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Takeda S, Hoshiai R, Tanaka M, Izawa T, Yamate J, Kuramoto T, Kuwamura M. Myelin lesion in the aspartoacylase (Aspa) knockout rat, an animal model for Canavan disease. Exp Anim 2024; 73:347-356. [PMID: 38538326 PMCID: PMC11254489 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.23-0089] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Canavan disease (CD) is a fatal hereditary neurological disorder caused by a mutation in the aspartoacylase (ASPA) gene and characterized by neurological signs and vacuolation in the central nervous system (CNS). The mutation inhibits the hydrolysis of N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) resulting in accumulation of NAA in the CNS. A new Aspa-knockout rat was generated by transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) technology. Herein we describe the pathological and morphometrical findings in the brain and spinal cords of Aspa-knockout rats. Although Aspa-knockout rats did not show any neurological signs, vacuolation with swollen axons, hypomyelination, and activated swollen astrocytes were observed mainly in the brainstem reticular formation, ascending and descending motor neuron pathway, and in the olfactory tract. Morphometrical analysis revealed no obvious change in the number of neurons. These changes in the CNS are similar to human CD, suggesting that this animal model would be useful for further study of treatment and understanding the pathophysiology of human CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuji Takeda
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| | - Rika Hoshiai
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| | - Miyuu Tanaka
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| | - Takeshi Izawa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| | - Jyoji Yamate
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| | - Takashi Kuramoto
- Institute of Laboratory Animals, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 9 Yoshida-konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Kuwamura
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
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2
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Grønbæk-Thygesen M, Hartmann-Petersen R. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of aspartoacylase and its role in Canavan disease. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:45. [PMID: 38582917 PMCID: PMC10998430 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-024-01224-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Canavan disease is an autosomal recessive and lethal neurological disorder, characterized by the spongy degeneration of the white matter in the brain. The disease is caused by a deficiency of the cytosolic aspartoacylase (ASPA) enzyme, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), an abundant brain metabolite, into aspartate and acetate. On the physiological level, the mechanism of pathogenicity remains somewhat obscure, with multiple, not mutually exclusive, suggested hypotheses. At the molecular level, recent studies have shown that most disease linked ASPA gene variants lead to a structural destabilization and subsequent proteasomal degradation of the ASPA protein variants, and accordingly Canavan disease should in general be considered a protein misfolding disorder. Here, we comprehensively summarize the molecular and cell biology of ASPA, with a particular focus on disease-linked gene variants and the pathophysiology of Canavan disease. We highlight the importance of high-throughput technologies and computational prediction tools for making genotype-phenotype predictions as we await the results of ongoing trials with gene therapy for Canavan disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Grønbæk-Thygesen
- The Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200N, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Rasmus Hartmann-Petersen
- The Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200N, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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3
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Becker I, Wang-Eckhardt L, Eckhardt M. NAAG synthetase deficiency has only low influence on pathogenesis in a Canavan disease mouse model. J Inherit Metab Dis 2024; 47:230-243. [PMID: 38011891 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Canavan disease (CD) is a leukodystrophy caused by mutations in the N-acetylaspartate (NAA) hydrolase aspartoacylase (ASPA). Inability to degrade NAA and its accumulation in the brain results in spongiform myelin degeneration. NAA is mainly synthesized by neurons, where it is also a precursor of the neuropeptide N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG). Hydrolysis of this peptide by glutamate carboxypeptidases is an additional source of extracellular NAA besides the instant neuronal release of NAA. This study examines to what extent NAA released from NAAG contributes to NAA accumulation and pathogenesis in the brain of Aspanur7/nur7 mutant mice, an established model of CD. Towards this aim, Aspanur7/nur7 mice with additional deficiencies in NAAG synthetase genes Rimklb and/or Rimkla were generated. Loss of myelin in Aspanur7/nur7 mice was not significantly affected by Rimkla and Rimklb deficiency and there was also no obvious change in the extent of brain vacuolation. Astrogliosis was slightly reduced in the forebrain of Rimkla and Rimklb double deficient Aspanur7/nur7 mice. However, only minor improvements at the behavioral level were found. The brain NAA accumulation in CD mice was, however, not significantly reduced in the absence of NAAG synthesis. In summary, there was only a weak tendency towards reduced pathogenic symptoms in Aspanur7/nur7 mice deficient in NAAG synthesis. Therefore, we conclude that NAAG metabolism has little influence on NAA accumulation in Aspanur7/nur7 mice and development of pathological symptoms in CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivonne Becker
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lihua Wang-Eckhardt
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthias Eckhardt
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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4
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Krause N, Wegner A. N-acetyl-aspartate metabolism at the interface of cancer, immunity, and neurodegeneration. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 85:103051. [PMID: 38103520 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.103051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
N-acetyl-L-aspartic acid (NAA) is a prominent amino acid derivative primarily associated with vertebrate brain metabolism. This review delineates the critical role of NAA across various cell types and its significance in pathophysiological contexts, including Canavan disease and cancer metabolism. Although traditionally linked with myelination and aspartoacylase-driven carbon donation, its significance as a carbon source for myelination remains debated. Evidence suggests that intact NAA might substantially impact cellular signaling, particularly processes such as histone acetylation. Beyond the brain, NAA metabolism's relevance is evident in diverse tissues, such as adipocytes, immune cells, and notably, cancer cells. In several cancer types, there is an observed upregulation of NAA synthesis accompanied by a simultaneous downregulation of its degradation. This pattern highlights the potential signaling role of intact NAA in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Krause
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biochemistry, Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Andre Wegner
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biochemistry, Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany.
