle (cLN) was developed by the melt-emulsification process, complexed with pFGF-2 to form a lipoplex system and further characterized. The pFGF-2 binding and protecting ability of lipoplexes were evaluated. The cytotoxicity and transfection efficiency of the lipoplexes, FGF-2 expression levels, and in vitro wound healing ability have been investigated on the L929 fibroblast cell line. RESULTS The obtained lipoplex system has a particle size of 88.53 nm with a low PDI (0.185), and zeta potential values of 27.8 mV with a spherical shape. The ability of cLNs to bind pFGF-2 and protect against nucleases was demonstrated by gel retardation assay. Furthermore, the developed FGF-2 carrying lipoplexes system showed significant transfection and FGF-2 expression ability comparing naked plasmid. Finally, scratch assay revealed that the developed system is able to promote in vitro cell proliferation/migration in 48 h. CONCLUSION Promising results have been achieved with the use of lipoplexes carrying pFGF-2, and this approach could be considered as a potentially applicable concept for the future gene-based wound healing therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gülşah Erel-Akbaba
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Izmir Katip Celebi University, 35620, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Hasan Akbaba
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, 35100, Izmir, Turkey
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16
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Xu X, Shen D, Gao Y, Zhou Q, Ni Y, Meng H, Shi H, Le W, Chen S, Chen S. A perspective on therapies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: can disease progression be curbed? Transl Neurodegener 2021; 10:29. [PMID: 34372914 PMCID: PMC8353789 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-021-00250-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease involving both upper and lower motor neurons, leading to paralysis and eventually death. Symptomatic treatments such as inhibition of salivation, alleviation of muscle cramps, and relief of spasticity and pain still play an important role in enhancing the quality of life. To date, riluzole and edaravone are the only two drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of ALS in a few countries. While there is adequate consensus on the modest efficacy of riluzole, there are still open questions concerning the efficacy of edaravone in slowing the disease progression. Therefore, identification of novel therapeutic strategies is urgently needed. Impaired autophagic process plays a critical role in ALS pathogenesis. In this review, we focus on therapies modulating autophagy in the context of ALS. Furthermore, stem cell therapies, gene therapies, and newly-developed biomaterials have great potentials in alleviating neurodegeneration, which might halt the disease progression. In this review, we will summarize the current and prospective therapies for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojiao Xu
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, China.,Institute of Neurology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences-Sichuan Provincial Hospital, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Dingding Shen
- Department of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200020, China
| | - Yining Gao
- Department of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200020, China
| | - Qinming Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200020, China
| | - You Ni
- Department of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200020, China
| | - Huanyu Meng
- Department of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200020, China
| | - Hongqin Shi
- Department of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200020, China.,Department of Neurology, Xinrui Hospital, Wuxi, 214028, China
| | - Weidong Le
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, China. .,Institute of Neurology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences-Sichuan Provincial Hospital, Chengdu, 610031, China. .,Center for Clinical Research on Neurological Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116021, China.
| | - Shengdi Chen
- Department of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200020, China.
| | - Sheng Chen
- Department of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200020, China.
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17
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Karpe Y, Chen Z, Li XJ. Stem Cell Models and Gene Targeting for Human Motor Neuron Diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:565. [PMID: 34204831 PMCID: PMC8231537 DOI: 10.3390/ph14060565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor neurons are large projection neurons classified into upper and lower motor neurons responsible for controlling the movement of muscles. Degeneration of motor neurons results in progressive muscle weakness, which underlies several debilitating neurological disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSP), and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). With the development of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, human iPSCs can be derived from patients and further differentiated into motor neurons. Motor neuron disease models can also be generated by genetically modifying human pluripotent stem cells. The efficiency of gene targeting in human cells had been very low, but is greatly improved with recent gene editing technologies such as zinc-finger nucleases (ZFN), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALEN), and CRISPR-Cas9. The combination of human stem cell-based models and gene editing tools provides unique paradigms to dissect pathogenic mechanisms and to explore therapeutics for these devastating diseases. Owing to the critical role of several genes in the etiology of motor neuron diseases, targeted gene therapies have been developed, including antisense oligonucleotides, viral-based gene delivery, and in situ gene editing. This review summarizes recent advancements in these areas and discusses future challenges toward the development of transformative medicines for motor neuron diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashashree Karpe
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (Y.K.); (Z.C.)
| | - Zhenyu Chen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (Y.K.); (Z.C.)
