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Hayakawa-Yano Y, Furukawa T, Matsuo T, Ogasawara T, Nogami M, Yokoyama K, Yugami M, Shinozaki M, Nakamoto C, Sakimura K, Koyama A, Ogi K, Onodera O, Takebayashi H, Okano H, Yano M. Qki5 safeguards spinal motor neuron function by defining the motor neuron-specific transcriptome via pre-mRNA processing. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2401531121. [PMID: 39226364 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2401531121] [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: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Many RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are linked to the dysregulation of RNA metabolism in motor neuron diseases (MNDs). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying MN vulnerability have yet to be elucidated. Here, we found that such an RBP, Quaking5 (Qki5), contributes to formation of the MN-specific transcriptome profile, termed "MN-ness," through the posttranscriptional network and maintenance of the mature MNs. Immunohistochemical analysis and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) revealed that Qki5 is predominantly expressed in MNs, but not in other neuronal populations of the spinal cord. Furthermore, comprehensive RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analyses revealed that Qki5-dependent RNA regulation plays a pivotal role in generating the MN-specific transcriptome through pre-messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) splicing for the synapse-related molecules and c-Jun N-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase (JNK/SAPK) signaling pathways. Indeed, MN-specific ablation of the Qki5 caused neurodegeneration in postnatal mice and loss of Qki5 function resulted in the aberrant activation of stress-responsive JNK/SAPK pathway both in vitro and in vivo. These data suggested that Qki5 plays a crucial biological role in RNA regulation and safeguarding of MNs and might be associated with pathogenesis of MNDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshika Hayakawa-Yano
- Division of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
- Keio University Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-0821, Japan
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Takako Furukawa
- Division of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Matsuo
- The Shonan Incubation Laboratory, Shonan Research Center, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Takahisa Ogasawara
- The Shonan Incubation Laboratory, Shonan Research Center, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Masahiro Nogami
- The Shonan Incubation Laboratory, Shonan Research Center, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Kazumasa Yokoyama
- The Shonan Incubation Laboratory, Shonan Research Center, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Masato Yugami
- The Shonan Incubation Laboratory, Shonan Research Center, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Munehisa Shinozaki
- Keio University Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-0821, Japan
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Chihiro Nakamoto
- Department of Animal Model Development, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8585, Japan
| | - Kenji Sakimura
- Department of Animal Model Development, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8585, Japan
| | - Akihide Koyama
- Division of Legal Medicine, Department of Community Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Ogi
- The Shonan Incubation Laboratory, Shonan Research Center, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Osamu Onodera
- Department of Neurology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8585, Japan
| | - Hirohide Takebayashi
- Division of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Keio University Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-0821, Japan
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Masato Yano
- Division of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
- Keio University Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-0821, Japan
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
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2
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Ma S, Zhang CL. MAP4K inhibition as a potential therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1639-1640. [PMID: 38103219 PMCID: PMC10960282 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.389639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shuaipeng Ma
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Chun-Li Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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3
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Rehman A, Fatima I, Noor F, Qasim M, Wang P, Jia J, Alshabrmi FM, Liao M. Role of small molecules as drug candidates for reprogramming somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells: A comprehensive review. Comput Biol Med 2024; 177:108661. [PMID: 38810477 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108661] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
With the use of specific genetic factors and recent developments in cellular reprogramming, it is now possible to generate lineage-committed cells or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from readily available and common somatic cell types. However, there are still significant doubts regarding the safety and effectiveness of the current genetic methods for reprogramming cells, as well as the conventional culture methods for maintaining stem cells. Small molecules that target specific epigenetic processes, signaling pathways, and other cellular processes can be used as a complementary approach to manipulate cell fate to achieve a desired objective. It has been discovered that a growing number of small molecules can support lineage differentiation, maintain stem cell self-renewal potential, and facilitate reprogramming by either increasing the efficiency of reprogramming or acting as a genetic reprogramming factor substitute. However, ongoing challenges include improving reprogramming efficiency, ensuring the safety of small molecules, and addressing issues with incomplete epigenetic resetting. Small molecule iPSCs have significant clinical applications in regenerative medicine and personalized therapies. This review emphasizes the versatility and potential safety benefits of small molecules in overcoming challenges associated with the iPSCs reprogramming process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdur Rehman
- Center of Bioinformatics, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Israr Fatima
- Center of Bioinformatics, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Fatima Noor
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan; Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University of Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Qasim
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University of Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Peng Wang
- Center of Bioinformatics, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Jinrui Jia
- Laboratory of Animal Fat Deposition and Muscle Development, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Fahad M Alshabrmi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mingzhi Liao
- Center of Bioinformatics, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China.
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4
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Tsekrekou M, Giannakou M, Papanikolopoulou K, Skretas G. Protein aggregation and therapeutic strategies in SOD1- and TDP-43- linked ALS. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1383453. [PMID: 38855322 PMCID: PMC11157337 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1383453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with severe socio-economic impact. A hallmark of ALS pathology is the presence of aberrant cytoplasmic inclusions composed of misfolded and aggregated proteins, including both wild-type and mutant forms. This review highlights the critical role of misfolded protein species in ALS pathogenesis, particularly focusing on Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43), and emphasizes the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies targeting these misfolded proteins directly. Despite significant advancements in understanding ALS mechanisms, the disease remains incurable, with current treatments offering limited clinical benefits. Through a comprehensive analysis, the review focuses on the direct modulation of the misfolded proteins and presents recent discoveries in small molecules and peptides that inhibit SOD1 and TDP-43 aggregation, underscoring their potential as effective treatments to modify disease progression and improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tsekrekou
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Giannakou
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Papanikolopoulou
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre “Alexander Fleming”, Vari, Greece
- ResQ Biotech, Patras Science Park, Rio, Greece
| | - Georgios Skretas
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
- ResQ Biotech, Patras Science Park, Rio, Greece
- Institute for Bio-innovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre “Alexander Fleming”, Vari, Greece
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5
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Nelson AT, Cicardi ME, Markandaiah SS, Han JY, Philp NJ, Welebob E, Haeusler AR, Pasinelli P, Manfredi G, Kawamata H, Trotti D. Glucose hypometabolism prompts RAN translation and exacerbates C9orf72-related ALS/FTD phenotypes. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:2479-2510. [PMID: 38684907 PMCID: PMC11094177 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00140-7] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The most prevalent genetic cause of both amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia is a (GGGGCC)n nucleotide repeat expansion (NRE) occurring in the first intron of the C9orf72 gene (C9). Brain glucose hypometabolism is consistently observed in C9-NRE carriers, even at pre-symptomatic stages, but its role in disease pathogenesis is unknown. Here, we show alterations in glucose metabolic pathways and ATP levels in the brains of asymptomatic C9-BAC mice. We find that, through activation of the GCN2 kinase, glucose hypometabolism drives the production of dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs), impairs the survival of C9 patient-derived neurons, and triggers motor dysfunction in C9-BAC mice. We also show that one of the arginine-rich DPRs (PR) could directly contribute to glucose metabolism and metabolic stress by inhibiting glucose uptake in neurons. Our findings provide a potential mechanistic link between energy imbalances and C9-ALS/FTD pathogenesis and suggest a feedforward loop model with potential opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Nelson
- Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Maria Elena Cicardi
- Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Shashirekha S Markandaiah
- Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - John Ys Han
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Nancy J Philp
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Emily Welebob
- Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Aaron R Haeusler
- Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Piera Pasinelli
- Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Giovanni Manfredi
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 407 East 61st Street, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Hibiki Kawamata
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 407 East 61st Street, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Davide Trotti
- Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
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6
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Song L, Pan Q, Zhou G, Liu S, Zhu B, Lin P, Hu X, Zha J, Long Y, Luo B, Chen J, Tang Y, Tang J, Xiang X, Xie X, Deng X, Chen G. SHMT2 Mediates Small-Molecule-Induced Alleviation of Alzheimer Pathology Via the 5'UTR-dependent ADAM10 Translation Initiation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305260. [PMID: 38183387 PMCID: PMC10953581 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305260] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
It is long been suggested that one-carbon metabolism (OCM) is associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), whereas the potential mechanisms remain poorly understood. Taking advantage of chemical biology, that mitochondrial serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT2) directly regulated the translation of ADAM metallopeptidase domain 10 (ADAM10), a therapeutic target for AD is reported. That the small-molecule kenpaullone (KEN) promoted ADAM10 translation via the 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) and improved cognitive functions in APP/PS1 mice is found. SHMT2, which is identified as a target gene of KEN and the 5'UTR-interacting RNA binding protein (RBP), mediated KEN-induced ADAM10 translation in vitro and in vivo. SHMT2 controls AD signaling pathways through binding to a large number of RNAs and enhances the 5'UTR activity of ADAM10 by direct interaction with GAGGG motif, whereas this motif affected ribosomal scanning of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2) in the 5'UTR. Together, KEN exhibits therapeutic potential for AD by linking OCM with RNA processing, in which the metabolic enzyme SHMT2 "moonlighted" as RBP by binding to GAGGG motif and promoting the 5'UTR-dependent ADAM10 translation initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Song
- Department of NeurologyChongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental DisordersThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400016China
| | - Qiu‐Ling Pan
- Department of NeurologyChongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental DisordersThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400016China
| | - Gui‐Feng Zhou
- Department of NeurologyChongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental DisordersThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400016China
| | - Sheng‐Wei Liu
- Department of PharmacyYongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing402160China
| | - Bing‐Lin Zhu
- Department of NeurologyChongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental DisordersThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400016China
| | - Pei‐Jia Lin
- Department of NeurologyChongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental DisordersThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400016China
| | - Xiao‐Tong Hu
- Department of NeurologyChongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental DisordersThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400016China
- Department of Health ManagementDaping HospitalArmy Medical universityChongqing400042China
| | - Jing‐Si Zha
- Department of NeurologyChongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental DisordersThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400016China
- Department of Internal MedicineThe Southwest University HospitalChongqing400715China
| | - Yan Long
- Department of NeurologyChongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental DisordersThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400016China
- Department of Geriatric MedicineDaping HospitalArmy Medical universityChongqing400042China
| | - Biao Luo
- Department of NeurologyChongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental DisordersThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400016China
| | - Jian Chen
- Department of NeurologyChongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental DisordersThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400016China
| | - Ying Tang
- Department of NeurologyChongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental DisordersThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400016China
- Department of NeurologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Jing Tang
- Department of NeurologyChongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental DisordersThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400016China
| | - Xiao‐Jiao Xiang
- Department of NeurologyChongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental DisordersThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400016China
- Department of Nuclear MedicineThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400010China
| | - Xiao‐Yong Xie
- Department of NeurologyChongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental DisordersThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400016China
| | - Xiao‐Juan Deng
- Department of NeurologyChongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental DisordersThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400016China
| | - Guo‐Jun Chen
