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Jiao D, Xu L, Gu Z, Yan H, Shen D, Gu X. Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of epilepsy: electromagnetic stimulation-mediated neuromodulation therapy and new technologies. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:917-935. [PMID: 38989927 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a severe, relapsing, and multifactorial neurological disorder. Studies regarding the accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and in-depth pathogenesis are crucial for the precise and effective treatment of epilepsy. The pathogenesis of epilepsy is complex and involves alterations in variables such as gene expression, protein expression, ion channel activity, energy metabolites, and gut microbiota composition. Satisfactory results are lacking for conventional treatments for epilepsy. Surgical resection of lesions, drug therapy, and non-drug interventions are mainly used in clinical practice to treat pain associated with epilepsy. Non-pharmacological treatments, such as a ketogenic diet, gene therapy for nerve regeneration, and neural regulation, are currently areas of research focus. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathogenesis, diagnostic methods, and treatments of epilepsy. It also elaborates on the theoretical basis, treatment modes, and effects of invasive nerve stimulation in neurotherapy, including percutaneous vagus nerve stimulation, deep brain electrical stimulation, repetitive nerve electrical stimulation, in addition to non-invasive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation. Numerous studies have shown that electromagnetic stimulation-mediated neuromodulation therapy can markedly improve neurological function and reduce the frequency of epileptic seizures. Additionally, many new technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy are being explored. However, current research is mainly focused on analyzing patients' clinical manifestations and exploring relevant diagnostic and treatment methods to study the pathogenesis at a molecular level, which has led to a lack of consensus regarding the mechanisms related to the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dian Jiao
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lai Xu
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhen Gu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery Systems of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hua Yan
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Dingding Shen
- Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaosong Gu
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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2
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Jeelani M. miRNAs in epilepsy: A review from molecular signatures to therapeutic intervention. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 263:130468. [PMID: 38417757 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130468] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a medical disorder marked by sporadic seizures accompanied by alterations in consciousness. The molecular mechanisms responsible for epilepsy and the factors contributing to alterations in neuronal structure compromised apoptotic responses in neurons, and disturbances in regeneration pathways in glial cells remain unidentified. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNA that consist of a single strand. They typically contain 21 to 23 nucleotides. miRNAs participate in the process of RNA silencing and the regulation of gene expression after transcription by selectively binding to mRNA molecules that possess complementary sequences. The disruption of miRNA regulation has been associated with the development of epilepsy, and manipulating a single miRNA can impact various cellular processes, hence serving as a potent intervention approach. Despite existing obstacles in the delivery and safety of miRNA-based treatments, researchers are actively investigating the potential of miRNAs to operate as regulators of brain activity and as targets for treating and preventing epilepsy. Hence, the utilization of miRNA-based therapeutic intervention shows potential for future epilepsy management. The objective of our present investigation was to ascertain the involvement of miRNAs in the causation and advancement of epilepsy. Moreover, they have undergone scrutiny for their potential utilization in therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Jeelani
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
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3
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Guarnieri L, Amodio N, Bosco F, Carpi S, Tallarico M, Gallelli L, Rania V, Citraro R, Leo A, De Sarro G. Circulating miRNAs as Novel Clinical Biomarkers in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. Noncoding RNA 2024; 10:18. [PMID: 38525737 PMCID: PMC10961783 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna10020018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) represents the most common form of refractory focal epilepsy. The identification of innovative clinical biomarkers capable of categorizing patients with TLE, allowing for improved treatment and outcomes, still represents an unmet need. Circulating microRNAs (c-miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs detectable in body fluids, which play crucial roles in the regulation of gene expression. Their characteristics, including extracellular stability, detectability through non-invasive methods, and responsiveness to pathological changes and/or therapeutic interventions, make them promising candidate biomarkers in various disease settings. Recent research has investigated c-miRNAs in various bodily fluids, including serum, plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid, of TLE patients. Despite some discrepancies in methodologies, cohort composition, and normalization strategies, a common dysregulated signature of c-miRNAs has emerged across different studies, providing the basis for using c-miRNAs as novel biomarkers for TLE patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenza Guarnieri
- Section of Pharmacology, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (L.G.); (F.B.); (S.C.); (M.T.); (L.G.); (V.R.); (A.L.); (G.D.S.)