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Xue-Jun Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (Y.K.); (Z.C.)
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
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18
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Trist BG, Hilton JB, Hare DJ, Crouch PJ, Double KL. Superoxide Dismutase 1 in Health and Disease: How a Frontline Antioxidant Becomes Neurotoxic. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:9215-9246. [PMID: 32144830 PMCID: PMC8247289 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202000451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) is a frontline antioxidant enzyme catalysing superoxide breakdown and is important for most forms of eukaryotic life. The evolution of aerobic respiration by mitochondria increased cellular production of superoxide, resulting in an increased reliance upon SOD1. Consistent with the importance of SOD1 for cellular health, many human diseases of the central nervous system involve perturbations in SOD1 biology. But far from providing a simple demonstration of how disease arises from SOD1 loss-of-function, attempts to elucidate pathways by which atypical SOD1 biology leads to neurodegeneration have revealed unexpectedly complex molecular characteristics delineating healthy, functional SOD1 protein from that which likely contributes to central nervous system disease. This review summarises current understanding of SOD1 biology from SOD1 genetics through to protein function and stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin G. Trist
- Brain and Mind Centre and Discipline of PharmacologyThe University of Sydney, CamperdownSydneyNew South Wales2050Australia
| | - James B. Hilton
- Department of Pharmacology and TherapeuticsThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoria3052Australia
| | - Dominic J. Hare
- Brain and Mind Centre and Discipline of PharmacologyThe University of Sydney, CamperdownSydneyNew South Wales2050Australia
- School of BioSciencesThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoria3052Australia
- Atomic Medicine InitiativeThe University of Technology SydneyBroadwayNew South Wales2007Australia
| | - Peter J. Crouch
- Department of Pharmacology and TherapeuticsThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoria3052Australia
| | - Kay L. Double
- Brain and Mind Centre and Discipline of PharmacologyThe University of Sydney, CamperdownSydneyNew South Wales2050Australia
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19
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Ciervo Y, Gatto N, Allen C, Grierson A, Ferraiuolo L, Mead RJ, Shaw PJ. Adipose-derived stem cells protect motor neurons and reduce glial activation in both in vitro and in vivo models of ALS. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 21:413-433. [PMID: 33869658 PMCID: PMC8044387 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative condition for which new therapeutic options are urgently needed. We injected GFP+ adipose-derived stem cells (EGFP-ADSCs) directly into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of transgenic SOD1G93A mice, a well-characterized model of familial ALS. Despite short-term survival of the injected cells and limited engraftment efficiency, EGFP-ADSCs improved motor function and delayed disease onset by promoting motor neuron (MN) survival and reducing glial activation. We then tested the in vitro neuroprotective potential of mouse ADSCs in astrocyte/MN co-cultures where ALS astrocytes show neurotoxicity. ADSCs were able to rescue MN death caused by ALS astrocytes derived from symptomatic SOD1G93A mice. Further, ADSCs were found to reduce the inflammatory signature of ALS astrocytes by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory mediators and inducing the secretion of neuroprotective factors. Finally, mouse ADSCs were able to protect MNs from the neurotoxicity mediated by human induced astrocytes (iAstrocytes) derived from patients with either sporadic or familial ALS, thus for the first time showing the potential therapeutic translation of ADSCs across the spectrum of human ALS. These data in two translational models of ALS show that, through paracrine mechanisms, ADSCs support MN survival and modulate the toxic microenvironment that contributes to neurodegeneration in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Ciervo
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, The University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Rd., Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Noemi Gatto
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, The University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Rd., Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Chloe Allen
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, The University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Rd., Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Andrew Grierson
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, The University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Rd., Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Laura Ferraiuolo
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, The University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Rd., Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Richard J. Mead
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, The University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Rd., Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
- Corresponding author: Richard J. Mead, PhD, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, The University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Rd., Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK.
| | - Pamela J. Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, The University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Rd., Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
- Corresponding author: Pamela J. Shaw, Professor, Dame, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, The University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Rd., Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK.
