1
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Martinez AM, Kim A, Flores CA, Rahman DF, Yang WS. Mouse embryonic stem cell-derived motor neurons are susceptible to ferroptosis. FEBS Open Bio 2023; 13:419-433. [PMID: 36595221 PMCID: PMC9989922 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13545] [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: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a regulated form of cell death driven by the lethal accumulation of lipid peroxides in cell membranes. Several regulators of ferroptosis have been identified using cancer cell lines. However, the cellular pathways of ferroptosis in neurons remain poorly characterized. In this study, we used a mouse embryonic stem cell-derived motor neuron model to investigate how motor neurons respond to ferroptosis inducers. Pharmacological and genetic inhibition of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) induced ferroptosis in motor neurons, while system xc - inhibition by erastin had no effect. RNA-seq analysis showed that the expression levels of several genes were altered during RSL3-induced ferroptosis. Subsequent bioinformatic analysis revealed alterations in several biological pathways during ferroptosis, including synaptogenesis and calcium signaling. Finally, we found that edaravone, an FDA-approved drug for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) disease, rescued motor neurons from RSL3-induced ferroptosis. Our data highlight the crucial role of GPx4 in ferroptosis regulation and demonstrate that stem cell-derived motor neuron culture is a valuable model to study ferroptosis at the single-cell level in a neuronal context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra M Martinez
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Ahryun Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, New York City, New York, USA
| | | | - Daoud F Rahman
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Wan Seok Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, New York City, New York, USA
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2
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Ambrin G, Cai S, Singh BR. Critical analysis in the advancement of cell-based assays for botulinum neurotoxin. Crit Rev Microbiol 2023; 49:1-17. [PMID: 35212259 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2022.2035315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The study on botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) has rapidly evolved for their structure and functions as opposed to them being poisons or cures. Since their discoveries, the scientific community has come a long way in understanding BoNTs' structure and biological activity. Given its current application as a tool for understanding neurocellular activity and as a drug against over 800 neurological disorders, relevant and sensitive assays have become critical for biochemical, physiological, and pharmacological studies. The natural entry of the toxin being ingestion, it has also become important to examine its mechanism while crossing the epithelial cell barrier. Several techniques and methodologies have been developed, for its entry, pharmacokinetics, and biological activity for identification, and drug efficacy both in vivo and in vitro conditions. However, each of them presents its own challenges. The cell-based assay is a platform that exceeds the sensitivity of mouse bioassay while encompassing all the steps of intoxication including cell binding, transcytosis, endocytosis, translocation and proteolytic activity. In this article we review in detail both the neuronal and nonneuronal based cellular interaction of BoNT involving its transportation, and interaction with the targeted cells, and intracellular activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghuncha Ambrin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, MA, USA.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, MA, USA
| | - Shuowei Cai
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, MA, USA
| | - Bal Ram Singh
- Institute of Advanced Sciences, Botulinum Research Center, Dartmouth, MA, USA
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3
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Liu J, Xu S, Huang C, Shen J, Yu S, Yu Y, Sun Q, Dai Q. Synthesis and activity evaluation of selenazole-coupled CPI-1 irreversible bifunctional inhibitors for botulinum toxin A light chain. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2022; 73:128913. [PMID: 35914651 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
A series of novel conjugates of benzoselenazole or selenazole and CPI-1 were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for inhibitory activities against the botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A) light chain (LC) and BoNT/A in vivo. The results show that these compounds exhibit potent inhibitory activities to the LC with IC50 of 0.5-4.1 µM. The reaction kinetics and the mass spectra of the reaction products of LC with benzoselenazole- or selenazole- coupled CPI-1 demonstrate that the benzoselenazole group of most inhibitors is coupled to the LC of BoNT/A. These data indicate that the CPI-1 conjugates can inhibit both the active center of BoNT/A LC as well as Cys165, therefore functioning as irreversible bifunctional inhibitors. The detoxification activities in vivo show that one of the benzoselenazole-CPI-1 compounds prolongs the survival time of mice challenged by 2 × LD50 of BoNT/A. This work provides a new strategy to design potent antidotes of BoNT/A.
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4
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Rasetti-Escargueil C, Popoff MR. Recent Developments in Botulinum Neurotoxins Detection. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10051001. [PMID: 35630444 PMCID: PMC9145529 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10051001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are produced as protein complexes by bacteria of the genus Clostridium that are Gram-positive, anaerobic and spore forming (Clostridium botulinum, C. butyricum, C. baratii and C. argentinense spp.). BoNTs show a high immunological and genetic diversity. Therefore, fast, precise, and more reliable detection methods are still required to monitor outbreaks and ensure surveillance of botulism. The botulinum toxin field also comprises therapeutic uses, basic research studies and biodefense issues. This review presents currently available detection methods, and new methods offering the potential of enhanced precision and reproducibility. While the immunological methods offer a range of benefits, such as rapid analysis time, reproducibility and high sensitivity, their implementation is subject to the availability of suitable tools and reagents, such as specific antibodies. Currently, the mass spectrometry approach is the most sensitive in vitro method for a rapid detection of active or inactive forms of BoNTs. However, these methods require inter-laboratory validation before they can be more widely implemented in reference laboratories. In addition, these surrogate in vitro models also require full validation before they can be used as replacement bioassays of potency. Cell-based assays using neuronal cells in culture recapitulate all functional steps of toxin activity, but are still at various stages of development; they are not yet sufficiently robust, due to high batch-to-batch cell variability. Cell-based assays have a strong potential to replace the mouse bioassay (MBA) in terms of BoNT potency determination in pharmaceutical formulations; they can also help to identify suitable inhibitors while reducing the number of animals used. However, the development of safe countermeasures still requires the use of in vivo studies to complement in vitro immunological or cell-based approaches.
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5
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Fabris F, Šoštarić P, Matak I, Binz T, Toffan A, Simonato M, Montecucco C, Pirazzini M, Rossetto O. Detection of VAMP Proteolysis by Tetanus and Botulinum Neurotoxin Type B In Vivo with a Cleavage-Specific Antibody. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084355. [PMID: 35457172 PMCID: PMC9024618 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tetanus and Botulinum type B neurotoxins are bacterial metalloproteases that specifically cleave the vesicle-associated membrane protein VAMP at an identical peptide bond, resulting in inhibition of neuroexocytosis. The minute amounts of these neurotoxins commonly used in experimental animals are not detectable, nor is detection of their VAMP substrate sensitive enough. The immune detection of the cleaved substrate is much more sensitive, as we have previously shown for botulinum neurotoxin type A. Here, we describe the production in rabbit of a polyclonal antibody raised versus a peptide encompassing the 13 residues C-terminal with respect to the neurotoxin cleavage site. The antibody was affinity purified and found to recognize, with high specificity and selectivity, the novel N-terminus of VAMP that becomes exposed after cleavage by tetanus toxin and botulinum toxin type B. This antibody recognizes the neoepitope not only in native and denatured VAMP but also in cultured neurons and in neurons in vivo in neurotoxin-treated mice or rats, suggesting the great potential of this novel tool to elucidate tetanus and botulinum B toxin activity in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Fabris
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.F.); (C.M.)
| | - Petra Šoštarić
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 11, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (P.Š.); (I.M.)
| | - Ivica Matak
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 11, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (P.Š.); (I.M.)
| | - Thomas Binz
- Institute of Cellular Biochemistry, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Anna Toffan
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy;
| | - Morena Simonato
- Institute of Neuroscience, Italian Research Council, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy;
| | - Cesare Montecucco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.F.); (C.M.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, Italian Research Council, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy;
| | - Marco Pirazzini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.F.); (C.M.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center of Myology CIR-Myo, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.P.); (O.R.)
| | - Ornella Rossetto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.F.); (C.M.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, Italian Research Council, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy;
- Interdepartmental Research Center of Myology CIR-Myo, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.P.); (O.R.)