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5
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Kharel P, Singhal NK, Mahendran T, West N, Croos B, Rana J, Smith L, Freeman E, Chattopadhyay A, McDonough J, Basu S. NAT8L mRNA oxidation is linked to neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis. Cell Chem Biol 2023; 30:308-320.e5. [PMID: 36882060 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
RNA oxidation has been implicated in neurodegeneration, but the underlying mechanism for such effects is unclear. Extensive RNA oxidation occurs within the neurons in multiple sclerosis (MS) brains. Here, we identified selectively oxidized mRNAs in neuronal cells that pertained to neuropathological pathways. N-acetyl aspartate transferase 8 like (NAT8L) is one such transcript, whose translation product enzymatically synthesizes N-acetyl aspartic acid (NAA), a neuronal metabolite important for myelin synthesis. We reasoned that impediment of translation of an oxidized NAT8L mRNA will result in a reduction in its cognate protein, thus lowering the NAA level. This hypothesis is supported by our studies on cells, an animal model, and postmortem human MS brain. Reduced brain NAA level hampers myelin integrity making neuronal axons more susceptible to damage, which contributes to MS neurodegeneration. Overall, this work provides a framework for a mechanistic understanding of the link between RNA oxidation and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Kharel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | | | - Thulasi Mahendran
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Nicole West
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Brintha Croos
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Joram Rana
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Lindsey Smith
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Ernest Freeman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | | | - Jennifer McDonough
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Soumitra Basu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA.
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Fröhlich D, Kalotay E, von Jonquieres G, Bongers A, Lee B, Suchowerska AK, Housley GD, Klugmann M. Dual-function AAV gene therapy reverses late-stage Canavan disease pathology in mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1061257. [PMID: 36568275 PMCID: PMC9772617 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1061257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The leukodystrophy Canavan disease is a fatal white matter disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations of the aspartoacylase-encoding ASPA gene. There are no effective treatments available and experimental gene therapy trials have failed to provide sufficient amelioration from Canavan disease symptoms. Preclinical studies suggest that Canavan disease-like pathology can be addressed by either ASPA gene replacement therapy or by lowering the expression of the N-acetyl-L-aspartate synthesizing enzyme NAT8L. Both approaches individually prevent or even reverse pathological aspects in Canavan disease mice. Here, we combined both strategies and assessed whether intracranial adeno-associated virus-mediated gene delivery to a Canavan disease mouse model at 12 weeks allows for reversal of existing pathology. This was enabled by a single vector dual-function approach. In vitro and in vivo biopotency assessment revealed significant knockdown of neuronal Nat8l paired with robust ectopic aspartoacylase expression. Following nomination of the most efficient cassette designs, we performed proof-of-concept studies in post-symptomatic Aspa-null mice. Late-stage gene therapy resulted in a decrease of brain vacuoles and long-term reversal of all pathological hallmarks, including loss of body weight, locomotor impairments, elevated N-acetyl-L-aspartate levels, astrogliosis, and demyelination. These data suggest feasibility of a dual-function vector combination therapy, directed at replacing aspartoacylase with concomitantly suppressing N-acetyl-L-aspartate production, which holds potential to permanently alleviate Canavan disease symptoms and expands the therapeutic window towards a treatment option for adult subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Fröhlich
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia,*Correspondence: Dominik Fröhlich,
| | - Elizabeth Kalotay
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Georg von Jonquieres
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andre Bongers
- Biological Resources Imaging Laboratory, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Brendan Lee
- Biological Resources Imaging Laboratory, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alexandra K. Suchowerska
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gary D. Housley
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthias Klugmann
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Research Beyond Borders, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany,Matthias Klugmann,
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7
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Chao J, Feng L, Ye P, Chen X, Cui Q, Sun G, Zhou T, Tian E, Li W, Hu W, Riggs AD, Matalon R, Shi Y. Therapeutic development for Canavan disease using patient iPSCs introduced with the wild-type ASPA gene. iScience 2022; 25:104391. [PMID: 35637731 PMCID: PMC9142666 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104391] [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: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Canavan disease (CD) is a devastating neurological disease that lacks effective therapy. Because CD is caused by mutations of the aspartoacylase (ASPA) gene, we introduced the wild-type (WT) ASPA gene into patient iPSCs through lentiviral transduction or CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing. We then differentiated the WT ASPA-expressing patient iPSCs (ASPA-CD iPSCs) into NPCs and showed that the resultant ASPA-CD NPCs exhibited potent ASPA enzymatic activity. The ASPA-CD NPCs were able to survive in brains of transplanted CD mice. The engrafted ASPA-CD NPCs reconstituted ASPA activity in CD mouse brains, reduced the abnormally elevated level of NAA in both brain tissues and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and rescued hallmark pathological phenotypes of the disease, including spongy degeneration, myelination defects, and motor function impairment in transplanted CD mice. These genetically modified patient iPSC-derived NPCs represent a promising cell therapy candidate for CD, a disease that has neither a cure nor a standard treatment. The wild-type ASPA gene was introduced into CD patient iPSCs to make ASPA-CD iPSCs ASPA-CD iPSCs were differentiated into ASPA-CD NPCs with potent ASPA activity Engrafted ASPA-CD NPCs could rescue major disease phenotypes in CD mice CSF NAA level can be used as a biomarker to monitor the treatment outcome for CD