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20
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Sun J, Roy S. Gene-based therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. Nat Neurosci 2021; 24:297-311. [PMID: 33526943 PMCID: PMC8394447 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-020-00778-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy is making a comeback. With its twin promise of targeting disease etiology and 'long-term correction', gene-based therapies (defined here as all forms of genome manipulation) are particularly appealing for neurodegenerative diseases, for which conventional pharmacologic approaches have been largely disappointing. The recent success of a viral-vector-based gene therapy in spinal muscular atrophy-promoting survival and motor function with a single intravenous injection-offers a paradigm for such therapeutic intervention and a platform to build on. Although challenges remain, the newfound optimism largely stems from advances in the development of viral vectors that can diffusely deliver genes throughout the CNS, as well as genome-engineering tools that can manipulate disease pathways in ways that were previously impossible. Surely spinal muscular atrophy cannot be the only neurodegenerative disease amenable to gene therapy, and one can imagine a future in which the toolkit of a clinician will include gene-based therapeutics. The goal of this Review is to highlight advances in the development and application of gene-based therapies for neurodegenerative diseases and offer a prospective look into this emerging arena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jichao Sun
- Department of Geriatrics, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Subhojit Roy
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA,Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA,Correspondence:
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21
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Cappella M, Pradat PF, Querin G, Biferi MG. Beyond the Traditional Clinical Trials for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and The Future Impact of Gene Therapy. J Neuromuscul Dis 2021; 8:25-38. [PMID: 33074186 PMCID: PMC7902976 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-200531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating and incurable motor neuron (MN) disorder affecting both upper and lower MNs. Despite impressive advances in the understanding of the disease’s pathological mechanism, classical pharmacological clinical trials failed to provide an efficient cure for ALS over the past twenty years. Two different gene therapy approaches were recently approved for the monogenic disease Spinal muscular atrophy, characterized by degeneration of lower MNs. This milestone suggests that gene therapy-based therapeutic solutions could be effective for the treatment of ALS. This review summarizes the possible reasons for the failure of traditional clinical trials for ALS. It provides then a focus on the advent of gene therapy approaches for hereditary forms of ALS. Specifically, it describes clinical use of antisense oligonucleotides in three familial forms of ALS, caused by mutations in SOD1, C9orf72 and FUS genes, respectively.. Clinical and pre-clinical studies based on AAV-mediated gene therapy approaches for both familial and sporadic ALS cases are presented as well. Overall, this overview highlights the potential of gene therapy as a transforming technology that will have a huge impact on treatment perspective for ALS patients and on the design of future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Cappella
- INSERM, Institute of Myology, Centre of Research in Myology, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Pierre-François Pradat
- INSERM, CNRS, Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,APHP, Département de Neurologie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Centre référent SLA, Paris, France.,Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute Ulster University, C-TRIC, Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry/Londonderry, United Kingdom
| | - Giorgia Querin
- INSERM, Institute of Myology, Centre of Research in Myology, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,Association Institut de Myologie, Plateforme Essais Cliniques Adultes, Paris, France.,APHP, Service de Neuromyologie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Maria Grazia Biferi
- INSERM, Institute of Myology, Centre of Research in Myology, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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22
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Trist BG, Hilton JB, Hare DJ, Crouch PJ, Double KL. Superoxide Dismutase 1 in Health and Disease: How a Frontline Antioxidant Becomes Neurotoxic. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202000451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin G. Trist
- Brain and Mind Centre and Discipline of Pharmacology The University of Sydney, Camperdown Sydney New South Wales 2050 Australia
| | - James B. Hilton
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria 3052 Australia
| | - Dominic J. Hare
- Brain and Mind Centre and Discipline of Pharmacology The University of Sydney, Camperdown Sydney New South Wales 2050 Australia
- School of BioSciences The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria 3052 Australia
- Atomic Medicine Initiative The University of Technology Sydney Broadway New South Wales 2007 Australia
| | - Peter J. Crouch
