1
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Pajares MA, Hernández-Gerez E, Pekny M, Pérez-Sala D. Alexander disease: the road ahead. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:2156-2160. [PMID: 37056123 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.369097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Alexander disease is a rare neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the glial fibrillary acidic protein, a type III intermediate filament protein expressed in astrocytes. Both early (infantile or juvenile) and adult onsets of the disease are known and, in both cases, astrocytes present characteristic aggregates, named Rosenthal fibers. Mutations are spread along the glial fibrillary acidic protein sequence disrupting the typical filament network in a dominant manner. Although the presence of aggregates suggests a proteostasis problem of the mutant forms, this behavior is also observed when the expression of wild-type glial fibrillary acidic protein is increased. Additionally, several isoforms of glial fibrillary acidic protein have been described to date, while the impact of the mutations on their expression and proportion has not been exhaustively studied. Moreover, the posttranslational modification patterns and/or the protein-protein interaction networks of the glial fibrillary acidic protein mutants may be altered, leading to functional changes that may modify the morphology, positioning, and/or the function of several organelles, in turn, impairing astrocyte normal function and subsequently affecting neurons. In particular, mitochondrial function, redox balance and susceptibility to oxidative stress may contribute to the derangement of glial fibrillary acidic protein mutant-expressing astrocytes. To study the disease and to develop putative therapeutic strategies, several experimental models have been developed, a collection that is in constant growth. The fact that most cases of Alexander disease can be related to glial fibrillary acidic protein mutations, together with the availability of new and more relevant experimental models, holds promise for the design and assay of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- María A Pajares
- Department of Structural and Chemical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Hernández-Gerez
- Department of Structural and Chemical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Milos Pekny
- Laboratory of Astrocyte Biology and CNS Regeneration, Center for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, and the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Dolores Pérez-Sala
- Department of Structural and Chemical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Madrid, Spain
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2
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Yuan Y, Wu Q, Huo L, Wang H, Liu X. Case report: Alexander's disease with "head drop" as the main symptom and literature review. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1002527. [PMID: 36601294 PMCID: PMC9807021 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1002527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Alexander's disease (AxD) is a rare autosomal dominant hereditary disorder that is caused by the mutations in the GFAP gene, which encodes the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). This neurogenerative disease has many clinical manifestations, and the onset of disease spans a wide range of ages, from newborns to children, adults, and even the elderly. An overaccumulation of the expression of GFAP has a close causal relationship with the pathogenesis of Alexander's disease. Usually, the disease has severe morbidity and high mortality, and can be divided into three distinct subgroups that are based on the age of clinical presentation: infantile (0-2 years), juvenile (2-13 years), and adult (>13 years). Children often present with epilepsy, macrocephaly, and psychomotor retardation, while adolescents and adults mainly present with muscle weakness, spasticity, and bulbar symptoms. Atonic seizures are a type of epilepsy that often appears in the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and myoclonic-astatic epilepsy in early childhood; however, the prognosis is often poor. Atonic episodes are characterized by a sudden or frequent reduction in muscle tone that can be local (such as head, neck, or limb) or generalized. Here, we report a 4-year-old girl whose main symptoms were intermittent head drop movements, which could break the frontal frame and even bleed in severe conditions. A video-encephalography (VEEG) showed that the nodding movements were atonic seizures. A head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed abnormal signals in the bilateral paraventricular and bilateral subfrontal cortex. The gene detection analyses indicated that the GFAP gene exon 1 c.262 C>T was caused by a heterozygous mutation, as both her parents were of the wild-type. The girl had no other abnormal manifestations except atonic seizures. She could communicate normally and go to kindergarten. After an oral administration of sodium valproate, there were no atonic attacks. Although epilepsy is a common symptom of Alexander's disease, atonic seizures have not been reported to date. Therefore, we report a case of Alexander's disease with atonic seizures as the main symptom and provide a review of the literature.
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3
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Bachetti T, Zanni ED, Adamo A, Rosamilia F, Sechi MM, Solla P, Bozzo M, Ceccherini I, Sechi G. Beneficial Effect of Phenytoin and Carbamazepine on GFAP Gene Expression and Mutant GFAP Folding in a Cellular Model of Alexander's Disease. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:723218. [PMID: 34950024 PMCID: PMC8688807 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.723218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Alexander’s disease (AxD) is a rare, usually relentlessly progressive disorder of astroglial cells in the central nervous system related to mutations in the gene encoding the type III intermediate filament protein, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). The pathophysiology of AxD is only partially understood. Available data indicate that an excessive GFAP gene expression may play a role. In particular, a “threshold hypothesis” has been reported, suggesting that mutant GFAP representing about 20% of the total cellular GFAP should be sufficient to cause disease. Thus, strategies based on reducing cellular mutant GFAP protein levels and/or activating biological processes involved in the correct protein folding could be effective in counteracting the toxic effect of misfolded GFAP. Considering that clomipramine (CLM), which has been selected by a wide small molecules screening as the greatest inhibitory potential drug against GFAP expression, is contraindicated because of its proconvulsant activity in the infantile form of AxD, which is also characterized by the occurrence of epileptic seizures, two powerful antiepileptic agents, carbamazepine (CBZ) and phenytoin (PHT), which share specific stereochemical features in common with CLM, were taken into consideration in a reliable in vitro model of AxD. In the present work, we document for the first time that CBZ and PHT have a definite inhibitory effect on pathological GFAP cellular expression and folding. Moreover, we confirm previous results of a similar beneficial effect of CLM. In addition, we have demonstrated that CBZ and CLM play a refolding effect on mutant GFAP proteins, likely ascribed at the induction of CRYAB expression, resulting in the decrease of mutant GFAP aggregates formation. As CBZ and PHT are currently approved for use in humans, their documented effects on pathological GFAP cellular expression and folding may indicate a potential therapeutic role as disease-modifying agents of these drugs in the clinical management of AxD, particularly in AxD patients with focal epilepsy with and without secondary generalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Bachetti