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6
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Sen E, Kota KP, Panchal RG, Bavari S, Kiris E. Screening of a Focused Ubiquitin-Proteasome Pathway Inhibitor Library Identifies Small Molecules as Novel Modulators of Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A Toxicity. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:763950. [PMID: 34646144 PMCID: PMC8503599 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.763950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are known as the most potent bacterial toxins, which can cause potentially deadly disease botulism. BoNT Serotype A (BoNT/A) is the most studied serotype as it is responsible for most human botulism cases, and its formulations are extensively utilized in clinics for therapeutic and cosmetic applications. BoNT/A has the longest-lasting effect in neurons compared to other serotypes, and there has been high interest in understanding how BoNT/A manages to escape protein degradation machinery in neurons for months. Recent work demonstrated that an E3 ligase, HECTD2, leads to efficient ubiquitination of the BoNT/A Light Chain (A/LC); however, the dominant activity of a deubiquitinase (DUB), VCIP135, inhibits the degradation of the enzymatic component. Another DUB, USP9X, was also identified as a potential indirect contributor to A/LC degradation. In this study, we screened a focused ubiquitin-proteasome pathway inhibitor library, including VCIP135 and USP9X inhibitors, and identified ten potential lead compounds affecting BoNT/A mediated SNAP-25 cleavage in neurons in pre-intoxication conditions. We then tested the dose-dependent effects of the compounds and their potential toxic effects in cells. A subset of the lead compounds demonstrated efficacy on the stability and ubiquitination of A/LC in cells. Three of the compounds, WP1130 (degrasyn), PR-619, and Celastrol, further demonstrated efficacy against BoNT/A holotoxin in an in vitro post-intoxication model. Excitingly, PR-619 and WP1130 are known inhibitors of VCIP135 and USP9X, respectively. Modulation of BoNT turnover in cells by small molecules can potentially lead to the development of effective countermeasures against botulism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edanur Sen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Krishna P Kota
- Therapeutic Discovery Branch, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Rekha G Panchal
- Therapeutic Discovery Branch, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Sina Bavari
- Edge BioInnovation and Healion Bio, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Erkan Kiris
- Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
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7
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Duchesne de Lamotte J, Perrier A, Martinat C, Nicoleau C. Emerging Opportunities in Human Pluripotent Stem-Cells Based Assays to Explore the Diversity of Botulinum Neurotoxins as Future Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7524. [PMID: 34299143 PMCID: PMC8308099 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are produced by Clostridium botulinum and are responsible for botulism, a fatal disorder of the nervous system mostly induced by food poisoning. Despite being one of the most potent families of poisonous substances, BoNTs are used for both aesthetic and therapeutic indications from cosmetic reduction of wrinkles to treatment of movement disorders. The increasing understanding of the biology of BoNTs and the availability of distinct toxin serotypes and subtypes offer the prospect of expanding the range of indications for these toxins. Engineering of BoNTs is considered to provide a new avenue for improving safety and clinical benefit from these neurotoxins. Robust, high-throughput, and cost-effective assays for BoNTs activity, yet highly relevant to the human physiology, have become indispensable for a successful translation of engineered BoNTs to the clinic. This review presents an emerging family of cell-based assays that take advantage of newly developed human pluripotent stem cells and neuronal function analyses technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Duchesne de Lamotte
- IPSEN Innovation, 91940 Les Ulis, France;
- I-STEM, INSERM UMR861, Université Evry-Paris Saclay, 91100 Corbeil-Essonne, France
| | - Anselme Perrier
- I-STEM, INSERM UMR861, Université Evry-Paris Saclay, 91100 Corbeil-Essonne, France
- Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives: Mécanismes, Thérapies, Imagerie, CEA/CNRS UMR9199, Université Paris Saclay, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Cécile Martinat
- I-STEM, INSERM UMR861, Université Evry-Paris Saclay, 91100 Corbeil-Essonne, France
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8
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Nepal MR, Jeong TC. Alternative Methods for Testing Botulinum Toxin: Current Status and Future Perspectives. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2020; 28:302-310. [PMID: 32126735 PMCID: PMC7327137 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2019.200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Botulinum toxins are neurotoxic modular proteins composed of a heavy chain and a light chain connected by a disulfide bond and are produced by Clostridium botulinum. Although lethally toxic, botulinum toxin in low doses is clinically effective in numerous medical conditions, including muscle spasticity, strabismus, hyperactive urinary bladder, excessive sweating, and migraine. Globally, several companies are now producing products containing botulinum toxin for medical and cosmetic purposes, including the reduction of facial wrinkles. To test the efficacy and toxicity of botulinum toxin, animal tests have been solely and widely used, resulting in the inevitable sacrifice of hundreds of animals. Hence, alternative methods are urgently required to replace animals in botulinum toxin testing. Here, the various alternative methods developed to test the toxicity and efficacy of botulinum toxins have been briefly reviewed and future perspectives have been detailed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh Raj Nepal
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Cheon Jeong
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
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9
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Schenke M, Schjeide BM, Püschel GP, Seeger B. Analysis of Motor Neurons Differentiated from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for the Use in Cell-Based Botulinum Neurotoxin Activity Assays. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12050276. [PMID: 32344847 PMCID: PMC7291138 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12050276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are potent neurotoxins produced by bacteria, which inhibit neurotransmitter release, specifically in their physiological target known as motor neurons (MNs). For the potency assessment of BoNTs produced for treatment in traditional and aesthetic medicine, the mouse lethality assay is still used by the majority of manufacturers, which is ethically questionable in terms of the 3Rs principle. In this study, MNs were differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells based on three published protocols. The resulting cell populations were analyzed for their MN yield and their suitability for the potency assessment of BoNTs. MNs produce specific gangliosides and synaptic proteins, which are bound by BoNTs in order to be taken up by receptor-mediated endocytosis, which is followed by cleavage of specific soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive-factor attachment receptor (SNARE) proteins required for neurotransmitter release. The presence of receptors and substrates for all BoNT serotypes was demonstrated in MNs generated in vitro. In particular, the MN differentiation protocol based on Du et al. yielded high numbers of MNs in a short amount of time with high expression of BoNT receptors and targets. The resulting cells are more sensitive to BoNT/A1 than the commonly used neuroblastoma cell line SiMa. MNs are, therefore, an ideal tool for being combined with already established detection methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maren Schenke
- Institute for Food Toxicology, Department of Food Toxicology and Replacement/Complementary Methods to Animal Testing, University of Veterinary Medicine, 30173 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Brit-Maren Schjeide
- Institute of Nutritional Science, Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Potsdam, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany; (B.-M.S.); (G.P.P.)