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria 3052 Australia
| | - Kay L. Double
- Brain and Mind Centre and Discipline of Pharmacology The University of Sydney, Camperdown Sydney New South Wales 2050 Australia
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23
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Franklin JP, Azzouz M, Shaw PJ. SOD1-targeting therapies for neurodegenerative diseases: a review of current findings and future potential. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2020.1835638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- John P. Franklin
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Mimoun Azzouz
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Pamela J. Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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24
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Zou YH, Guan PP, Zhang SQ, Guo YS, Wang P. Rofecoxib Attenuates the Pathogenesis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis by Alleviating Cyclooxygenase-2-Mediated Mechanisms. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:817. [PMID: 32903591 PMCID: PMC7438558 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is reported to be activated during the course of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) development and progression. However, the roles of COX-2 in aggravating ALS and the underlying mechanism have been largely overlooked. To reveal the mechanisms, the canonical SOD1G93A mouse model was used as an experimental model for ALS in the current study. In addition, a specific inhibitor of COX-2 activity, rofecoxib, was orally administered to SOD1G93A mice. With this in vivo approach, we revealed that COX-2 proinflammatory signaling cascades were inhibited by rofecoxib in SOD1G93A mice. Specifically, the protein levels of COX-2, interleukin (IL)-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were elevated as a result of activation of astrocytes and microglia during the course of ALS development and progression. These proinflammatory reactions may contribute to the death of neurons by triggering the movement of astrocytes and microglia to neurons in the context of ALS. Treatment with rofecoxib alleviated this close association between glial cells and neurons and significantly decreased the density of inflammatory cells, which helped to restore the number of motor neurons in SOD1G93A mice. Mechanistically, rofecoxib treatment decreased the expression of COX-2 and its downstream signaling targets, including IL-1β and TNF-α, by deactivating glial cells, which in turn ameliorated the progression of SOD1G93A mice by postponing disease onset and modestly prolonging survival. Collectively, these results provide novel insights into the mechanisms of ALS and aid in the development of new drugs to improve the clinical treatment of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Hui Zou
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Pei-Pei Guan
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shen-Qing Zhang
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yan-Su Guo
- Beijing Geriatric Healthcare Center, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Pu Wang
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
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25
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Scheiblich H, Trombly M, Ramirez A, Heneka MT. Neuroimmune Connections in Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Trends Immunol 2020; 41:300-312. [DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2020.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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26
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Abati E, Bresolin N, Comi G, Corti S. Silence superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1): a promising therapeutic target for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:295-310. [PMID: 32125907 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1738390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and incurable neurodegenerative disorder that targets upper and lower motor neurons and leads to fatal muscle paralysis. Mutations in the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene are responsible for 15% of familial ALS cases, but several studies have indicated that SOD1 dysfunction may also play a pathogenic role in sporadic ALS. SOD1 induces numerous toxic effects through the pathological misfolding and aggregation of mutant SOD1 species, hence a reduction of the levels of toxic variants appears to be a promising therapeutic strategy for SOD1-related ALS. Several methods are used to modulate gene expression in vivo; these include RNA interference, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and CRISPR/Cas9 technology.Areas covered: This paper examines the current approaches for gene silencing and the progress made in silencing SOD1 in vivo. It progresses to shed light on the key results and pitfalls of these studies and highlights the future challenges and new perspectives for this exciting research field.Expert opinion: Gene silencing strategies targeting SOD1 may represent effective approaches for familial and sporadic ALS-related neurodegeneration; however, the risk of off-target effects must be minimized, and effective and minimally invasive delivery strategies should be fine-tuned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Abati
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Nereo Bresolin