- UOSD Laboratorio di Genetica e Genomica delle Malattie Rare, IRCCS Gaslini, Genova, Italy.,Laboratorio di Neurobiologia dello Sviluppo, DISTAV, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Eleonora Di Zanni
- UOSD Laboratorio di Genetica e Genomica delle Malattie Rare, IRCCS Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Annalisa Adamo
- UOSD Laboratorio di Genetica e Genomica delle Malattie Rare, IRCCS Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Francesca Rosamilia
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, DISSAL, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - M Margherita Sechi
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paolo Solla
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences (G.P.S.; P.S.), University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Matteo Bozzo
- Laboratorio di Neurobiologia dello Sviluppo, DISTAV, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Isabella Ceccherini
- UOSD Laboratorio di Genetica e Genomica delle Malattie Rare, IRCCS Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - GianPietro Sechi
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences (G.P.S.; P.S.), University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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Tikhonova MA, Amstislavskaya TG, Ho YJ, Akopyan AA, Tenditnik MV, Ovsyukova MV, Bashirzade AA, Dubrovina NI, Aftanas LI. Neuroprotective Effects of Ceftriaxone Involve the Reduction of Aβ Burden and Neuroinflammatory Response in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:736786. [PMID: 34658774 PMCID: PMC8511453 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.736786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ceftriaxone (CEF) is a safe and multipotent antimicrobial agent that possesses neuroprotective properties. Earlier, we revealed the restoration of cognitive function in OXYS rats with signs of Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like pathology by CEF along with its modulating the expression of genes related to the system of amyloid beta (Aβ) metabolism in the brain. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of CEF on behavior, Aβ deposition, and associated neuroinflammation using another model of an early AD-like pathology induced by Aβ. Mice were injected bilaterally i.c.v. with Aβ fragment 25-35 to produce the AD model, while the CEF treatment (100 mg/kg/day, i.p., 36 days) started the next day after the surgery. The open field test, T-maze, Barnes test, IntelliCage, and passive avoidance test were used for behavioral phenotyping. Neuronal density, amyloid accumulation, and the expression of neuroinflammatory markers were measured in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. CEF exhibited beneficial effects on some cognitive features impaired by Aβ neurotoxicity including complete restoration of the fear-induced memory and learning in the passive avoidance test and improved place learning in the IntelliCage. CEF significantly attenuated amyloid deposition and neuroinflammatory response. Thus, CEF could be positioned as a potent multipurpose drug as it simultaneously targets proteostasis network and neuroinflammation, as well as glutamate excitotoxicity, oxidative pathways, and neurotrophic function as reported earlier. Together with previous reports on the positive effects of CEF in AD models, the results confirm the potential of CEF as a promising treatment against cognitive decline from the early stages of AD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Tikhonova
- Laboratory of the Experimental Models of Neurodegenerative Processes, Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine (SRINM), Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Tamara G Amstislavskaya
- Laboratory of Translational Biopsychiatry, Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine (SRINM), Novosibirsk, Russia.,Department of Neuroscience, Institute of Medicine and Psychology, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Ying-Jui Ho
- Department of Psychology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Anna A Akopyan
- Laboratory of the Experimental Models of Neurodegenerative Processes, Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine (SRINM), Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Michael V Tenditnik
- Laboratory of the Experimental Models of Neurodegenerative Processes, Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine (SRINM), Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Marina V Ovsyukova
- Laboratory of the Experimental Models of Neurodegenerative Processes, Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine (SRINM), Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Alim A Bashirzade
- Laboratory of Translational Biopsychiatry, Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine (SRINM), Novosibirsk, Russia.,Faculty of Life Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Nina I Dubrovina
- Laboratory of the Experimental Models of Neurodegenerative Processes, Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine (SRINM), Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Lyubomir I Aftanas
- Department of Neuroscience, Institute of Medicine and Psychology, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Behavior and Neurotechnologies, Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine (SRINM), Novosibirsk, Russia
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Abstract
Fifty years have passed since the discovery of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) by Lawrence Eng and colleagues. Now recognized as a member of the intermediate filament family of proteins, it has become a subject for study in fields as diverse as structural biology, cell biology, gene expression, basic neuroscience, clinical genetics and gene therapy. This review covers each of these areas, presenting an overview of current understanding and controversies regarding GFAP with the goal of stimulating continued study of this fascinating protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albee Messing
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison.,Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Michael Brenner
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama-Birmingham
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Yoshida T, Mizuta I, Yasuda R, Mizuno T. Clinical and radiological characteristics of older-adult-onset Alexander disease. Eur J Neurol 2021; 28:3760-3767. [PMID: 34245630 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alexander disease (ALXDRD) affects a wide range of ages from infancy to adulthood. However, only a few cases involving patients with older-adult onset over 65 years of age have been reported. In contrast, regarding in-house data, 10.6% of 85 cases with the identification of GFAP mutations demonstrated older-adult onset. This discrepancy may be due to poor awareness of such cases. METHODS The subjects included 9 older-adult-onset cases, with an onset age of 65 years or older. We characterized older-adult-onset ALXDRD by assessing neurological findings and several magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters. RESULTS The age at onset, mean age at diagnosis, and mean period from onset to diagnosis were 68.2 years, 70.4 years, and 2.2 years, respectively. The main neurological features at diagnosis included pyramidal signs with muscle weakness and/or cerebellar ataxia. Two-thirds of cases were dependent, and the dependence was significantly correlated with a longer period from onset to diagnosis. Quantitative MRI evaluation for brainstem atrophy demonstrated distinctive morphological features of bulbospinal ALXDRD. The corpus callosum index tended to be negatively correlated with the period from onset to diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Although neurological and MRI findings of older-adult-onset ALXDRD patients showed typical features of bulbospinal ALXDRD, their disease progression was more severe than that in younger-adult-onset ALXDRD, and patients developed dependence within 2 years from onset. Cerebral white matter damage tended to progress in proportion to the duration of illness. Our case study may help to advance understanding of the clinical spectrum of ALXDRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomokatsu Yoshida