| | - Nicola Amodio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesca Bosco
- Section of Pharmacology, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (L.G.); (F.B.); (S.C.); (M.T.); (L.G.); (V.R.); (A.L.); (G.D.S.)
| | - Sara Carpi
- Section of Pharmacology, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (L.G.); (F.B.); (S.C.); (M.T.); (L.G.); (V.R.); (A.L.); (G.D.S.)
| | - Martina Tallarico
- Section of Pharmacology, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (L.G.); (F.B.); (S.C.); (M.T.); (L.G.); (V.R.); (A.L.); (G.D.S.)
| | - Luca Gallelli
- Section of Pharmacology, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (L.G.); (F.B.); (S.C.); (M.T.); (L.G.); (V.R.); (A.L.); (G.D.S.)
- Research Center FAS@UMG, Department of Health Science, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Rania
- Section of Pharmacology, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (L.G.); (F.B.); (S.C.); (M.T.); (L.G.); (V.R.); (A.L.); (G.D.S.)
| | - Rita Citraro
- Section of Pharmacology, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (L.G.); (F.B.); (S.C.); (M.T.); (L.G.); (V.R.); (A.L.); (G.D.S.)
- Research Center FAS@UMG, Department of Health Science, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Leo
- Section of Pharmacology, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (L.G.); (F.B.); (S.C.); (M.T.); (L.G.); (V.R.); (A.L.); (G.D.S.)
- Research Center FAS@UMG, Department of Health Science, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovambattista De Sarro
- Section of Pharmacology, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (L.G.); (F.B.); (S.C.); (M.T.); (L.G.); (V.R.); (A.L.); (G.D.S.)
- Research Center FAS@UMG, Department of Health Science, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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Wang Q, Shi X, Li PP, Gao L, Zhou Y, Li L, Ye H, Fu X, Li P. microRNA profilings identify plasma biomarkers and targets associated with pediatric epilepsy patients. Pediatr Res 2024; 95:996-1008. [PMID: 37884644 PMCID: PMC10920196 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02864-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although previous studies show that microRNAs (miRNAs) can potentially be used as diagnostic markers for epilepsy, there are very few analyses of pediatric epilepsy patients. METHODS miRNA profiles using miRNA-seq was performed on plasma samples from 14 pediatric epileptic patients and 14 healthy children. miRNA miR-27a-3p that were significantly changed between two groups were further evaluated. The potential target genes of miR-27a-3p were screened through unbiased mRNA-seq and further validated using Western blot and immunohistochemistry in HEK-293T cells and in the brains of mice with epilepsy induced by lithium chloride-pilocarpine. RESULTS We found 82 upregulated and 76 downregulated miRNAs in the plasma from pediatric patients compared with controls (p < 0.01), of which miR-27a-3p exhibited a very low p value (p < 0.0001) and validated in additional plasma samples. Two genes, GOLM1 and LIMK1, whose mRNA levels were decreased (p < 0.001) with the increase of miR-27a-3p were further validated in both HEK-293T cells and in epileptic mice. CONCLUSIONS MiR-27a-3p exhibits potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic marker for epilepsy. We postulate that additional studies on the downstream targets of miR-27a-3p will unravel its roles in epileptogenesis or disease progression. IMPACT A total of 158 differentially expressed miRNAs were detected in plasma between epileptic and control children. Plasma miR-27a-3p was one of the miRNAs with a low p value. GOLM1 and LIMK1 were validated as downstream target genes of miR-27a-3p. miR-27a-3p has potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic marker for epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 325000, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xulai Shi
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 325000, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ping-Ping Li
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 325000, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Li Gao
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 325000, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yueyuan Zhou
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 325000, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Luyao Li
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 325000, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hao Ye
- School of life Science and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoqin Fu
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 325000, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Key Laboratory of Structural Malformations in Children of Zhejiang Province, 325000, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Anesthesiology, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
| | - Peijun Li
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 325000, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Key Laboratory of Structural Malformations in Children of Zhejiang Province, 325000, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Anesthesiology, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
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Hansen SN, Holm A, Kauppinen S, Klitgaard H. RNA therapeutics for epilepsy: An emerging modality for drug discovery. Epilepsia 2023; 64:3113-3129. [PMID: 37703096 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Drug discovery in epilepsy began with the finding of potassium bromide by Sir Charles Locock in 1857. The following century witnessed the introduction of phenotypic screening tests for discovering antiseizure medications (ASMs). Despite the high success rate of developing ASMs, they have so far failed in eliminating drug resistance and in delivering disease-modifying treatments. This emphasizes the need for new drug discovery strategies in epilepsy. RNA-based drugs have recently shown promise as a new modality with the potential of providing disease modification and counteracting drug resistance in epilepsy. RNA therapeutics can be directed either toward noncoding RNAs, such as microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), and circular RNAs, or toward messenger RNAs. The former show promise in sporadic, nongenetic epilepsies, as interference with ncRNAs allows for modulation of entire disease pathways, whereas the latter seem more promising in monogenic childhood epilepsies. Here, we describe therapeutic strategies for modulating disease-associated RNA molecules and highlight the potential of RNA therapeutics for the treatment of different patient populations such as sporadic, drug-resistant epilepsy, and childhood monogenic epilepsies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anja Holm