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Comi
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
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27
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The Timing and Extent of Motor Neuron Vulnerability in ALS Correlates with Accumulation of Misfolded SOD1 Protein in the Cortex and in the Spinal Cord. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020502. [PMID: 32098365 PMCID: PMC7072754 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the cellular and molecular basis of selective vulnerability has been challenging, especially for motor neuron diseases. Developing drugs that improve the health of neurons that display selective vulnerability relies on in vivo cell-based models and quantitative readout measures that translate to patient outcome. We initially developed and characterized UCHL1-eGFP mice, in which motor neurons are labeled with eGFP that is stable and long-lasting. By crossing UCHL1-eGFP to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) disease models, we generated ALS mouse models with fluorescently labeled motor neurons. Their examination over time began to reveal the cellular basis of selective vulnerability even within the related motor neuron pools. Accumulation of misfolded SOD1 protein both in the corticospinal and spinal motor neurons over time correlated with the timing and extent of degeneration. This further proved simultaneous degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons, and the requirement to consider both upper and lower motor neuron populations in drug discovery efforts. Demonstration of the direct correlation between misfolded SOD1 accumulation and motor neuron degeneration in both cortex and spinal cord is important for building cell-based assays in vivo. Our report sets the stage for shifting focus from mice to diseased neurons for drug discovery efforts, especially for motor neuron diseases.
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28
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Lim CKW, Gapinske M, Brooks AK, Woods WS, Powell JE, Zeballos C MA, Winter J, Perez-Pinera P, Gaj T. Treatment of a Mouse Model of ALS by In Vivo Base Editing. Mol Ther 2020; 28:1177-1189. [PMID: 31991108 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a debilitating and fatal disorder that can be caused by mutations in the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene. Although ALS is currently incurable, CRISPR base editors hold the potential to treat the disease through their ability to create nonsense mutations that can permanently disable the expression of the mutant SOD1 gene. However, the restrictive carrying capacity of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors has limited their therapeutic application. In this study, we establish an intein-mediated trans-splicing system that enables in vivo delivery of cytidine base editors (CBEs) consisting of the widely used Cas9 protein from Streptococcus pyogenes. We show that intrathecal injection of dual AAV particles encoding a split-intein CBE engineered to trans-splice and introduce a nonsense-coding substitution into a mutant SOD1 gene prolonged survival and markedly slowed the progression of disease in the G93A-SOD1 mouse model of ALS. Adult animals treated by this split-intein CRISPR base editor had a reduced rate of muscle atrophy, decreased muscle denervation, improved neuromuscular function, and up to 40% fewer SOD1 immunoreactive inclusions at end-stage mice compared to control mice. This work expands the capabilities of single-base editors and demonstrates their potential for gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin K W Lim
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Michael Gapinske
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Alexandra K Brooks
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Wendy S Woods
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Jackson E Powell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | | | - Jackson Winter
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Pablo Perez-Pinera
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences, Carle-Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
| | - Thomas Gaj
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
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29
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Bravo-Hernandez M, Tadokoro T, Navarro MR, Platoshyn O, Kobayashi Y, Marsala S, Miyanohara A, Juhas S, Juhasova J, Skalnikova H, Tomori Z, Vanicky I, Studenovska H, Proks V, Chen P, Govea-Perez N, Ditsworth D, Ciacci JD, Gao S, Zhu W, Ahrens ET, Driscoll SP, Glenn TD, McAlonis-Downes M, Da Cruz S, Pfaff SL, Kaspar BK, Cleveland DW, Marsala M. Spinal subpial delivery of AAV9 enables widespread gene silencing and blocks motoneuron degeneration in ALS. Nat Med 2019; 26:118-130. [PMID: 31873312 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-019-0674-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Gene silencing with virally delivered shRNA represents a promising approach for treatment of inherited neurodegenerative disorders. In the present study we develop a subpial technique, which we show in adult animals successfully delivers adeno-associated virus (AAV) throughout the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal cord, as well as brain motor centers. One-time injection at cervical and lumbar levels just before disease onset in mice expressing a familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-causing mutant SOD1 produces long-term suppression of motoneuron disease, including near-complete preservation of spinal α-motoneurons and muscle innervation. Treatment after disease onset potently blocks progression of disease and further α-motoneuron degeneration. A single subpial AAV9 injection in adult pigs or non-human primates using a newly designed device produces homogeneous delivery throughout the cervical spinal cord white and gray matter and brain motor centers. Thus, spinal subpial delivery in adult animals is highly effective for AAV-mediated gene delivery throughout the spinal cord and supraspinal motor centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Bravo-Hernandez