| | - Gerhard P. Püschel
- Institute of Nutritional Science, Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Potsdam, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany; (B.-M.S.); (G.P.P.)
| | - Bettina Seeger
- Institute for Food Toxicology, Department of Food Toxicology and Replacement/Complementary Methods to Animal Testing, University of Veterinary Medicine, 30173 Hannover, Germany;
- Correspondence:
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10
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Pellett S, Tepp WH, Johnson EA. Critical Analysis of Neuronal Cell and the Mouse Bioassay for Detection of Botulinum Neurotoxins. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E713. [PMID: 31817843 PMCID: PMC6950160 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11120713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulinum Neurotoxins (BoNTs) are a large protein family that includes the most potent neurotoxins known to humankind. BoNTs delivered locally in humans at low doses are widely used pharmaceuticals. Reliable and quantitative detection of BoNTs is of paramount importance for the clinical diagnosis of botulism, basic research, drug development, potency determination, and detection in clinical, environmental, and food samples. Ideally, a definitive assay for BoNT should reflect the activity of each of the four steps in nerve intoxication. The in vivo mouse bioassay (MBA) is the 'gold standard' for the detection of BoNTs. The MBA is sensitive, robust, semi-quantitative, and reliable within its sensitivity limits. Potential drawbacks with the MBA include assay-to-assay potency variations, especially between laboratories, and false positives or negatives. These limitations can be largely avoided by careful planning and performance. Another detection method that has gained importance in recent years for research and potency determination of pharmaceutical BoNTs is cell-based assays, as these assays can be highly sensitive, quantitative, human-specific, and detect fully functional holotoxins at physiologically relevant concentrations. A myriad of other in vitro BoNT detection methods exist. This review focuses on critical factors and assay limitations of the mouse bioassay and cell-based assays for BoNT detection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eric A. Johnson
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Linden Dr, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (S.P.); (W.H.T.)
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11
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Konstantinović J, Kiris E, Kota KP, Kugelman-Tonos J, Videnović M, Cazares LH, Terzić Jovanović N, Verbić TŽ, Andjelković B, Duplantier AJ, Bavari S, Šolaja BA. New Steroidal 4-Aminoquinolines Antagonize Botulinum Neurotoxin Serotype A in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Derived Motor Neurons in Postintoxication Model. J Med Chem 2018; 61:1595-1608. [PMID: 29385334 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The synthesis and inhibitory potencies against botulinum neurotoxin serotype A light chain (BoNT/A LC) using in vitro HPLC based enzymatic assay for various steroidal, benzothiophene, thiophene, and adamantane 4-aminoquinoline derivatives are described. In addition, the compounds were evaluated for the activity against BoNT/A holotoxin in mouse embryonic stem cell derived motor neurons. Steroidal derivative 16 showed remarkable protection (up to 89% of uncleaved SNAP-25) even when administered 30 min postintoxication. This appears to be the first example of LC inhibitors antagonizing BoNT intoxication in mouse embryonic stem cell derived motor neurons (mES-MNs) in a postexposure model. Oral administration of 16 was well tolerated in the mouse up to 600 mg/kg, q.d. Although adequate unbound drug levels were not achieved at this dose, the favorable in vitro ADMET results strongly support further work in this series.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Konstantinović
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade , Studentski trg 16, P.O. Box 51, 11158 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Erkan Kiris
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute , Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Krishna P Kota
- Molecular and Translational Sciences Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases , 1425 Porter Street, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Johanny Kugelman-Tonos
- Molecular and Translational Sciences Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases , 1425 Porter Street, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Milica Videnović
- Faculty of Chemistry Innovative Centre , Studentski trg 12-16, 11158 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Lisa H Cazares
- Molecular and Translational Sciences Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases , 1425 Porter Street, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Nataša Terzić Jovanović
- Institute of Chemistry, Technology, and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade , Njegoševa 12, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tatjana Ž Verbić
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade , Studentski trg 16, P.O. Box 51, 11158 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Boban Andjelković
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade , Studentski trg 16, P.O. Box 51, 11158 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Allen J Duplantier
- Molecular and Translational Sciences Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases , 1425 Porter Street, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Sina Bavari
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases , 1425 Porter Street, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Bogdan A Šolaja
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade , Studentski trg 16, P.O. Box 51, 11158 Belgrade, Serbia.,Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts , Knez Mihailova 35, 11158 Belgrade, Serbia
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12
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Yadirgi G, Stickings P, Rajagopal S, Liu Y, Sesardic D. Immuno-detection of cleaved SNAP-25 from differentiated mouse embryonic stem cells provides a sensitive assay for determination of botulinum A toxin and antitoxin potency. J Immunol Methods 2017; 451:90-99. [PMID: 28943257 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2017.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Botulinum toxin type A is a causative agent of human botulism. Due to high toxicity and ease of production it is classified by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention as a category A bioterrorism agent. The same serotype, BoNT/A, is also the most widely used in pharmaceutical preparations for treatment of a diverse range of neuromuscular disorders. Traditionally, animals are used to confirm the presence and activity of toxin and to establish neutralizing capabilities of countermeasures in toxin neutralization tests. Cell based assays for BoNT/A have been reported as the most viable alternative to animal models, since they are capable of reflecting all key steps (binding, translocation, internalization and cleavage of intracellular substrate) involved in toxin activity. In this paper we report preliminary development of a simple immunochemical method for specifically detecting BoNT/A cleaved intracellular substrate, SNAP-25, in cell lysates of neurons derived from mouse embryonic stem cells. The assay offers sensitivity of better than 0.1LD50/ml (3fM) which is not matched by other functional assays, including the mouse bioassay, and provides serotype specificity for quantitative detection of BoNT/A and anti-BoNT/A antitoxin. Subject to formal validation, the method described here could potentially be used as a substitute for the mouse bioassay to measure potency and consistency of therapeutic products.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Yadirgi
- Division of Bacteriology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, a center of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 3QG, UK.
| | - P Stickings
- Division of Bacteriology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, a center of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 3QG, UK.
| | - S Rajagopal
- Division of Bacteriology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, a center of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 3QG, UK.
| | - Y Liu
- Division of Bacteriology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, a center of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 3QG, UK.
| | - D Sesardic
- Division of Bacteriology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, a center of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 3QG, UK.