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfei Chao
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Lizhao Feng
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, 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 Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Xianwei Chen
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Qi Cui
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Guihua Sun
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.,Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Tao Zhou
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - E Tian
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Wendong Li
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Weidong Hu
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, 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
| | - Reuben Matalon
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555-0359, USA
| | - Yanhong Shi
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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8
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Nešuta O, Thomas AG, Alt J, Hin N, Neužilová A, Long S, Tsukamoto T, Rojas C, Wei H, Slusher BS. High Throughput Screening Cascade To Identify Human Aspartate N-Acetyltransferase (ANAT) Inhibitors for Canavan Disease. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:3445-3455. [PMID: 34477360 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00455] [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] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Canavan disease (CD) is a progressive, fatal neurological disorder that begins in infancy resulting from a mutation in aspartoacyclase (ASPA), an enzyme that catalyzes the deacetylation of N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) into acetate and aspartate. Increased NAA levels in the brains of affected children are one of the hallmarks of CD. Interestingly, genetic deletion of N-acetyltransferase-8-like (NAT8L), which encodes aspartate N-aceyltransferase (ANAT), an enzyme responsible for the synthesis of NAA from l-aspartate and acetyl-CoA, leads to normalization of NAA levels and improvement of symptoms in several genetically engineered mouse models of CD. Therefore, pharmacological inhibition of ANAT presents a promising therapeutic strategy for treating CD. Currently, however, there are no clinically viable ANAT inhibitors. Herein we describe the development of fluorescence-based high throughput screening (HTS) and radioactive-based orthogonal assays using recombinant human ANAT expressed in E. coli. In the fluorescence-based assay, ANAT activity was linear with respect to time of incubation up to 30 min and protein concentration up to 97.5 ng/μL with Km values for l-aspartate and acetyl-CoA of 237 μM and 11 μM, respectively. Using this optimized assay, we conducted a pilot screening of a 10 000-compound library. Hits from the fluorescence-based assay were subjected to an orthogonal radioactive-based assay using L-[U-14C] aspartate as a substrate. Two compounds were confirmed to have dose-dependent inhibition in both assays. Inhibitory kinetics studies of the most potent compound revealed an uncompetitive inhibitory mechanism with respect to l-aspartate and a noncompetitive inhibitory mechanism against acetyl-CoA. The screening cascade developed herein will enable large-scale compound library screening to identify novel ANAT inhibitors as leads for further medicinal chemistry optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondřej Nešuta
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Ajit G. Thomas
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Jesse Alt
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Niyada Hin
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Anna Neužilová
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Shunyou Long
- ChemBioCORE, High Throughput Screening Facility, Johns Hopkins University, 733 N. Broadway, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Takashi Tsukamoto
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Camilo Rojas
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Huijun Wei
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Barbara S. Slusher
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
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9