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Center for RNA Medicine, Aalborg University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sakari Kauppinen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Center for RNA Medicine, Aalborg University, Copenhagen, Denmark
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McGann AM, Westerkamp GC, Chalasani A, Danzer CSK, Parkins EV, Rajathi V, Horn PS, Pedapati EV, Tiwari D, Danzer SC, Gross C. MiR-324-5p inhibition after intrahippocampal kainic acid-induced status epilepticus does not prevent epileptogenesis in mice. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1280606. [PMID: 38033777 PMCID: PMC10687438 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1280606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Acquired epilepsies are caused by an initial brain insult that is followed by epileptogenesis and finally the development of spontaneous recurrent seizures. The mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis are not fully understood. MicroRNAs regulate mRNA translation and stability and are frequently implicated in epilepsy. For example, antagonism of a specific microRNA, miR-324-5p, before brain insult and in a model of chronic epilepsy decreases seizure susceptibility and frequency, respectively. Here, we tested whether antagonism of miR-324-5p during epileptogenesis inhibits the development of epilepsy. Methods We used the intrahippocampal kainic acid (IHpKa) model to initiate epileptogenesis in male wild type C57BL/6 J mice aged 6-8 weeks. Twenty-four hours after IHpKa, we administered a miR-324-5p or scrambled control antagomir intracerebroventricularly and implanted cortical surface electrodes for EEG monitoring. EEG data was collected for 28 days and analyzed for seizure frequency and duration, interictal spike activity, and EEG power. Brains were collected for histological analysis. Results Histological analysis of brain tissue showed that IHpKa caused characteristic hippocampal damage in most mice regardless of treatment. Antagomir treatment did not affect latency to, frequency, or duration of spontaneous recurrent seizures or interictal spike activity but did alter the temporal development of frequency band-specific EEG power. Conclusion These results suggest that miR-324-5p inhibition during epileptogenesis induced by status epilepticus does not convey anti-epileptogenic effects despite having subtle effects on EEG frequency bands. Our results highlight the importance of timing of intervention across epilepsy development and suggest that miR-324-5p may act primarily as a proconvulsant rather than a pro-epileptogenic regulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M. McGann
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Grace C. Westerkamp
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Alisha Chalasani
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Cole S. K. Danzer
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Emma V. Parkins
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Valerine Rajathi
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Paul S. Horn
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Ernest V. Pedapati
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Durgesh Tiwari
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Steve C. Danzer
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Division of Anesthesia, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Anesthesia, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Christina Gross
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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7
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Brindley E, Heiland M, Mooney C, Diviney M, Mamad O, Hill TDM, Yan Y, Venø MT, Reschke CR, Batool A, Langa E, Sanz-Rodriguez A, Heller JP, Morris G, Conboy K, Kjems J, Brennan GP, Henshall DC. Brain cell-specific origin of circulating microRNA biomarkers in experimental temporal lobe epilepsy. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1230942. [PMID: 37808470 PMCID: PMC10556253 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1230942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of epilepsy is complex and challenging and would benefit from the availability of molecular biomarkers, ideally measurable in a biofluid such as blood. Experimental and human epilepsy are associated with altered brain and blood levels of various microRNAs (miRNAs). Evidence is lacking, however, as to whether any of the circulating pool of miRNAs originates from the brain. To explore the link between circulating miRNAs and the pathophysiology of epilepsy, we first sequenced argonaute 2 (Ago2)-bound miRNAs in plasma samples collected from mice subject to status epilepticus induced by intraamygdala microinjection of kainic acid. This identified time-dependent changes in plasma levels of miRNAs with known neuronal and microglial-cell origins. To explore whether the circulating miRNAs had originated from the brain, we generated mice expressing FLAG-Ago2 in neurons or microglia using tamoxifen-inducible Thy1 or Cx3cr1 promoters, respectively. FLAG immunoprecipitates from the plasma of these mice after seizures contained miRNAs, including let-7i-5p and miR-19b-3p. Taken together, these studies confirm that a portion of the circulating pool of miRNAs in experimental epilepsy originates from the brain, increasing support for miRNAs as mechanistic biomarkers of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Brindley