- Department of NeurologyChongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental DisordersThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400016China
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7
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Cunha-Oliveira T, Montezinho L, Simões RF, Carvalho M, Ferreiro E, Silva FSG. Mitochondria: A Promising Convergent Target for the Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2024; 13:248. [PMID: 38334639 PMCID: PMC10854804 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030248] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons, for which current treatment options are limited. Recent studies have shed light on the role of mitochondria in ALS pathogenesis, making them an attractive therapeutic intervention target. This review contains a very comprehensive critical description of the involvement of mitochondria and mitochondria-mediated mechanisms in ALS. The review covers several key areas related to mitochondria in ALS, including impaired mitochondrial function, mitochondrial bioenergetics, reactive oxygen species, metabolic processes and energy metabolism, mitochondrial dynamics, turnover, autophagy and mitophagy, impaired mitochondrial transport, and apoptosis. This review also highlights preclinical and clinical studies that have investigated various mitochondria-targeted therapies for ALS treatment. These include strategies to improve mitochondrial function, such as the use of dichloroacetate, ketogenic and high-fat diets, acetyl-carnitine, and mitochondria-targeted antioxidants. Additionally, antiapoptotic agents, like the mPTP-targeting agents minocycline and rasagiline, are discussed. The paper aims to contribute to the identification of effective mitochondria-targeted therapies for ALS treatment by synthesizing the current understanding of the role of mitochondria in ALS pathogenesis and reviewing potential convergent therapeutic interventions. The complex interplay between mitochondria and the pathogenic mechanisms of ALS holds promise for the development of novel treatment strategies to combat this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Cunha-Oliveira
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Liliana Montezinho
- Center for Investigation Vasco da Gama (CIVG), Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Rui F. Simões
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marcelo Carvalho
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Ferreiro
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Filomena S. G. Silva
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Mitotag Lda, Biocant Park, 3060-197 Cantanhede, Portugal
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8
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Watts ME, Giadone RM, Ordureau A, Holton KM, Harper JW, Rubin LL. Analyzing the ER stress response in ALS patient derived motor neurons identifies druggable neuroprotective targets. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 17:1327361. [PMID: 38314348 PMCID: PMC10834640 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1327361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative motor neuron (MN) disease with severely limited treatment options. Identification of effective treatments has been limited in part by the lack of predictive animal models for complex human disorders. Here, we utilized pharmacologic ER stressors to exacerbate underlying sensitivities conferred by ALS patient genetics in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived motor neurons (MNs). In doing so, we found that thapsigargin and tunicamycin exposure recapitulated ALS-associated degeneration, and that we could rescue this degeneration via MAP4K4 inhibition (MAP4K4i). We subsequently identified mechanisms underlying MAP4K4i-mediated protection by performing phosphoproteomics on iPSC-derived MNs treated with ER stressors ±MAP4K4i. Through these analyses, we found JNK, PKC, and BRAF to be differentially modulated in MAP4K4i-protected MNs, and that inhibitors to these proteins could also rescue MN toxicity. Collectively, this study highlights the value of utilizing ER stressors in ALS patient MNs to identify novel druggable targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle E. Watts
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Richard M. Giadone
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Alban Ordureau
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kristina M. Holton
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - J. Wade Harper
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lee L. Rubin
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
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9
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Liu ML, Ma S, Tai W, Zhong X, Ni H, Zou Y, Wang J, Zhang CL. Screens in aging-relevant human ALS-motor neurons identify MAP4Ks as therapeutic targets for the disease. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:4. [PMID: 38177100 PMCID: PMC10766628 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06395-7] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Effective therapeutics is much needed for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), an adult-onset neurodegenerative disease mainly affecting motor neurons. By screening chemical compounds in human patient-derived and aging-relevant motor neurons, we identify a neuroprotective compound and show that MAP4Ks may serve as therapeutic targets for treating ALS. The lead compound broadly improves survival and function of motor neurons directly converted from human ALS patients. Mechanistically, it works as an inhibitor of MAP4Ks, regulates the MAP4Ks-HDAC6-TUBA4A-RANGAP1 pathway, and normalizes subcellular distribution of RANGAP1 and TDP-43. Finally, in an ALS mouse model we show that inhibiting MAP4Ks preserves motor neurons and significantly extends animal lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Lu Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Shuaipeng Ma
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Wenjiao Tai
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Xiaoling Zhong
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Haoqi Ni
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Yuhua Zou
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Jingcheng Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Chun-Li Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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10
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Wang C, Cui Y, Xu T, Zhou Y, Yang R, Wang T. New insights into glycogen synthase kinase-3: A common target for neurodegenerative diseases. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 218:115923. [PMID: 37981175 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) is a highly conserved protein serine/threonine kinase that plays a central role in a wide variety of cellular processes to coordinate catabolic and anabolic pathways and regulate cell growth and fate. There is increasing evidence showing that abnormal glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) is associated with the pathogenesis and progression of many disorders, such as cancer, diabetes, psychiatric diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we summarize recent findings about the regulatory role of GSK-3 in the occurrence and development of multiple neurodegenerative diseases, mainly focusing on Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The aim of this study is to provide new insight into the shared working mechanism of GSK-3 as a therapeutic target of multiple neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengfeng Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China; Institute of Brain Sciences and Related Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China
| | - Yu Cui
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
| | - Tong Xu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck, The Affiliated Qingdao Third People's Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266021, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China; Institute of Brain Sciences and Related Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China; Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck, The Affiliated Qingdao Third People's Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266021, China; Department of Health and Life Science, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, China.
| | - Rong Yang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck, The Affiliated Qingdao Third People's Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266021, China.
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China.
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11
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Elmansy MF, Reidl CT, Rahaman M, Özdinler PH, Silverman RB. Small molecules targeting different cellular pathologies for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Med Res Rev 2023; 43:2260-2302. [PMID: 37243319 PMCID: PMC10592673 DOI: 10.1002/med.21974] [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: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease in which the motor neuron circuitry displays progressive degeneration, affecting mostly the motor neurons in the brain and in the spinal cord. There are no effective cures, albeit three drugs, riluzole, edaravone, and AMX0035 (a combination of sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol), have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, with limited improvement in patients. There is an urgent need to build better and more effective treatment strategies for ALS. Since the disease is very heterogenous, numerous approaches have been explored, such as targeting genetic mutations, decreasing oxidative stress and excitotoxicity, enhancing mitochondrial function and protein degradation mechanisms, and inhibiting neuroinflammation. In addition, various chemical libraries or previously identified drugs have been screened for potential repurposing in the treatment of ALS. Here, we review previous drug discovery efforts targeting a variety of cellular pathologies that occur from genetic mutations that cause ALS, such as mutations in SOD1, C9orf72, FUS, and TARDP-43 genes. These mutations result in protein aggregation, which causes neuronal degeneration. Compounds used to target cellular pathologies that stem from these mutations are discussed and comparisons among different preclinical models are presented. Because the drug discovery landscape for ALS and other motor neuron diseases is changing rapidly, we also offer recommendations for a novel, more effective, direction in ALS drug discovery that could accelerate translation of effective compounds from animals to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed F. Elmansy
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Department of Organometallic and Organometalloid Chemistry, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Cory T. Reidl
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Mizzanoor Rahaman
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - P. Hande Özdinler
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Richard B. Silverman
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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12
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Nelson AT, Cicardi ME, Markandaiah SS, Han J, Philp N, Welebob E, Haeusler AR, Pasinelli P, Manfredi G, Kawamata H, Trotti D. Glucose Hypometabolism Prompts RAN Translation and Exacerbates C9orf72-related ALS/FTD Phenotypes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.07.544100. [PMID: 37333144 PMCID: PMC10274806 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.07.544100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
The most prevalent genetic cause of both amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia is a (GGGGCC)n nucleotide repeat expansion (NRE) occurring in the first intron of the C9orf72 gene (C9). Brain glucose hypometabolism is consistently observed in C9-NRE carriers, even at pre-symptomatic stages, although its potential role in disease pathogenesis is unknown. Here, we identified alterations in glucose metabolic pathways and ATP levels in the brain of asymptomatic C9-BAC mice. We found that, through activation of the GCN2 kinase, glucose hypometabolism drives the production of dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs), impairs the survival of C9 patient-derived neurons, and triggers motor dysfunction in C9-BAC mice. We also found that one of the arginine-rich DPRs (PR) can directly contribute to glucose metabolism and metabolic stress. These findings provide a mechanistic link between energy imbalances and C9-ALS/FTD pathogenesis and support a feedforward loop model that opens several opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- A T Nelson
- Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - M E Cicardi
- Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - S S Markandaiah
- Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - J Han
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - N Philp
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - E Welebob
- Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - A R Haeusler
- Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - P Pasinelli
- Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - G Manfredi
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 407 East 61st Street, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - H Kawamata
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 407 East 61st Street, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - D Trotti
- Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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13
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Shi G, Scott H, Azhar NIFM, Gialeli A, Clennell B, Lee KS, Hurcombe J, Whitcomb D, Coward R, Wong LF, Cordero-Llana O, Uney JB. AZD5438 a GSK-3a/b and CDK inhibitor is antiapoptotic modulates mitochondrial activity and protects human neurons from mitochondrial toxins. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8334. [PMID: 37221196 PMCID: PMC10205901 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35480-2] [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: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously reported that kenpaullone, which inhibits GSK-3a/b and CDKs inhibited CCCP mediated mitochondrial depolarisation and augments the mitochondrial network. To investigate the actions of this class of drug further, we compared the ability of kenpaullone, alsterpaullone, 1-azakenapaullone, AZD5438, AT7519 (CDK and GSK-3a/b inhibitors) and dexpramipexole and olesoxime (mitochondrial permeability transition pore inhibitors) to prevent CCCP mediated mitochondrial depolarisation and found that AZD5438 and AT7519, were the most effective. Furthermore, treatment with AZD5438 alone increased the complexity of the mitochondrial network. We also found that AZD5438 prevented the rotenone induced decrease in PGC-1alpha and TOM20 levels and that it mediated powerful anti-apoptotic effects and promoted glycolytic respiration. Importantly, experiments in human iPSC derived cortical and midbrain neurons showed AZD5438 mediated significant protective effects, preventing the neuronal cell death, and collapse in the neurite and mitochondrial network associated with rotenone treatment. These results suggest drugs that target GSK-3a/b and CDKs should be developed and assessed further as they may have significant therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gongyu Shi
- Bristol Medical School, Translational Health Sciences, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Helen Scott
- Bristol Medical School, Translational Health Sciences, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Andriana Gialeli
- Bristol Medical School, Translational Health Sciences, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Benjamin Clennell
- Bristol Medical School, Translational Health Sciences, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Keng Siang Lee
- Bristol Medical School, Translational Health Sciences, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jenny Hurcombe
- Bristol Medical School, Translational Health Sciences, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Bristol Renal, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS1 3NY, UK
| | - Daniel Whitcomb
- Bristol Medical School, Translational Health Sciences, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Richard Coward
- Bristol Medical School, Translational Health Sciences, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Bristol Renal, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS1 3NY, UK
| | - Liang-Fong Wong
- Bristol Medical School, Translational Health Sciences, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Oscar Cordero-Llana
- Bristol Medical School, Translational Health Sciences, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - James B Uney
- Bristol Medical School, Translational Health Sciences, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
- Bristol Renal, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS1 3NY, UK.