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Kowalski R, Pikul P, Lewandowski K, Sakowicz-Burkiewicz M, Pawełczyk T, Zyśk M. The cAMP Inducers Modify N-Acetylaspartate Metabolism in Wistar Rat Brain. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:1404. [PMID: 34573036 PMCID: PMC8466109 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10091404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal N-acetylaspartate production appears in the presence of aspartate N-acetyltransferase (NAT8L) and binds acetyl groups from acetyl-CoA with aspartic acid. Further N-acetylaspartate pathways are still being elucidated, although they seem to involve neuron-glia crosstalk. Together with N-acetylaspartate, NAT8L takes part in oligoglia and astroglia cell maturation, myelin production, and dopamine-dependent brain signaling. Therefore, understanding N-acetylaspartate metabolism is an emergent task in neurobiology. This project used in in vitro and in vivo approaches in order to establish the impact of maturation factors and glial cells on N-acetylaspartate metabolism. Embryonic rat neural stem cells and primary neurons were maturated with either nerve growth factor, trans-retinoic acid or activators of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (dibutyryl-cAMP, forskolin, theophylline). For in vivo, adult male Wistar rats were injected with theophylline (20 mg/kg b.w.) daily for two or eight weeks. Our studies showed that the N-acetylaspartate metabolism differs between primary neurons and neural stem cell cultures. The presence of glia cells protected N-acetylaspartate metabolism from dramatic changes within the maturation processes, which was impossible in the case of pure primary neuron cultures. In the case of differentiation processes, our data points to dibutyryl-cAMP as the most prominent regulator of N-acetylaspartate metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Kowalski
- University Clinical Center in Gdansk, 80-952 Gdansk, Poland; (R.K.); (K.L.)
| | - Piotr Pikul
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Nephrology, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Krzysztof Lewandowski
- University Clinical Center in Gdansk, 80-952 Gdansk, Poland; (R.K.); (K.L.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Monika Sakowicz-Burkiewicz
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland; (M.S.-B.); (T.P.)
| | - Tadeusz Pawełczyk
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland; (M.S.-B.); (T.P.)
| | - Marlena Zyśk
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland; (M.S.-B.); (T.P.)
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10
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von Jonquieres G, Rae CD, Housley GD. Emerging Concepts in Vector Development for Glial Gene Therapy: Implications for Leukodystrophies. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:661857. [PMID: 34239416 PMCID: PMC8258421 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.661857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Central Nervous System (CNS) homeostasis and function rely on intercellular synchronization of metabolic pathways. Developmental and neurochemical imbalances arising from mutations are frequently associated with devastating and often intractable neurological dysfunction. In the absence of pharmacological treatment options, but with knowledge of the genetic cause underlying the pathophysiology, gene therapy holds promise for disease control. Consideration of leukodystrophies provide a case in point; we review cell type – specific expression pattern of the disease – causing genes and reflect on genetic and cellular treatment approaches including ex vivo hematopoietic stem cell gene therapies and in vivo approaches using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. We link recent advances in vectorology to glial targeting directed towards gene therapies for specific leukodystrophies and related developmental or neurometabolic disorders affecting the CNS white matter and frame strategies for therapy development in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg von Jonquieres
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Caroline D Rae
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Gary D Housley
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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11
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Khorkova O, Hsiao J, Wahlestedt C. Nucleic Acid-Based Therapeutics in Orphan Neurological Disorders: Recent Developments. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:643681. [PMID: 33996898 PMCID: PMC8115123 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.643681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The possibility of rational design and the resulting faster and more cost-efficient development cycles of nucleic acid–based therapeutics (NBTs), such as antisense oligonucleotides, siRNAs, and gene therapy vectors, have fueled increased activity in developing therapies for orphan diseases. Despite the difficulty of delivering NBTs beyond the blood–brain barrier, neurological diseases are significantly represented among the first targets for NBTs. As orphan disease NBTs are now entering the clinical stage, substantial efforts are required to develop the scientific background and infrastructure for NBT design and mechanistic studies, genetic testing, understanding natural history of orphan disorders, data sharing, NBT manufacturing, and regulatory support. The outcomes of these efforts will also benefit patients with “common” diseases by improving diagnostics, developing the widely applicable NBT technology platforms, and promoting deeper understanding of biological mechanisms that underlie disease pathogenesis. Furthermore, with successes in genetic research, a growing proportion of “common” disease cases can now be attributed to mutations in particular genes, essentially extending the orphan disease field. Together, the developments occurring in orphan diseases are building the foundation for the future of personalized medicine. In this review, we will focus on recent achievements in developing therapies for orphan neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Claes Wahlestedt
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
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12