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kamigyo-ku, Japan
| | - Ikuko Mizuta
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kamigyo-ku, Japan
| | - Rei Yasuda
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kamigyo-ku, Japan
| | - Toshiki Mizuno
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kamigyo-ku, Japan
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Saito K, Shigetomi E, Koizumi S. [Alexander disease: diversity of cell population and interactions between neuron and glia]. Nihon Yakurigaku Zasshi 2021; 156:239-243. [PMID: 34193704 DOI: 10.1254/fpj.21028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Alexander disease (AxD) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder caused by the mutations in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) gene. Rosenthal fiber formations in astrocytes are the pathological hallmarks of AxD. Astrocyte dysfunction in the AxD brain is considered to be involved in its pathogenesis. We have previously reported that in AxD model mice aberrant Ca2+ signals in astrocytes were associated with the upregulation of reactive phenotype. Reactive astrocytes are conditions that lead to morphological, functional, and molecular changes by responding to various pathological insults (trauma, inflammation, ischemia), and environmental stimuli. Recent technological advances in single-cell gene expression analysis have revealed that astrocytes have heterogeneity by indicating that they form sub population with different characteristics depending on the brain region, the growth development, aging stage, and the pathological condition. AxD astrocytes are also thought to constitute a heterogeneous population with diverse properties and functions. Moreover, it is presumed that AxD pathogenesis occur due to interactions with neurons and other glial cells, as well as the microenvironment in tissues. Research strategies based on these perspectives will help us understand AxD pathology better and may lead to the elucidation of disease modifiers and clinical diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kozo Saito
- Department of Neuropharmcology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Eiji Shigetomi
- Department of Neuropharmcology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Schuichi Koizumi
- Department of Neuropharmcology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine
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8
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Candiani S, Carestiato S, Mack AF, Bani D, Bozzo M, Obino V, Ori M, Rosamilia F, De Sarlo M, Pestarino M, Ceccherini I, Bachetti T. Alexander Disease Modeling in Zebrafish: An In Vivo System Suitable to Perform Drug Screening. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11121490. [PMID: 33322348 PMCID: PMC7764705 DOI: 10.3390/genes11121490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Alexander disease (AxD) is a rare astrogliopathy caused by heterozygous mutations, either inherited or arising de novo, on the glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) gene (17q21). Mutations in the GFAP gene make the protein prone to forming aggregates which, together with heat-shock protein 27 (HSP27), αB-crystallin, ubiquitin, and proteasome, contribute to form Rosenthal fibers causing a toxic effect on the cell. Unfortunately, no pharmacological treatment is available yet, except for symptom reduction therapies, and patients undergo a progressive worsening of the disease. The aim of this study was the production of a zebrafish model for AxD, to have a system suitable for drug screening more complex than cell cultures. To this aim, embryos expressing the human GFAP gene carrying the most severe p.R239C under the control of the zebrafish gfap gene promoter underwent functional validation to assess several features already observed in in vitro and other in vivo models of AxD, such as the localization of mutant GFAP inclusions, the ultrastructural analysis of cells expressing mutant GFAP, the effects of treatments with ceftriaxone, and the heat shock response. Our results confirm that zebrafish is a suitable model both to study the molecular pathogenesis of GFAP mutations and to perform pharmacological screenings, likely useful for the search of therapies for AxD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Candiani
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.C.); (S.C.); (M.B.); (V.O.); (F.R.); (M.P.)
| | - Silvia Carestiato
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.C.); (S.C.); (M.B.); (V.O.); (F.R.); (M.P.)
| | - Andreas F. Mack
- Institut für Klinische Anatomie und Zellanalytik, Universitaet Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany;
| | - Daniele Bani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy;
| | - Matteo Bozzo
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.C.); (S.C.); (M.B.); (V.O.); (F.R.); (M.P.)
| | - Valentina Obino
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.C.); (S.C.); (M.B.); (V.O.); (F.R.); (M.P.)
| | - Michela Ori
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.O.); (M.D.S.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Rosamilia
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.C.); (S.C.); (M.B.); (V.O.); (F.R.); (M.P.)
| | - Miriam De Sarlo
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.O.); (M.D.S.)
| | - Mario Pestarino
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.C.); (S.C.); (M.B.); (V.O.); (F.R.); (M.P.)
| | - Isabella Ceccherini
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics of Rare Diseases, Unità Operativa Semplice Dipartimentale, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Tiziana Bachetti
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.C.); (S.C.); (M.B.); (V.O.); (F.R.); (M.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-010-3358082
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P2 × 7 Receptor Inhibits Astroglial Autophagy via Regulating FAK- and PHLPP1/2-Mediated AKT-S473 Phosphorylation Following Kainic Acid-Induced Seizures. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186476. [PMID: 32899862 PMCID: PMC7555659 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, we have reported that blockade/deletion of P2X7 receptor (P2X7R), an ATP-gated ion channel, exacerbates heat shock protein 25 (HSP25)-mediated astroglial autophagy (clasmatodendrosis) following kainic acid (KA) injection. In P2X7R knockout (KO) mice, prolonged astroglial HSP25 induction exerts 5′ adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1-mediated autophagic pathway independent of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity following KA injection. Sustained HSP25 expression also enhances AKT-serine (S) 473 phosphorylation leading to astroglial autophagy via glycogen synthase kinase-3β/bax interacting factor 1 signaling pathway. However, it is unanswered how P2X7R deletion induces AKT-S473 hyperphosphorylation during autophagic process in astrocytes. In the present study, we found that AKT-S473 phosphorylation was increased by enhancing activity of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), independent of mTOR complex (mTORC) 1 and 2 activities in isolated astrocytes of P2X7R knockout (KO) mice following KA injection. In addition, HSP25 overexpression in P2X7R KO mice acted as a chaperone of AKT, which retained AKT-S473 phosphorylation by inhibiting the pleckstrin homology domain and leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase (PHLPP) 1- and 2-binding to AKT. Therefore, our findings suggest that P2X7R may be a fine-tuner of AKT-S473 activity during astroglial autophagy by regulating FAK phosphorylation and HSP25-mediated inhibition of PHLPP1/2-AKT binding following KA treatment.