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14
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Zhu Y, Liang M, Yu J, Zhang B, Zhu G, Huang Y, He Z, Yuan J. Repurposing of Doramectin as a New Anti-Zika Virus Agent. Viruses 2023; 15:v15051068. [PMID: 37243154 DOI: 10.3390/v15051068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV), belonging to the Flavivirus family and mainly transmitted by mosquitoes, causes a variety of adverse outcomes, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, microcephaly, and meningoencephalitis. However, there are no approved vaccines or drugs available for ZIKV. The discovery and research on drugs for ZIKV are still essential. In this study, we identified doramectin, an approved veterinary antiparasitic drug, as a novel anti-ZIKV agent (EC50 value from 0.85 μM to 3.00 μM) with low cytotoxicity (CC50 > 50 μM) in multiple cellular models. The expression of ZIKV proteins also decreased significantly under the treatment of doramectin. Further study showed that doramectin directly interacted with the key enzyme for ZIKV genome replication, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), with a stronger affinity (Kd = 16.9 μM), which may be related to the effect on ZIKV replication. These results suggested that doramectin might serve as a promising drug candidate for anti-ZIKV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Zhu
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Minqi Liang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jianchen Yu
- School of Chemistry, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Bingzhi Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ge Zhu
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yun Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhenjian He
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jie Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
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15
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Wu J, Tang Y. Transcription Factor-Mediated Differentiation of Motor Neurons from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2593:245-258. [PMID: 36513936 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2811-9_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Studying the pathogenesis of neurological diseases with animal models might not always truly recapitulate their pathophysiology, due to species differences. Fortunately, human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) including embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), especially derived from patients, have been widely employed to induce neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and further multiple neural subtypes. Particularly in the past decade, hPSC-based cell sources have been applied in studying neural development, cell therapy, disease modeling, and drug screening, among others. The generation of unlimited amount of neurons also facilitates a variety of biochemical assays, mass spectrometry, omic analysis, and next-generation sequencing, which thus provides an excellent tool in modeling neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases. Dysfunction or death of motor neurons (MNs) in the spinal cord and motor cortex is implicated in various motor neuron diseases (MNDs). Yet, producing high-purity and high-yield MNs remains a major challenge due to the complexity of MN specification during development. In this chapter, we describe a method of generating functional MNs via lentiviral delivery of transcription factors, based on the preservable NPC platform derived from hPSCs. Specifically, we transduce NPCs with a single lentivirus co-expressing three transcription factors including NGN2, ISL1, and LHX3, which is necessary and sufficient to induce mature MNs with high efficiencies (~90%) within 3 weeks. This chapter thus provides a robust method to generate high-purity hPSC-MNs at very high yields, enabling the acquisition of rich patient-specific MNs to be used for modeling the molecular underpinnings of MNDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjiao Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Provincial Clinical Research Center for Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yu Tang
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Aging Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- The Biobank of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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16
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Caron L, Testa S, Magdinier F. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Modeling Physiological and Pathological Striated Muscle Complexity. J Neuromuscul Dis 2023; 10:761-776. [PMID: 37522215 PMCID: PMC10578229 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-230076] [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] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) are a large group of diseases associated with either alterations of skeletal muscle fibers, motor neurons or neuromuscular junctions. Most of these diseases is characterized with muscle weakness or wasting and greatly alter the life of patients. Animal models do not always recapitulate the phenotype of patients. The development of innovative and representative human preclinical models is thus strongly needed for modeling the wide diversity of NMDs, characterization of disease-associated variants, investigation of novel genes function, or the development of therapies. Over the last decade, the use of patient's derived induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) has resulted in tremendous progress in biomedical research, including for NMDs. Skeletal muscle is a complex tissue with multinucleated muscle fibers supported by a dense extracellular matrix and multiple cell types including motor neurons required for the contractile activity. Major challenges need now to be tackled by the scientific community to increase maturation of muscle fibers in vitro, in particular for modeling adult-onset diseases affecting this tissue (neuromuscular disorders, cachexia, sarcopenia) and the evaluation of therapeutic strategies. In the near future, rapidly evolving bioengineering approaches applied to hiPSC will undoubtedly become highly instrumental for investigating muscle pathophysiology and the development of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Caron
- Aix-Marseille Univ-INSERM, MMG, Marseille, France
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17
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Jovanovic D, Yan S, Baumgartner M. The molecular basis of the dichotomous functionality of MAP4K4 in proliferation and cell motility control in cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1059513. [PMID: 36568222 PMCID: PMC9774001 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1059513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The finely tuned integration of intra- and extracellular cues by components of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways controls the mutually exclusive phenotypic manifestations of uncontrolled growth and tumor cell dissemination. The Ser/Thr kinase MAP4K4 is an upstream integrator of extracellular cues involved in both proliferation and cell motility control. Initially identified as an activator of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), the discovery of diverse functions and additional effectors of MAP4K4 beyond JNK signaling has considerably broadened our understanding of this complex kinase. The implication of MAP4K4 in the regulation of cytoskeleton dynamics and cell motility provided essential insights into its role as a pro-metastatic kinase in cancer. However, the more recently revealed role of MAP4K4 as an activator of the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway has complicated the understanding of MAP4K4 as an oncogenic driver kinase. To develop a better understanding of the diverse functions of MAP4K4 and their potential significance in oncogenesis and tumor progression, we have collected and assessed the current evidence of MAP4K4 implication in molecular mechanisms that control proliferation and promote cell motility. A better understanding of these mechanisms is particularly relevant in the brain, where MAP4K4 is highly expressed and under pathological conditions either drives neuronal cell death in neurodegenerative diseases or cell dissemination in malignant tumors. We review established effectors and present novel interactors of MAP4K4, which offer mechanistic insights into MAP4K4 function and may inspire novel intervention strategies. We discuss possible implications of novel interactors in tumor growth and dissemination and evaluate potential therapeutic strategies to selectively repress pro-oncogenic functions of MAP4K4.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Martin Baumgartner
- Pediatric Molecular Neuro-Oncology Research, Children’s Research Centre, Division of Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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18
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Swaroop RS, Pradhan SS, Darshan VMD, Phalguna KS, Sivaramakrishnan V. Integrated network pharmacology approach shows a potential role of Ginseng catechins and ginsenosides in modulating protein aggregation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. 3 Biotech 2022; 12:333. [PMID: 36330377 PMCID: PMC9622974 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-022-03401-1] [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: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral Sclerosis is an incurable, progressive neurodegenerative motor neuron disease. The disease is characterized by protein aggregates. The symptoms include weakness, denervation of muscles, atrophy and progressive paralysis of bulbar and respiratory muscles and dysphagia. Various secondary metabolites are evaluated for their ability to improve symptoms in ALS. Ginseng has been traditionally used for treating several neurodegenerative diseases. Several studies using model systems have shown a potential role of Ginseng catechins and Ginsenosides in clearing protein aggregation associated with ALS. We focus on Network pharmacology approach to understand the effect of Ginseng catechins or ginsenosides on protein aggregation associated with ALS. A catechin/ginsenoside-protein interaction network was generated and the pathways obtained were compared with those obtained from transcriptomic datasets of ALS from GEO database. Knock out of MAPK14, AKT and GSK from Catechin and BACE 1 from ginsenoside modulated pathways inhibited protein aggregation. Catechins and ginsenosides have potential as therapeutic agents in the management of ALS. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-022-03401-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Sai Swaroop
- Disease Biology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh 515134 India
| | - Sai Sanwid Pradhan
- Disease Biology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh 515134 India
| | - V. M. Datta Darshan
- Disease Biology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh 515134 India
| | - Kanikaram Sai Phalguna
- Disease Biology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh 515134 India
| | - Venketesh Sivaramakrishnan
- Disease Biology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh 515134 India
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19
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MAP4K4/JNK Signaling Pathway Stimulates Proliferation and Suppresses Apoptosis of Human Spermatogonial Stem Cells and Lower Level of MAP4K4 Is Associated with Male Infertility. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233807. [PMID: 36497065 PMCID: PMC9739186 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233807] [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: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) serve as a foundation for spermatogenesis and they are essential for male fertility. The fate of SSC is determined by genetic and epigenetic regulatory networks. Many molecules that regulate SSC fate determinations have been identified in mice. However, the molecules and signaling pathways underlying human SSCs remain largely unclear. In this study, we have demonstrated that MAP4K4 was predominantly expressed in human UCHL1-positive spermatogonia by double immunocytochemical staining. MAP4K4 knockdown inhibited proliferation of human SSCs and induced their apoptosis. Moreover, MAP4K4 silencing led to inhibition of JNK phosphorylation and MAP4K4 phosphorylation at Ser801. RNA sequencing indicated that MAP4K4 affected the transcription of SPARC, ADAM19, GPX7, GNG2, and COLA1. Interestingly, the phenotype of inhibiting JNK phosphorylation by SP600125 was similar to MAP4K4 knockdown. Notably, MAP4K4 protein was lower in the testes of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia than those with normal spermatogenesis as shown by Western blots and immunohistochemistry. Considered together, our data implicate that MAP4K4/JNK signaling pathway mediates proliferation and apoptosis of human SSCs, which provides a novel insight into molecular mechanisms governing human spermatogenesis and might offer new targets for gene therapy of male infertility.
