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Wang XX, Chen WZ, Li C, Xu RS. Current potential pathogenic mechanisms of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Rev Neurosci 2024; 35:549-563. [PMID: 38381656 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2024-0010] [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: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neurodegenerative disease which damages upper and lower motor neurons (UMN and LMN) innervating the muscles of the trunk, extremities, head, neck and face in cerebrum, brain stem and spinal cord, which results in the progressive weakness, atrophy and fasciculation of muscle innervated by the related UMN and LMN, accompanying with the pathological signs leaded by the cortical spinal lateral tract lesion. The pathogenesis about ALS is not fully understood, and no specific drugs are available to cure and prevent the progression of this disease at present. In this review, we reviewed the structure and associated functions of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), discuss why SOD1 is crucial to the pathogenesis of ALS, and outline the pathogenic mechanisms of SOD1 in ALS that have been identified at recent years, including glutamate-related excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, axonal transport disruption, prion-like propagation, and the non-cytologic toxicity of glial cells. This review will help us to deeply understand the current progression in this field of SOD1 pathogenic mechanisms in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Xin Wang
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, The Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, National Regional Center for Neurological Diseases, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Jiangxi Hospital, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Wen-Zhi Chen
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, The Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, National Regional Center for Neurological Diseases, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Jiangxi Hospital, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Cheng Li
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, The Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, National Regional Center for Neurological Diseases, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Jiangxi Hospital, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Ren-Shi Xu
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, The Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, National Regional Center for Neurological Diseases, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Jiangxi Hospital, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
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2
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Clancy CE, Santana LF. Advances in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiac myocytes: technological breakthroughs, key discoveries and new applications. J Physiol 2024. [PMID: 39032073 DOI: 10.1113/jp282562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024] Open
Abstract
A transformation is underway in precision and patient-specific medicine. Rapid progress has been enabled by multiple new technologies including induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiac myocytes (iPSC-CMs). Here, we delve into these advancements and their future promise, focusing on the efficiency of reprogramming techniques, the fidelity of differentiation into the cardiac lineage, the functional characterization of the resulting cardiac myocytes, and the many applications of in silico models to understand general and patient-specific mechanisms controlling excitation-contraction coupling in health and disease. Furthermore, we explore the current and potential applications of iPSC-CMs in both research and clinical settings, underscoring the far-reaching implications of this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen E Clancy
- Department of Physiology & Membrane Biology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Center for Precision Medicine and Data Sciences, University of California Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - L Fernando Santana
- Department of Physiology & Membrane Biology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Center for Precision Medicine and Data Sciences, University of California Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
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3
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Gale J, Aizenman E. The physiological and pathophysiological roles of copper in the nervous system. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 60:3505-3543. [PMID: 38747014 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Copper is a critical trace element in biological systems due the vast number of essential enzymes that require the metal as a cofactor, including cytochrome c oxidase, superoxide dismutase and dopamine-β-hydroxylase. Due its key role in oxidative metabolism, antioxidant defence and neurotransmitter synthesis, copper is particularly important for neuronal development and proper neuronal function. Moreover, increasing evidence suggests that copper also serves important functions in synaptic and network activity, the regulation of circadian rhythms, and arousal. However, it is important to note that because of copper's ability to redox cycle and generate reactive species, cellular levels of the metal must be tightly regulated to meet cellular needs while avoiding copper-induced oxidative stress. Therefore, it is essential that the intricate system of copper transporters, exporters, copper chaperones and copper trafficking proteins function properly and in coordinate fashion. Indeed, disorders of copper metabolism such as Menkes disease and Wilson disease, as well as diseases linked to dysfunction of copper-requiring enzymes, such as SOD1-linked amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, demonstrate the dramatic neurological consequences of altered copper homeostasis. In this review, we explore the physiological importance of copper in the nervous system as well as pathologies related to improper copper handling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Gale
- Department of Neurobiology and Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Elias Aizenman
- Department of Neurobiology and Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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4
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Martínez P, Silva M, Abarzúa S, Tevy MF, Jaimovich E, Constantine-Paton M, Bustos FJ, van Zundert B. Skeletal myotubes expressing ALS mutant SOD1 induce pathogenic changes, impair mitochondrial axonal transport, and trigger motoneuron death. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.24.595817. [PMID: 38826246 PMCID: PMC11142234 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.24.595817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of motoneurons (MNs), and despite progress, there is no effective treatment. A large body of evidence shows that astrocytes expressing ALS-linked mutant proteins cause non-cell autonomous toxicity of MNs. Although MNs innervate muscle fibers and ALS is characterized by the early disruption of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and axon degeneration, there are controversies about whether muscle contributes to non-cell-autonomous toxicity to MNs. In this study, we generated primary skeletal myotubes from myoblasts derived from ALS mice expressing human mutant SOD1 G93A (termed hereafter mutSOD1). Characterization revealed that mutSOD1 skeletal myotubes display intrinsic phenotypic and functional differences compared to control myotubes generated from non-transgenic (NTg) littermates. Next, we analyzed whether ALS myotubes exert non-cell-autonomous toxicity to MNs. We report that conditioned media from mutSOD1 myotubes (mutSOD1-MCM), but not from control myotubes (NTg-MCM), induced robust death of primary MNs in mixed spinal cord cultures and compartmentalized microfluidic chambers. Our study further revealed that applying mutSOD1-MCM to the MN axonal side in microfluidic devices rapidly reduces mitochondrial axonal transport while increasing Ca2+ transients and reactive oxygen species (i.e., H 2 O 2 ). These results indicate that soluble factor(s) released by mutSOD1 myotubes cause MN axonopathy that leads to lethal pathogenic changes.
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5
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Leventoux N, Morimoto S, Ishikawa M, Nakamura S, Ozawa F, Kobayashi R, Watanabe H, Supakul S, Okamoto S, Zhou Z, Kobayashi H, Kato C, Hirokawa Y, Aiba I, Takahashi S, Shibata S, Takao M, Yoshida M, Endo F, Yamanaka K, Kokubo Y, Okano H. Aberrant CHCHD2-associated mitochondriopathy in Kii ALS/PDC astrocytes. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 147:84. [PMID: 38750212 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-024-02734-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/Parkinsonism-Dementia Complex (ALS/PDC), a rare and complex neurological disorder, is predominantly observed in the Western Pacific islands, including regions of Japan, Guam, and Papua. This enigmatic condition continues to capture medical attention due to affected patients displaying symptoms that parallel those seen in either classical amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Parkinson's disease (PD). Distinctly, postmortem examinations of the brains of affected individuals have shown the presence of α-synuclein aggregates and TDP-43, which are hallmarks of PD and classical ALS, respectively. These observations are further complicated by the detection of phosphorylated tau, accentuating the multifaceted proteinopathic nature of ALS/PDC. The etiological foundations of this disease remain undetermined, and genetic investigations have yet to provide conclusive answers. However, emerging evidence has implicated the contribution of astrocytes, pivotal cells for maintaining brain health, to neurodegenerative onset, and likely to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of ALS/PDC. Leveraging advanced induced pluripotent stem cell technology, our team cultivated multiple astrocyte lines to further investigate the Japanese variant of ALS/PDC (Kii ALS/PDC). CHCHD2 emerged as a significantly dysregulated gene when disease astrocytes were compared to healthy controls. Our analyses also revealed imbalances in the activation of specific pathways: those associated with astrocytic cilium dysfunction, known to be involved in neurodegeneration, and those related to major neurological disorders, including classical ALS and PD. Further in-depth examinations revealed abnormalities in the mitochondrial morphology and metabolic processes of the affected astrocytes. A particularly striking observation was the reduced expression of CHCHD2 in the spinal cord, motor cortex, and oculomotor nuclei of patients with Kii ALS/PDC. In summary, our findings suggest a potential reduction in the support Kii ALS/PDC astrocytes provide to neurons, emphasizing the need to explore the role of CHCHD2 in maintaining mitochondrial health and its implications for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Leventoux
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoru Morimoto
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Keio Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Keio University, Kanagawa, Japan
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Oncologic Pathology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Ishikawa
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shiho Nakamura
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Keio Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Keio University, Kanagawa, Japan
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumiko Ozawa
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Keio Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Keio University, Kanagawa, Japan
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Reona Kobayashi
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Watanabe
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Keio Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Keio University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Sopak Supakul
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Okamoto
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Zhi Zhou
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroya Kobayashi
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Keio Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Keio University, Kanagawa, Japan
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chris Kato
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Keio Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Keio University, Kanagawa, Japan
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Hirokawa
- Department of Oncologic Pathology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
| | - Ikuko Aiba
- Department of Neurology, NHO, Higashinagoya National Hospital, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shinichi Takahashi
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Keio Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Keio University, Kanagawa, Japan
- Department of Neurology and Stroke, International Medical Centre, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Shibata
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Microscopic Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Masaki Takao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Centre of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mari Yoshida
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Fumito Endo
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Koji Yamanaka
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yasumasa Kokubo
- Kii ALS/PDC Research Centre, Mie University Graduate School of Regional Innovation Studies, Mie, Japan.
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
- Keio Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Keio University, Kanagawa, Japan.
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan.