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mona Heiland
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Catherine Mooney
- FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Computer Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mairead Diviney
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Omar Mamad
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Thomas D. M. Hill
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Yan Yan
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Centre (iNANO) and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Omiics ApS, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Morten T. Venø
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Centre (iNANO) and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Omiics ApS, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Cristina R. Reschke
- FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aasia Batool
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Elena Langa
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Amaya Sanz-Rodriguez
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Janosch P. Heller
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gareth Morris
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Neuroscience, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Conboy
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jørgen Kjems
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Centre (iNANO) and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Gary P. Brennan
- FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David C. Henshall
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
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8
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Soutschek M, Schratt G. Non-coding RNA in the wiring and remodeling of neural circuits. Neuron 2023:S0896-6273(23)00341-0. [PMID: 37230080 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The brain constantly adapts to changes in the environment, a capability that underlies memory and behavior. Long-term adaptations require the remodeling of neural circuits that are mediated by activity-dependent alterations in gene expression. Over the last two decades, it has been shown that the expression of protein-coding genes is significantly regulated by a complex layer of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) interactions. The aim of this review is to summarize recent discoveries regarding the functional involvement of ncRNAs during different stages of neural circuit development, activity-dependent circuit remodeling, and circuit maladapations underlying neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. In addition to the intensively studied microRNA (miRNA) family, we focus on more recently added ncRNA classes, such as long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), and discuss the complex regulatory interactions between these different RNAs. We conclude by discussing the potential relevance of ncRNAs for cell-type and -state-specific regulation in the context of memory formation, the evolution of human cognitive abilities, and the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools in brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Soutschek
- Laboratory of Systems Neuroscience, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology ETH, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gerhard Schratt
- Laboratory of Systems Neuroscience, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology ETH, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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9
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Brancaccio R, Murdaca G, Casella R, Loverre T, Bonzano L, Nettis E, Gangemi S. miRNAs' Cross-Involvement in Skin Allergies: A New Horizon for the Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Therapy of Atopic Dermatitis, Allergic Contact Dermatitis and Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051266. [PMID: 37238937 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin inflammation is a common underlying feature of atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis and chronic spontaneous urticaria. The pathogenetic mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to examine whether miRNA, by regulating inflammatory mechanisms through the modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses, could play a major role in the pathogenesis of these skin conditions. We conducted a narrative review using the Pubmed and Embase scientific databases and search engines to find the most relevant miRNAs related to the pathophysiology, severity and prognosis of skin conditions. The studies show that miRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis and regulation of atopic dermatitis and can reveal an atopic predisposition or indicate disease severity. In chronic spontaneous urticaria, different miRNAs which are over-expressed during urticaria exacerbations not only play a role in the possible response to therapy or remission, but also serve as a marker of chronic autoimmune urticaria and indicate associations with other autoimmune diseases. In allergic contact dermatitis, miRNAs are upregulated in inflammatory lesions and expressed during the sensitization phase of allergic response. Several miRNAs have been identified as potential biomarkers of these chronic skin conditions, but they are also possible therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Brancaccio
- Dermatology Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Murdaca
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Rossella Casella
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, School of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Policlinico di Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Teresa Loverre