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Feng L, Chao J, Tian E, Li L, Ye P, Zhang M, Chen X, Cui Q, Sun G, Zhou T, Felix G, Qin Y, Li W, Meza ED, Klein J, Ghoda L, Hu W, Luo Y, Dang W, Hsu D, Gold J, Goldman SA, Matalon R, Shi Y. Cell-Based Therapy for Canavan Disease Using Human iPSC-Derived NPCs and OPCs. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2020; 7:2002155. [PMID: 33304759 PMCID: PMC7709977 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202002155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Canavan disease (CD) is a fatal leukodystrophy caused by mutation of the aspartoacylase (ASPA) gene, which leads to deficiency in ASPA activity, accumulation of the substrate N-acetyl-L-aspartate (NAA), demyelination, and spongy degeneration of the brain. There is neither a cure nor a standard treatment for this disease. In this study, human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based cell therapy is developed for CD. A functional ASPA gene is introduced into patient iPSC-derived neural progenitor cells (iNPCs) or oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (iOPCs) via lentiviral transduction or TALEN-mediated genetic engineering to generate ASPA iNPC or ASPA iOPC. After stereotactic transplantation into a CD (Nur7) mouse model, the engrafted cells are able to rescue major pathological features of CD, including deficient ASPA activity, elevated NAA levels, extensive vacuolation, defective myelination, and motor function deficits, in a robust and sustainable manner. Moreover, the transplanted mice exhibit much prolonged survival. These genetically engineered patient iPSC-derived cellular products are promising cell therapies for CD. This study has the potential to bring effective cell therapies, for the first time, to Canavan disease children who have no treatment options. The approach established in this study can also benefit many other children who have deadly genetic diseases that have no cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhao Feng
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Jianfei Chao
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - E Tian
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Li Li
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Peng Ye
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Mi Zhang
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Xianwei Chen
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Qi Cui
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Guihua Sun
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute at City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Tao Zhou
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Gerardo Felix
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
- Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological SciencesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Yue Qin
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Wendong Li
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Edward David Meza
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Jeremy Klein
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Lucy Ghoda
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Weidong Hu
- Department of Molecular Imaging and TherapyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Yonglun Luo
- Department of BiomedicineAarhus UniversityAarhus8000Denmark
| | - Wei Dang
- Center for Biomedicine and GeneticsBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - David Hsu
- Center for Biomedicine and GeneticsBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Joseph Gold
- Center for Biomedicine and GeneticsBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Steven A. Goldman
- Center for Translational NeuromedicineUniversity of Rochester Medical CenterRochesterNY14642USA
- Center for Translational NeuromedicineFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDK‐2200Denmark
| | - Reuben Matalon
- Department of Pediatricsthe University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston301 University BlvdGalvestonTX77555‐0359USA
| | - Yanhong Shi
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
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Polyakov IV, Kniga AE, Grigorenko BL, Nemukhin AV. Structure of the Brain N-Acetylaspartate Biosynthetic Enzyme NAT8L Revealed by Computer Modeling. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:2296-2302. [PMID: 32639720 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the results of computational modeling of a three-dimensional all-atom structure of the membrane-associated protein encoded by the NAT8L gene, aspartate N-acetyltransferase, which is essential for brain synthesis of N-acetyl-l-aspartate (NAA). The lack of experimentally derived three-dimensional structures of NAT8L poses one of the obstacles in studies of the mechanism of NAA formation and understanding the precise role of NAA in neurological disorders. We apply a computational protocol employing the contact map prediction, ab initio folding, homology modeling, and refinement to obtain a structure of NAT8L with the aspartate and acetyl coenzyme A cofactors in the protein molecule. To verify the computational protocol, we check its predictive power by reproducing the crystal structure of a related N-acetyltransferase domain, specifically, that from the bacterial N-acetylglutamate synthase. We show that the constructed NAT8L model correlates with structural features of the protein revealed in rare experimental studies. The obtained structure of the enzyme active site with the trapped reactants suggests a mechanism of the acetyl transfer upon NAA formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor V. Polyakov
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
- Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russian Federation
| | - Artem E. Kniga
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Bella L. Grigorenko
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
- Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russian Federation
| | - Alexander V. Nemukhin
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
- Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russian Federation
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Pleasure D, Guo F, Chechneva O, Bannerman P, McDonough J, Burns T, Wang Y, Hull V. Pathophysiology and Treatment of Canavan Disease. Neurochem Res 2020; 45:561-565. [PMID: 30535831 PMCID: PMC11131954 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-018-2693-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David Pleasure
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Research, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California and UC Davis School of Medicine, 2425 Stockton Blvd, 95817, Sacramento, CA, USA.