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6
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Ortega JA, Soares de Aguiar GP, Chandravanshi P, Levy N, Engel E, Álvarez Z. Exploring the properties and potential of the neural extracellular matrix for next-generation regenerative therapies. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 16:e1962. [PMID: 38723788 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic and complex network of proteins and molecules that surrounds cells and tissues in the nervous system and orchestrates a myriad of biological functions. This review carefully examines the diverse interactions between cells and the ECM, as well as the transformative chemical and physical changes that the ECM undergoes during neural development, aging, and disease. These transformations play a pivotal role in shaping tissue morphogenesis and neural activity, thereby influencing the functionality of the central nervous system (CNS). In our comprehensive review, we describe the diverse behaviors of the CNS ECM in different physiological and pathological scenarios and explore the unique properties that make ECM-based strategies attractive for CNS repair and regeneration. Addressing the challenges of scalability, variability, and integration with host tissues, we review how advanced natural, synthetic, and combinatorial matrix approaches enhance biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and functional recovery. Overall, this review highlights the potential of decellularized ECM as a powerful tool for CNS modeling and regenerative purposes and sets the stage for future research in this exciting field. This article is categorized under: Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanotechnology in Tissue Repair and Replacement Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Neurological Disease Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Alberto Ortega
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet del Llobregat, Spain
| | - Gisele P Soares de Aguiar
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet del Llobregat, Spain
| | - Palash Chandravanshi
- Biomaterials for Neural Regeneration Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Natacha Levy
- Biomaterials for Neural Regeneration Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisabeth Engel
- IMEM-BRT Group, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, EEBE, Technical University of Catalonia (UPC), Barcelona, Spain
- Biomaterials for Regenerative Therapies Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, CIBER-BBN, Madrid, Spain
| | - Zaida Álvarez
- Biomaterials for Neural Regeneration Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, CIBER-BBN, Madrid, Spain
- Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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7
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De Cock L, Bercier V, Van Den Bosch L. New developments in pre-clinical models of ALS to guide translation. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 176:477-524. [PMID: 38802181 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.04.008] [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
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder in which selective death of motor neurons leads to muscle weakness and paralysis. Most research has focused on understanding and treating monogenic familial forms, most frequently caused by mutations in SOD1, FUS, TARDBP and C9orf72, although ALS is mostly sporadic and without a clear genetic cause. Rodent models have been developed to study monogenic ALS, but despite numerous pre-clinical studies and clinical trials, few disease-modifying therapies are available. ALS is a heterogeneous disease with complex underlying mechanisms where several genes and molecular pathways appear to play a role. One reason for the high failure rate of clinical translation from the current models could be oversimplification in pre-clinical studies. Here, we review advances in pre-clinical models to better capture the heterogeneous nature of ALS and discuss the value of novel model systems to guide translation and aid in the development of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenja De Cock
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Valérie Bercier
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.
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8
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Li A, Yi J, Li X, Dong L, Ostrow LW, Ma J, Zhou J. Distinct transcriptomic profile of satellite cells contributes to preservation of neuromuscular junctions in extraocular muscles of ALS mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.02.12.528218. [PMID: 36824725 PMCID: PMC9949002 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.12.528218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive weakness of almost all skeletal muscles, whereas extraocular muscles (EOMs) are comparatively spared. While hindlimb and diaphragm muscles of end-stage SOD1G93A (G93A) mice (a familial ALS mouse model) exhibit severe denervation and depletion of Pax7 + satellite cells (SCs), we found that the pool of SCs and the integrity of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are maintained in EOMs. In cell sorting profiles, SCs derived from hindlimb and diaphragm muscles of G93A mice exhibit denervation-related activation, whereas SCs from EOMs of G93A mice display spontaneous (non-denervation-related) activation, similar to SCs from wild-type mice. Specifically, cultured EOM SCs contain more abundant transcripts of axon guidance molecules, including Cxcl12 , along with more sustainable renewability than the diaphragm and hindlimb counterparts under differentiation pressure. In neuromuscular co-culture assays, AAV-delivery of Cxcl12 to G93A-hindlimb SC-derived myotubes enhances motor neuron axon extension and innervation, recapitulating the innervation capacity of EOM SC-derived myotubes. G93A mice fed with sodium butyrate (NaBu) supplementation exhibited less NMJ loss in hindlimb and diaphragm muscles. Additionally, SCs derived from G93A hindlimb and diaphragm muscles displayed elevated expression of Cxcl12 and improved renewability following NaBu treatment in vitro . Thus, the NaBu-induced transcriptomic changes resembling the patterns of EOM SCs may contribute to the beneficial effects observed in G93A mice. More broadly, the distinct transcriptomic profile of EOM SCs may offer novel therapeutic targets to slow progressive neuromuscular functional decay in ALS and provide possible "response biomarkers" in pre-clinical and clinical studies.
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Amartumur S, Nguyen H, Huynh T, Kim TS, Woo RS, Oh E, Kim KK, Lee LP, Heo C. Neuropathogenesis-on-chips for neurodegenerative diseases. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2219. [PMID: 38472255 PMCID: PMC10933492 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46554-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Developing diagnostics and treatments for neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) is challenging due to multifactorial pathogenesis that progresses gradually. Advanced in vitro systems that recapitulate patient-like pathophysiology are emerging as alternatives to conventional animal-based models. In this review, we explore the interconnected pathogenic features of different types of ND, discuss the general strategy to modelling NDs using a microfluidic chip, and introduce the organoid-on-a-chip as the next advanced relevant model. Lastly, we overview how these models are being applied in academic and industrial drug development. The integration of microfluidic chips, stem cells, and biotechnological devices promises to provide valuable insights for biomedical research and developing diagnostic and therapeutic solutions for NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarnai Amartumur
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea
| | - Huong Nguyen
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea
| | - Thuy Huynh
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea
| | - Testaverde S Kim
- Center for Integrated Nanostructure Physics (CINAP), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, Korea
| | - Ran-Sook Woo
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, College of Medicine, Eulji University, Daejeon, 34824, Korea
| | - Eungseok Oh
- Department of Neurology, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, 35015, Korea
| | - Kyeong Kyu Kim
- Department of Precision Medicine, Graduate School of Basic Medical Science (GSBMS), Institute for Anti-microbial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16419, Korea
| | - Luke P Lee
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea.
- Harvard Medical School, Division of Engineering in Medicine and Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
| | - Chaejeong Heo
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea.
- Center for Integrated Nanostructure Physics (CINAP), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, Korea.
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10
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Scarian E, Viola C, Dragoni F, Di Gerlando R, Rizzo B, Diamanti L, Gagliardi S, Bordoni M, Pansarasa O. New Insights into Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2698. [PMID: 38473944 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation are two important and well-studied pathological hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Due to elevated oxygen consumption, the high presence of easily oxidizable polyunsaturated fatty acids and the weak antioxidant defenses, the brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative injury. Uncertainty exists over whether these deficits contribute to the development of NDDs or are solely a consequence of neuronal degeneration. Furthermore, these two pathological hallmarks are linked, and it is known that OS can affect the inflammatory response. In this review, we will overview the last findings about these two pathways in the principal NDDs. Moreover, we will focus more in depth on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to understand how anti-inflammatory and antioxidants drugs have been used for the treatment of this still incurable motor neuron (MN) disease. Finally, we will analyze the principal past and actual clinical trials and the future perspectives in the study of these two pathological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveljn Scarian
- Cellular Models and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Camilla Viola
- Cellular Models and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Agostino Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Dragoni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata, 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Rosalinda Di Gerlando
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata, 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Bartolo Rizzo
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Luca Diamanti
- Neuroncology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Stella Gagliardi
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Bordoni
- Cellular Models and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Orietta Pansarasa
- Cellular Models and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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11
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Yang K, Liu Y, Zhang M. The Diverse Roles of Reactive Astrocytes in the Pathogenesis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Brain Sci 2024; 14:158. [PMID: 38391732 PMCID: PMC10886687 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14020158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes displaying reactive phenotypes are characterized by their ability to remodel morphologically, molecularly, and functionally in response to pathological stimuli. This process results in the loss of their typical astrocyte functions and the acquisition of neurotoxic or neuroprotective roles. A growing body of research indicates that these reactive astrocytes play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), involving calcium homeostasis imbalance, mitochondrial dysfunction, abnormal lipid and lactate metabolism, glutamate excitotoxicity, etc. This review summarizes the characteristics of reactive astrocytes, their role in the pathogenesis of ALS, and recent advancements in astrocyte-targeting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangqin Yang
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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12
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Deng C, Chen H. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tropomyosin receptor kinase B signaling in spinal muscular atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 190:106377. [PMID: 38092270 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106377] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) and its primary ligand brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are expressed in the neuromuscular system, where they affect neuronal survival, differentiation, and functions. Changes in BDNF levels and full-length TrkB (TrkB-FL) signaling have been revealed in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), two common forms of motor neuron diseases that are characterized by defective neuromuscular junctions in early disease stages and subsequently progressive muscle weakness. This review summarizes the current understanding of BDNF/TrkB-FL-related research in SMA and ALS, with an emphasis on their alterations in the neuromuscular system and possible BDNF/TrkB-FL-targeting therapeutic strategies. The limitations of current studies and future directions are also discussed, giving the hope of discovering novel and effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunchu Deng
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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13
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Mimic S, Aru B, Pehlivanoğlu C, Sleiman H, Andjus PR, Yanıkkaya Demirel G. Immunology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - role of the innate and adaptive immunity. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1277399. [PMID: 38105925 PMCID: PMC10723830 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1277399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
This review aims to summarize the latest evidence about the role of innate and adaptive immunity in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a devastating neurodegenerative disease affecting upper and lower motor neurons, which involves essential cells of the immune system that play a basic role in innate or adaptive immunity, that can be neurotoxic or neuroprotective for neurons. However, distinguishing between the sole neurotoxic or neuroprotective function of certain cells such as astrocytes can be challenging due to intricate nature of these cells, the complexity of the microenvironment and the contextual factors. In this review, in regard to innate immunity we focus on the involvement of monocytes/macrophages, microglia, the complement, NK cells, neutrophils, mast cells, and astrocytes, while regarding adaptive immunity, in addition to humoral immunity the most important features and roles of T and B cells are highlighted, specifically different subsets of CD4+ as well as CD8+ T cells. The role of autoantibodies and cytokines is also discussed in distinct sections of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Mimic