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13
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Deubiquitinating enzyme VCIP135 dictates the duration of botulinum neurotoxin type A intoxication. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E5158-E5166. [PMID: 28584101 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1621076114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Botulism is characterized by flaccid paralysis, which can be caused by intoxication with any of the seven known serotypes of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), all of which disrupt synaptic transmission by endoproteolytic cleavage of SNARE proteins. BoNT serotype A (BoNT/A) has the most prolonged or persistent effects, which can last several months, and exerts its effects by specifically cleaving and inactivating SNAP25. A major factor contributing to the persistence of intoxication is the long half-life of the catalytic light chain, which remains enzymatically active months after entry into cells. Here we report that BoNT/A catalytic light chain binds to, and is a substrate for, the ubiquitin ligase HECTD2. However, the light chain evades proteasomal degradation by the dominant effect of a deubiquitinating enzyme, VCIP135/VCPIP1. This deubiquitinating enzyme binds BoNT/A light chain directly, with the two associating in cells through the C-terminal 77 amino acids of the light chain protease. The development of specific DUB inhibitors, together with inhibitors of BoNT/A proteolytic activity, may be useful for reducing the morbidity and public health costs associated with BoNT/A intoxication and could have potential biodefense implications.
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14
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Jenkinson SP, Grandgirard D, Heidemann M, Tscherter A, Avondet MA, Leib SL. Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Neurons Grown on Multi-Electrode Arrays as a Novel In vitro Bioassay for the Detection of Clostridium botulinum Neurotoxins. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:73. [PMID: 28280466 PMCID: PMC5322221 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are the most poisonous naturally occurring protein toxins known to mankind and are the causative agents of the severe and potentially life-threatening disease botulism. They are also known for their application as cosmetics and as unique bio-pharmaceuticals to treat an increasing number of neurological and non-neurological disorders. Currently, the potency of biologically active BoNT for therapeutic use is mainly monitored by the murine LD50-assay, an ethically disputable test causing suffering and death of a considerable number of mice. The aim of this study was to establish an in vitro assay as an alternative to the widely used in vivo mouse bioassay. We report a novel BoNT detection assay using mouse embryonic stem cell-derived neurons (mESN) cultured on multi-electrode arrays (MEAs). After 21 days in culture, the mESN formed a neuronal network showing spontaneous bursting activity based on functional synapses and express the necessary target proteins for BoNTs. Treating cultures for 6 h with 16.6 pM of BoNT serotype A and incubation with 1.66 pM BoNT/A or 33 Units/ml of Botox® for 24 h lead to a significant reduction of both spontaneous network bursts and average spike rate. This data suggests that mESN cultured on MEAs pose a novel, biologically relevant model that can be used to detect and quantify functional BoNT effects, thus accelerating BoNT research while decreasing animal use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen P Jenkinson
- Neuroinfection Laboratory, Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of BernBern, Switzerland; Biology Division, Spiez Laboratory, Swiss Federal Office for Civil ProtectionSpiez, Switzerland; Cluster for Regenerative Neuroscience, Department for Clinical Research, University of BernBern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of BernBern, Switzerland
| | - Denis Grandgirard
- Neuroinfection Laboratory, Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of BernBern, Switzerland; Cluster for Regenerative Neuroscience, Department for Clinical Research, University of BernBern, Switzerland
| | | | - Anne Tscherter
- Department of Physiology, University of Bern Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marc-André Avondet
- Biology Division, Spiez Laboratory, Swiss Federal Office for Civil Protection Spiez, Switzerland
| | - Stephen L Leib
- Neuroinfection Laboratory, Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of BernBern, Switzerland; Cluster for Regenerative Neuroscience, Department for Clinical Research, University of BernBern, Switzerland
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15
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Kostrzewa RM, Kostrzewa RA, Kostrzewa JP. Botulinum neurotoxin: Progress in negating its neurotoxicity; and in extending its therapeutic utility via molecular engineering. MiniReview. Peptides 2015; 72:80-7. [PMID: 26192475 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Revised: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
While the poisonous effects of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) have been recognized since antiquity, the overall actions and mechanisms of effects of BoNT have been elucidated primarily over the past several decades. The general utility of BoNT is described in the paper, but the focus is mainly on the approaches towards negating the toxic effects of BoNT, and on the projection of an engineered BoNT molecule serving as a Trojan Horse to deliver a therapeutic load for treatment of a host of medical disorders. The BoNT molecule is configured with a binding domain, a zinc-dependent protease with specificity primarily for vesicular proteins, and a translocation domain for delivery of the metalloprotease into the cytoplasm. The anti-toxin approaches for BoNT include the use of vaccines, antibodies, block of BoNT binding or translocation, inhibition of metalloprotease activity, impeded translocation of the protease/catalytic domain, and inhibition of the downstream Src signaling pathway. Projections of BoNT as a therapeutic include its targeting to non-cholinergic nerves, also targeting to non-neuronal cells for treatment of hypersecretory disorders (e.g., cystic fibrosis), and treatment of hormonal disorders (e.g., acromegaly). Still in the exploratory phase, there is the expectation of major advances in BoNT neuroprotective strategies and burgeoning utility of engineered BoNTs as therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M Kostrzewa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, P.O. Box 70577, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.