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20
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Murali M, Gowtham HG, Shilpa N, Krishnappa HKN, Ledesma AE, Jain AS, Shati AA, Alfaifi MY, Elbehairi SEI, Achar RR, Silina E, Stupin V, Ortega-Castro J, Frau J, Flores-Holguín N, Amruthesh KN, Shivamallu C, Kollur SP, Glossman-Mitnik D. Exploration of Anti-HIV Phytocompounds against SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease: Structure-Based Screening, Molecular Simulation, ADME Analysis and Conceptual DFT Studies. Molecules 2022; 27:8288. [PMID: 36500380 PMCID: PMC9736867 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The ever-expanding pandemic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has gained attention as COVID-19 and caused an emergency in public health to an unmatched level to date. However, the treatments used are the only options; currently, no effective and licensed medications are available to combat disease transmission, necessitating further research. In the present study, an in silico-based virtual screening of anti-HIV bioactive compounds from medicinal plants was carried out through molecular docking against the main protease (Mpro) (PDB: 6LU7) of SARS-CoV-2, which is a key enzyme responsible for virus replication. A total of 16 anti-HIV compounds were found to have a binding affinity greater than -8.9 kcal/mol out of 150 compounds screened. Pseudohypericin had a high affinity with the energy of -10.2 kcal/mol, demonstrating amino acid residual interactions with LEU141, GLU166, ARG188, and GLN192, followed by Hypericin (-10.1 kcal/mol). Moreover, the ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion) analysis of Pseudohypericin and Hypericin recorded a low bioavailability (BA) score of 0.17 and violated Lipinski's rule of drug-likeness. The docking and molecular simulations indicated that the quinone compound, Pseudohypericin, could be tested in vitro and in vivo as potent molecules against COVID-19 disease prior to clinical trials.This was also supported by the theoretical and computational studies conducted. The global and local descriptors, which are the underpinnings of Conceptual Density FunctionalTheory (CDFT) have beenpredicted through successful model chemistry, hoping that they could be of help in the comprehension of the chemical reactivity properties of the molecular systems considered in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ana E. Ledesma
- Centro de InvestigaciónenBiofísicaAplicada y Alimentos, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Tecnologías (FCEyN), Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero (CIBAAL-UNSE-CONICET), Santiago del Estero 4206, Argentina
| | - Anisha S. Jain
- Department of Microbiology, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru 570015, India
| | - Ali A. Shati
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 9004, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Y. Alfaifi
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 9004, Saudi Arabia
| | - Serag Eldin I. Elbehairi
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 9004, Saudi Arabia
- Cell Culture Lab, Egyptian Organization for Biological Products and Vaccines (VACSERA Holding Company), 51 Wezaret El-Zeraa St., Giza 12511, Egypt
| | - Raghu Ram Achar
- Division of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru 570015, India
| | - Ekaterina Silina
- Department of Hospital Surgery, N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Victor Stupin
- Department of Hospital Surgery, N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Joaquín Ortega-Castro
- Departament de Química, Facultat de Ciences, Universitat de les IllesBalears, E-07122 Palma de Malllorca, Spain
| | - Juan Frau
- Departament de Química, Facultat de Ciences, Universitat de les IllesBalears, E-07122 Palma de Malllorca, Spain
| | - Norma Flores-Holguín
- Laboratorio Virtual NANOCOSMOS, Departamento de Medio Ambiente y Energía, Centro de Investigaciónen Materiales Avanzados, Chihuahua 31136, Mexico
| | | | - Chandan Shivamallu
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru 570015, India
| | - Shiva Prasad Kollur
- School of Physical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Mysuru Campus, Mysuru 570026, India
| | - Daniel Glossman-Mitnik
- Laboratorio Virtual NANOCOSMOS, Departamento de Medio Ambiente y Energía, Centro de Investigaciónen Materiales Avanzados, Chihuahua 31136, Mexico
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21
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Whye D, Wood D, Kim K, Chen C, Makhortova N, Sahin M, Buttermore ED. Dynamic 3D Combinatorial Generation of hPSC-Derived Neuromesodermal Organoids With Diverse Regional and Cellular Identities. Curr Protoc 2022; 2:e568. [PMID: 36264199 PMCID: PMC9589923 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Neuromesodermal progenitors represent a unique, bipotent population of progenitors residing in the tail bud of the developing embryo, which give rise to the caudal spinal cord cell types of neuroectodermal lineage as well as the adjacent paraxial somite cell types of mesodermal origin. With the advent of stem cell technologies, including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), the modeling of rare genetic disorders can be accomplished in vitro to interrogate cell-type specific pathological mechanisms in human patient conditions. Stem cell-derived models of neuromesodermal progenitors have been accomplished by several developmental biology groups; however, most employ a 2D monolayer format that does not fully reflect the complexity of cellular differentiation in the developing embryo. This article presents a dynamic 3D combinatorial method to generate robust populations of human pluripotent stem cell-derived neuromesodermal organoids with multi-cellular fates and regional identities. By utilizing a dynamic 3D suspension format for the differentiation process, the organoids differentiated by following this protocol display a hallmark of embryonic development that involves a morphological elongation known as axial extension. Furthermore, by employing a combinatorial screening assay, we dissect essential pathways for optimally directing the patterning of pluripotent stem cells into neuromesodermal organoids. This protocol highlights the influence of timing, duration, and concentration of WNT and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathways on enhancing early neuromesodermal identity, and later, downstream cell fate specification through combined synergies of retinoid signaling and sonic hedgehog activation. Finally, through robust inhibition of the Notch signaling pathway, this protocol accelerates the acquisition of terminal cell identities. This enhanced organoid model can serve as a powerful tool for studying normal developmental processes as well as investigating complex neurodevelopmental disorders, such as neural tube defects. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Robust generation of 3D hPSC-derived spheroid populations in dynamic motion settings Support Protocol 1: Pluronic F-127 reagent preparation and coating to generate low-attachment suspension culture dishes Basic Protocol 2: Enhanced specification of hPSCs into NMP organoids Support Protocol 2: Combinatorial pathway assay for NMP organoid protocol optimization Basic Protocol 3: Differentiation of NMP organoids along diverse cellular trajectories and accelerated terminal fate specification into neurons, neural crest, and sclerotome derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dosh Whye
- Human Neuron Core, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Department, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Delaney Wood
- Human Neuron Core, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Department, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Kristina Kim
- Human Neuron Core, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Department, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Cidi Chen
- Human Neuron Core, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Department, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Nina Makhortova
- Human Neuron Core, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Department, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Mustafa Sahin
- Human Neuron Core, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Department, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Elizabeth D. Buttermore
- Human Neuron Core, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Department, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
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22
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Damaged DNA Is an Early Event of Neurodegeneration in Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Motoneurons with UBQLN2P497H Mutation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911333. [PMID: 36232630 PMCID: PMC9570184 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquilin-2 (UBQLN2) mutations lead to familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FALS)/and frontotemporal dementia (FTLD) through unknown mechanisms. The combination of iPSC technology and CRISPR-mediated genome editing technology can generate an iPSC-derived motor neuron (iPSC-MN) model with disease-relevant mutations, which results in increased opportunities for disease mechanism research and drug screening. In this study, we introduced a UBQLN2-P497H mutation into a healthy control iPSC line using CRISPR/Cas9, and differentiated into MNs to study the pathology of UBQLN2-related ALS. Our in vitro MN model faithfully recapitulated specific aspects of the disease, including MN apoptosis. Under sodium arsenite (SA) treatment, we found differences in the number and the size of UBQLN2+ inclusions in UBQLN2P497H MNs and wild-type (WT) MNs. We also observed cytoplasmic TAR DNA-binding protein (TARDBP, also known as TDP-43) aggregates in UBQLN2P497H MNs, but not in WT MNs, as well as the recruitment of TDP-43 into stress granules (SGs) upon SA treatment. We noted that UBQLN2-P497H mutation induced MNs DNA damage, which is an early event in UBQLN2-ALS. Additionally, DNA damage led to an increase in compensation for FUS, whereas UBQLN2-P497H mutation impaired this function. Therefore, FUS may be involved in DNA damage repair signaling.