- Centre for Laser Microscopy, Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry “Jean Giaja”, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Başak Aru
- Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Cemil Pehlivanoğlu
- Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Hadi Sleiman
- Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Pavle R. Andjus
- Centre for Laser Microscopy, Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry “Jean Giaja”, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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14
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Pisciottani A, Croci L, Lauria F, Marullo C, Savino E, Ambrosi A, Podini P, Marchioretto M, Casoni F, Cremona O, Taverna S, Quattrini A, Cioni JM, Viero G, Codazzi F, Consalez GG. Neuronal models of TDP-43 proteinopathy display reduced axonal translation, increased oxidative stress, and defective exocytosis. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1253543. [PMID: 38026702 PMCID: PMC10679756 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1253543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, lethal neurodegenerative disease mostly affecting people around 50-60 years of age. TDP-43, an RNA-binding protein involved in pre-mRNA splicing and controlling mRNA stability and translation, forms neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions in an overwhelming majority of ALS patients, a phenomenon referred to as TDP-43 proteinopathy. These cytoplasmic aggregates disrupt mRNA transport and localization. The axon, like dendrites, is a site of mRNA translation, permitting the local synthesis of selected proteins. This is especially relevant in upper and lower motor neurons, whose axon spans long distances, likely accentuating their susceptibility to ALS-related noxae. In this work we have generated and characterized two cellular models, consisting of virtually pure populations of primary mouse cortical neurons expressing a human TDP-43 fusion protein, wt or carrying an ALS mutation. Both forms facilitate cytoplasmic aggregate formation, unlike the corresponding native proteins, giving rise to bona fide primary culture models of TDP-43 proteinopathy. Neurons expressing TDP-43 fusion proteins exhibit a global impairment in axonal protein synthesis, an increase in oxidative stress, and defects in presynaptic function and electrical activity. These changes correlate with deregulation of axonal levels of polysome-engaged mRNAs playing relevant roles in the same processes. Our data support the emerging notion that deregulation of mRNA metabolism and of axonal mRNA transport may trigger the dying-back neuropathy that initiates motor neuron degeneration in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Pisciottani
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Croci
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Lauria
- Institute of Biophysics, CNR Unit at Trento, Povo, Italy
| | - Chiara Marullo
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Savino
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ambrosi
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Podini
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Filippo Casoni
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Ottavio Cremona
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Taverna
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Quattrini
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Jean-Michel Cioni
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Franca Codazzi
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - G. Giacomo Consalez
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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15
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Lemos JP, Tenório LPG, Mouly V, Butler-Browne G, Mendes-da-Cruz DA, Savino W, Smeriglio P. T cell biology in neuromuscular disorders: a focus on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1202834. [PMID: 37920473 PMCID: PMC10619758 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1202834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence demonstrates a continuous interaction between the immune system, the nerve and the muscle in neuromuscular disorders of different pathogenetic origins, such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the focus of this review. Herein we highlight the complexity of the cellular and molecular interactions involving the immune system in neuromuscular disorders, as exemplified by DMD and ALS. We describe the distinct types of cell-mediated interactions, such as cytokine/chemokine production as well as cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions between T lymphocytes and other immune cells, which target cells of the muscular or nervous tissues. Most of these interactions occur independently of exogenous pathogens, through ligand-receptor binding and subsequent signal transduction cascades, at distinct levels of specificity. Although this issue reveals the complexity of the system, it can also be envisioned as a window of opportunity to design therapeutic strategies (including synthetic moieties, cell and gene therapy, as well as immunotherapy) by acting upon one or more targets. In this respect, we discuss ongoing clinical trials using VLA-4 inhibition in DMD, and in ALS, with a focus on regulatory T cells, both revealing promising results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Pereira Lemos
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Liliane Patrícia Gonçalves Tenório
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceio, Alagoas, Brazil
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vincent Mouly
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Gillian Butler-Browne
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Daniella Arêas Mendes-da-Cruz
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation (RENEURIN), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- INOVA-IOC Network on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wilson Savino
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation (RENEURIN), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- INOVA-IOC Network on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Piera Smeriglio
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
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Jiwaji Z, Hardingham GE. The consequences of neurodegenerative disease on neuron-astrocyte metabolic and redox interactions. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 185:106255. [PMID: 37558170 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain metabolic pathways relating to bioenergetic and redox homeostasis are closely linked, and deficits in these pathways are thought to occur in many neurodegenerative diseases. Astrocytes play important roles in both processes, and growing evidence suggests that neuron-astrocyte intercellular signalling ensures brain bioenergetic and redox homeostasis in health. Moreover, alterations to this crosstalk have been observed in the context of neurodegenerative pathology. In this review, we summarise the current understanding of how neuron-astrocyte interactions influence brain metabolism and antioxidant functions in health as well as during neurodegeneration. It is apparent that deleterious and adaptive protective responses alter brain metabolism in disease, and that knowledge of both may illuminate targets for future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoeb Jiwaji
- United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute at The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Medical School, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK; Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK; Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK.
| | - Giles E Hardingham
- United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute at The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Medical School, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK; Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.
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17
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Valori CF, Sulmona C, Brambilla L, Rossi D. Astrocytes: Dissecting Their Diverse Roles in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Cells 2023; 12:1450. [PMID: 37296571 PMCID: PMC10252425 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are fatal neurodegenerative disorders often co-occurring in the same patient, a feature that suggests a common origin of the two diseases. Consistently, pathological inclusions of the same proteins as well as mutations in the same genes can be identified in both ALS/FTD. Although many studies have described several disrupted pathways within neurons, glial cells are also regarded as crucial pathogenetic contributors in ALS/FTD. Here, we focus our attention on astrocytes, a heterogenous population of glial cells that perform several functions for optimal central nervous system homeostasis. Firstly, we discuss how post-mortem material from ALS/FTD patients supports astrocyte dysfunction around three pillars: neuroinflammation, abnormal protein aggregation, and atrophy/degeneration. Furthermore, we summarize current attempts at monitoring astrocyte functions in living patients using either novel imaging strategies or soluble biomarkers. We then address how astrocyte pathology is recapitulated in animal and cellular models of ALS/FTD and how we used these models both to understand the molecular mechanisms driving glial dysfunction and as platforms for pre-clinical testing of therapeutics. Finally, we present the current clinical trials for ALS/FTD, restricting our discussion to treatments that modulate astrocyte functions, directly or indirectly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara F. Valori
- Molecular Neuropathology of Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72072 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Neuropathology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Claudia Sulmona
- Laboratory for Research on Neurodegenerative Disorders, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Liliana Brambilla
- Laboratory for Research on Neurodegenerative Disorders, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniela Rossi
- Laboratory for Research on Neurodegenerative Disorders, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Miao SH, Gao SQ, Li HX, Zhuang YS, Wang X, Li T, Gao CC, Han YL, Qiu JY, Zhou ML. Increased NOX2 expression in astrocytes leads to eNOS uncoupling through dihydrofolate reductase in endothelial cells after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1121944. [PMID: 37063365 PMCID: PMC10097896 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1121944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionEndothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) uncoupling plays a significant role in acute vasoconstriction during early brain injury (EBI) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Astrocytes in the neurovascular unit extend their foot processes around endothelia. In our study, we tested the hypothesis that increased nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 2 (NOX2) expression in astrocytes after SAH leads to eNOS uncoupling.MethodsWe utilized laser speckle contrast imaging for monitoring cortical blood flow changes in mice, nitric oxide (NO) kits to measure the level of NO, and a co-culture system to study the effect of astrocytes on endothelial cells. Moreover, the protein levels were assessed by Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. We used CCK-8 to measure the viability of astrocytes and endothelial cells, and we used the H2O2 kit to measure the H2O2 released from astrocytes. We used GSK2795039 as an inhibitor of NOX2, whereas lentivirus and adeno-associated virus were used for dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) knockdown in vivo and in vitro.ResultsThe expression of NOX2 and the release of H2O2 in astrocytes are increased, which was accompanied by a decrease in endothelial DHFR 12 h after SAH. Moreover, the eNOS monomer/dimer ratio increased, leading to a decrease in NO and acute cerebral ischemia. All of the above were significantly alleviated after the administration of GSK2795039. However, after knocking down DHFR both in vivo and in vitro, the protective effect of GSK2795039 was greatly reversed.DiscussionThe increased level of NOX2 in astrocytes contributes to decreased DHFR in endothelial cells, thus aggravating eNOS uncoupling, which is an essential mechanism underlying acute vasoconstriction after SAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Hao Miao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, Jinling School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Sheng-Qing Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui-Xin Li
- Department of Gynecology, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yun-Song Zhuang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, Jinling School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, Jinling School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chao-Chao Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, Jinling School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan-Ling Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jia-Yin Qiu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meng-Liang Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, Jinling School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Meng-Liang Zhou,
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de Oliveira LMG, Carreira RB, de Oliveira JVR, do Nascimento RP, Dos Santos Souza C, Trias E, da Silva VDA, Costa SL. Impact of Plant-Derived Compounds on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Neurotox Res 2023; 41:288-309. [PMID: 36800114 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-022-00632-1] [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: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal illness characterized by progressive motor neuron degeneration. Conventional therapies for ALS are based on treatment of symptoms, and the disease remains incurable. Molecular mechanisms are unclear, but studies have been pointing to involvement of glia, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and glutamate excitotoxicity as a key factor. Nowadays, we have few treatments for this disease that only delays death, but also does not stop the neurodegenerative process. These treatments are based on glutamate blockage (riluzole), tyrosine kinase inhibition (masitinib), and antioxidant activity (edaravone). In the past few years, plant-derived compounds have been studied for neurodegenerative disorder therapies based on neuroprotection and glial cell response. In this review, we describe mechanisms of action of natural compounds associated with neuroprotective effects, and the possibilities for new therapeutic strategies in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Matheus Gonçalves de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-100, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Barreto Carreira
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-100, Brazil
| | - Juciele Valeria Ribeiro de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-100, Brazil
| | - Ravena Pereira do Nascimento
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-100, Brazil
| | - Cleide Dos Santos Souza
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Victor Diogenes Amaral da Silva
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-100, Brazil.
| | - Silvia Lima Costa
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-100, Brazil.