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, School of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Policlinico di Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Laura Bonzano
- Dermatology Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy
| | - Eustachio Nettis
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, School of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Policlinico di Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, School and Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
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10
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Lv S, Chen Z, Mi H, Yu X. Cofilin Acts as a Booster for Progression of Malignant Tumors Represented by Glioma. Cancer Manag Res 2022; 14:3245-3269. [PMID: 36452435 PMCID: PMC9703913 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s389825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cofilin, as a depolymerization factor of actin filaments, has been widely studied. Evidences show that cofilin has a role in actin structural reorganization and dynamic regulation. In recent years, several studies have demonstrated a regulatory role for cofilin in the migration and invasion mediated by cell dynamics and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT)/EMT-like process, apoptosis, radiotherapy resistance, immune escape, and transcriptional dysregulation of malignant tumor cells, particularly glioma cells. On this basis, it is practical to evaluate cofilin as a biomarker for predicting tumor metastasis and prognosis. Targeting cofilin regulating kinases, Lin11, Isl-1 and Mec-3 kinases (LIM kinases/LIMKs) and their major upstream molecules inhibits tumor cell migration and invasion and targeting cofilin-mediated mitochondrial pathway induces apoptosis of tumor cells represent effective options for the development of novel anti-malignant tumor drug, especially anti-glioma drugs. This review explores the structure, general biological function, and regulation of cofilin, with an emphasis on the critical functions and prospects for clinical therapeutic applications of cofilin in malignant tumors represented by glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihong Lv
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Mudanjiang Medical College, Mudanjiang Medical College, Mudanjiang, 157011, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiye Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hailong Mi
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xingjiang Yu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People’s Republic of China
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11
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Investigation of MicroRNA-134 as a Target against Seizures and SUDEP in a Mouse Model of Dravet Syndrome. eNeuro 2022; 9:ENEURO.0112-22.2022. [PMID: 36240080 PMCID: PMC9522462 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0112-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Dravet syndrome (DS) is a catastrophic form of pediatric epilepsy mainly caused by noninherited mutations in the SCN1A gene. DS patients suffer severe and life-threatening focal and generalized seizures which are often refractory to available anti-seizure medication. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) based approaches may offer treatment opportunities in DS. MicroRNAs are short noncoding RNAs that play a key role in brain structure and function by post-transcriptionally regulating gene expression, including ion channels. Inhibiting miRNA-134 (miR-134) using an antimiR ASO (Ant-134) has been shown to reduce evoked seizures in juvenile and adult mice and reduce epilepsy development in models of focal epilepsy. The present study investigated the levels of miR-134 and whether Ant-134 could protect against hyperthermia-induced seizures, spontaneous seizures and mortality (SUDEP) in F1.Scn1a(+/-)tm1kea mice. At P17, animals were intracerebroventricular injected with 0.1-1 nmol of Ant-134 and subject to a hyperthermia challenge at postnatal day (P)18. A second cohort of P21 F1.Scn1a(+/-)tm1kea mice received Ant-134 and were followed by video and EEG monitoring until P28 to track the incidence of spontaneous seizures and SUDEP. Hippocampal and cortical levels of miR-134 were similar between wild-type (WT) and F1.Scn1a(+/-)tm1kea mice. Moreover, Ant-134 had no effect on hyperthermia-induced seizures, spontaneous seizures and SUDEP incidence were unchanged in Ant-134-treated DS mice. These findings suggest that targeting miR-134 does not have therapeutic applications in DS.
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12
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Epigenetic genes and epilepsy - emerging mechanisms and clinical applications. Nat Rev Neurol 2022; 18:530-543. [PMID: 35859062 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-022-00693-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
An increasing number of epilepsies are being attributed to variants in genes with epigenetic functions. The products of these genes include factors that regulate the structure and function of chromatin and the placing, reading and removal of epigenetic marks, as well as other epigenetic processes. In this Review, we provide an overview of the various epigenetic processes, structuring our discussion around five function-based categories: DNA methylation, histone modifications, histone-DNA crosstalk, non-coding RNAs and chromatin remodelling. We provide background information on each category, describing the general mechanism by which each process leads to altered gene expression. We also highlight key clinical and mechanistic aspects, providing examples of genes that strongly associate with epilepsy within each class. We consider the practical applications of these findings, including tissue-based and biofluid-based diagnostics and precision medicine-based treatments. We conclude that variants in epigenetic genes are increasingly found to be causally involved in the epilepsies, with implications for disease mechanisms, treatments and diagnostics.