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23
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Blok LER, Boon M, van Reijmersdal B, Höffler KD, Fenckova M, Schenck A. Genetics, molecular control and clinical relevance of habituation learning. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 143:104883. [PMID: 36152842 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Habituation is the most fundamental form of learning. As a firewall that protects our brain from sensory overload, it is indispensable for cognitive processes. Studies in humans and animal models provide increasing evidence that habituation is affected in autism and related monogenic neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). An integrated application of habituation assessment in NDDs and their animal models has unexploited potential for neuroscience and medical care. With the aim to gain mechanistic insights, we systematically retrieved genes that have been demonstrated in the literature to underlie habituation. We identified 258 evolutionarily conserved genes across species, describe the biological processes they converge on, and highlight regulatory pathways and drugs that may alleviate habituation deficits. We also summarize current habituation paradigms and extract the most decisive arguments that support the crucial role of habituation for cognition in health and disease. We conclude that habituation is a conserved, quantitative, cognition- and disease-relevant process that can connect preclinical and clinical work, and hence is a powerful tool to advance research, diagnostics, and treatment of NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Elisabeth Rosalie Blok
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Marina Boon
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Boyd van Reijmersdal
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Kira Daniela Höffler
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Michaela Fenckova
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Branisovska 31, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Annette Schenck
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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24
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Amorós MA, Choi ES, Cofré AR, Dokholyan NV, Duzzioni M. Motor neuron-derived induced pluripotent stem cells as a drug screening platform for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:962881. [PMID: 36105357 PMCID: PMC9467621 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.962881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of cell culture models that recapitulate the etiology and features of nervous system diseases is central to the discovery of new drugs and their translation onto therapies. Neuronal tissues are inaccessible due to skeletal constraints and the invasiveness of the procedure to obtain them. Thus, the emergence of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology offers the opportunity to model different neuronal pathologies. Our focus centers on iPSCs derived from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, whose pathology remains in urgent need of new drugs and treatment. In this sense, we aim to revise the process to obtain motor neurons derived iPSCs (iPSC-MNs) from patients with ALS as a drug screening model, review current 3D-models and offer a perspective on bioinformatics as a powerful tool that can aid in the progress of finding new pharmacological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana A. Amorós
- Laboratory of Pharmacological Innovation, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Esther S. Choi
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Axel R. Cofré
- Laboratory of Pharmacological Innovation, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Nikolay V. Dokholyan
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Marcelo Duzzioni
- Laboratory of Pharmacological Innovation, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
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25
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Hayes LR, Kalab P. Emerging Therapies and Novel Targets for TDP-43 Proteinopathy in ALS/FTD. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:1061-1084. [PMID: 35790708 PMCID: PMC9587158 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01260-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear clearance and cytoplasmic mislocalization of the essential RNA binding protein, TDP-43, is a pathologic hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, and related neurodegenerative disorders collectively termed "TDP-43 proteinopathies." TDP-43 mislocalization causes neurodegeneration through both loss and gain of function mechanisms. Loss of TDP-43 nuclear RNA processing function destabilizes the transcriptome by multiple mechanisms including disruption of pre-mRNA splicing, the failure of repression of cryptic exons, and retrotransposon activation. The accumulation of cytoplasmic TDP-43, which is prone to aberrant liquid-liquid phase separation and aggregation, traps TDP-43 in the cytoplasm and disrupts a host of downstream processes including the trafficking of RNA granules, local translation within axons, and mitochondrial function. In this review, we will discuss the TDP-43 therapy development pipeline, beginning with therapies in current and upcoming clinical trials, which are primarily focused on accelerating the clearance of TDP-43 aggregates. Then, we will look ahead to emerging strategies from preclinical studies, first from high-throughput genetic and pharmacologic screens, and finally from mechanistic studies focused on the upstream cause(s) of TDP-43 disruption in ALS/FTD. These include modulation of stress granule dynamics, TDP-43 nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, RNA metabolism, and correction of aberrant splicing events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey R Hayes
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Dept. of Neurology, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Petr Kalab
- Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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26
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Nelson AT, Trotti D. Altered Bioenergetics and Metabolic Homeostasis in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:1102-1118. [PMID: 35773551 PMCID: PMC9587161 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01262-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects motor neurons and causes muscle atrophy, paralysis, and death. While a great deal of progress has been made in deciphering the underlying pathogenic mechanisms, no effective treatments for the disease are currently available. This is mainly due to the high degree of complexity and heterogeneity that characterizes the disease. Over the last few decades of research, alterations to bioenergetic and metabolic homeostasis have emerged as a common denominator across many different forms of ALS. These alterations are found at the cellular level (e.g., mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired expression of monocarboxylate transporters) and at the systemic level (e.g., low BMI and hypermetabolism) and tend to be associated with survival or disease outcomes in patients. Furthermore, an increasing amount of preclinical evidence and some promising clinical evidence suggests that targeting energy metabolism could be an effective therapeutic strategy. This review examines the evidence both for and against these ALS-associated metabolic alterations and highlights potential avenues for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Nelson
- Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, 900 Walnut Street, JHN Bldg., 4th floor, room 416, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Davide Trotti
- Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, 900 Walnut Street, JHN Bldg., 4th floor, room 416, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
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27
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Legault EM, Bouquety J, Drouin-Ouellet J. Disease Modeling of Neurodegenerative Disorders Using Direct Neural Reprogramming. Cell Reprogram 2022; 24:228-251. [PMID: 35749150 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2021.0172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the pathophysiology of CNS-associated neurological diseases has been hampered by the inaccessibility of patient brain tissue to perform live analyses at the molecular level. To this end, neural cells obtained by differentiation of patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are considerably helpful, especially in the context of monogenic-based disorders. More recently, the use of direct reprogramming to convert somatic cells to neural cells has emerged as an alternative to iPSCs to generate neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. This review focuses on the different studies that used direct neural reprogramming to study disease-associated phenotypes in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie Bouquety
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
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28
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Liedtke W. Long March Toward Safe and Effective Analgesia by Enhancing Gene Expression of Kcc2: First Steps Taken. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:865600. [PMID: 35645734 PMCID: PMC9137411 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.865600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Low intraneuronal chloride in spinal cord dorsal horn pain relay neurons is critical for physiologic transmission of primary pain afferents because low intraneuronal chloride dictates whether GABA-ergic and glycin-ergic neurotransmission is inhibitory. If the neuronal chloride elevates to pathologic levels, then spinal cord primary pain relay becomes leaky and exhibits the behavioral hallmarks of pathologic pain, namely hypersensitivity and allodynia. Low chloride in spinal cord dorsal horn neurons is maintained by proper gene expression of Kcc2 and sustained physiologic function of the KCC2 chloride extruding electroneutral transporter. Peripheral nerve injury and other forms of neural injury evoke greatly diminished Kcc2 gene expression and subsequent corruption of inhibitory neurotransmission in the spinal cord dorsal horn, thus causing derailment of the gate function for pain. Here I review key discoveries that have helped us understand these fundamentals, and focus on recent insights relating to the discovery of Kcc2 gene expression enhancing compounds via compound screens in neurons. One such study characterized the kinase inhibitor, kenpaullone, more in-depth, revealing its function as a robust and long-lasting analgesic in preclinical models of nerve injury and cancer bone pain, also elucidating its mechanism of action via GSK3β inhibition, diminishing delta-catenin phosphorylation, and facilitating its nuclear transfer and subsequent enhancement of Kcc2 gene expression by de-repressing Kaiso epigenetic transcriptional regulator. Future directions re Kcc2 gene expression enhancement are discussed, namely combination with other analgesics and analgesic methods, such as spinal cord stimulation and electroacupuncture, gene therapy, and leveraging Kcc2 gene expression-enhancing nanomaterials.
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29
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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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30
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High content screening and proteomic analysis identify a kinase inhibitor that rescues pathological phenotypes in a patient-derived model of Parkinson's disease. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2022; 8:15. [PMID: 35149677 PMCID: PMC8837749 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-022-00278-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Combining high throughput screening approaches with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based disease modeling represents a promising unbiased strategy to identify therapies for neurodegenerative disorders. Here we applied high content imaging on iPSC-derived neurons from patients with familial Parkinson’s disease bearing the G209A (p.A53T) α-synuclein (αSyn) mutation and launched a screening campaign on a small kinase inhibitor library. We thus identified the multi-kinase inhibitor BX795 that at a single dose effectively restores disease-associated neurodegenerative phenotypes. Proteomics profiling mapped the molecular pathways underlying the protective effects of BX795, comprising a cohort of 118 protein-mediators of the core biological processes of RNA metabolism, protein synthesis, modification and clearance, and stress response, all linked to the mTORC1 signaling hub. In agreement, expression of human p.A53T-αSyn in neuronal cells affected key components of the mTORC1 pathway resulting in aberrant protein synthesis that was restored in the presence of BX795 with concurrent facilitation of autophagy. Taken together, we have identified a promising small molecule with neuroprotective actions as candidate therapeutic for PD and other protein conformational disorders.
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31
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Modeling and Targeting Neuroglial Interactions with Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Models. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031684. [PMID: 35163606 PMCID: PMC8836094 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Generation of relevant and robust models for neurological disorders is of main importance for both target identification and drug discovery. The non-cell autonomous effects of glial cells on neurons have been described in a broad range of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, pointing to neuroglial interactions as novel alternative targets for therapeutics development. Interestingly, the recent breakthrough discovery of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) has opened a new road for studying neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders “in a dish”. Here, we provide an overview of the generation and modeling of both neuronal and glial cells from human iPSCs and a brief synthesis of recent work investigating neuroglial interactions using hiPSCs in a pathophysiological context.