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Barbo M, Ravnik-Glavač M. Extracellular Vesicles as Potential Biomarkers in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14020325. [PMID: 36833252 PMCID: PMC9956314 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020325] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is described as a fatal and rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by the degeneration of upper motor neurons in the primary motor cortex and lower motor neurons of the brainstem and spinal cord. Due to ALS's slowly progressive characteristic, which is often accompanied by other neurological comorbidities, its diagnosis remains challenging. Perturbations in vesicle-mediated transport and autophagy as well as cell-autonomous disease initiation in glutamatergic neurons have been revealed in ALS. The use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) may be key in accessing pathologically relevant tissues for ALS, as EVs can cross the blood-brain barrier and be isolated from the blood. The number and content of EVs may provide indications of the disease pathogenesis, its stage, and prognosis. In this review, we collected a recent study aiming at the identification of EVs as a biomarker of ALS with respect to the size, quantity, and content of EVs in the biological fluids of patients compared to controls.
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21
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FUS-ALS hiPSC-derived astrocytes impair human motor units through both gain-of-toxicity and loss-of-support mechanisms. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:5. [PMID: 36653804 PMCID: PMC9847053 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-022-00591-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Astrocytes play a crucial, yet not fully elucidated role in the selective motor neuron pathology in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Among other responsibilities, astrocytes provide important neuronal homeostatic support, however this function is highly compromised in ALS. The establishment of fully human coculture systems can be used to further study the underlying mechanisms of the dysfunctional intercellular interplay, and has the potential to provide a platform for revealing novel therapeutic entry points. METHODS In this study, we characterised human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived astrocytes from FUS-ALS patients, and incorporated these cells into a human motor unit microfluidics model to investigate the astrocytic effect on hiPSC-derived motor neuron network and functional neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) using immunocytochemistry and live-cell recordings. FUS-ALS cocultures were systematically compared to their CRISPR-Cas9 gene-edited isogenic control systems. RESULTS We observed a dysregulation of astrocyte homeostasis, which resulted in a FUS-ALS-mediated increase in reactivity and secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Upon coculture with motor neurons and myotubes, we detected a cytotoxic effect on motor neuron-neurite outgrowth, NMJ formation and functionality, which was improved or fully rescued by isogenic control astrocytes. We demonstrate that ALS astrocytes have both a gain-of-toxicity and loss-of-support function involving the WNT/β-catenin pathway, ultimately contributing to the disruption of motor neuron homeostasis, intercellular networks and NMJs. CONCLUSIONS Our findings shine light on a complex, yet highly important role of astrocytes in ALS, and provides further insight in to their pathological mechanisms.
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22
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Marton S, Miquel E, Acosta-Rodríguez J, Fontenla S, Libisch G, Cassina P. SOD1 G93A Astrocyte-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Induce Motor Neuron Death by a miRNA-155-5p-Mediated Mechanism. ASN Neuro 2023; 15:17590914231197527. [PMID: 37644868 PMCID: PMC10467309 DOI: 10.1177/17590914231197527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by upper and lower motor neuron (MN) degeneration. Astrocytes surrounding MNs are known to modulate ALS progression. When cocultured with astrocytes overexpressing the ALS-linked mutant Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1G93A) or when cultured with conditioned medium from SOD1G93A astrocytes, MN survival is reduced. The exact mechanism of this neurotoxic effect is unknown. Astrocytes secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) that transport protein, mRNA, and microRNA species from one cell to another. The size and protein markers characteristic of exosomes were observed in the EVs obtained from cultured astrocytes, indicating their abundance in exosomes. Here, we analyzed the microRNA content of the exosomes derived from SOD1G93A astrocytes and evaluated their role in MN survival. Purified MNs exposed to SOD1G93A astrocyte-derived exosomes showed reduced survival and neurite length compared to those exposed to exosomes derived from non-transgenic (non-Tg) astrocytes. Analysis of the miRNA content of the exosomes revealed that miR-155-5p and miR-582-3p are differentially expressed in SOD1G93A exosomes compared with exosomes from non-Tg astrocytes. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis indicates that miR-155-5p and miR-582-3p predicted targets are enriched in the neurotrophin signaling pathway. Importantly, when levels of miR-155-5p were reduced by incubation with a specific antagomir, SOD1G93A exosomes did not affect MN survival or neurite length. These results demonstrate that SOD1G93A-derived exosomes are sufficient to induce MN death, and miRNA-155-5p contributes to this effect. miRNA-155-5p may offer a new therapeutic target to modulate disease progression in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soledad Marton
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ernesto Miquel
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Joaquín Acosta-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Santiago Fontenla
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gabriela Libisch
- Laboratorio Hospedero Patógeno/UBM, Institut Pasteur, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Patricia Cassina
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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23
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Chen Z, Yuan Z, Yang S, Zhu Y, Xue M, Zhang J, Leng L. Brain Energy Metabolism: Astrocytes in Neurodegenerative Diseases. CNS Neurosci Ther 2022; 29:24-36. [PMID: 36193573 PMCID: PMC9804080 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most abundant cells in the brain. They have many important functions in the central nervous system (CNS), including the maintenance of glutamate and ion homeostasis, the elimination of oxidative stress, energy storage in glycogen, tissue repair, regulating synaptic activity by releasing neurotransmitters, and participating in synaptic formation. Astrocytes have special highly ramified structure. Their branches contact with synapses of neurons inwardly, with fine structure and wrapping synapses; their feet contact with blood vessels of brain parenchyma outward, almost wrapping the whole brain. The adjacent astrocytes rarely overlap and communicate with each other through gap junction channels. The ideal location of astrocytes enables them to sense the weak changes of their surroundings and provide the structural basis for the energy supply of neurons. Neurons and astrocytes are closely coupled units of energy metabolism in the brain. Neurons consume a lot of ATPs in the process of neurotransmission. Astrocytes provide metabolic substrates for neurons, maintain high activity of neuron, and facilitate information transmission of neurons. This article reviews the characteristics of glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism of astrocytes. The metabolic interactions between astrocytes and neurons, astrocytes and microglia were also detailed discussed. Finally, we classified analyzed the role of metabolic disorder of astrocytes in the occurrence and development of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenlei Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging ResearchInstitute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Ziqi Yuan
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging ResearchInstitute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Shangchen Yang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging ResearchInstitute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Yufei Zhu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging ResearchInstitute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Maoqiang Xue
- Department of Basic Medical Science, School of MedicineXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Jie Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging ResearchInstitute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Lige Leng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging ResearchInstitute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen UniversityXiamenChina
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24
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Autophagy-Mediated Inflammatory Cytokine Secretion in Sporadic ALS Patient iPSC-Derived Astrocytes. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:6483582. [PMID: 36046683 PMCID: PMC9423978 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6483582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background. Astrocytes can be involved in motor neuron toxicity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) induced by noncell autonomous effects, and inflammatory cytokines may play the main role in mediating this process. However, the etiology of aberrant cytokine secretion is unclear. The present study assessed possible involvement of the mTOR-autophagy pathway in aberrant cytokine secretion by ALS patient iPSC-derived astrocytes. Method and Results. PBMCs from sporadic ALS patients and control subjects were reprogrammed into iPSCs, which were then differentiated into astrocytes and/or motor neurons. Comparison with control astrocytes indicated that conditioned medium of ALS astrocytes reduced the viability of the control motor neurons (
) assessed using the MTT assay. The results of ELISA showed that the concentrations of TNFα, IL1β, and IL6 in cell culture medium of ALS astrocytes were increased (
). ALS astrocytes had higher p62 and mTOR levels and lower LC3BII/LC3BI ratio and ULK1 and p-Beclin-1 (Ser15) levels (
), indicating defective autophagy. Exogenous inhibition of the mTOR-autophagy pathway, but not the activation of the pathway in control subject astrocytes, increased the levels of p62 and mTOR and concentration of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 in cell culture medium and decreased the LC3BII/LC3BI ratio and levels of ULK1 and p-Beclin-1 (Ser15), and these changes were comparable to those in ALS astrocytes. After 48 h of rapamycin (autophagy activator) and 3-methyladenine (autophagy inhibitor) treatments, the exogenous activation of the mTOR-autophagy pathway, but not inhibition of the pathway, in ALS astrocytes significantly reduced the concentrations of TNFα, IL1β, and IL6 in cell culture medium and reduced the levels of p62, while increasing the levels of LC3B-II/LC3B-I, ULK1, and p-Beclin-1 (Ser15), and these changes were comparable to those in control subject astrocytes. Conclusion. Alteration in the mTOR/ULK1/Beclin-1 pathway regulated cytokine secretion in ALS astrocytes, which was able to lead to noncell autonomous toxicity. Autophagy activation mitigated cytokine secretion by ALS astrocytes.