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10
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Abstract
Alexander disease (ALXDRD) is a primary astrocyte disease caused by GFAP gene mutation. The clinical features of ALXDRD vary from infantile-onset cerebral white matter involvement to adult-onset brainstem involvement. Several studies revealed that the level of GFAP overexpression is correlated with disease severity, and basic research on therapies to reduce abnormal GFAP accumulation has recently been published. Therefore, the accumulation of clinical data to advance understanding of the natural history is essential for clinical trials expected in the future. This review focuses on the clinical characteristics of ALXDRD including the clinical symptoms, imaging findings and genetics to provide diagnostic information useful in daily clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomokatsu Yoshida
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
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11
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Yoshida T. [Clinical characteristics and diagnostic criteria on Alexander disease]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 2020; 60:581-588. [PMID: 32779598 DOI: 10.5692/clinicalneurol.cn-001442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Alexander disease (ALXDRD) is a primary astrocyte disease caused by glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) gene mutation. ALXDRD had been clinically regarded as a cerebral white matter disease that affects only children for about 50 years since the initial report in 1949; however, in the early part of the 21st century, case reports of adult-onset ALXDRD with medulla and spinal cord lesions increased. Basic research on therapies to reduce abnormal GFAP accumulation, such as drug-repositioning and antisense oligonucleotide suppression, has recently been published. The accumulation of clinical data to advance understanding of natural history is essential for clinical trials expected in the future. In this review, I classified ALXDRD into two subtypes: early-onset and late-onset, and detail the clinical symptoms, imaging findings, and genetic characteristics as well as the epidemiology and historical changes in the clinical classification described in the literature. The diagnostic criteria based on Japanese ALXDRD patients that are useful in daily clinical practice are also mentioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomokatsu Yoshida
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine
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12
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Gómez-Pinedo U, Duran-Moreno M, Sirerol-Piquer S, Matias-Guiu J. Myelin changes in Alexander disease. NEUROLOGÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2017.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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13
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Ruzza P, Vitale RM, Hussain R, Montini A, Honisch C, Pozzebon A, Hughes CS, Biondi B, Amodeo P, Sechi G, Siligardi G. Chaperone-like effect of ceftriaxone on HEWL aggregation: A spectroscopic and computational study. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2018. [PMID: 29524538 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2018.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lysozyme is a widely distributed enzyme present in a variety of tissue and body fluids. Human and hen egg white lysozyme are used as validated model to study protein folding and stability and to understand protein misfolding and aggregation. We recently found that ceftriaxone, a β-lactam antibiotic able to overcome the blood-brain barrier, successfully eliminated the cellular toxic effects of misfolded proteins as Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) and α-synuclein. To further understand the anti-amyloidogenic properties of ceftriaxone, we studied its activity towards lysozyme aggregation with the aim to investigate a possible chaperone-like activity of this molecule. METHODS Here we present the results obtained from fluorescence and synchrotron radiation circular dichroism spectroscopies and from molecular docking and molecular dynamics about the lysozyme-ceftriaxone interaction at neutral and acidic pH values. RESULTS We found that ceftriaxone exhibits comparable affinity constants to lysozyme in both experimental pH conditions and that its addition enhanced lysozyme stability reducing its aggregation propensity in acidic conditions. Computational methods allowed the identification of the putative binding site of ceftriaxone, thus rationalizing the spectroscopic results. CONCLUSIONS Spectroscopy data and molecular dynamics indicated a protective effect of ceftriaxone on pathological aggregation phenomena suggesting a chaperone-like effect of this molecule on protein folding. General significance These results, in addition to our previous studies on α-synuclein and GFAP, confirm the property of ceftriaxone to inhibit the pathological protein aggregation of lysozyme also by a chaperone-like mechanism, extending the potential therapeutic application of this molecule to some forms of human hereditary systemic amyloidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Ruzza
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry of CNR, Padua Unit, Padua, Italy.
| | | | - Rohanah Hussain
- Diamond Light Source Ltd, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
| | - Alessia Montini
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry of CNR, Padua Unit, Padua, Italy
| | - Claudia Honisch
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry of CNR, Padua Unit, Padua, Italy
| | - Alice Pozzebon
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry of CNR, Padua Unit, Padua, Italy
| | - Charlotte S Hughes
- Diamond Light Source Ltd, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
| | - Barbara Biondi
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry of CNR, Padua Unit, Padua, Italy
| | - Pietro Amodeo
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry of CNR, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - GianPietro Sechi
- Department of Clinical, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Medical School, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giuliano Siligardi
- Diamond Light Source Ltd, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
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Chatchen S, Pongsakul N, Srisomsap C, Chiangjong W, Hongeng S, Svasti J, Chutipongtanate S. Unravelling Pathophysiology of Crystalline Nephropathy in Ceftriaxone-Associated Acute Kidney Injury: A Cellular Proteomic Approach. Nephron Clin Pract 2018; 139:70-82. [PMID: 29402790 DOI: 10.1159/000486324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies showed that ceftriaxone can cause acute kidney injury (AKI) in the pediatric population. This study proposed a cellular model of crystalline nephropathy in ceftriaxone-associated AKI and explored the related pathophysiology by using a proteomic approach. METHODS Ceftriaxone was crystallized with calcium in artificial urine. Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells, a model of distal renal tubular cell, were cultured in the absence (untreated control) or presence of ceftriaxone crystals for 48-h (n = 5 each). MDCK cells were harvested and subsequently analyzed by proteomic analysis. Protein bioinformatics (i.e., STRING and Reactome) was used to predict functional alterations, and subsequently validated by Western blotting and cellular studies. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Phase-contrast microscopy showed increased intracellular vesiculation and cell enlargement as a result of ceftriaxone crystal exposure. Proteome analysis revealed a total of 20 altered proteins (14 increased, 5 decreased and 1 absent) in ceftriaxone crystal-treated MDCK cells as compared to untreated cells (p < 0.05). Protein bioinformatics and validation studies supported heat stress response mediated by heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and downregulation of annexin A1 as the proposed pathophysiology of crystalline nephropathy in ceftriaxone-associated AKI, in which impaired proliferation and wound healing of crystal-induced distal tubular cells were outcomes. CONCLUSIONS This study, for the first time, used the in vitro model of crystalline nephropathy to investigate the underlying pathophysiology of ceftriaxone-associated AKI, which should be investigated in vivo for potential clinical benefits in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supawat Chatchen