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16
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Hong WS, Pezzi HM, Schuster AR, Berry SM, Sung KE, Beebe DJ. Development of a Highly Sensitive Cell-Based Assay for Detecting Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A through Neural Culture Media Optimization. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 21:65-73. [PMID: 26420788 DOI: 10.1177/1087057115608103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is the most lethal naturally produced neurotoxin. Due to the extreme toxicity, BoNTs are implicated in bioterrorism, while the specific mechanism of action and long-lasting effect was found to be medically applicable in treating various neurological disorders. Therefore, for both public and patient safety, a highly sensitive, physiologic, and specific assay is needed. In this paper, we show a method for achieving a highly sensitive cell-based assay for BoNT/A detection using the motor neuron-like continuous cell line NG108-15. To achieve high sensitivity, we performed a media optimization study evaluating three commercially available neural supplements in combination with retinoic acid, purmorphamine, transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), and ganglioside GT1b. We found nonlinear combinatorial effects on BoNT/A detection sensitivity, achieving an EC50 of 7.4 U ± 1.5 SD (or ~7.9 pM). The achieved detection sensitivity is comparable to that of assays that used primary and stem cell-derived neurons as well as the mouse lethality assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won S Hong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research and University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Hannah M Pezzi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research and University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Andrea R Schuster
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Scott M Berry
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research and University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kyung E Sung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research and University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - David J Beebe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research and University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
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17
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Pellett S, Schwartz MP, Tepp WH, Josephson R, Scherf JM, Pier CL, Thomson JA, Murphy WL, Johnson EA. Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Derived Neuronal Cells Cultured on Chemically-Defined Hydrogels for Sensitive In Vitro Detection of Botulinum Neurotoxin. Sci Rep 2015; 5:14566. [PMID: 26411797 PMCID: PMC4585966 DOI: 10.1038/srep14566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) detection provides a useful model for validating cell-based neurotoxicity screening approaches, as sensitivity is dependent on functionally competent neurons and clear quantitative endpoints are available for correlating results to approved animal testing protocols. Here, human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neuronal cells were cultured on chemically-defined poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels formed by "thiol-ene" photopolymerization and tested as a cell-based neurotoxicity assay by determining sensitivity to active BoNT/A1. BoNT/A1 sensitivity was comparable to the approved in vivo mouse bioassay for human iPSC-derived neurons and neural stem cells (iPSC-NSCs) cultured on PEG hydrogels or treated tissue culture polystyrene (TCP) surfaces. However, maximum sensitivity for BoNT detection was achieved two weeks earlier for iPSC-NSCs that were differentiated and matured on PEG hydrogels compared to TCP. Therefore, chemically-defined synthetic hydrogels offer benefits over standard platforms when optimizing culture conditions for cell-based screening and achieve sensitivities comparable to an approved animal testing protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Pellett
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Michael P. Schwartz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - William H. Tepp
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Richard Josephson
- MTI-GlobalStem, Inc. Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jacob M. Scherf
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Christina L. Pier
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - James A. Thomson
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, United States of America
| | - William L. Murphy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Eric A. Johnson
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
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18
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Manganelli G, Masullo U, Filosa S. HTS/HCS to screen molecules able to maintain embryonic stem cell self-renewal or to induce differentiation: overview of protocols. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2015; 10:802-19. [PMID: 25007774 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-014-9528-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic stem (ES) cells, combining self-renewal ability with wide range tissue-specific cell differentiation, represent one of the most powerful model systems in basic research, drug discovery and biomedical applications. In the field of drug development, ES cells are instrumental in high-throughput/content screening (HTS/HCS) for the evaluation of large compound libraries to test biological activity and toxic properties. Since it is a high priority to test new compounds in vitro, before starting animal and human treatments, there is an increasing demand for new in vitro models that can be used in HTS/HCS to facilitate drug development. In order to achieve this objective, several methods for ES cell self-renewal or differentiation have been evaluated to assess their compatibility with HTS/HCS. This review describes protocols used to screen molecules able to maintain self-renewal or to induce differentiation in ectodermal, mesodermal, endodermal, and their derivative cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genesia Manganelli
- Istituto di Bioscienze e BioRisorse , UOS Napoli -CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131, Naples, Italy,
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19
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Kiris E, Nuss JE, Stanford SM, Wanner LM, Cazares L, Maestre MF, Du HT, Gomba GY, Burnett JC, Gussio R, Bottini N, Panchal RG, Kane CD, Tessarollo L, Bavari S. Phosphatase Inhibitors Function as Novel, Broad Spectrum Botulinum Neurotoxin Antagonists in Mouse and Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Motor Neuron-Based Assays. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0129264. [PMID: 26061731 PMCID: PMC4462581 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need to develop novel treatments to counter Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) poisoning. Currently, the majority of BoNT drug development efforts focus on directly inhibiting the proteolytic components of BoNT, i.e. light chains (LC). Although this is a rational approach, previous research has shown that LCs are extremely difficult drug targets and that inhibiting multi-serotype BoNTs with a single LC inhibitor may not be feasible. An alternative approach would target neuronal pathways involved in intoxication/recovery, rather than the LC itself. Phosphorylation-related mechanisms have been implicated in the intoxication pathway(s) of BoNTs. However, the effects of phosphatase inhibitors upon BoNT activity in the physiological target of BoNTs, i.e. motor neurons, have not been investigated. In this study, a small library of phosphatase inhibitors was screened for BoNT antagonism in the context of mouse embryonic stem cell-derived motor neurons (ES-MNs). Four inhibitors were found to function as BoNT/A antagonists. Subsequently, we confirmed that these inhibitors protect against BoNT/A in a dose-dependent manner in human ES-MNs. Additionally, these compounds provide protection when administered in post-intoxication scenario. Importantly, the inhibitors were also effective against BoNT serotypes B and E. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study showing phosphatase inhibitors as broad-spectrum BoNT antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erkan Kiris
- Geneva Foundation, Tacoma, WA, United States of America
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD, United States of America
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Jonathan E. Nuss
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Stephanie M. Stanford
- Division of Cellular Biology, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Laura M. Wanner
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Lisa Cazares
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Michael F. Maestre
- Division of Cellular Biology, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Hao T. Du
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Glenn Y. Gomba
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - James C. Burnett
- Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Computational Drug Development Group (CDDG), NCI, Frederick, MD, United States of America
- CDDG, Developmental Therapeutics Program, NCI, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Rick Gussio
- CDDG, Developmental Therapeutics Program, NCI, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Nunzio Bottini
- Division of Cellular Biology, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Rekha G. Panchal
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Christopher D. Kane
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
- DoD Biotechnology High Performance Computing Software Applications Institute (BHSAI), Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC), US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC), Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Lino Tessarollo
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Sina Bavari
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD, United States of America
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20