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25
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The Cell Autonomous and Non-Cell Autonomous Aspects of Neuronal Vulnerability and Resilience in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11081191. [PMID: 36009818 PMCID: PMC9405388 DOI: 10.3390/biology11081191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease characterized by a progressive paralysis due to the loss of particular neurons in our nervous system called motor neurons, that exert voluntary control of all our skeletal muscles. It is not entirely understood why motor neurons are particularly vulnerable in ALS, neither is it completely clear why certain groups of motor neurons, including those that regulate eye movement, are rather resilient to this disease. However, both vulnerability and resilience to ALS likely reflect cell intrinsic properties of different motor neuron subpopulations as well as non-cell autonomous events regulated by surrounding cell types. In this review we dissect the particular properties of different motor neuron types and their responses to disease that may underlie their respective vulnerabilities and resilience. Disease progression in ALS involves multiple cell types that are closely connected to motor neurons and we here also discuss their contributions to the differential vulnerability of motor neurons. Abstract Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is defined by the loss of upper motor neurons (MNs) that project from the cerebral cortex to the brain stem and spinal cord and of lower MNs in the brain stem and spinal cord which innervate skeletal muscles, leading to spasticity, muscle atrophy, and paralysis. ALS involves several disease stages, and multiple cell types show dysfunction and play important roles during distinct phases of disease initiation and progression, subsequently leading to selective MN loss. Why MNs are particularly vulnerable in this lethal disease is still not entirely clear. Neither is it fully understood why certain MNs are more resilient to degeneration in ALS than others. Brain stem MNs of cranial nerves III, IV, and VI, which innervate our eye muscles, are highly resistant and persist until the end-stage of the disease, enabling paralyzed patients to communicate through ocular tracking devices. MNs of the Onuf’s nucleus in the sacral spinal cord, that innervate sphincter muscles and control urogenital functions, are also spared throughout the disease. There is also a differential vulnerability among MNs that are intermingled throughout the spinal cord, that directly relate to their physiological properties. Here, fast-twitch fatigable (FF) MNs, which innervate type IIb muscle fibers, are affected early, before onset of clinical symptoms, while slow-twitch (S) MNs, that innervate type I muscle fibers, remain longer throughout the disease progression. The resilience of particular MN subpopulations has been attributed to intrinsic determinants and multiple studies have demonstrated their unique gene regulation and protein content in health and in response to disease. Identified factors within resilient MNs have been utilized to protect more vulnerable cells. Selective vulnerability may also, in part, be driven by non-cell autonomous processes and the unique surroundings and constantly changing environment close to particular MN groups. In this article, we review in detail the cell intrinsic properties of resilient and vulnerable MN groups, as well as multiple additional cell types involved in disease initiation and progression and explain how these may contribute to the selective MN resilience and vulnerability in ALS.
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26
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Gomes C, VanderWall KB, Pan Y, Lu X, Lavekar SS, Huang KC, Fligor CM, Harkin J, Zhang C, Cummins TR, Meyer JS. Astrocytes modulate neurodegenerative phenotypes associated with glaucoma in OPTN(E50K) human stem cell-derived retinal ganglion cells. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:1636-1649. [PMID: 35714595 PMCID: PMC9287669 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is a primary characteristic of glaucoma, astrocytes also contribute to their neurodegeneration in disease states. Although studies often explore cell-autonomous aspects of RGC neurodegeneration, a more comprehensive model of glaucoma should take into consideration interactions between astrocytes and RGCs. To explore this concept, RGCs and astrocytes were differentiated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) with a glaucoma-associated OPTN(E50K) mutation along with corresponding isogenic controls. Initial results indicated significant changes in OPTN(E50K) astrocytes, including evidence of autophagy dysfunction. Subsequently, co-culture experiments demonstrated that OPTN(E50K) astrocytes led to neurodegenerative properties in otherwise healthy RGCs, while healthy astrocytes rescued some neurodegenerative features in OPTN(E50K) RGCs. These results are the first to identify disease phenotypes in OPTN(E50K) astrocytes, including how their modulation of RGCs is affected. Moreover, these results support the concept that astrocytes could offer a promising target for therapeutic intervention in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Gomes
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Kirstin B VanderWall
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Yanling Pan
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Lu
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Sailee S Lavekar
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Kang-Chieh Huang
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Clarisse M Fligor
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jade Harkin
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Theodore R Cummins
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jason S Meyer
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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27
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Rauf A, Badoni H, Abu-Izneid T, Olatunde A, Rahman MM, Painuli S, Semwal P, Wilairatana P, Mubarak MS. Neuroinflammatory Markers: Key Indicators in the Pathology of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27103194. [PMID: 35630670 PMCID: PMC9146652 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27103194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation, a protective response of the central nervous system (CNS), is associated with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. The CNS is composed of neurons and glial cells consisting of microglia, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes. Entry of any foreign pathogen activates the glial cells (astrocytes and microglia) and overactivation of these cells triggers the release of various neuroinflammatory markers (NMs), such as the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-1β (IL-10), nitric oxide (NO), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), among others. Various studies have shown the role of neuroinflammatory markers in the occurrence, diagnosis, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. These markers also trigger the formation of various other factors responsible for causing several neuronal diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), multiple sclerosis (MS), ischemia, and several others. This comprehensive review aims to reveal the mechanism of neuroinflammatory markers (NMs), which could cause different neurodegenerative disorders. Important NMs may represent pathophysiologic processes leading to the generation of neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, various molecular alterations related to neurodegenerative diseases are discussed. Identifying these NMs may assist in the early diagnosis and detection of therapeutic targets for treating various neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdur Rauf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Anbar 23561, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (P.W.); (M.S.M.)
| | - Himani Badoni
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Premnagar, Dehradun 248006, India;
| | - Tareq Abu-Izneid
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University for Science and Technology, Al Ain 64141, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Ahmed Olatunde
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi 740272, Nigeria;
| | - Md. Mominur Rahman
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh;
| | - Sakshi Painuli
- Uttarakhand Council for Biotechnology (UCB), Premnagar, Dehradun 248007, India;
| | - Prabhakar Semwal
- Department of Life Sciences, Graphic Era (Deemed To Be University), Dehradun 248002, India;
| | - Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (P.W.); (M.S.M.)
| | - Mohammad S. Mubarak
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (P.W.); (M.S.M.)
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28
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Lin TJ, Cheng KC, Wu LY, Lai WY, Ling TY, Kuo YC, Huang YH. Potential of Cellular Therapy for ALS: Current Strategies and Future Prospects. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:851613. [PMID: 35372346 PMCID: PMC8966507 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.851613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive upper and lower motor neuron (MN) degeneration with unclear pathology. The worldwide prevalence of ALS is approximately 4.42 per 100,000 populations, and death occurs within 3-5 years after diagnosis. However, no effective therapeutic modality for ALS is currently available. In recent years, cellular therapy has shown considerable therapeutic potential because it exerts immunomodulatory effects and protects the MN circuit. However, the safety and efficacy of cellular therapy in ALS are still under debate. In this review, we summarize the current progress in cellular therapy for ALS. The underlying mechanism, current clinical trials, and the pros and cons of cellular therapy using different types of cell are discussed. In addition, clinical studies of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in ALS are highlighted. The summarized findings of this review can facilitate the future clinical application of precision medicine using cellular therapy in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Jung Lin
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Chao Cheng
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Luo-Yun Wu
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Yu Lai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Thai-Yen Ling
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Research Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Che Kuo
- TMU Research Center for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- International Ph.D. Program for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Comprehensive Cancer Center of Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- PhD Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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29
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Jiwaji Z, Hardingham GE. Good, bad, and neglectful: Astrocyte changes in neurodegenerative disease. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 182:93-99. [PMID: 35202786 PMCID: PMC8969603 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes play key roles in CNS development as well as well as neuro-supportive roles in the mature brain including ionic, bioenergetic and redox homeostasis. Astrocytes undergo rapid changes following acute CNS insults such as stroke or traumatic brain injury, but are also profoundly altered in chronic neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. While disease-altered astrocytes are often referred to as reactive, this does not represent a single cellular state or group of states, but a shift in astrocyte properties that is determined by the type of insult as well as spatio-temporal factors. Such changes can accelerate disease progression due to astrocytes neglecting their normal homeostatic neuro-supportive roles, as well as by gaining active neuro-toxic properties. However, other aspects of astrocytic responses to chronic disease can include the induction of adaptive-protective pathways. This is particularly the case when considering antioxidant defences, which can be up-regulated in many cell types, including astrocytes, in response to stresses, sometimes in concert with the activation of detoxification and proteostasis pathways. Protective responses, whilst potentially serving to mitigate neuronal dysfunction, may ultimately fail due to being insufficiently strong, or be offset by other deleterious changes to astrocytes occurring in parallel. Nevertheless, a greater understanding of early adaptive-protective responses of astrocytes to neurodegenerative disease pathology may point to ways in which these responses may be harnessed for therapeutic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoeb Jiwaji
- UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, Edinburgh Medical School, EH16 4SB, UK; Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Giles E Hardingham
- UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, Edinburgh Medical School, EH16 4SB, UK; Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.
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30
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Microglia Influence Neurofilament Deposition in ALS iPSC-Derived Motor Neurons. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13020241. [PMID: 35205286 PMCID: PMC8871895 DOI: 10.3390/genes13020241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease in which upper and lower motor neuron loss is the primary phenotype, leading to muscle weakness and wasting, respiratory failure, and death. Although a portion of ALS cases are linked to one of over 50 unique genes, the vast majority of cases are sporadic in nature. However, the mechanisms underlying the motor neuron loss in either familial or sporadic ALS are not entirely clear. Here, we used induced pluripotent stem cells derived from a set of identical twin brothers discordant for ALS to assess the role of astrocytes and microglia on the expression and accumulation of neurofilament proteins in motor neurons. We found that motor neurons derived from the affected twin which exhibited increased transcript levels of all three neurofilament isoforms and increased expression of phosphorylated neurofilament puncta. We further found that treatment of the motor neurons with astrocyte-conditioned medium and microglial-conditioned medium significantly impacted neurofilament deposition. Together, these data suggest that glial-secreted factors can alter neurofilament pathology in ALS iPSC-derived motor neurons.