- Department of Tropical Pediatrics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nutkridta Pongsakul
- Pediatric Translational Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Wararat Chiangjong
- Pediatric Translational Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Suradej Hongeng
- Hematology and Oncology Division, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jisnuson Svasti
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand.,Applied Biological Sciences Program, Chulabhorn Graduate Institute, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Somchai Chutipongtanate
- Pediatric Translational Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Gómez-Pinedo U, Sirerol-Piquer MS, Durán-Moreno M, García-Verdugo JM, Matias-Guiu J. Alexander Disease Mutations Produce Cells with Coexpression of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein and NG2 in Neurosphere Cultures and Inhibit Differentiation into Mature Oligodendrocytes. Front Neurol 2017; 8:255. [PMID: 28634469 PMCID: PMC5459916 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2017.00255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alexander disease (AxD) is a rare disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). The disease is characterized by presence of GFAP aggregates in the cytoplasm of astrocytes and loss of myelin. OBJECTIVES Determine the effect of AxD-related mutations on adult neurogenesis. METHODS We transfected different types of mutant GFAP into neurospheres using the nucleofection technique. RESULTS We find that mutations may cause coexpression of GFAP and NG2 in neurosphere cultures, which would inhibit the differentiation of precursors into oligodendrocytes and thus explain the myelin loss occurring in the disease. Transfection produces cells that differentiate into new cells marked simultaneously by GFAP and NG2 and whose percentage increased over days of differentiation. Increased expression of GFAP is due to a protein with an anomalous structure that forms aggregates throughout the cytoplasm of new cells. These cells display down-expression of vimentin and nestin. Up-expression of cathepsin D and caspase-3 in the first days of differentiation suggest that apoptosis as a lysosomal response may be at work. HSP27, a protein found in Rosenthal bodies, is expressed less at the beginning of the process although its presence increases in later stages. CONCLUSION Our findings seem to suggest that the mechanism of development of AxD may not be due to a function gain due to increase of GFAP, but to failure in the differentiation process may occur at the stage in which precursor cells transform into oligodendrocytes, and that possibility may provide the best explanation for the clinical and radiological images described in AxD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulises Gómez-Pinedo
- Neurobiology Laboratory, Neuroscience Institute, IdISSC, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Salomé Sirerol-Piquer
- Laboratory of Comparative Neurobiology, Instituto Cavanilles de Biodiversidad y Biologia Evolutiva, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - María Durán-Moreno
- Laboratory of Comparative Neurobiology, Instituto Cavanilles de Biodiversidad y Biologia Evolutiva, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - José Manuel García-Verdugo
- Laboratory of Comparative Neurobiology, Instituto Cavanilles de Biodiversidad y Biologia Evolutiva, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jorge Matias-Guiu
- Neurobiology Laboratory, Neuroscience Institute, IdISSC, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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16
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Gómez-Pinedo U, Duran-Moreno M, Sirerol-Piquer S, Matias-Guiu J. Myelin changes in Alexander disease. Neurologia 2017; 33:526-533. [PMID: 28342553 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2017.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alexander disease (AxD) is a type of leukodystrophy. Its pathological basis, along with myelin loss, is the appearance of Rosenthal bodies, which are cytoplasmic inclusions in astrocytes. Mutations in the gene coding for GFAP have been identified as a genetic basis for AxD. However, the mechanism by which these variants produce the disease is not understood. DEVELOPMENT The most widespread hypothesis is that AxD develops when a gain of function mutation causes an increase in GFAP. However, this mechanism does not explain myelin loss, given that experimental models in which GFAP expression is normal or mutated do not exhibit myelin disorders. This review analyses other possibilities that may explain this alteration, such as epigenetic or inflammatory alterations, presence of NG2 (+) - GFAP (+) cells, or post-translational modifications in GFAP that are unrelated to increased expression. CONCLUSIONS The different hypotheses analysed here may explain the myelin alteration affecting these patients, and multiple mechanisms may coexist. These theories raise the possibility of designing therapies based on these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Gómez-Pinedo
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Servicio de Neurología, Instituto de Neurociencias, IdISSC, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, España.
| | - M Duran-Moreno
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología Comparada, Instituto Cavanilles de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, España
| | - S Sirerol-Piquer
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología Comparada, Instituto Cavanilles de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, España
| | - J Matias-Guiu
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Servicio de Neurología, Instituto de Neurociencias, IdISSC, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, España
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17
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Glutamate Transport System as a Novel Therapeutic Target in Chronic Pain: Molecular Mechanisms and Pharmacology. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2017; 16:225-253. [PMID: 28828613 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-55769-4_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The vast majority of peripheral neurons sensing noxious stimuli and conducting pain signals to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord utilize glutamate as a chemical transmitter of excitation. High-affinity glutamate transporter subtypes GLAST/EAAT1, GLT1/EAAT2, EAAC1/EAAT3, and EAAT4, differentially expressed on sensory neurons, postsynaptic spinal interneurons, and neighboring glia, ensure fine modulation of glutamate neurotransmission in the spinal cord. The glutamate transport system seems to play important roles in molecular mechanisms underlying chronic pain and analgesia. Downregulation of glutamate transporters (GluTs) often precedes or occurs simultaneously with development of hypersensitivity to thermal or tactile stimuli in various models of chronic pain. Moreover, antisense knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of these membrane proteins can induce or aggravate pain. In contrast, upregulation of GluTs by positive pharmacological modulators or by viral gene transfer to the spinal cord can reverse the development of such pathological hypersensitivity. Furthermore, some multi-target drugs displaying analgesic properties (e.g., tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline, riluzole, anticonvulsant valproate, tetracycline antibiotic minocycline, β-lactam antibiotic ceftriaxone and its structural analog devoid of antibacterial activity, clavulanic acid) can significantly increase the spinal glutamate uptake. Thus, mounting evidence points at GluTs as prospective therapeutic target for chronic pain treatment. However, design and development of new analgesics based on the modulation of glutamate uptake will require more precise knowledge of molecular mechanisms underlying physiological or aberrant functioning of this transport system in the spinal cord.