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13
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Campbell A, Morris G, Sanfeliu A, Augusto J, Langa E, Kesavan JC, Nguyen NT, Conroy RM, Worm J, Kielpinski L, Jensen MA, Miller MT, Kremer T, Reschke CR, Henshall DC. AntimiR targeting of microRNA-134 reduces seizures in a mouse model of Angelman syndrome. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 28:514-529. [PMID: 35592499 PMCID: PMC9092865 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder featuring ataxia, cognitive impairment, and drug-resistant epilepsy. AS is caused by mutations or deletion of the maternal copy of the paternally imprinted UBE3A gene, with current precision therapy approaches focusing on re-expression of UBE3A. Certain phenotypes, however, are difficult to rescue beyond early development. Notably, a cluster of microRNA binding sites was reported in the untranslated Ube3a1 transcript, including for miR-134, suggesting that AS may be associated with microRNA dysregulation. Here, we report levels of miR-134 and key targets are normal in the hippocampus of mice carrying a maternal deletion of Ube3a (Ube3a m-/p+ ). Nevertheless, intracerebroventricular injection of an antimiR oligonucleotide inhibitor of miR-134 (Ant-134) reduced audiogenic seizure severity over multiple trials in 21- and 42-day-old AS mice. Interestingly, Ant-134 also improved distance traveled and center crossings of AS mice in the open-field test. Finally, we show that silencing miR-134 can upregulate targets of miR-134 in neurons differentiated from Angelman patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells. These findings indicate that silencing miR-134 and possibly other microRNAs could be useful to treat clinically relevant phenotypes with a later developmental window in AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoife Campbell
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland.,FutureNeuro, The SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Gareth Morris
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland.,FutureNeuro, The SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Albert Sanfeliu
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland.,FutureNeuro, The SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Joana Augusto
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland.,FutureNeuro, The SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Elena Langa
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland.,FutureNeuro, The SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Jaideep C Kesavan
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland.,FutureNeuro, The SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Ngoc T Nguyen
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland.,FutureNeuro, The SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Ronan M Conroy
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Jesper Worm
- Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen A/S, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, DK-2970 Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Lukasz Kielpinski
- Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen A/S, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, DK-2970 Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Mads Aaboe Jensen
- Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen A/S, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, DK-2970 Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Meghan T Miller
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Kremer
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cristina R Reschke
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland.,FutureNeuro, The SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland.,School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - David C Henshall
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland.,FutureNeuro, The SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
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14
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Morris G, Langa E, Fearon C, Conboy K, Lau E-How K, Sanz-Rodriguez A, O'Brien DF, Sweeney K, Lacey A, Delanty N, Beausang A, Brett FM, Cryan JB, Cunningham MO, Henshall DC. MicroRNA inhibition using antimiRs in acute human brain tissue sections. Epilepsia 2022; 63:e92-e99. [PMID: 35656590 PMCID: PMC9546319 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Antisense inhibition of microRNAs is an emerging preclinical approach to pharmacoresistant epilepsy. A leading candidate is an 'antimiR' targeting microRNA-134 (miR-134), but testing to date has used rodent models. Here, we develop an antimiR testing platform in human brain tissue sections. Brain specimens were obtained from patients undergoing resective surgery to treat pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Neocortical specimens were submerged in modified artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF), dissected for clinical neuropathological examination, and unused material transferred for sectioning. Individual sections were incubated in oxygenated ACSF, containing either antimiR-134 or a non-targeting control antimiR, for 24 hours at room temperature. RNA integrity was assessed using BioAnalyzer processing, and individual miRNA levels measured using RT-qPCR. Specimens transported in ACSF could be used for neuropathological diagnosis and had good RNA integrity. AntimiR-134 mediated a dose-dependent knockdown of miR-134, with approximately 75% reduction of miR-134 at 1 µM and 90% reduction at 3 µM. These doses did not have off-target effects on expression of a selection of three other miRNAs. This is the first demonstration of antimiR-134 effects in live human brain tissues. The findings lend further support to the preclinical development of a therapy that targets miR-134 and offer a flexible platform for the pre-clinical testing of antimiRs, and other antisense oligonucleotide therapeutics, in human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Morris
- Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, United Kingdom.,Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.,FutureNeuro, SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, RCSI University of Medicine & Health Sciences
| | - Elena Langa
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.,FutureNeuro, SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, RCSI University of Medicine & Health Sciences
| | - Conor Fearon
- Department of Neuropathology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Dublin Neurological Institute, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Eccles Street, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Karen Conboy
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.,FutureNeuro, SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, RCSI University of Medicine & Health Sciences
| | - Kelvin Lau E-How
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.,FutureNeuro, SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, RCSI University of Medicine & Health Sciences
| | - Amaya Sanz-Rodriguez
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.,FutureNeuro, SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, RCSI University of Medicine & Health Sciences
| | | | - Kieron Sweeney
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Austin Lacey
- FutureNeuro, SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, RCSI University of Medicine & Health Sciences.,The National Epilepsy Programme, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Discipline of Physiology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Norman Delanty
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.,FutureNeuro, SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, RCSI University of Medicine & Health Sciences.,The National Epilepsy Programme, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alan Beausang
- Department of Neuropathology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Jane B Cryan
- Department of Neuropathology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mark O Cunningham
- FutureNeuro, SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, RCSI University of Medicine & Health Sciences.,Discipline of Physiology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David C Henshall
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.,FutureNeuro, SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, RCSI University of Medicine & Health Sciences
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15
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Holm A, Hansen SN, Klitgaard H, Kauppinen S. Clinical advances of RNA therapeutics for treatment of neurological and neuromuscular diseases. RNA Biol 2022; 19:594-608. [PMID: 35482908 PMCID: PMC9067473 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2022.2066334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA therapeutics comprise a diverse group of oligonucleotide-based drugs such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) that can be designed to selectively interact with drug targets currently undruggable with small molecule-based drugs or monoclonal antibodies. Furthermore, RNA-based therapeutics have the potential to modulate entire disease pathways, and thereby represent a new modality with unprecedented potential for generating disease-modifying drugs for a wide variety of human diseases, including central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Here, we describe different strategies for delivering RNA drugs to the CNS and review recent advances in clinical development of ASO drugs and siRNA-based therapeutics for the treatment of neurological diseases and neuromuscular disorders. Abbreviations 2’-MOE: 2’-O-(2-methoxyethyl); 2’-O-Me: 2’-O-methyl; 2’-F: 2’-fluoro; AD: Alzheimer's disease; ALS: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; ALSFRS-R: Revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale; ARC: Antibody siRNA Conjugate; AS: Angelman Syndrome; ASGRP: Asialoglycoprotein receptor; ASO: Antisense oligonucleotide; AxD: Alexander Disease; BBB: Blood brain barrier; Bp: Basepair; CNM: Centronuclear myopathies; CNS: Central Nervous System; CPP: Cell-penetrating Peptide; CSF: Cerebrospinal fluid; DMD: Duchenne muscular dystrophy; DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid; FAP: Familial amyloid polyneuropathy; FALS: Familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; FDA: The United States Food and Drug Administration; GalNAc: N-acetylgalactosamine; GoF: Gain of function; hATTR: Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis; HD: Huntington's disease; HRQOL: health-related quality of life; ICV: Intracerebroventricular; IT: Intrathecal; LNA: Locked nucleic acid; LoF: Loss of function; mRNA: Messenger RNA; MS: Multiple Sclerosis; MSA: Multiple System Atrophy; NBE: New Biological Entity; NCE: New Chemical Entity; NHP: Nonhuman primate; nt: Nucleotide; PD: Parkinson's disease; PNP: Polyneuropathy; PNS: Peripheral nervous system; PS: Phosphorothioate; RISC: RNA-Induced Silencing Complex; RNA: Ribonucleic acid; RNAi: RNA interference; s.c.: Subcutaneous; siRNA: Small interfering RNA; SMA: Spinal muscular atrophy; SMN: Survival motor neuron; TTR: Transthyretin
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Holm
- Center for RNA Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, A.C. Meyers Vænge 15, 2450 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stine N Hansen
- Neumirna Therapeutics, A.C. Meyers Vænge 15, 2450 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik Klitgaard
- Neumirna Therapeutics, A.C. Meyers Vænge 15, 2450 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sakari Kauppinen
- Center for RNA Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, A.C. Meyers Vænge 15, 2450 Copenhagen, Denmark
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16