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31
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Giacomelli E, Vahsen BF, Calder EL, Xu Y, Scaber J, Gray E, Dafinca R, Talbot K, Studer L. Human stem cell models of neurodegeneration: From basic science of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis to clinical translation. Cell Stem Cell 2022; 29:11-35. [PMID: 34995492 PMCID: PMC8785905 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive cell loss leading to disruption of the structure and function of the central nervous system. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was among the first of these disorders modeled in patient-specific iPSCs, and recent findings have translated into some of the earliest iPSC-inspired clinical trials. Focusing on ALS as an example, we evaluate the status of modeling neurodegenerative diseases using iPSCs, including methods for deriving and using disease-relevant neuronal and glial lineages. We further highlight the remaining challenges in exploiting the full potential of iPSC technology for understanding and potentially treating neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Giacomelli
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Björn F Vahsen
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Elizabeth L Calder
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yinyan Xu
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS), CAMS Oxford Institute (COI), Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Jakub Scaber
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Elizabeth Gray
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Ruxandra Dafinca
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Kevin Talbot
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK.
| | - Lorenz Studer
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA.
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32
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Lotti F, Przedborski S. Motoneuron Diseases. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 28:323-352. [PMID: 36066831 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-07167-6_13] [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: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Motoneuron diseases (MNDs) represent a heterogeneous group of progressive paralytic disorders, mainly characterized by the loss of upper (corticospinal) motoneurons, lower (spinal) motoneurons or, often both. MNDs can occur from birth to adulthood and have a highly variable clinical presentation, even within gene-positive forms, suggesting the existence of environmental and genetic modifiers. A combination of cell autonomous and non-cell autonomous mechanisms contributes to motoneuron degeneration in MNDs, suggesting multifactorial pathogenic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Lotti
- Departments of Neurology, Pathology & Cell Biology, and Neuroscience, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Serge Przedborski
- Departments of Neurology, Pathology & Cell Biology, and Neuroscience, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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A Step-by-Step Refined Strategy for Highly Efficient Generation of Neural Progenitors and Motor Neurons from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113087. [PMID: 34831309 PMCID: PMC8625124 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Limited access to human neurons, especially motor neurons (MNs), was a major challenge for studying neurobiology and neurological diseases. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) could be induced as neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and further multiple neural subtypes, which provide excellent cellular sources for studying neural development, cell therapy, disease modeling and drug screening. It is thus important to establish robust and highly efficient methods of neural differentiation. Enormous efforts have been dedicated to dissecting key signalings during neural commitment and accordingly establishing reliable differentiation protocols. In this study, we refined a step-by-step strategy for rapid differentiation of hPSCs towards NPCs within merely 18 days, combining the adherent and neurosphere-floating methods, as well as highly efficient generation (~90%) of MNs from NPCs by introducing refined sets of transcription factors for around 21 days. This strategy made use of, and compared, retinoic acid (RA) induction and dual-SMAD pathway inhibition, respectively, for neural induction. Both methods could give rise to highly efficient and complete generation of preservable NPCs, but with different regional identities. Given that the generated NPCs can be differentiated into the majority of excitatory and inhibitory neurons, but hardly MNs, we thus further differentiate NPCs towards MNs by overexpressing refined sets of transcription factors, especially by adding human SOX11, whilst improving a series of differentiation conditions to yield mature MNs for good modeling of motor neuron diseases. We thus refined a detailed step-by-step strategy for inducing hPSCs towards long-term preservable NPCs, and further specified MNs based on the NPC platform.
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Marangon D, Caporale N, Boccazzi M, Abbracchio MP, Testa G, Lecca D. Novel in vitro Experimental Approaches to Study Myelination and Remyelination in the Central Nervous System. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:748849. [PMID: 34720882 PMCID: PMC8551863 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.748849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelin is the lipidic insulating structure enwrapping axons and allowing fast saltatory nerve conduction. In the central nervous system, myelin sheath is the result of the complex packaging of multilamellar extensions of oligodendrocyte (OL) membranes. Before reaching myelinating capabilities, OLs undergo a very precise program of differentiation and maturation that starts from OL precursor cells (OPCs). In the last 20 years, the biology of OPCs and their behavior under pathological conditions have been studied through several experimental models. When co-cultured with neurons, OPCs undergo terminal maturation and produce myelin tracts around axons, allowing to investigate myelination in response to exogenous stimuli in a very simple in vitro system. On the other hand, in vivo models more closely reproducing some of the features of human pathophysiology enabled to assess the consequences of demyelination and the molecular mechanisms of remyelination, and they are often used to validate the effect of pharmacological agents. However, they are very complex, and not suitable for large scale drug discovery screening. Recent advances in cell reprogramming, biophysics and bioengineering have allowed impressive improvements in the methodological approaches to study brain physiology and myelination. Rat and mouse OPCs can be replaced by human OPCs obtained by induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from healthy or diseased individuals, thus offering unprecedented possibilities for personalized disease modeling and treatment. OPCs and neural cells can be also artificially assembled, using 3D-printed culture chambers and biomaterial scaffolds, which allow modeling cell-to-cell interactions in a highly controlled manner. Interestingly, scaffold stiffness can be adopted to reproduce the mechanosensory properties assumed by tissues in physiological or pathological conditions. Moreover, the recent development of iPSC-derived 3D brain cultures, called organoids, has made it possible to study key aspects of embryonic brain development, such as neuronal differentiation, maturation and network formation in temporal dynamics that are inaccessible to traditional in vitro cultures. Despite the huge potential of organoids, their application to myelination studies is still in its infancy. In this review, we shall summarize the novel most relevant experimental approaches and their implications for the identification of remyelinating agents for human diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Marangon
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology of Purinergic Transmission, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicolò Caporale
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Human Technopole, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Boccazzi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology of Purinergic Transmission, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria P. Abbracchio
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology of Purinergic Transmission, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Testa
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Human Technopole, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Lecca
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology of Purinergic Transmission, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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35
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Stifani S. Taking Cellular Heterogeneity Into Consideration When Modeling Astrocyte Involvement in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Using Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:707861. [PMID: 34602979 PMCID: PMC8485040 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.707861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are a large group of glial cells that perform a variety of physiological functions in the nervous system. They provide trophic, as well as structural, support to neuronal cells. Astrocytes are also involved in neuroinflammatory processes contributing to neuronal dysfunction and death. Growing evidence suggests important roles for astrocytes in non-cell autonomous mechanisms of motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Understanding these mechanisms necessitates the combined use of animal and human cell-based experimental model systems, at least in part because human astrocytes display a number of unique features that cannot be recapitulated in animal models. Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-based approaches provide the opportunity to generate disease-relevant human astrocytes to investigate the roles of these cells in ALS. These approaches are facing the growing recognition that there are heterogenous populations of astrocytes in the nervous system which are not functionally equivalent. This review will discuss the importance of taking astrocyte heterogeneity into consideration when designing hiPSC-based strategies aimed at generating the most informative preparations to study the contribution of astrocytes to ALS pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Stifani
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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36
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Kok JR, Palminha NM, Dos Santos Souza C, El-Khamisy SF, Ferraiuolo L. DNA damage as a mechanism of neurodegeneration in ALS and a contributor to astrocyte toxicity. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:5707-5729. [PMID: 34173837 PMCID: PMC8316199 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03872-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence supports the involvement of DNA damage in several neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Elevated levels of DNA damage are consistently observed in both sporadic and familial forms of ALS and may also play a role in Western Pacific ALS, which is thought to have an environmental cause. The cause of DNA damage in ALS remains unclear but likely differs between genetic subgroups. Repeat expansion in the C9ORF72 gene is the most common genetic cause of familial ALS and responsible for about 10% of sporadic cases. These genetic mutations are known to cause R-loops, thus increasing genomic instability and DNA damage, and generate dipeptide repeat proteins, which have been shown to lead to DNA damage and impairment of the DNA damage response. Similarly, several genes associated with ALS including TARDBP, FUS, NEK1, SQSTM1 and SETX are known to play a role in DNA repair and the DNA damage response, and thus may contribute to neuronal death via these pathways. Another consistent feature present in both sporadic and familial ALS is the ability of astrocytes to induce motor neuron death, although the factors causing this toxicity remain largely unknown. In this review, we summarise the evidence for DNA damage playing a causative or secondary role in the pathogenesis of ALS as well as discuss the possible mechanisms involved in different genetic subtypes with particular focus on the role of astrocytes initiating or perpetuating DNA damage in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannigje Rachel Kok
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Sheffield, UK
| | - Nelma M Palminha
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The Healthy Lifespan Institute, Sheffield, UK
- The Institute of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Cleide Dos Santos Souza
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Sheffield, UK
| | - Sherif F El-Khamisy
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The Healthy Lifespan Institute, Sheffield, UK.
- The Institute of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
- The Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, West Yorkshire, UK.
| | - Laura Ferraiuolo
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Sheffield, UK.