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18
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Ruzza P, Vitale RM, Hussain R, Biondi B, Amodeo P, Sechi G, Siligardi G. Interactions of GFAP with ceftriaxone and phenytoin: SRCD and molecular docking and dynamic simulation. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2016; 1860:2239-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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19
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Tian E, Sun G, Sun G, Chao J, Ye P, Warden C, Riggs AD, Shi Y. Small-Molecule-Based Lineage Reprogramming Creates Functional Astrocytes. Cell Rep 2016; 16:781-92. [PMID: 27396343 PMCID: PMC9228989 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.06.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence indicates important roles for astrocytes in neurodevelopment and diseases. However, astrocytes and their roles in these processes remain poorly understood. Despite recent progress in reprogramming somatic cells into different types of neural cells, reprogramming to astrocytes has lagged. Here, we show that functional astrocytes can be generated from mammalian fibroblasts using only small molecules. Induced mouse astrocytes resemble primary astrocytes in astrocytic gene expression and epigenomic status and exhibit functional properties in promoting neuronal maturation, glutamate uptake, and calcium signaling. Moreover, these cells can recapitulate the Alexander disease phenotype of protein aggregation when expressing Gfap with a disease-causing mutation. The same compounds can also reprogram human fibroblasts into astroglial progenitor cells that can further mature into functional astrocytes. These chemically induced astrocytes may provide cellular models to uncover roles of astrocytes in normal neurodevelopment and pathogenesis of neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Tian
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Guoqiang Sun
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Guihua Sun
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Jianfei Chao
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Peng Ye
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Charles Warden
- Integrative Genomics Core, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Arthur D Riggs
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Yanhong Shi
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
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20
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Heaven MR, Flint D, Randall SM, Sosunov AA, Wilson L, Barnes S, Goldman JE, Muddiman DC, Brenner M. Composition of Rosenthal Fibers, the Protein Aggregate Hallmark of Alexander Disease. J Proteome Res 2016; 15:2265-82. [PMID: 27193225 PMCID: PMC5036859 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.6b00316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Alexander disease (AxD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by astrocytic protein aggregates called Rosenthal fibers (RFs). We used mouse models of AxD to determine the protein composition of RFs to obtain information about disease mechanisms including the hypothesis that sequestration of proteins in RFs contributes to disease. A method was developed for RF enrichment, and analysis of the resulting fraction using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation mass spectrometry identified 77 proteins not previously associated with RFs. Three of five proteins selected for follow-up were confirmed enriched in the RF fraction by immunobloting of both the AxD mouse models and human patients: receptor for activated protein C kinase 1 (RACK1), G1/S-specific cyclin D2, and ATP-dependent RNA helicase DDX3X. Immunohistochemistry validated cyclin D2 as a new RF component, but results for RACK1 and DDX3X were equivocal. None of these was decreased in the non-RF fractions compared to controls. A similar result was obtained for the previously known RF component, alphaB-crystallin, which had been a candidate for sequestration. Thus, no support was obtained for the sequestration hypothesis for AxD. Providing possible insight into disease progression, the association of several of the RF proteins with stress granules suggests a role for stress granules in the origin of RFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R. Heaven
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama 35294
| | - Daniel Flint
- Department of Neurobiology and the Civitan International Research Center, Center for Glial Biology in Medicine, Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294
| | - Shan M. Randall
- Keck Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695
| | | | - Landon Wilson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Targeted Metabolomics and Proteomics Laboratory, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294
| | - Stephen Barnes
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Targeted Metabolomics and Proteomics Laboratory, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294
| | - James E. Goldman
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York, 10032
| | - David C. Muddiman
- Keck Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695
| | - Michael Brenner
- Department of Neurobiology and the Civitan International Research Center, Center for Glial Biology in Medicine, Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294
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21
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Bakthisaran R, Tangirala R, Rao CM. Small heat shock proteins: Role in cellular functions and pathology. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2014; 1854:291-319. [PMID: 25556000 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2014.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 308] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2014] [Revised: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Small heat shock proteins (sHsps) are conserved across species and are important in stress tolerance. Many sHsps exhibit chaperone-like activity in preventing aggregation of target proteins, keeping them in a folding-competent state and refolding them by themselves or in concert with other ATP-dependent chaperones. Mutations in human sHsps result in myopathies, neuropathies and cataract. Their expression is modulated in diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and cancer. Their ability to bind Cu2+, and suppress generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) may have implications in Cu2+-homeostasis and neurodegenerative diseases. Circulating αB-crystallin and Hsp27 in the plasma may exhibit immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory functions. αB-crystallin and Hsp20 exhitbit anti-platelet aggregation: these beneficial effects indicate their use as potential therapeutic agents. sHsps have roles in differentiation, proteasomal degradation, autophagy and development. sHsps exhibit a robust anti-apoptotic property, involving several stages of mitochondrial-mediated, extrinsic apoptotic as well as pro-survival pathways. Dynamic N- and C-termini and oligomeric assemblies of αB-crystallin and Hsp27 are important factors for their functions. We propose a "dynamic partitioning hypothesis" for the promiscuous interactions and pleotropic functions exhibited by sHsps. Stress tolerance and anti-apoptotic properties of sHsps have both beneficial and deleterious consequences in human health and diseases. Conditional and targeted modulation of their expression and/or activity could be used as strategies in treating several human disorders. The review attempts to provide a critical overview of sHsps and their divergent roles in cellular processes particularly in the context of human health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raman Bakthisaran
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500 007, India
| | - Ramakrishna Tangirala
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500 007, India
| | - Ch Mohan Rao
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500 007, India.