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Kiris E, Burnett JC, Nuss JE, Wanner LM, Peyser BD, Du HT, Gomba GY, Kota KP, Panchal RG, Gussio R, Kane CD, Tessarollo L, Bavari S. SRC family kinase inhibitors antagonize the toxicity of multiple serotypes of botulinum neurotoxin in human embryonic stem cell-derived motor neurons. Neurotox Res 2015; 27:384-98. [PMID: 25782580 PMCID: PMC4455898 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-015-9526-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), the causative agents of botulism, are potent inhibitors of neurotransmitter release from motor neurons. There are currently no drugs to treat BoNT intoxication after the onset of the disease symptoms. In this study, we explored how modulation of key host pathways affects the process of BoNT intoxication in human motor neurons, focusing on Src family kinase (SFK) signaling. Motor neurons derived from human embryonic stem (hES) cells were treated with a panel of SFK inhibitors and intoxicated with BoNT serotypes A, B, or E (which are responsible for >95 % of human botulism cases). Subsequently, it was found that bosutinib, dasatinib, KX2-391, PP1, PP2, Src inhibitor-1, and SU6656 significantly antagonized all three of the serotypes. Furthermore, the data indicated that the treatment of hES-derived motor neurons with multiple SFK inhibitors increased the antagonistic effect synergistically. Mechanistically, the small molecules appear to inhibit BoNTs by targeting host pathways necessary for intoxication and not by directly inhibiting the toxins' proteolytic activity. Importantly, the identified inhibitors are all well-studied with some in clinical trials while others are FDA-approved drugs. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of targeting host neuronal pathways, rather than the toxin's enzymatic components, to antagonize multiple BoNT serotypes in motor neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erkan Kiris
- Geneva Foundation, Tacoma, WA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
- Neural Development Section, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - James C. Burnett
- Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Computational Drug Development Group (CDDG), NCI, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
- CDDG, Developmental Therapeutics Program, NCI, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Jonathan E. Nuss
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Laura M. Wanner
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Brian D. Peyser
- CDDG, Developmental Therapeutics Program, NCI, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Hao T. Du
- Neural Development Section, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Glenn Y. Gomba
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Krishna P. Kota
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Rekha G. Panchal
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Rick Gussio
- CDDG, Developmental Therapeutics Program, NCI, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Christopher D. Kane
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation, Bethesda, MD, USA
- DoD Biotechnology High Performance Computing Software Applications Institute (BHSAI), Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC), US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC), Frederick, MD 2170, USA
| | - Lino Tessarollo
- Neural Development Section, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Sina Bavari
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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21
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Hubbard K, Beske P, Lyman M, McNutt P. Functional evaluation of biological neurotoxins in networked cultures of stem cell-derived central nervous system neurons. J Vis Exp 2015. [PMID: 25742030 PMCID: PMC4354605 DOI: 10.3791/52361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic and mechanistic studies of the presynaptically targeted clostridial neurotoxins (CNTs) have been limited by the need for a scalable, cell-based model that produces functioning synapses and undergoes physiological responses to intoxication. Here we describe a simple and robust method to efficiently differentiate murine embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into defined lineages of synaptically active, networked neurons. Following an 8 day differentiation protocol, mouse embryonic stem cell-derived neurons (ESNs) rapidly express and compartmentalize neurotypic proteins, form neuronal morphologies and develop intrinsic electrical responses. By 18 days after differentiation (DIV 18), ESNs exhibit active glutamatergic and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic synapses and emergent network behaviors characterized by an excitatory:inhibitory balance. To determine whether intoxication with CNTs functionally antagonizes synaptic neurotransmission, thereby replicating the in vivo pathophysiology that is responsible for clinical manifestations of botulism or tetanus, whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology was used to quantify spontaneous miniature excitatory post-synaptic currents (mEPSCs) in ESNs exposed to tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT) or botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) serotypes /A-/G. In all cases, ESNs exhibited near-complete loss of synaptic activity within 20 hr. Intoxicated neurons remained viable, as demonstrated by unchanged resting membrane potentials and intrinsic electrical responses. To further characterize the sensitivity of this approach, dose-dependent effects of intoxication on synaptic activity were measured 20 hr after addition of BoNT/A. Intoxication with 0.005 pM BoNT/A resulted in a significant decrement in mEPSCs, with a median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.013 pM. Comparisons of median doses indicate that functional measurements of synaptic inhibition are faster, more specific and more sensitive than SNARE cleavage assays or the mouse lethality assay. These data validate the use of synaptically coupled, stem cell-derived neurons for the highly specific and sensitive detection of CNTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Hubbard
- Research Division, Cellular Molecular Biology Branch, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense;
| | - Phillip Beske
- Research Division, Cellular Molecular Biology Branch, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense
| | - Megan Lyman
- Research Division, Cellular Molecular Biology Branch, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense
| | - Patrick McNutt
- Research Division, Cellular Molecular Biology Branch, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense
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22
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Kota KP, Soloveva V, Wanner LM, Gomba G, Kiris E, Panchal RG, Kane CD, Bavari S. A high content imaging assay for identification of Botulinum neurotoxin inhibitors. J Vis Exp 2014:e51915. [PMID: 25489815 DOI: 10.3791/51915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Synaptosomal-associated protein-25 (SNAP-25) is a component of the soluble NSF attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complex that is essential for synaptic neurotransmitter release. Botulinum neurotoxin serotype A (BoNT/A) is a zinc metalloprotease that blocks exocytosis of neurotransmitter by cleaving the SNAP-25 component of the SNARE complex. Currently there are no licensed medicines to treat BoNT/A poisoning after internalization of the toxin by motor neurons. The development of effective therapeutic measures to counter BoNT/A intoxication has been limited, due in part to the lack of robust high-throughput assays for screening small molecule libraries. Here we describe a high content imaging (HCI) assay with utility for identification of BoNT/A inhibitors. Initial optimization efforts focused on improving the reproducibility of inter-plate results across multiple, independent experiments. Automation of immunostaining, image acquisition, and image analysis were found to increase assay consistency and minimize variability while enabling the multiparameter evaluation of experimental compounds in a murine motor neuron system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna P Kota
- Perkin Elmer Inc.; Division of Molecular and Translational Sciences, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases;
| | - Veronica Soloveva
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation; Division of Molecular and Translational Sciences, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases; DoD Biotechnology High Performance Computing Software Applications Institute (BHSAI), Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC), US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC)
| | - Laura M Wanner
- The Geneva Foundation; Division of Molecular and Translational Sciences, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases
| | - Glenn Gomba
- ORISE; Division of Molecular and Translational Sciences, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases
| | - Erkan Kiris
- The Geneva Foundation; Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research; Division of Molecular and Translational Sciences, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases
| | - Rekha G Panchal
- Division of Molecular and Translational Sciences, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases
| | - Christopher D Kane
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation; Division of Molecular and Translational Sciences, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases; DoD Biotechnology High Performance Computing Software Applications Institute (BHSAI), Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC), US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC)
| | - Sina Bavari
- Division of Molecular and Translational Sciences, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases
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23
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Botulinum toxin suppression of CNS network activity in vitro. J Toxicol 2014; 2014:732913. [PMID: 24688538 PMCID: PMC3944787 DOI: 10.1155/2014/732913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The botulinum toxins are potent agents which disrupt synaptic transmission. While the standard method for BoNT detection and quantification is based on the mouse lethality assay, we have examined whether alterations in cultured neuronal network activity can be used to detect the functional effects of BoNT. Murine spinal cord and frontal cortex networks cultured on substrate integrated microelectrode arrays allowed monitoring of spontaneous spike and burst activity with exposure to BoNT serotype A (BoNT-A). Exposure to BoNT-A inhibited spike activity in cultured neuronal networks where, after a delay due to toxin internalization, the rate of activity loss depended on toxin concentration. Over a 30 hr exposure to BoNT-A, the minimum concentration detected was 2 ng/mL, a level consistent with mouse lethality studies. A small proportion of spinal cord networks, but not frontal cortex networks, showed a transient increase in spike and burst activity with exposure to BoNT-A, an effect likely due to preferential inhibition of inhibitory synapses expressed in this tissue. Lastly, prior exposure to human-derived antisera containing neutralizing antibodies prevented BoNT-A induced inhibition of network spike activity. These observations suggest that the extracellular recording from cultured neuronal networks can be used to detect and quantify functional BoNT effects.