- The Institute of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
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37
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Baggio C, Kulinich A, Dennys CN, Rodrigo R, Meyer K, Ethell I, Pellecchia M. NMR-Guided Design of Potent and Selective EphA4 Agonistic Ligands. J Med Chem 2021; 64:11229-11246. [PMID: 34293864 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we applied an innovative nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-guided screening and ligand design approach, named focused high-throughput screening by NMR (fHTS by NMR), to derive potent, low-molecular-weight ligands capable of mimicking interactions elicited by ephrin ligands on the receptor tyrosine kinase EphA4. The agents bind with nanomolar affinity, trigger receptor activation in cellular assays with motor neurons, and provide remarkable motor neuron protection from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patient-derived astrocytes. Structural studies on the complex between EphA4 ligand-binding domain and a most active agent provide insights into the mechanism of the agents at a molecular level. Together with preliminary in vivo pharmacology studies, the data form a strong foundation for the translation of these agents for the treatment of ALS and potentially other human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Baggio
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Anna Kulinich
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Cassandra N Dennys
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205, United States
| | - Rochelle Rodrigo
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205, United States
| | - Kathrin Meyer
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205, United States
| | - Iryna Ethell
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Maurizio Pellecchia
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
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38
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Güner F, Pozner T, Krach F, Prots I, Loskarn S, Schlötzer-Schrehardt U, Winkler J, Winner B, Regensburger M. Axon-Specific Mitochondrial Pathology in SPG11 Alpha Motor Neurons. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:680572. [PMID: 34326717 PMCID: PMC8314181 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.680572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic variants in SPG11 are the most frequent cause of autosomal recessive complicated hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). In addition to spastic paraplegia caused by corticospinal degeneration, most patients are significantly affected by progressive weakness and muscle wasting due to alpha motor neuron (MN) degeneration. Mitochondria play a crucial role in neuronal health, and mitochondrial deficits were reported in other types of HSPs. To investigate whether mitochondrial pathology is present in SPG11, we differentiated MNs from induced pluripotent stem cells derived from SPG11 patients and controls. MN derived from human embryonic stem cells and an isogenic SPG11 knockout line were also included in the study. Morphological analysis of mitochondria in the MN soma versus neurites revealed specific alterations of mitochondrial morphology within SPG11 neurites, but not within the soma. In addition, impaired mitochondrial membrane potential was indicative of mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, we reveal neuritic aggregates further supporting neurite pathology in SPG11. Correspondingly, using a microfluidic-based MN culture system, we demonstrate that axonal mitochondrial transport was significantly impaired in SPG11. Overall, our data demonstrate that alterations in morphology, function, and transport of mitochondria are an important feature of axonal dysfunction in SPG11 MNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Güner
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tatyana Pozner
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Florian Krach
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Iryna Prots
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sandra Loskarn
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Jürgen Winkler
- Department of Molecular Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Center for Rare Diseases Erlangen, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Beate Winner
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Center for Rare Diseases Erlangen, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martin Regensburger
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Molecular Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Center for Rare Diseases Erlangen, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
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39
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Stella R, Bonadio RS, Cagnin S, Massimino ML, Bertoli A, Peggion C. Perturbations of the Proteome and of Secreted Metabolites in Primary Astrocytes from the hSOD1(G93A) ALS Mouse Model. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137028. [PMID: 34209958 PMCID: PMC8268687 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease whose pathophysiology is largely unknown. Despite the fact that motor neuron (MN) death is recognized as the key event in ALS, astrocytes dysfunctionalities and neuroinflammation were demonstrated to accompany and probably even drive MN loss. Nevertheless, the mechanisms priming astrocyte failure and hyperactivation are still obscure. In this work, altered pathways and molecules in ALS astrocytes were unveiled by investigating the proteomic profile and the secreted metabolome of primary spinal cord astrocytes derived from transgenic ALS mouse model overexpressing the human (h)SOD1(G93A) protein in comparison with the transgenic counterpart expressing hSOD1(WT) protein. Here we show that ALS primary astrocytes are depleted of proteins-and of secreted metabolites-involved in glutathione metabolism and signaling. The observed increased activation of Nf-kB, Ebf1, and Plag1 transcription factors may account for the augmented expression of proteins involved in the proteolytic routes mediated by proteasome or endosome-lysosome systems. Moreover, hSOD1(G93A) primary astrocytes also display altered lipid metabolism. Our results provide novel insights into the altered molecular pathways that may underlie astrocyte dysfunctionalities and altered astrocyte-MN crosstalk in ALS, representing potential therapeutic targets to abrogate or slow down MN demise in disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Stella
- Department of Chemistry, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy;
| | - Raphael Severino Bonadio
- Department of Biology and CRIBI Biotechnology Center, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (R.S.B.); (S.C.)
| | - Stefano Cagnin
- Department of Biology and CRIBI Biotechnology Center, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (R.S.B.); (S.C.)
- CIR-Myo Myology Center, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Bertoli
- CNR—Neuroscience Institute, 35131 Padova, Italy;
- Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Caterina Peggion
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.B.); (C.P.)
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40
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Passaro AP, Lebos AL, Yao Y, Stice SL. Immune Response in Neurological Pathology: Emerging Role of Central and Peripheral Immune Crosstalk. Front Immunol 2021; 12:676621. [PMID: 34177918 PMCID: PMC8222736 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.676621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a key component of neurological disorders and is an important therapeutic target; however, immunotherapies have been largely unsuccessful. In cases where these therapies have succeeded, particularly multiple sclerosis, they have primarily focused on one aspect of the disease and leave room for improvement. More recently, the impact of the peripheral immune system is being recognized, since it has become evident that the central nervous system is not immune-privileged, as once thought. In this review, we highlight key interactions between central and peripheral immune cells in neurological disorders. While traditional approaches have examined these systems separately, the immune responses and processes in neurological disorders consist of substantial crosstalk between cells of the central and peripheral immune systems. Here, we provide an overview of major immune effector cells and the role of the blood-brain barrier in regard to neurological disorders and provide examples of this crosstalk in various disorders, including stroke and traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, neurodegenerative diseases, and brain cancer. Finally, we propose targeting central-peripheral immune interactions as a potential improved therapeutic strategy to overcome failures in clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin P. Passaro
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Division of Neuroscience, Biomedical Health and Sciences Institute, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Abraham L. Lebos
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Yao Yao
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Steven L. Stice
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Division of Neuroscience, Biomedical Health and Sciences Institute, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
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41
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Zhao A, Pan Y, Cai S. Patient-Specific Cells for Modeling and Decoding Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Advances and Challenges. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 16:482-502. [PMID: 31916190 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-019-09946-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Motor neuron loss or degeneration is the typical characteristic of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which often leads to weakness, paralysis, or even death. The underlying mechanisms of motor neuron degeneration and ALS progression remain elusive, and there is no effective treatment for ALS. The advances of stem cells and reprogramming techniques has made it possible to generate patient-specific motor neurons as cell models for studying disease mechanisms and drug discovery. This review comprehensively discusses recent approaches to generate motor neurons from stem cells and somatic cells and highlights the application of induced motor neurons to modeling ALS diseases, dissecting the pathogenesis, and screening new drugs. New perspectives are also discussed on generating patient-specific motor neuron subtypes that are affected by ALS or creating 3D spinal cord organoid models for better recapitulating and understanding ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andong Zhao
- Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Yu Pan
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedics, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, The Affiliated Baoan Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518101, China.
| | - Sa Cai
- Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
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42
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Non-neuronal cells in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - from pathogenesis to biomarkers. Nat Rev Neurol 2021; 17:333-348. [PMID: 33927394 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-021-00487-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The prevailing motor neuron-centric view of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathogenesis could be an important factor in the failure to identify disease-modifying therapy for this neurodegenerative disorder. Non-neuronal cells have crucial homeostatic functions within the CNS and evidence of involvement of these cells in the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative disorders, including ALS, is accumulating. Microglia and astrocytes, in crosstalk with peripheral immune cells, can exert both neuroprotective and adverse effects, resulting in a highly nuanced range of neuronal and non-neuronal cell interactions. This Review provides an overview of the diverse roles of non-neuronal cells in relation to the pathogenesis of ALS and the emerging potential of non-neuronal cell biomarkers to advance therapeutic development.
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43
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Van Harten ACM, Phatnani H, Przedborski S. Non-cell-autonomous pathogenic mechanisms in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Trends Neurosci 2021; 44:658-668. [PMID: 34006386 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common adult-onset paralytic disorder, characterized mainly by a loss of motor neurons (MNs) in the CNS. Over the past decades, thanks to intense investigations performed in both in vivo and in vitro models of ALS, major progress has been made toward gaining insights into the pathobiology of this incurable, fatal disorder. Among these advances is the growing recognition that non-neuronal cells participate in the degeneration of MNs in ALS, which could transform our understanding of the neurobiology of disease and the ability to devise effective disease-modifying therapies. In this review, we examine the contribution of non-cell-autonomous processes to the pathogenesis of ALS, with a focus on glial cells and in particular on astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra C M Van Harten
- Graduate School of Life and Earth Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hemali Phatnani
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Center for Genomics of Neurodegenerative Disease, New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Serge Przedborski
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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44
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Ziff OJ, Taha DM, Crerar H, Clarke BE, Chakrabarti AM, Kelly G, Neeves J, Tyzack GE, Luscombe NM, Patani R. Reactive astrocytes in ALS display diminished intron retention. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:3168-3184. [PMID: 33684213 PMCID: PMC8034657 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactive astrocytes are implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), although the mechanisms controlling reactive transformation are unknown. We show that decreased intron retention (IR) is common to human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived astrocytes carrying ALS-causing mutations in VCP, SOD1 and C9orf72. Notably, transcripts with decreased IR and increased expression are overrepresented in reactivity processes including cell adhesion, stress response and immune activation. This was recapitulated in public-datasets for (i) hiPSC-derived astrocytes stimulated with cytokines to undergo reactive transformation and (ii) in vivo astrocytes following selective deletion of TDP-43. We also re-examined public translatome sequencing (TRAP-seq) of astrocytes from a SOD1 mouse model, which revealed that transcripts upregulated in translation significantly overlap with transcripts exhibiting decreased IR. Using nucleocytoplasmic fractionation of VCP mutant astrocytes coupled with mRNA sequencing and proteomics, we identify that decreased IR in nuclear transcripts is associated with enhanced nonsense mediated decay and increased cytoplasmic expression of transcripts and proteins regulating reactive transformation. These findings are consistent with a molecular model for reactive transformation in astrocytes whereby poised nuclear reactivity-related IR transcripts are spliced, undergo nuclear-to-cytoplasmic translocation and translation. Our study therefore provides new insights into the molecular regulation of reactive transformation in astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver J Ziff