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32
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Hou PS, Kuo HC. Central nervous system organoids for modeling neurodegenerative diseases. IUBMB Life 2022; 74:812-825. [PMID: 35102668 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology have allowed researchers to generate neurodegenerative disease-specific iPSCs and use the cells to derive a variety of relevant cell populations for laboratory modeling and drug testing. Nevertheless, these efforts have faced challenges related to immaturity and lack of complex developmental niches in the derived cell populations, limiting the utility of these in vitro models of neurodegenerative disease. Such limitations may be overcome by using human iPSC technology to generate three-dimensional (3D) brain organoids, which better recapitulate in vivo tissue architecture than traditional neuronal cultures to provide more complex and representative disease models and drug testing systems. In this review, we focus on the application of pluripotent stem cell-derived central nervous system (CNS) organoids to model neurodegenerative diseases. We first summarize recent progress in generating and characterizing various CNS organoids from pluripotent stem cells. We then review the application of CNS organoids for modeling several different human neurodegenerative diseases. We also describe several novel pathological mechanisms and drugs that were studied using patient iPSC-derived CNS organoids. Finally, we discuss remaining challenges and emerging opportunities for the use of 3D brain organoids for in vitro modeling of CNS development and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Shan Hou
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chih Kuo
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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33
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Li R, Walsh P, Truong V, Petersen A, Dutton JR, Hubel A. Differentiation of Human iPS Cells Into Sensory Neurons Exhibits Developmental Stage-Specific Cryopreservation Challenges. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:796960. [PMID: 34970550 PMCID: PMC8712858 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.796960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) generates cell phenotypes valuable for cell therapy and personalized medicine. Successful translation of these hiPSC-derived therapeutic products will rely upon effective cryopreservation at multiple stages of the manufacturing cycle. From the perspective of cryobiology, we attempted to understand how the challenge of cryopreservation evolves between cell phenotypes along an hiPSC-to-sensory neuron differentiation trajectory. Cells were cultivated at three different stages to represent intermediate, differentiated, and matured cell products. All cell stages remained ≥90% viable in a dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-free formulation but suffered ≥50% loss in DMSO before freezing. Raman spectroscopy revealed higher sensitivity to undercooling in hiPSC-derived neuronal cells with lower membrane fluidity and higher sensitivity to suboptimal cooling rates in stem cell developmental stages with larger cell bodies. Highly viable and functional sensory neurons were obtained following DMSO-free cryopreservation. Our study also demonstrated that dissociating adherent cultures plays an important role in the ability of cells to survive and function after cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Patrick Walsh
- Anatomic Incorporated, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | | | - Ashley Petersen
- Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - James R. Dutton
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Allison Hubel
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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Li XJ. Non-cell autonomous role of astrocytes in axonal degeneration of cortical projection neurons in hereditary spastic paraplegias. Neural Regen Res 2021; 17:1265-1266. [PMID: 34782566 PMCID: PMC8643063 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.327342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Jun Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, Rockford; Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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35
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Gupta R, Jha A, Ambasta RK, Kumar P. Regulatory mechanism of cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases in post-mitotic neuronal cell division. Life Sci 2021; 285:120006. [PMID: 34606852 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are the most common life-threatening disease of the central nervous system and it cause the progressive loss of neuronal cells. The exact mechanism of the disease's progression is not clear and thus line of treatment for NDDs is a baffling issue. During the progression of NDDs, oxidative stress and DNA damage play an important regulatory function, and ultimately induces neurodegeneration. Recently, aberrant cell cycle events have been demonstrated in the progression of different NDDs. However, the pertinent role of signaling mechanism, for instance, post-translational modifications, oxidative stress, DNA damage response pathway, JNK/p38 MAPK, MEK/ERK cascade, actively participated in the aberrant cell cycle reentry induced neuronal cell death. Mounting evidence has demonstrated that aberrant cell cycle re-entry is a major contributing factor in the pathogenesis of NDDs rather than a secondary phenomenon. In the brain of AD patients with mild cognitive impairment, post miotic cell division can be seen in the early stage of the disease. However, in the brain of PD patients, response to various neurotoxic signals, the cell cycle re-entry has been observed that causes neuronal apoptosis. On contrary, the contributing factors that leads to the induction of cell cycle events in mature neurons in HD and ALS brain pathology is remain unclear. Various pharmacological drugs have been developed to reduce the pathogenesis of NDDs, but they are still not helpful in eliminating the cause of these NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Gupta
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Delhi Technological University (Formerly Delhi College of Engineering), India
| | - Ankita Jha
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Delhi Technological University (Formerly Delhi College of Engineering), India
| | - Rashmi K Ambasta
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Delhi Technological University (Formerly Delhi College of Engineering), India
| | - Pravir Kumar
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Delhi Technological University (Formerly Delhi College of Engineering), India.
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Ren J, Li C, Zhang M, Wang H, Xie Y, Tang Y. A Step-by-Step Refined Strategy for Highly Efficient Generation of Neural Progenitors and Motor Neurons from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Cells 2021; 10:3087. [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [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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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ren
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; (J.R.); (C.L.); (M.Z.); (H.W.)
- Aging Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China;
| | - Chaoyi Li
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; (J.R.); (C.L.); (M.Z.); (H.W.)
- Aging Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China;
| | - Mengfei Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; (J.R.); (C.L.); (M.Z.); (H.W.)
- Aging Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China;
| | - Huakun Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; (J.R.); (C.L.); (M.Z.); (H.W.)
- Aging Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China;
| | - Yali Xie
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China;
- The Biobank of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Yu Tang
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; (J.R.); (C.L.); (M.Z.); (H.W.)
- Aging Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China;
- The Biobank of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
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Yeo M, Chen Y, Jiang C, Chen G, Wang K, Chandra S, Bortsov A, Lioudyno M, Zeng Q, Wang P, Wang Z, Busciglio J, Ji RR, Liedtke W. Repurposing cancer drugs identifies kenpaullone which ameliorates pathologic pain in preclinical models via normalization of inhibitory neurotransmission. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6208. [PMID: 34707084 PMCID: PMC8551327 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26270-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibitory GABA-ergic neurotransmission is fundamental for the adult vertebrate central nervous system and requires low chloride concentration in neurons, maintained by KCC2, a neuroprotective ion transporter that extrudes intracellular neuronal chloride. To identify Kcc2 gene expression‑enhancing compounds, we screened 1057 cell growth-regulating compounds in cultured primary cortical neurons. We identified kenpaullone (KP), which enhanced Kcc2/KCC2 expression and function in cultured rodent and human neurons by inhibiting GSK3ß. KP effectively reduced pathologic pain-like behavior in mouse models of nerve injury and bone cancer. In a nerve-injury pain model, KP restored Kcc2 expression and GABA-evoked chloride reversal potential in the spinal cord dorsal horn. Delta-catenin, a phosphorylation-target of GSK3ß in neurons, activated the Kcc2 promoter via KAISO transcription factor. Transient spinal over-expression of delta-catenin mimicked KP analgesia. Our findings of a newly repurposed compound and a novel, genetically-encoded mechanism that each enhance Kcc2 gene expression enable us to re-normalize disrupted inhibitory neurotransmission through genetic re-programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Yeo
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Changyu Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology (Center for Translational Pain Medicine), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology (Center for Translational Pain Medicine), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kaiyuan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology (Center for Translational Pain Medicine), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sharat Chandra
- Department of Anesthesiology (Center for Translational Pain Medicine), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Andrey Bortsov
- Department of Anesthesiology (Center for Translational Pain Medicine), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Maria Lioudyno
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (iMIND), Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Qian Zeng
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Zilong Wang
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology (Center for Translational Pain Medicine), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jorge Busciglio
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (iMIND), Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Ru-Rong Ji
- Department of Anesthesiology (Center for Translational Pain Medicine), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Wolfgang Liedtke
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Anesthesiology (Center for Translational Pain Medicine), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
- Duke Neurology Clinics for Headache, Head-Pain and Trigeminal Sensory Disorders, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
- Duke Anesthesiology Clinics for Innovative Pain Therapy, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
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Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived motor neurons from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients carrying different superoxide dismutase 1 mutations recapitulate pathological features of ALS. Chin Med J (Engl) 2021; 134:2457-2464. [PMID: 34669638 PMCID: PMC8654443 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000001693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Investigations of the pathogenic mechanisms in motor neurons (MNs) derived from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) disease-specific induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell lines could improve understanding of the issues affecting MNs. Therefore, in this study we explored mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) protein expression in MNs derived from the iPS cell lines of ALS patients carrying different SOD1 mutations. Methods: We generated induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines from two familial ALS (FALS) patients with SOD1-V14M and SOD1-C111Y mutations, and then differentiated them into MNs. We investigated levels of the SOD1 protein in iPSCs and MNs, the intracellular Ca2+ levels in MNs, and the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the process of differentiation into the MNs derived from the controls and ALS patients’ iPSCs. Results: The iPSCs from the two FALS patients were capable of differentiation into MNs carrying different SOD1 mutations and differentially expressed MN markers. We detected high SOD1 protein expression and high intracellular calcium levels in both the MN and iPSCs that were derived from the two SOD1 mutant patients. However, at no time did we observe stronger LDH activity in the patient lines compared with the control lines. Conclusions: MNs derived from patient-specific iPSC lines can recapitulate key aspects of ALS pathogenesis, providing a cell-based disease model to further elucidate disease pathogenesis and explore gene repair coupled with cell-replacement therapy. Incremental mutant expressions of SOD1 in MNs may have disrupted MN function, either causing or contributing to the intracellular calcium disturbances, which could lead to the occurrence and development of the disease.