- , C/o Shriners Hospital, 2425 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
| | - Fuzheng Guo
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Research, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California and UC Davis School of Medicine, 2425 Stockton Blvd, 95817, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Olga Chechneva
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Research, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California and UC Davis School of Medicine, 2425 Stockton Blvd, 95817, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Peter Bannerman
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Research, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California and UC Davis School of Medicine, 2425 Stockton Blvd, 95817, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer McDonough
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Travis Burns
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Research, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California and UC Davis School of Medicine, 2425 Stockton Blvd, 95817, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Research, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California and UC Davis School of Medicine, 2425 Stockton Blvd, 95817, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Vanessa Hull
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Research, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California and UC Davis School of Medicine, 2425 Stockton Blvd, 95817, Sacramento, CA, USA
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15
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Xu Y, Wang N, Tan HY, Li S, Zhang C, Feng Y. Function of Akkermansia muciniphila in Obesity: Interactions With Lipid Metabolism, Immune Response and Gut Systems. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:219. [PMID: 32153527 PMCID: PMC7046546 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity and its metabolic syndrome, including liver disorders and type 2 diabetes, are a worldwide epidemic and are intimately linked to diet. The gut microbiota interaction has been pointed to as a hot topic of research in the treatment of obesity and related metabolic diseases by influencing energy metabolism and the immune system. In terms of the novel beneficial microbes identified, Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) colonizes the mucosa layer of the gut and modulates basal metabolism. A. muciniphila is consistently correlated with obesity. The causal beneficial impact of A. muciniphila treatment on obesity is coming to light, having been proved by a variety of animal models and human studies. A. muciniphila has been characterized as a beneficial player in body metabolism and has great prospects for treatments of the metabolic disorders associated with obesity, as well as being considered for next-generation therapeutic agents. This paper aimed to investigate the basic mechanism underlying the relation of A. muciniphila to obesity and its host interactions, as identified in recent discoveries, facilitating the establishment of the causal relationship in A. muciniphila-associated therapeutic supplement in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Xu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Ning Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Hor-Yue Tan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Sha Li
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Cheng Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Yibin Feng
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
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Hull V, Wang Y, Burns T, Zhang S, Sternbach S, McDonough J, Guo F, Pleasure D. Antisense Oligonucleotide Reverses Leukodystrophy in Canavan Disease Mice. Ann Neurol 2020; 87:480-485. [PMID: 31925837 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Marked elevation in the brain concentration of N-acetyl-L-aspartate (NAA) is a characteristic feature of Canavan disease, a vacuolar leukodystrophy resulting from deficiency of the oligodendroglial NAA-cleaving enzyme aspartoacylase. We now demonstrate that inhibiting NAA synthesis by intracisternal administration of a locked nucleic acid antisense oligonucleotide to young-adult aspartoacylase-deficient mice reverses their pre-existing ataxia and diminishes cerebellar and thalamic vacuolation and Purkinje cell dendritic atrophy. Ann Neurol 2020;87:480-485.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Hull
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children, Sacramento, CA
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children, Sacramento, CA
| | - Travis Burns
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children, Sacramento, CA
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children, Sacramento, CA
| | - Sarah Sternbach
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH
| | | | - Fuzheng Guo
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children, Sacramento, CA
| | - David Pleasure
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children, Sacramento, CA
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