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK.,Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.,National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London NHS Foundation Trust, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Doaa M Taha
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK.,Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21511, Egypt
| | - Hamish Crerar
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK.,Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Benjamin E Clarke
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK.,Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Anob M Chakrabarti
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK.,UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Gavin Kelly
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Jacob Neeves
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK.,Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Giulia E Tyzack
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK.,Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Nicholas M Luscombe
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK.,UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.,Okinawa Institute of Science & Technology Graduate University, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Rickie Patani
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK.,Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.,National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London NHS Foundation Trust, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
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45
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Zhang Z, Sun GY, Ding S. Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Focal Ischemic Stroke. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:2638-2650. [PMID: 33591443 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03266-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Focal ischemic stroke (FIS) is a leading cause of human debilitation and death. Following the onset of a FIS, the brain experiences a series of spatiotemporal changes which are exemplified in different pathological processes. One prominent feature of FIS is the development of reactive astrogliosis and glial scar formation in the peri-infarct region (PIR). During the subacute phase, astrocytes in PIR are activated, referred to as reactive astrocytes (RAs), exhibit changes in morphology (hypotrophy), show an increased proliferation capacity, and altered gene expression profile, a phenomenon known as reactive astrogliosis. Subsequently, the morphology of RAs remains stable, and proliferation starts to decline together with the formation of glial scars. Reactive astrogliosis and glial scar formation eventually cause substantial tissue remodeling and changes in permanent structure around the PIR. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) was originally isolated from a rat glioma cell-line and regarded as a potent survival neurotrophic factor. Under normal conditions, GDNF is expressed in neurons but is upregulated in RAs after FIS. This review briefly describes properties of GDNF, its receptor-mediated signaling pathways, as well as recent studies regarding the role of RAs-derived GDNF in neuronal protection and brain recovery. These results provide evidence suggesting an important role of RA-derived GDNF in intrinsic brain repair and recovery after FIS, and thus targeting GDNF in RAs may be effective for stroke therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Zhang
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.,Department of Biomedical, Biological and Chemical Engineering, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Grace Y Sun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Shinghua Ding
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA. .,Department of Biomedical, Biological and Chemical Engineering, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA. .,Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Biomedical, Biological and Chemical Engineering, University of Missouri-Columbia, 134 Research Park Drive, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
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46
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Acioglu C, Li L, Elkabes S. Contribution of astrocytes to neuropathology of neurodegenerative diseases. Brain Res 2021; 1758:147291. [PMID: 33516810 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Classically, the loss of vulnerable neuronal populations in neurodegenerative diseases was considered to be the consequence of cell autonomous degeneration of neurons. However, progress in the understanding of glial function, the availability of improved animal models recapitulating the features of the human diseases, and the development of new approaches to derive glia and neurons from induced pluripotent stem cells obtained from patients, provided novel information that altered this view. Current evidence strongly supports the notion that non-cell autonomous mechanisms contribute to the demise of neurons in neurodegenerative disorders, and glia causally participate in the pathogenesis and progression of these diseases. In addition to microglia, astrocytes have emerged as key players in neurodegenerative diseases and will be the focus of the present review. Under the influence of pathological stimuli present in the microenvironment of the diseased CNS, astrocytes undergo morphological, transcriptional, and functional changes and become reactive. Reactive astrocytes are heterogeneous and exhibit neurotoxic (A1) or neuroprotective (A2) phenotypes. In recent years, single-cell or single-nucleus transcriptome analyses unraveled new, disease-specific phenotypes beyond A1/A2. These investigations highlighted the complexity of the astrocytic responses to CNS pathology. The present review will discuss the contribution of astrocytes to neurodegenerative diseases with particular emphasis on Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Some of the commonalties and differences in astrocyte-mediated mechanisms that possibly drive the pathogenesis or progression of the diseases will be summarized. The emerging view is that astrocytes are potential new targets for therapeutic interventions. A comprehensive understanding of astrocyte heterogeneity and disease-specific phenotypic complexity could facilitate the design of novel strategies to treat neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cigdem Acioglu
- The Reynolds Family Spine Laboratory, Department of Neurological Surgery, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, United States.
| | - Lun Li
- The Reynolds Family Spine Laboratory, Department of Neurological Surgery, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, United States.
| | - Stella Elkabes
- The Reynolds Family Spine Laboratory, Department of Neurological Surgery, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, United States.
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47
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Cassina P, Miquel E, Martínez-Palma L, Cassina A. Glial Metabolic Reprogramming in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Neuroimmunomodulation 2021; 28:204-212. [PMID: 34175843 DOI: 10.1159/000516926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
ALS is a human neurodegenerative disorder that induces a progressive paralysis of voluntary muscles due to motor neuron loss. The causes are unknown, and there is no curative treatment available. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of ALS pathology; however, it is currently unknown whether it is a cause or a consequence of disease progression. Recent evidence indicates that glial mitochondrial function changes to cope with energy demands and critically influences neuronal death and disease progression. Aberrant glial cells detected in the spinal cord of diseased animals are characterized by increased proliferation rate and reduced mitochondrial bioenergetics. These features can be compared with cancer cell behavior of adapting to nutrient microenvironment by altering energy metabolism, a concept known as metabolic reprogramming. We focus on data that suggest that aberrant glial cells in ALS undergo metabolic reprogramming and profound changes in glial mitochondrial activity, which are associated with motor neuron death in ALS. This review article emphasizes on the association between metabolic reprogramming and glial reactivity, bringing new paradigms from the area of cancer research into neurodegenerative diseases. Targeting glial mitochondrial function and metabolic reprogramming may result in promising therapeutic strategies for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Cassina
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CEINBIO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ernesto Miquel
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CEINBIO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Laura Martínez-Palma
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CEINBIO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Adriana Cassina
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CEINBIO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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48
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Ding ZB, Song LJ, Wang Q, Kumar G, Yan YQ, Ma CG. Astrocytes: a double-edged sword in neurodegenerative diseases. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:1702-1710. [PMID: 33510058 PMCID: PMC8328766 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.306064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes play multifaceted and vital roles in maintaining neurophysiological function of the central nervous system by regulating homeostasis, increasing synaptic plasticity, and sustaining neuroprotective effects. Astrocytes become activated as a result of inflammatory responses during the progression of pathological changes associated with neurodegenerative disorders. Reactive astrocytes (neurotoxic A1 and neuroprotective A2) are triggered during disease progression and pathogenesis due to neuroinflammation and ischemia. However, only a limited body of literature describes morphological and functional changes of astrocytes during the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. The present review investigated the detrimental and beneficial roles of astrocytes in neurodegenerative diseases reported in recent studies, as these cells have promising therapeutic potential and offer new approaches for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Bin Ding
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine; Department of Neurology, Affiliated Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Li-Juan Song
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine; Department of Neurology, Affiliated Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Qing Wang
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Gajendra Kumar
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Yu-Qing Yan
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan; Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Cun-Gen Ma
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan; Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, Shanxi Province, China
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Crabé R, Aimond F, Gosset P, Scamps F, Raoul C. How Degeneration of Cells Surrounding Motoneurons Contributes to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122550. [PMID: 33260927 PMCID: PMC7760029 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurological disorder characterized by the progressive degeneration of upper and lower motoneurons. Despite motoneuron death being recognized as the cardinal event of the disease, the loss of glial cells and interneurons in the brain and spinal cord accompanies and even precedes motoneuron elimination. In this review, we provide striking evidence that the degeneration of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, in addition to inhibitory and modulatory interneurons, disrupt the functionally coherent environment of motoneurons. We discuss the extent to which the degeneration of glial cells and interneurons also contributes to the decline of the motor system. This pathogenic cellular network therefore represents a novel strategic field of therapeutic investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxane Crabé
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, INSERM, UMR1051, University of Montpellier, 34091 Montpellier, France; (R.C.); (F.A.); (P.G.); (F.S.)
| | - Franck Aimond
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, INSERM, UMR1051, University of Montpellier, 34091 Montpellier, France; (R.C.); (F.A.); (P.G.); (F.S.)
| | - Philippe Gosset
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, INSERM, UMR1051, University of Montpellier, 34091 Montpellier, France; (R.C.); (F.A.); (P.G.); (F.S.)
| | - Frédérique Scamps
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, INSERM, UMR1051, University of Montpellier, 34091 Montpellier, France; (R.C.); (F.A.); (P.G.); (F.S.)
| | - Cédric Raoul
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, INSERM, UMR1051, University of Montpellier, 34091 Montpellier, France; (R.C.); (F.A.); (P.G.); (F.S.)
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
- Correspondence:
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50
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Tian Y, Jin S, Promes V, Liu X, Zhang Y. Astragaloside IV and echinacoside benefit neuronal properties via direct effects and through upregulation of SOD1 astrocyte function in vitro. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2020; 394:1019-1029. [PMID: 33219470 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-020-02022-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as a major type of motor neuron disease, is a disease characterized by the degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons. Astragaloside IV (AST) is one of the most effective compounds isolated from Astragalus membranaceus. Echinacoside (ECH) is also an active constituent in Cistanche tubulosa. These two herbs had been used in treating disease described like ALS in ancient China under the guidance of traditional Chinese medicine theory and now they are still being used extensively for ALS in current Chinese medicine practice, but whether AST or ECH has effect on ALS disease condition is still unclear. Survivals of primary cultured neuron and astrocyte were determined by the MTS assay. Proteins including GLT1 and GFAP, from SOD1 G93A Tg (transgenic) astrocyte lysate were determined by Western blot. Synaptic markers, PSD95 and VGLUT1, were stained by immunofluorescence and observed by a confocal microscope. Proper dilution of AST and ECH was confirmed to be not harmful to both astrocytes and neurons. AST and ECH enhanced neuronal synaptic markers density or intensity/area in different aspects. Both AST and ECH could significantly rescue SOD1 astrocyte conditional medium-treated neuronal survival and synapse loss. Ten micromolars ECH could significantly rescue the suppressed GLT1 level expressed by SOD1 Tg astrocyte. This present research proved that AST and ECH could benefit neuronal properties and rescue certain dysfunction, such as GLT1 low expression, loss of neuron-supporting function, of astrocytes under SOD1 condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Tian
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shijie Jin
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Xuemei Liu
- Central Laboratory, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunling Zhang
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
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