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Kong JS, Huang X, Choi Y, Yi H, Kang J, Kim S, Kim J, Lee H, Rim YA, Ju JH, Chung WK, Woolf CJ, Jang J, Cho D. Promoting Long-Term Cultivation of Motor Neurons for 3D Neuromuscular Junction Formation of 3D In Vitro Using Central-Nervous-Tissue-Derived Bioink. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2100581. [PMID: 34363335 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
3D cell printing technology is in the spotlight for producing 3D tissue or organ constructs useful for various medical applications. In printing of neuromuscular tissue, a bioink satisfying all the requirements is a challenging issue. Gel integrity and motor neuron activity are two major characters because a harmonious combination of extracellular materials essential to motor neuron activity consists of disadvantages in mechanical properties. Here, a method for fabrication of 3D neuromuscular tissue is presented using a porcine central nervous system tissue decellularized extracellular matrix (CNSdECM) bioink. CNSdECM retains CNS tissue-specific extracellular molecules, provides rheological properties crucial for extrusion-based 3D cell printing, and reveals positive effects on the growth and maturity of axons of motor neurons compared with Matrigel. It also allows long-term cultivation of human-induced-pluripotent-stem-cell-derived lower motor neurons and sufficiently supports their cellular behavior to carry motor signals to muscle fibers. CNSdECM bioink holds great promise for producing a tissue-engineered motor system using 3D cell printing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Sik Kong
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) 77 Cheongam‐ro, Nam‐gu Pohang Kyungbuk 37673 Republic of Korea
| | - Xuan Huang
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Neurobiology Harvard Medical School Boston MA 02115 USA
| | - Yeong‐Jin Choi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) 77 Cheongam‐ro, Nam‐gu Pohang Kyungbuk 37673 Republic of Korea
- Materials Processing Innovation Research Division Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) 797 10 Changwondaero, Kyungnam Changwon 51508 Republic of Korea
| | - Hee‐Gyeong Yi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) 77 Cheongam‐ro, Nam‐gu Pohang Kyungbuk 37673 Republic of Korea
- Department of Rural and Biosystems Engineering College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Chonnam National University Gwangju 61186 Republic of Korea
| | - Junsu Kang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) 77 Cheongam‐ro, Nam‐gu Pohang Kyungbuk 37673 Republic of Korea
| | - Sejin Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) 77 Cheongam‐ro, Nam‐gu Pohang Kyungbuk 37673 Republic of Korea
| | - Jongmin Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) 77 Cheongam‐ro, Nam‐gu Pohang Kyungbuk 37673 Republic of Korea
| | - Hyungseok Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) 77 Cheongam‐ro, Nam‐gu Pohang Kyungbuk 37673 Republic of Korea
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering Kangwon National University (KNU) 1 Gangwondaehak‐gil, Seoksa‐dong Chuncheon‐si Gangwon‐do 24341 Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Biohealth‐Machinery Convergence Engineering Kangwon National University (KNU) Chuncheon 24341 Republic of Korea
| | - Yeri Alice Rim
- Catholic iPSC Research Center, College of Medicine The Catholic University of Korea Seoul 137‐701 Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hyeon Ju
- Catholic iPSC Research Center, College of Medicine The Catholic University of Korea Seoul 137‐701 Republic of Korea
| | - Wan Kyun Chung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) 77 Cheongam‐ro, Nam‐gu Pohang Kyungbuk 37673 Republic of Korea
| | - Clifford J. Woolf
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Neurobiology Harvard Medical School Boston MA 02115 USA
| | - Jinah Jang
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) 77 Cheongam‐ro, Nam‐gu Pohang Kyungbuk 37673 Republic of Korea
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) 77 Cheongam‐ro, Nam‐gu Pohang Kyungbuk 37673 Republic of Korea
- Department of Convergence IT Engineering Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) 77 Cheongam‐ro, Nam‐gu Pohang Kyungbuk 37673 Republic of Korea
- Institute for Convergence Research and Education in Advanced Technology Yonsei University Seoul 03722 Republic of Korea
| | - Dong‐Woo Cho
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) 77 Cheongam‐ro, Nam‐gu Pohang Kyungbuk 37673 Republic of Korea
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) 77 Cheongam‐ro, Nam‐gu Pohang Kyungbuk 37673 Republic of Korea
- Institute for Convergence Research and Education in Advanced Technology Yonsei University Seoul 03722 Republic of Korea
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The Evolving Role of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Cerebral Organoids in Treating and Modeling Neurosurgical Diseases. World Neurosurg 2021; 155:171-179. [PMID: 34454068 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.08.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs), as both direct therapeutics and building blocks for 3D in vitro models, has exhibited exciting potential in both helping to elucidate pathogenic mechanisms and treating diseases relevant to neurosurgery. Transplantation of IPSCs is being studied in neurological injuries and diseases, such as spinal cord injury and Parkinson's disease, whose clinical manifestations stem from underlying neuronal and/or axonal degeneration. Both animal models and clinical trials have shown that IPSCs have the ability to regenerate damaged neural tissue. Such evidence makes IPSCs a potentially promising therapeutic modality for patients who suffer from these neurological injuries/diseases. In addition, the cerebral organoid, a 3D assembly of IPSC aggregates that develops heterogeneous brain regions, has become the first in vitro model to closely recapitulate the complexity of the brain extracellular matrix, a 3-dimensional network of molecules that structurally and biochemically support neighboring cells. Cerebral organoids have become an exciting prospect for modeling and testing drug susceptibility of brain tumors, such as glioblastoma and metastatic brain cancer. As patient-derived organoid models are becoming more faithful to the brain, they are becoming an increasingly accurate substitute for patient clinical trials; such patient-less trials would protect the patient from potentially ineffective drugs, and speed up trial results and optimize cost. In this review, we aim to describe the role of IPSCs and cerebral organoids in treating and modeling diseases that are relevant to neurosurgery.
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Martínez-González L, Gonzalo-Consuegra C, Gómez-Almería M, Porras G, de Lago E, Martín-Requero Á, Martínez A. Tideglusib, a Non-ATP Competitive Inhibitor of GSK-3β as a Drug Candidate for the Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168975. [PMID: 34445680 PMCID: PMC8396476 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is the most common degenerative motor neuron disease in adults. About 97% of ALS patients present TDP-43 aggregates with post-translational modifications, such as hyperphosphorylation, in the cytoplasm of affected cells. GSK-3β is one of the protein kinases involved in TDP-43 phosphorylation. Up-regulation of its expression and activity is reported on spinal cord and cortex tissues of ALS patients. Here, we propose the repurposing of Tideglusib, an in-house non-ATP competitive GSK-3β inhibitor that is currently in clinical trials for autism and myotonic dystrophy, as a promising therapeutic strategy for ALS. With this aim we have evaluated the efficacy of Tideglusib in different experimental ALS models both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we observed that GSK-3β activity is increased in lymphoblasts from sporadic ALS patients, with a simultaneous increase in TDP-43 phosphorylation and cytosolic TDP-43 accumulation. Treatment with Tideglusib decreased not only phospho-TDP-43 levels but also recovered its nuclear localization in ALS lymphoblasts and in a human TDP-43 neuroblastoma model. Additionally, we found that chronic oral treatment with Tideglusib is able to reduce the increased TDP-43 phosphorylation in the spinal cord of Prp-hTDP-43A315T mouse model. Therefore, we consider Tideglusib as a promising drug candidate for ALS, being proposed to start a clinical trial phase II by the end of the year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loreto Martínez-González
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Calle Ramiro Maétzu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.M.-G.); (G.P.)
| | - Claudia Gonzalo-Consuegra
- Instituto de Investigación en Neuroquίmica, Departamento de Bioquίmica y Biologίa Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (E.d.L.)
| | - Marta Gómez-Almería
- Instituto de Investigación en Neuroquίmica, Departamento de Bioquίmica y Biologίa Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (E.d.L.)
| | - Gracia Porras
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Calle Ramiro Maétzu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.M.-G.); (G.P.)
| | - Eva de Lago
- Instituto de Investigación en Neuroquίmica, Departamento de Bioquίmica y Biologίa Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (E.d.L.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángeles Martín-Requero
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Calle Ramiro Maétzu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.M.-G.); (G.P.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (Á.M.-R.); (A.M.); Tel.: +34-918-37-12 (ext. 4222) (Á.M.-R.); +34-918-37-31-12 (ext. 4437) (A.M.)
| | - Ana Martínez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Calle Ramiro Maétzu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.M.-G.); (G.P.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (Á.M.-R.); (A.M.); Tel.: +34-918-37-12 (ext. 4222) (Á.M.-R.); +34-918-37-31-12 (ext. 4437) (A.M.)
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42
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Huang X, Roet KCD, Zhang L, Brault A, Berg AP, Jefferson AB, Klug-McLeod J, Leach KL, Vincent F, Yang H, Coyle AJ, Jones LH, Frost D, Wiskow O, Chen K, Maeda R, Grantham A, Dornon MK, Klim JR, Siekmann MT, Zhao D, Lee S, Eggan K, Woolf CJ. Human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis excitability phenotype screen: Target discovery and validation. Cell Rep 2021; 35:109224. [PMID: 34107252 PMCID: PMC8209673 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug development is hampered by poor target selection. Phenotypic screens using neurons differentiated from patient stem cells offer the possibility to validate known and discover novel disease targets in an unbiased fashion. To identify targets for managing hyperexcitability, a pathological feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), we design a multi-step screening funnel using patient-derived motor neurons. High-content live cell imaging is used to evaluate neuronal excitability, and from a screen against a chemogenomic library of 2,899 target-annotated compounds, 67 reduce the hyperexcitability of ALS motor neurons carrying the SOD1(A4V) mutation, without cytotoxicity. Bioinformatic deconvolution identifies 13 targets that modulate motor neuron excitability, including two known ALS excitability modulators, AMPA receptors and Kv7.2/3 ion channels, constituting target validation. We also identify D2 dopamine receptors as modulators of ALS motor neuron excitability. This screen demonstrates the power of human disease cell-based phenotypic screens for identifying clinically relevant targets for neurological disorders. Motor neuron hyperexcitability is observed in both ALS patients and their iPSC-derived neurons. Combining a high-content live imaging excitability phenotypic assay, high-throughput screening against a cross-annotated chemogenomic library, and bioinformatic enrichment analysis, Huang et al. identify targets modulating the hyperexcitability of ALS patient-derived motor neurons in an unbiased manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Huang
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, and Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kasper C D Roet
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, and Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Liying Zhang
- Medicine Design, Pfizer, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Amy Brault
- Medicine Design, Pfizer, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Allison P Berg
- Rare Disease Research Unit, Pfizer, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Anne B Jefferson
- Pfizer Centers for Therapeutic Innovation (CTI), San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | | | - Karen L Leach
- Pfizer Centers for Therapeutic Innovation (CTI), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Hongying Yang
- Pfizer Centers for Therapeutic Innovation (CTI), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Anthony J Coyle
- Pfizer Centers for Therapeutic Innovation (CTI), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Lyn H Jones
- Medicine Design, Pfizer, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Devlin Frost
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, and Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ole Wiskow
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Kuchuan Chen
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, and Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Rie Maeda
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, and Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alyssa Grantham
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, and Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mary K Dornon
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, and Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Joseph R Klim
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Marco T Siekmann
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, and Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Dongyi Zhao
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, and Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Seungkyu Lee
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, and Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kevin Eggan
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Clifford J Woolf
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, and Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Charvériat M, Lafon V, Mouthon F, Zimmer L. Innovative approaches in CNS drug discovery. Therapie 2021; 76:101-109. [DOI: 10.1016/j.therap.2020.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Yadav RK, Minz E, Mehan S. Understanding Abnormal c-JNK/p38MAPK Signaling in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Potential Drug Targets and Influences on Neurological Disorders. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS 2021; 20:417-429. [PMID: 33557726 DOI: 10.2174/1871527320666210126113848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
c-JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family members work in a cell-specific manner to regulate neuronal signals. The abnormal activation of these cellular signals can cause glutamate excitotoxicity, disrupted protein homeostasis, defective axonal transport, and synaptic dysfunction. Various pre-clinical and clinical findings indicate that the up-regulation of c-JNK and p38MAPK signaling is associated with neurological disorders. Exceptionally, a significant amount of experimental data has recently shown that dysregulated c-JNK and p38MAPK are implicated in the damage to the central nervous system, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Furthermore, currently available information has shown that c- JNK/p38MAPK signaling inhibitors may be a promising therapeutic alternative for improving histopathological, functional, and demyelination defects related to motor neuron disabilities. Understanding the abnormal activation of c-JNK/p38MAPK signaling and the prediction of motor neuron loss may help identify important therapeutic interventions that could prevent neurocomplications. Based on the involvement of c-JNK/p38MAPK signaling in the brain, we have assumed that the downregulation of the c-JNK/p38MAPK signaling pathway could trigger neuroprotection and neurotrophic effects towards clinicopathological presentations of ALS and other brain diseases. Thus, this research-based review also outlines the inhibition of c-JNK and p38MAPK signal downregulation in the pursuit of disease-modifying therapies for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeshwar Kumar Yadav