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22
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Zhang Y, Zhang X, Qu S. Ceftriaxone Protects Astrocytes from MPP(+) via Suppression of NF-κB/JNK/c-Jun Signaling. Mol Neurobiol 2014; 52:78-92. [PMID: 25112679 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-014-8845-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Ceftriaxone has been shown to attenuate the dopaminergic neuron death and alleviate behavioral disorders in Parkinson's disease models via upregulation of glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) and decreases in extracellular glutamate. However, details of how this neuroprotection occurs are uncertain. We hypothesized that cytoprotection by ceftriaxone in astrocytes exposed to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)) involves suppression of the NF-κB/JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway. Here, we observed a protective effect of ceftriaxone in primary astrocytes exposed to MPP(+). Ceftriaxone enhanced glutamate uptake and promoted primary astrocyte viability after MPP(+) exposure. Ceftriaxone enhances glutamate uptake via upregulation of GLT-1 in the plasma membrane, and alleviates MPP(+)-induced neurotoxicity via suppression of NF-κB/JNK/c-Jun signaling. Collectively, our data offer evidence that increased expression and function of GLT-1 are involved in the protective mechanism of ceftriaxone in astrocytes exposed to MPP(+) in vitro, and we offer insight into the potential therapeutic role of ceftriaxone in treatment of Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
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23
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Ruzza P, Siligardi G, Hussain R, Marchiani A, Islami M, Bubacco L, Delogu G, Fabbri D, Dettori MA, Sechi M, Pala N, Spissu Y, Migheli R, Serra PA, Sechi G. Ceftriaxone blocks the polymerization of α-synuclein and exerts neuroprotective effects in vitro. ACS Chem Neurosci 2014; 5:30-8. [PMID: 24099687 DOI: 10.1021/cn400149k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The β-lactam antibiotic ceftriaxone was suggested as a therapeutic agent in several neurodegenerative disorders, either for its ability to counteract glutamate-mediated toxicity, as in cerebral ischemia, or for its ability to enhance the degradation of misfolded proteins, as in Alexander's disease. Recently, the efficacy of ceftriaxone in neuroprotection of dopaminergic neurons in a rat model of Parkinson's disease was documented. However, which characteristics of ceftriaxone mediate its therapeutic effects remains unclear. Since, at the molecular level, neuronal α-synuclein inclusions and pathological α-synuclein transmission play a leading role in initiation of Parkinson-like neurodegeneration, we thought of investigating, by circular dichroism spectroscopy, the capability of ceftriaxone to interact with α-synuclein. We found that ceftriaxone binds with good affinity to α-synuclein and blocks its in vitro polymerization. Considering this finding, we also documented that ceftriaxone exerts neuroprotective action in an in vitro model of Parkinson's disease. Our data, in addition to the findings on neuroprotective activity of ceftriaxone on Parkinson-like neurodegeneration in vivo, indicates ceftriaxone as a potential agent in treatment of Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Ruzza
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry of CNR, Padua Unit, Padua 35131, Italy
| | - Giuliano Siligardi
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
| | - Rohanah Hussain
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Marchiani
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry of CNR, Padua Unit, Padua 35131, Italy
| | - Mehmet Islami
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry of CNR, Padua Unit, Padua 35131, Italy
| | - Luigi Bubacco
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padua 35121, Italy
| | - Giovanna Delogu
- Institute of Biomolecular
Chemistry of CNR, Sassari Unit, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | - Davide Fabbri
- Institute of Biomolecular
Chemistry of CNR, Sassari Unit, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | - Maria A. Dettori
- Institute of Biomolecular
Chemistry of CNR, Sassari Unit, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | - Mario Sechi
- Department
of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | - Nicolino Pala
- Department
of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | - Ylenia Spissu
- Department of Clinical
and Experimental Medicine, Medical School, University of Sassari, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | - Rossana Migheli
- Department of Clinical
and Experimental Medicine, Medical School, University of Sassari, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | - Pier A. Serra
- Department of Clinical
and Experimental Medicine, Medical School, University of Sassari, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | - GianPietro Sechi
- Department of Clinical
and Experimental Medicine, Medical School, University of Sassari, Sassari 07100, Italy
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Nicholson K, Gilliland T, Winkelstein B. Upregulation of GLT-1 by treatment with ceftriaxone alleviates radicular pain by reducing spinal astrocyte activation and neuronal hyperexcitability. J Neurosci Res 2013; 92:116-29. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2013] [Revised: 07/31/2013] [Accepted: 08/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K.J. Nicholson
- Department of Bioengineering; University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
| | - T.M. Gilliland
- Department of Bioengineering; University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
| | - B.A. Winkelstein
- Department of Bioengineering; University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
- Department of Neurosurgery; University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
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25
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Ceftriaxone for Alexander's Disease: A Four-Year Follow-Up. JIMD Rep 2012; 9:67-71. [PMID: 23430549 DOI: 10.1007/8904_2012_180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2012] [Revised: 09/06/2012] [Accepted: 09/10/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2010, we reported the successful clinical outcome related to a 20-month course of intravenous, cyclical ceftriaxone, in a patient with adult-onset Alexander's disease. We now provide evidence that the progression of the patient's signs/symptoms was halted and reversed with a 4-year-long extension of the trial.The patient's clinical signs/symptoms were evaluated before the start and every 6 months for 6 years. For the early 2 years, without therapy, and for the following 4 years, after intravenous ceftriaxone 2 g daily, for 3 weeks monthly during the initial 4 months, then for 15 days monthly.Gait ataxia and dysarthria were assessed clinically on a 0 to 4 scale. Palatal myoclonus and nystagmus/oscillopsia were monitored by videotape and a self-evaluation scale. The degree of disability, measured by a modified Rankin scale, and the brain MRI were periodically evaluated.Before ceftriaxone therapy, in a 2-year period, gait ataxia and dysarthria worsened from mild to marked, palatal myoclonus spread from the soft palate to lower facial muscles, and the patient complained of oscillopsia. After 4 years of ceftriaxone therapy, gait ataxia and dysarthria improved, from marked to mild at clinical rating scales. The palatal myoclonus was undetectable; the patient did not complained of oscillopsia and declared a progressively better quality of life. Ceftriaxone was safe.This case report provides Class IV evidence that intravenous cycles of ceftriaxone may halt and/or reverse the progression of neurodegeneration in patients with adult-onset Alexander's disease and may significantly improve their quality of life.