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Kiris E, Kota KP, Burnett JC, Soloveva V, Kane CD, Bavari S. Recent developments in cell-based assays and stem cell technologies for botulinum neurotoxin research and drug discovery. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2014; 14:153-68. [PMID: 24450833 DOI: 10.1586/14737159.2014.867808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are exceptionally potent inhibitors of neurotransmission, causing muscle paralysis and respiratory failure associated with the disease botulism. Currently, no drugs are available to counter intracellular BoNT poisoning. To develop effective medical treatments, cell-based assays provide a valuable system to identify novel inhibitors in a time- and cost-efficient manner. Consequently, cell-based systems including immortalized cells, primary neurons and stem cell-derived neurons have been established. Stem cell-derived neurons are highly sensitive to BoNT intoxication and represent an ideal model to study the biological effects of BoNTs. Robust immunoassays are used to quantify BoNT activity and play a central role during inhibitor screening. In this review, we examine recent progress in physiologically relevant cell-based assays and high-throughput screening approaches for the identification of both direct and indirect BoNT inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erkan Kiris
- Geneva Foundation, 917 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA
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Tobe BTD, Brandel MG, Nye JS, Snyder EY. Implications and limitations of cellular reprogramming for psychiatric drug development. Exp Mol Med 2013; 45:e59. [PMID: 24232258 PMCID: PMC3849573 DOI: 10.1038/emm.2013.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived from somatic cells of patients have opened possibilities for in vitro modeling of the physiology of neural (and other) cells in psychiatric disease states. Issues in early stages of technology development include (1) establishing a library of cells from adequately phenotyped patients, (2) streamlining laborious, costly hiPSC derivation and characterization, (3) assessing whether mutations or other alterations introduced by reprogramming confound interpretation, (4) developing efficient differentiation strategies to relevant cell types, (5) identifying discernible cellular phenotypes meaningful for cyclic, stress induced or relapsing-remitting diseases, (6) converting phenotypes to screening assays suitable for genome-wide mechanistic studies or large collection compound testing and (7) controlling for variability in relation to disease specificity amidst low sample numbers. Coordination of material for reprogramming from patients well-characterized clinically, genetically and with neuroimaging are beginning, and initial studies have begun to identify cellular phenotypes. Finally, several psychiatric drugs have been found to alter reprogramming efficiency in vitro, suggesting further complexity in applying hiPSCs to psychiatric diseases or that some drugs influence neural differentiation moreso than generally recognized. Despite these challenges, studies utilizing hiPSCs may eventually serve to fill essential niches in the translational pipeline for the discovery of new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian T D Tobe
- 1] Program in Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, Burnham Institute for Medical Research, La Jolla, CA, USA [2] Department of Psychiatry, Veterans Administration Medical Center, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Hanna-Mitchell AT, Wolf-Johnston AS, Barrick SR, Kanai AJ, Chancellor MB, de Groat WC, Birder LA. Effect of botulinum toxin A on urothelial-release of ATP and expression of SNARE targets within the urothelium. Neurourol Urodyn 2013; 34:79-84. [PMID: 24167028 DOI: 10.1002/nau.22508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 09/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Botulinum neurotoxin serotype A (BoNT/A) has emerged as an effective treatment of urinary bladder overactivity. Intravesical lipotoxin (BoNT/A delivery using liposomes), which may target the urothelium, is effective in blocking acetic acid induced hyperactivity in animals. The objective of this study was to assess the possible site of toxin action within the urothelium. METHODS We examined expression of the toxin receptor (SV2) and its cleavage targets (SNAP-25 and SNAP-23) within urothelium as well as effects of the toxin on mechanically evoked release of ATP from cultured rat urothelial cells. ATP release was measured using the luciferin-luciferase assay; we examined expression of SNAP-23 and -25 in urothelial cells and mucosa of rat and human bladders. RESULTS BoNT/A (1.5 U; 1-3 hr) blocked hypotonic evoked release of urothelial ATP, without affecting morphology. The expression of protein targets for BoNT/A binding (SV2) was detected in human and rat bladder mucosa and catalytic action (SNAP-23, -25) in urothelial cells and mucosa (differed in intensity) from rat and human bladder. Incubation of cultured (rat) urothelial cells with BoNT/A decreased expression levels of both SNAP-23 (44%) and SNAP-25 (80%). CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal that the bladder urothelium expresses the intracellular targets and the binding protein for cellular uptake of BoNT/A; and that the toxin is able to suppress the levels of these targets as well as hypotonic-evoked ATP release. These data raise the possibility that intravesical treatment with BoNT/A suppresses bladder reflex and sensory mechanisms by affecting a number of urothelial functions including release of transmitters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann T Hanna-Mitchell
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Characterization of botulinum neurotoxin A subtypes 1 through 5 by investigation of activities in mice, in neuronal cell cultures, and in vitro. Infect Immun 2013; 81:3894-902. [PMID: 23918782 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00536-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are synthesized by Clostridium botulinum and exist as seven immunologically distinct serotypes designated A through G. For most serotypes, several subtypes have now been described based on nominal differences in the amino acid sequences. BoNT/A1 is the most well-characterized subtype of the BoNT/A serotype, and many of its properties, including its potency, its prevalence as a food poison, and its utility as a pharmaceutical, have been thoroughly studied. In contrast, much remains unknown of the other BoNT/A subtypes. In this study, BoNT/A subtype 1 (BoNT/A1) to BoNT/A5 were characterized utilizing a mouse bioassay, an in vitro cleavage assay, and several neuronal cell-based assays. The data indicate that BoNT/A1 to -5 have distinct in vitro and in vivo toxicological properties and that, unlike those for BoNT/A1, the neuronal and mouse results for BoNT/A2 to -5 do not correlate with their enzymatic activity. These results indicate that BoNT/A1 to -5 have distinct characteristics, which are of importance for a greater understanding of botulism and for pharmaceutical applications.
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Pellett S. Progress in cell based assays for botulinum neurotoxin detection. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2013; 364:257-85. [PMID: 23239357 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-33570-9_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are the most potent human toxins known and the causative agent of botulism, and are widely used as valuable pharmaceuticals. The BoNTs are modular proteins consisting of a heavy chain and a light chain linked by a disulfide bond. Intoxication of neuronal cells by BoNTs is a multi-step process including specific cell binding, endocytosis, conformational change in the endosome, translocation of the enzymatic light chain into the cells cytosol, and SNARE target cleavage. The quantitative and reliable potency determination of fully functional BoNTs produced as active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) requires an assay that considers all steps in the intoxication pathway. The in vivo mouse bioassay has for years been the 'gold standard' assay used for this purpose, but it requires the use of large numbers of mice and thus causes associated costs and ethical concerns. Cell-based assays are currently the only in vitro alternative that detect fully functional BoNTs in a single assay and have been utilized for years for research purposes. Within the last 5 years, several cell-based BoNT detection assays have been developed that are able to quantitatively determine BoNT potency with similar or greater sensitivity than the mouse bioassay. These assays now offer an alternative method for BoNT potency determination. Such quantitative and reliable BoNT potency determination is a crucial step in basic research, in the development of pharmaceutical BoNTs, and in the quantitative detection of neutralizing antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Pellett
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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Fernández-Salas E, Wang J, Molina Y, Nelson JB, Jacky BPS, Aoki KR. Botulinum neurotoxin serotype A specific cell-based potency assay to replace the mouse bioassay. PLoS One 2012. [PMID: 23185348 PMCID: PMC3504020 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0049516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxin serotype A (BoNT/A), a potent therapeutic used to treat various disorders, inhibits vesicular neurotransmitter exocytosis by cleaving SNAP25. Development of cell-based potency assays (CBPAs) to assess the biological function of BoNT/A have been challenging because of its potency. CBPAs can evaluate the key steps of BoNT action: receptor binding, internalization-translocation, and catalytic activity; and therefore could replace the current mouse bioassay. Primary neurons possess appropriate sensitivity to develop potential replacement assays but those potency assays are difficult to perform and validate. This report describes a CBPA utilizing differentiated human neuroblastoma SiMa cells and a sandwich ELISA that measures BoNT/A-dependent intracellular increase of cleaved SNAP25. Assay sensitivity is similar to the mouse bioassay and measures neurotoxin biological activity in bulk drug substance and BOTOX® product (onabotulinumtoxinA). Validation of a version of this CBPA in a Quality Control laboratory has led to FDA, Health Canada, and European Union approval for potency testing of BOTOX®, BOTOX® Cosmetic, and Vistabel®. Moreover, we also developed and optimized a BoNT/A CBPA screening assay that can be used for the discovery of novel BoNT/A inhibitors to treat human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Fernández-Salas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Allergan Inc., Irvine, California, United States of America.