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Elizabeth Minz
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Sidharth Mehan
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
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45
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Ho R, Workman MJ, Mathkar P, Wu K, Kim KJ, O'Rourke JG, Kellogg M, Montel V, Banuelos MG, Arogundade OA, Diaz-Garcia S, Oheb D, Huang S, Khrebtukova I, Watson L, Ravits J, Taylor K, Baloh RH, Svendsen CN. Cross-Comparison of Human iPSC Motor Neuron Models of Familial and Sporadic ALS Reveals Early and Convergent Transcriptomic Disease Signatures. Cell Syst 2020; 12:159-175.e9. [PMID: 33382996 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2020.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neural cultures from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients can model disease phenotypes. However, heterogeneity arising from genetic and experimental variability limits their utility, impacting reproducibility and the ability to track cellular origins of pathogenesis. Here, we present methodologies using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis to address these limitations. By repeatedly differentiating and applying scRNA-seq to motor neurons (MNs) from healthy, familial ALS, sporadic ALS, and genome-edited iPSC lines across multiple patients, batches, and platforms, we account for genetic and experimental variability toward identifying unified and reproducible ALS signatures. Combining HOX and developmental gene expression with global clustering, we anatomically classified cells into rostrocaudal, progenitor, and postmitotic identities. By relaxing statistical thresholds, we discovered genes in iPSC-MNs that were concordantly dysregulated in postmortem MNs and yielded predictive ALS markers in other human and mouse models. Our approach thus revealed early, convergent, and MN-resolved signatures of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritchie Ho
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Center for Neural Science and Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
| | - Michael J Workman
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Pranav Mathkar
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Center for Neural Science and Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Kathryn Wu
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Kevin J Kim
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Jacqueline G O'Rourke
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Center for Neural Science and Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | | | | | - Maria G Banuelos
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | | | - Sandra Diaz-Garcia
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Daniel Oheb
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Steven Huang
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | | | | | - John Ravits
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | | | - Robert H Baloh
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Center for Neural Science and Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Clive N Svendsen
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
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46
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Pak E, MacKenzie EL, Zhao X, Pazyra-Murphy MF, Park PMC, Wu L, Shaw DL, Addleson EC, Cayer SS, Lopez BGC, Agar NYR, Rubin LL, Qi J, Merk DJ, Segal RA. A large-scale drug screen identifies selective inhibitors of class I HDACs as a potential therapeutic option for SHH medulloblastoma. Neuro Oncol 2020; 21:1150-1163. [PMID: 31111916 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noz089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medulloblastoma (MB) is one of the most frequent malignant brain tumors of children, and a large set of these tumors is characterized by aberrant activation of the sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway. While some tumors initially respond to inhibition of the SHH pathway component Smoothened (SMO), tumors ultimately recur due to downstream resistance mechanisms, indicating a need for novel therapeutic options. METHODS Here we performed a targeted small-molecule screen on a stable, SHH-dependent murine MB cell line (SMB21). Comprehensive isotype profiling of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors was performed, and effects of HDAC inhibition were evaluated in cell lines both sensitive and resistant to SMO inhibition. Lastly, distinct mouse models of SHH MB were used to demonstrate pharmacologic efficacy in vivo. RESULTS A subset of the HDAC inhibitors tested significantly inhibit tumor growth of SMB21 cells by preventing SHH pathway activation. Isotype profiling of HDAC inhibitors, together with genetic approaches suggested that concerted inhibition of multiple class I HDACs is necessary to achieve pathway inhibition. Of note, class I HDAC inhibitors were also efficacious in suppressing growth of diverse SMO inhibitor‒resistant clones of SMB21 cells. Finally, we show that the novel HDAC inhibitor quisinostat targets multiple class I HDACs, is well tolerated in mouse models, and robustly inhibits growth of SHH MB cells in vivo as well as in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Our data provide strong evidence that quisinostat or other class I HDAC inhibitors might be therapeutically useful for patients with SHH MB, including those resistant to SMO inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Pak
- Departments of Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ethan L MacKenzie
- Departments of Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Xuesong Zhao
- Departments of Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Maria F Pazyra-Murphy
- Departments of Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Paul M C Park
- Department of Cancer Biology and Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lei Wu
- Department of Cancer Biology and Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel L Shaw
- Department of Cancer Biology and Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emily C Addleson
- Departments of Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Suzanne S Cayer
- Departments of Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Begoña G-C Lopez
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nathalie Y R Agar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lee L Rubin
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jun Qi
- Departments of Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Cancer Biology and Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel J Merk
- Departments of Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rosalind A Segal
- Departments of Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Pasteuning-Vuhman S, de Jongh R, Timmers A, Pasterkamp RJ. Towards Advanced iPSC-based Drug Development for Neurodegenerative Disease. Trends Mol Med 2020; 27:263-279. [PMID: 33121873 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2020.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are a heterogeneous group of diseases that are characterized by the progressive loss of neurons leading to motor, sensory, and/or cognitive defects. Currently, NDDs are not curable and treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms and halting disease progression. Phenotypic heterogeneity between individual NDD patients, lack of robust biomarkers, the limited translational potential of experimental models, and other factors have hampered drug development for the treatment of NDDs. This review summarizes and discusses the use of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) approaches for improving drug discovery and testing. It highlights challenges associated with iPSC modeling and also discusses innovative approaches such as brain organoids and microfluidic-based technology which will improve drug development for NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Pasteuning-Vuhman
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rianne de Jongh
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Annabel Timmers
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - R Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Buchanan SM, Price FD, Castiglioni A, Gee AW, Schneider J, Matyas MN, Hayhurst M, Tabebordbar M, Wagers AJ, Rubin LL. Pro-myogenic small molecules revealed by a chemical screen on primary muscle stem cells. Skelet Muscle 2020; 10:28. [PMID: 33036659 PMCID: PMC7547525 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-020-00248-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Satellite cells are the canonical muscle stem cells that regenerate damaged skeletal muscle. Loss of function of these cells has been linked to reduced muscle repair capacity and compromised muscle health in acute muscle injury and congenital neuromuscular diseases. To identify new pathways that can prevent loss of skeletal muscle function or enhance regenerative potential, we established an imaging-based screen capable of identifying small molecules that promote the expansion of freshly isolated satellite cells. We found several classes of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitors that increased freshly isolated satellite cell numbers in vitro. Further exploration of one of these compounds, the RTK inhibitor CEP-701 (also known as lestaurtinib), revealed potent activity on mouse satellite cells both in vitro and in vivo. This expansion potential was not seen upon exposure of proliferating committed myoblasts or non-myogenic fibroblasts to CEP-701. When delivered subcutaneously to acutely injured animals, CEP-701 increased both the total number of satellite cells and the rate of muscle repair, as revealed by an increased cross-sectional area of regenerating fibers. Moreover, freshly isolated satellite cells expanded ex vivo in the presence of CEP-701 displayed enhanced muscle engraftment potential upon in vivo transplantation. We provide compelling evidence that certain RTKs, and in particular RET, regulate satellite cell expansion during muscle regeneration. This study demonstrates the power of small molecule screens of even rare adult stem cell populations for identifying stem cell-targeting compounds with therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Buchanan
- Harvard University Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, 7 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Feodor D Price
- Harvard University Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, 7 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Alessandra Castiglioni
- Harvard University Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, 7 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.,Cancer Immunology Department, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Amanda Wagner Gee
- Harvard University Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, 7 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Joel Schneider
- Harvard University Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, 7 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Mark N Matyas
- Harvard University Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, 7 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Monica Hayhurst
- Harvard University Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, 7 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Mohammadsharif Tabebordbar
- Harvard University Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, 7 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Amy J Wagers
- Harvard University Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, 7 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Lee L Rubin
- Harvard University Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, 7 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
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49
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Recent Advances on the Role of GSK3β in the Pathogenesis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10100675. [PMID: 32993098 PMCID: PMC7600609 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10100675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a common neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive motor neuron degeneration. Although several studies on genes involved in ALS have substantially expanded and improved our understanding of ALS pathogenesis, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying this disease remain poorly understood. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) is a multifunctional serine/threonine-protein kinase that plays a critical role in the regulation of various cellular signaling pathways. Dysregulation of GSK3β activity in neuronal cells has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Previous research indicates that GSK3β inactivation plays a neuroprotective role in ALS pathogenesis. GSK3β activity shows an increase in various ALS models and patients. Furthermore, GSK3β inhibition can suppress the defective phenotypes caused by SOD, TDP-43, and FUS expression in various models. This review focuses on the most recent studies related to the therapeutic effect of GSK3β in ALS and provides an overview of how the dysfunction of GSK3β activity contributes to ALS pathogenesis.
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50
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Modelling frontotemporal dementia using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells. Mol Cell Neurosci 2020; 109:103553. [PMID: 32956830 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2020.103553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) describes a group of clinically heterogeneous conditions that frequently affect people under the age of 65 (Le Ber et al., 2013). There are multiple genetic causes of FTD, including coding or splice-site mutations in MAPT, GRN mutations that lead to haploinsufficiency of progranulin protein, and a hexanucleotide GGGGCC repeat expansion in C9ORF72. Pathologically, FTD is characterised by abnormal protein accumulations in neurons and glia. These aggregates can be composed of the microtubule-associated protein tau (observed in FTD with MAPT mutations), the DNA/RNA-binding protein TDP-43 (seen in FTD with mutations in GRN or C9ORF72 repeat expansions) or dipeptide proteins generated by repeat associated non-ATG translation of the C9ORF72 repeat expansion. There are currently no disease-modifying therapies for FTD and the availability of in vitro models that recapitulate pathologies in a disease-relevant cell type would accelerate the development of novel therapeutics. It is now possible to generate patient-specific stem cells through the reprogramming of somatic cells from a patient with a genotype/phenotype of interest into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). iPSCs can subsequently be differentiated into a plethora of cell types including neurons, astrocytes and microglia. Using this approach has allowed researchers to generate in vitro models of genetic FTD in human cell types that are largely inaccessible during life. In this review we explore the recent progress in the use of iPSCs to model FTD, and consider the merits, limitations and future prospects of this approach.
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