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Bachetti T, Di Zanni E, Balbi P, Ravazzolo R, Sechi G, Ceccherini I. Beneficial effects of curcumin on GFAP filament organization and down-regulation of GFAP expression in an in vitro model of Alexander disease. Exp Cell Res 2012; 318:1844-54. [PMID: 22705585 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2012.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2011] [Revised: 04/19/2012] [Accepted: 06/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Heterozygous mutations of the GFAP gene are responsible for Alexander disease, a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by intracytoplasmic Rosenthal fibers (RFs) in dystrophic astrocytes. In vivo and in vitro models have shown co-localization of mutant GFAP proteins with the small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) HSP27 and alphaB-crystallin, ubiquitin and proteasome components. Results reported by several recent studies agree on ascribing an altered cytoskeletal pattern to mutant GFAP proteins, an effect which induces mutant proteins accumulation, leading to impaired proteasome function and autophagy induction. On the basis of the protective role shown by both these small heat shock proteins (sHSPs), and on the already well established neuroprotective effects of curcumin in several diseases, we have investigated the effects of this compound in an in vitro model of Alexander disease, consisting in U251-MG astrocytoma cells transiently transfected with a construct encoding for GFAP carrying the p.R239C mutation in frame with the reporter green fluorescent protein (GFP). In particular, depending on the dose used, we have observed that curcumin is able to induce both HSP27 and alphaB-crystallin, to reduce expression of both RNA and protein of endogenous GFAP, to induce autophagy and, finally, to rescue the filamentous organization of the GFAP mutant protein, thus suggesting a role of this spice in counteracting the pathogenic effects of GFAP mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Bachetti
- Laboratorio di Genetica Molecolare, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via Gerolamo Gaslini, 5, 16148 Genova, Italy
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Sechi G, Balbi P, Bachetti T, Ceccherini I. Safe drugs to fight mutant protein overload and alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. J Hepatol 2011; 55:949-50. [PMID: 21708201 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2011.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2011] [Revised: 03/10/2011] [Accepted: 03/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
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Yamada J, Jinno S. Alterations in neuronal survival and glial reactions after axotomy by ceftriaxone and minocycline in the mouse hypoglossal nucleus. Neurosci Lett 2011; 504:295-300. [PMID: 21970974 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2011.09.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2011] [Revised: 08/26/2011] [Accepted: 09/19/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Some antibiotics are suggested to exert neuroprotective effects via regulation of glial responses. Attenuation of microglial activation by minocycline prevents neuronal death in a variety of experimental models for neurological diseases, such as cerebral ischemia, Parkinson's and Huntington's disease. Ceftriaxone delays loss of neurons in genetic animal models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis through upregulation of astrocytic glutamate transporter expression (GLT-1). However, it remains largely unknown whether these antibiotics are able to protect neurons in axotomy models for progressive motor neuron diseases. Recent studies have shown that the axotomized motoneurons of the adult rat can survive, whereas those of the adult mouse undergo neuronal degeneration. We thus examined the possible effects of ceftriaxone and minocycline on neuronal loss and glial reactions in the mouse hypoglossal nucleus after axotomy. The survival rate of lesioned motoneurons at 28 days after axotomy (D28) was significantly improved by ceftriaxone and minocycline treatment. There were no significant differences in the cellular densities of astrocytes between ceftriaxone-treated and saline-treated animals. Ceftriaxone administration increased the expression of GLT-1 in the hypoglossal nucleus, while it suppressed the reactive increase of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression to control level. The cellular densities of microglia at D28 were significantly lower in minocycline-treated mice than in saline-treated mice. The time course analysis showed that immediate increase in microglia at D3 and D7 was not suppressed by minocycline. The present observations show that minocycline and ceftriaxone promote survival of lesioned motoneurons in the mouse hypoglossal nucleus, and also suggest that alterations in glial responses might be involved in neuroprotective actions of antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yamada
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
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Yoshida T, Sasaki M, Yoshida M, Namekawa M, Okamoto Y, Tsujino S, Sasayama H, Mizuta I, Nakagawa M. Nationwide survey of Alexander disease in Japan and proposed new guidelines for diagnosis. J Neurol 2011; 258:1998-2008. [PMID: 21533827 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-011-6056-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2010] [Revised: 04/10/2011] [Accepted: 04/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Alexander disease (AxD) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by white matter degeneration and formation of cytoplasmic inclusions. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) mutations have been reported in various forms of AxD since 2001. However, a definitive diagnosis remains difficult because of uncertain prevalence, and different clinical features seen in infantile AxD and adult AxD may lead to confusion and misdiagnosis. Here we report an epidemiological study conducted in Japan. Two nationwide questionnaire-based surveys were conducted using tentative diagnostic criteria. We gathered information regarding prevalence, neurological findings, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, electrophysiological findings, genetic information, and the results of therapeutic interventions and home care. Prevalence of various forms of AxD was determined as 27.3% (infantile), 24.2% (juvenile), and 48.5% (adult). Prevalence of AxD in Japan was estimated to be approximately 1 case per 2.7 million individuals. The main characteristics of infantile and juvenile AxD include delayed psychomotor development or mental retardation, convulsions, macrocephaly, and predominant cerebral white matter abnormalities in the frontal lobe on brain MRI. The main characteristics of adult AxD include bulbar signs, muscle weakness with hyperreflexia, and signal abnormalities and/or atrophy of medulla oblongata and cervical spinal cord on MRI. To ensure correct diagnosis of AxD, the physician should understand the importance of the process of GFAP genetic testing, which provides definitive diagnosis. Therefore, we propose new clinical guidelines for diagnosing AxD based on simplified classifications: cerebral AxD (type 1), bulbospinal AxD (type 2), and intermediate form (type 3).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomokatsu Yoshida
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kawaramachi Hirokoji, Kajii-chou 465, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-0841, Japan.
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Correspondence regarding: Alexander disease mutant glial fibrillary acidic protein compromises glutamate transport in astrocytes. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2010; 69:1270; author reply 1270-1. [PMID: 21107140 DOI: 10.1097/nen.0b013e3181fe9e86] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Authors' Reply. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2010. [DOI: 10.1097/01.jnen.0000391058.78883.ab] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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