- Neuroregeneration Laboratory, Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Takahiro Tadokoro
- Neuroregeneration Laboratory, Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Michael R Navarro
- Neuroregeneration Laboratory, Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Oleksandr Platoshyn
- Neuroregeneration Laboratory, Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yoshiomi Kobayashi
- Neuroregeneration Laboratory, Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Silvia Marsala
- Neuroregeneration Laboratory, Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Atsushi Miyanohara
- Neuroregeneration Laboratory, Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Vector Core Laboratory, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Stefan Juhas
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, AS CR v.v.i., Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Juhasova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, AS CR v.v.i., Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Skalnikova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, AS CR v.v.i., Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Zoltan Tomori
- Dept. of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Ivo Vanicky
- Institute of Neurobiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Hana Studenovska
- Department of Biomaterials and Bioanalogous System, Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Proks
- Department of Biomaterials and Bioanalogous System, Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - PeiXi Chen
- Neuroregeneration Laboratory, Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Noe Govea-Perez
- Neuroregeneration Laboratory, Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Dara Ditsworth
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Joseph D Ciacci
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Shang Gao
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Wenlian Zhu
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Eric T Ahrens
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Shawn P Driscoll
- Gene Expression Laboratory and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Thomas D Glenn
- Gene Expression Laboratory and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Melissa McAlonis-Downes
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sandrine Da Cruz
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Samuel L Pfaff
- Gene Expression Laboratory and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Don W Cleveland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Martin Marsala
- Neuroregeneration Laboratory, Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA. .,Institute of Neurobiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Kosice, Slovakia.
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30
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Cappella M, Ciotti C, Cohen-Tannoudji M, Biferi MG. Gene Therapy for ALS-A Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4388. [PMID: 31500113 PMCID: PMC6771059 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal motor neuron disease (MND) with no cure. Recent advances in gene therapy open a new perspective to treat this disorder-particularly for the characterized genetic forms. Gene therapy approaches, involving the delivery of antisense oligonucleotides into the central nervous system (CNS) are being tested in clinical trials for patients with mutations in SOD1 or C9orf72 genes. Viral vectors can be used to deliver therapeutic sequences to stably transduce motor neurons in the CNS. Vectors derived from adeno-associated virus (AAV), can efficiently target genes and have been tested in several pre-clinical settings with promising outcomes. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zolgensma, an AAV-mediated treatment for another MND-the infant form of spinal muscular atrophy. Given the accelerated progress in gene therapy, it is potentially a promising avenue to develop an efficient and safe cure for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Cappella
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm UMRS 974, Centre of Research in Myology (CRM), Institut de Myologie, GH Pitié Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Chiara Ciotti
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm UMRS 974, Centre of Research in Myology (CRM), Institut de Myologie, GH Pitié Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Mathilde Cohen-Tannoudji
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm UMRS 974, Centre of Research in Myology (CRM), Institut de Myologie, GH Pitié Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Maria Grazia Biferi
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm UMRS 974, Centre of Research in Myology (CRM), Institut de Myologie, GH Pitié Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France.