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Morris G, Heiland M, Lamottke K, Guan H, Hill TDM, Zhou Y, Zhu Q, Schorge S, Henshall DC. BICS01 Mediates Reversible Anti-seizure Effects in Brain Slice Models of Epilepsy. Front Neurol 2022; 12:791608. [PMID: 35069421 PMCID: PMC8770400 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.791608] [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: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug-resistant epilepsy remains a significant clinical and societal burden, with one third of people with epilepsy continuing to experience seizures despite the availability of around 30 anti-seizure drugs (ASDs). Further, ASDs often have substantial adverse effects, including impacts on learning and memory. Therefore, it is important to develop new ASDs, which may be more potent or better tolerated. Here, we report the preliminary preclinical evaluation of BICS01, a synthetic product based on a natural compound, as a potential ASD. To model seizure-like activity in vitro, we prepared hippocampal slices from adult male Sprague Dawley rats, and elicited epileptiform bursting using high extracellular potassium. BICS01 (200 μM) rapidly and reversibly reduced the frequency of epileptiform bursting but did not change broad measures of network excitability or affect short-term synaptic facilitation. BICS01 was well tolerated following systemic injection at up to 1,000 mg/kg. However, we did not observe any protective effect of systemic BICS01 injection against acute seizures evoked by pentylenetetrazol. These results indicate that BICS01 is able to acutely reduce epileptiform activity in hippocampal networks. Further preclinical development studies to enhance pharmacokinetics and accumulation in the brain, as well as studies to understand the mechanism of action, are now required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Morris
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.,FutureNeuro, the SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mona Heiland
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.,FutureNeuro, the SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Haifeng Guan
- Bicoll Biotechnology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Thomas D M Hill
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.,FutureNeuro, the SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Yijun Zhou
- Bicoll Biotechnology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Qianjin Zhu
- Bicoll Biotechnology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Stephanie Schorge
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David C Henshall
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.,FutureNeuro, the SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
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17
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Selected Molecular Targets for Antiepileptogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189737. [PMID: 34575901 PMCID: PMC8466306 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The term epileptogenesis defines the usually durable process of converting normal brain into an epileptic one. The resistance of a significant proportion of patients with epilepsy to the available pharmacotherapy prompted the concept of a causative treatment option consisting in stopping or modifying the progress of epileptogenesis. Most antiepileptic drugs possess only a weak or no antiepileptogenic potential at all, but a few of them appear promising in this regard; these include, for example, eslicarbazepine (a sodium and T-type channel blocker), lamotrigine (a sodium channel blocker and glutamate antagonist) or levetiracetam (a ligand of synaptic vehicle protein SV2A). Among the approved non-antiepileptic drugs, antiepileptogenic potential seems to reside in losartan (a blocker of angiotensin II type 1 receptors), biperiden (an antiparkinsonian drug), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antioxidative drugs and minocycline (a second-generation tetracycline with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties). Among other possible antiepileptogenic compounds, antisense nucleotides have been considered, among these an antagomir targeting microRNA-134. The drugs and agents mentioned above have been evaluated in post-status epilepticus models of epileptogenesis, so their preventive efficacy must be verified. Limited clinical data indicate that biperiden in patients with brain injuries is well-tolerated and seems to reduce the incidence of post-traumatic epilepsy. Exceptionally, in this regard, our own original data presented here point to c-Fos as an early seizure duration, but not seizure intensity-related, marker of early epileptogenesis. Further research of reliable markers of early epileptogenesis is definitely needed to improve the process of designing adequate antiepileptogenic therapies.
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18
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Opportunities and challenges for microRNA-targeting therapeutics for epilepsy. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2021; 42:605-616. [PMID: 33992468 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common and serious neurological disorder characterised by recurrent spontaneous seizures. Frontline pharmacotherapy includes small-molecule antiseizure drugs that typically target ion channels and neurotransmitter systems, but these fail in 30% of patients and do not prevent either the development or progression of epilepsy. An emerging therapeutic target is microRNA (miRNA), small noncoding RNAs that negatively regulate sets of proteins. Their multitargeting action offers unique advantages for certain forms of epilepsy with complex underlying pathophysiology, such as temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). miRNA can be inhibited by designed antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs; e.g., antimiRs). Here, we outline the prospects for miRNA-based therapies. We review design considerations for nucleic acid-based approaches and the challenges and next steps in developing therapeutic miRNA-targeting molecules for epilepsy.
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