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30
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Wu CY, Whye D, Mason RW, Wang W. Efficient differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells into motor neurons. J Vis Exp 2012:e3813. [PMID: 22711008 DOI: 10.3791/3813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Direct differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells into functional motor neurons represents a promising resource to study disease mechanisms, to screen new drug compounds, and to develop new therapies for motor neuron diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Many current protocols use a combination of retinoic acid (RA) and sonic hedgehog (Shh) to differentiate mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells into motor neurons. However, the differentiation efficiency of mES cells into motor neurons has only met with moderate success. We have developed a two-step differentiation protocol that significantly improves the differentiation efficiency compared with currently established protocols. The first step is to enhance the neuralization process by adding Noggin and fibroblast growth factors (FGFs). Noggin is a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist and is implicated in neural induction according to the default model of neurogenesis and results in the formation of anterior neural patterning. FGF signaling acts synergistically with Noggin in inducing neural tissue formation by promoting a posterior neural identity. In this step, mES cells were primed with Noggin, bFGF, and FGF-8 for two days to promote differentiation towards neural lineages. The second step is to induce motor neuron specification. Noggin/FGFs exposed mES cells were incubated with RA and a Shh agonist, Smoothened agonist (SAG), for another 5 days to facilitate motor neuron generation. To monitor the differentiation of mESs into motor neurons, we used an ES cell line derived from a transgenic mouse expressing eGFP under the control of the motor neuron specific promoter Hb9. Using this robust protocol, we achieved 51 ± 0.8% of differentiation efficiency (n = 3; p < 0.01, Student's t-test). Results from immunofluorescent staining showed that GFP+ cells express the motor neuron specific markers, Islet-1 and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). Our two-step differentiation protocol provides an efficient way to differentiate mES cells into spinal motor neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Yen Wu
- Nemours Biomedical Research, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, USA.
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Sesardic T. Bioassays for evaluation of medical products derived from bacterial toxins. Curr Opin Microbiol 2012; 15:310-6. [PMID: 22651974 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2012.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Bioassays play central role in evaluation of biological products and those derived from bacterial toxins often rely exclusively on in vivo models for assurance of safety and potency. This chapter reviews existing regulatory approved methods designed to provide information on potency and safety of complex biological medicines with an insight into strategies considered for alternative procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thea Sesardic
- Division of Bacteriology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 3QG, United Kingdom.
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Hook LA. Stem cell technology for drug discovery and development. Drug Discov Today 2012; 17:336-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2011.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2011] [Revised: 10/12/2011] [Accepted: 11/02/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Whitemarsh RCM, Strathman MJ, Chase LG, Stankewicz C, Tepp WH, Johnson EA, Pellett S. Novel application of human neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells for highly sensitive botulinum neurotoxin detection. Toxicol Sci 2012; 126:426-35. [PMID: 22223483 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfr354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) hold great promise for providing various differentiated cell models for in vitro toxigenicity testing. For Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) detection and mechanistic studies, several cell models currently exist, but none examine toxin function with species-specific relevance while exhibiting high sensitivity. The most sensitive cell models to date are mouse or rat primary cells and neurons derived from mouse embryonic stem cells, both of which require significant technical expertise for culture preparation. This study describes for the first time the use of hiPSC-derived neurons for BoNT detection. The neurons used in this study were differentiated and cryopreserved by Cellular Dynamics International (Madison, WI) and consist of an almost pure pan-neuronal population of predominantly gamma aminoisobutyric acidergic and glutamatergic neurons. Western blot and quantitative PCR data show that these neurons express all the necessary receptors and substrates for BoNT intoxication. BoNT/A intoxication studies demonstrate that the hiPSC-derived neurons reproducibly and quantitatively detect biologically active BoNT/A with high sensitivity (EC(50) ∼0.3 U). Additionally, the quantitative detection of BoNT serotypes B, C, E, and BoNT/A complex was demonstrated, and BoNT/A specificity was confirmed through antibody protection studies. A direct comparison of BoNT detection using primary rat spinal cord cells and hiPSC-derived neurons showed equal or increased sensitivity, a steeper dose-response curve and a more complete SNARE protein target cleavage for hiPSC-derived neurons. In summary, these data suggest that neurons derived from hiPSCs provide an ideal and highly sensitive platform for BoNT potency determination, neutralizing antibody detection and for mechanistic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina C M Whitemarsh
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
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Petros TJ, Tyson JA, Anderson SA. Pluripotent stem cells for the study of CNS development. Front Mol Neurosci 2011; 4:30. [PMID: 22016722 PMCID: PMC3191505 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2011.00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2011] [Accepted: 09/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian central nervous system is a complex neuronal network consisting of a diverse array of cellular subtypes generated in a precise spatial and temporal pattern throughout development. Achieving a greater understanding of the molecular and genetic mechanisms that direct a relatively uniform population of neuroepithelial progenitors into diverse neuronal subtypes remains a significant challenge. The advent of pluripotent stem cell (PSC) technology allows researchers to generate diverse neural populations in vitro. Although the primary focus of PSC-derived neural cells has been their therapeutic potential, utilizing PSCs to study neurodevelopment is another frequently overlooked and equally important application. In this review, we explore the potential for utilizing PSCs to study neural development. We introduce the types of neurodevelopmental questions that PSCs can help to address, and we discuss the different strategies and technologies that researchers use to generate diverse subtypes of PSC-derived neurons. Additionally, we highlight the derivation of several thoroughly characterized neural subtypes; spinal motoneurons, midbrain dopaminergic neurons and cortical neurons. We hope that this review encourages researchers to develop innovative strategies for using PSCs for the study of mammalian, and specifically human, neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J. Petros
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew York, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Tyson
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew York, NY, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew York, NY, USA
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