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31
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Qi Y, Montague P, Loney C, Campbell C, Shafie INF, Anderson TJ, McLaughlin M. In vitro evidence consistent with an interaction between wild-type and mutant SOD1 protein associated with canine degenerative myelopathy. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 50:3896-3905. [PMID: 31336405 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Canine degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a progressive neurological disorder that may be considered to be a large animal model for specific forms of the fatal human disease, familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS). DM is associated with a c118G>A mutation of the superoxide dismutase 1 (Sod1) gene, and a significant proportion of cases are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner in contrast to the largely, but not exclusively, dominant mode of inheritance in fALS. The consensus view is that these Sod1/SOD1 mutations result in a toxic gain of function but the mechanisms remain unclear. Here we used an in vitro neuroblastoma cell line transfection system to monitor wild-type and mutant forms of SOD1 fusion proteins containing either a Cherry or an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) tag. These fusion proteins retained SOD1 enzymatic activity on a native gel assay system. We demonstrate that SOD1 aggregate density is significantly higher in DM transfectants compared to wild-type. In addition, we show by co-immunoprecipitation and confocal microscopy, evidence for a potential interaction between wild-type and mutant forms of SOD1 in co-transfected cells. While in vitro studies have shown SOD1 heterodimer formation in fALS models, this is the first report for DM SOD1. Therefore, despite for the majority of cases there is a difference in the mode of inheritance between fALS and DM, a similar interaction between wild-type and mutant SOD1 forms can occur. Clarifying the role of SOD1 in DM may also be of benefit to understanding the role of SOD1 in fALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Qi
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Science, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Paul Montague
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Science (MVLS), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Colin Loney
- MRC, Centre for Virus Research, MVLS, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Clare Campbell
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Science (MVLS), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Intan N F Shafie
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Thomas J Anderson
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Science, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Mark McLaughlin
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Science, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK
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32
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British Society for Gene and Cell Therapy Annual Conference Wednesday 19th June – Friday 21st June 2019 University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK www.bsgct.org. Hum Gene Ther 2019. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2019.29087.abstracts] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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33
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Varcianna A, Myszczynska MA, Castelli LM, O'Neill B, Kim Y, Talbot J, Nyberg S, Nyamali I, Heath PR, Stopford MJ, Hautbergue GM, Ferraiuolo L. Micro-RNAs secreted through astrocyte-derived extracellular vesicles cause neuronal network degeneration in C9orf72 ALS. EBioMedicine 2019; 40:626-635. [PMID: 30711519 PMCID: PMC6413467 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.11.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Astrocytes regulate neuronal function, synaptic formation and maintenance partly through secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs). In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) astrocytes display a toxic phenotype that contributes to motor neuron (MN) degeneration. Methods We used human induced astrocytes (iAstrocytes) from 3 ALS patients carrying C9orf72 mutations and 3 non-affected donors to investigate the role of astrocyte-derived EVs (ADEVs) in ALS astrocyte toxicity. ADEVs were isolated from iAstrocyte conditioned medium via ultracentrifugation and resuspended in fresh astrocyte medium before testing ADEV impact on HB9-GFP+ mouse motor neurons (Hb9-GFP+ MN). We used post-mortem brain and spinal cord tissue from 3 sporadic ALS and 3 non-ALS cases for PCR analysis. Findings We report that EV formation and miRNA cargo are dysregulated in C9ORF72-ALS iAstrocytes and this affects neurite network maintenance and MN survival in vitro. In particular, we have identified downregulation of miR-494-3p, a negative regulator of semaphorin 3A (SEMA3A) and other targets involved in axonal maintenance. We show here that by restoring miR-494-3p levels through expression of an engineered miRNA mimic we can downregulate Sema3A levels in MNs and increases MN survival in vitro. Consistently, we also report lower levels of mir-494-3p in cortico-spinal tract tissue isolated from sporadic ALS donors, thus supporting the pathological importance of this pathway in MNs and its therapeutic potential. Interpretation ALS ADEVs and their miRNA cargo are involved in MN death in ALS and we have identified miR-494-3p as a potential therapeutic target. Funding: Thierry Latran Fondation and Academy of Medical Sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Varcianna
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Monika A Myszczynska
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Lydia M Castelli
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Brendan O'Neill
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Yeseul Kim
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Jordan Talbot
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Sophie Nyberg
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Immanuelle Nyamali
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Paul R Heath
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Matthew J Stopford
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Guillaume M Hautbergue
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Laura Ferraiuolo
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK.
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