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Markussen KH, Corti M, Byrne BJ, Kooi CWV, Sun RC, Gentry MS. The multifaceted roles of the brain glycogen. J Neurochem 2024; 168:728-743. [PMID: 37554056 PMCID: PMC10901277 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Glycogen is a biologically essential macromolecule that is directly involved in multiple human diseases. While its primary role in carbohydrate storage and energy metabolism in the liver and muscle is well characterized, recent research has highlighted critical metabolic and non-metabolic roles for glycogen in the brain. In this review, the emerging roles of glycogen homeostasis in the healthy and diseased brain are discussed with a focus on advancing our understanding of the role of glycogen in the brain. Innovative technologies that have led to novel insights into glycogen functions are detailed. Key insights into how cellular localization impacts neuronal and glial function are discussed. Perturbed glycogen functions are observed in multiple disorders of the brain, including where it serves as a disease driver in the emerging category of neurological glycogen storage diseases (n-GSDs). n-GSDs include Lafora disease (LD), adult polyglucosan body disease (APBD), Cori disease, Glucose transporter type 1 deficiency syndrome (G1D), GSD0b, and late-onset Pompe disease (PD). They are neurogenetic disorders characterized by aberrant glycogen which results in devastating neurological and systemic symptoms. In the most severe cases, rapid neurodegeneration coupled with dementia results in death soon after diagnosis. Finally, we discuss current treatment strategies that are currently being developed and have the potential to be of great benefit to patients with n-GSD. Taken together, novel technologies and biological insights have resulted in a renaissance in brain glycogen that dramatically advanced our understanding of both biology and disease. Future studies are needed to expand our understanding and the multifaceted roles of glycogen and effectively apply these insights to human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kia H. Markussen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, USA
| | - Manuela Corti
- Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, College of Medicine, University of Florida, USA
| | - Barry J. Byrne
- Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, College of Medicine, University of Florida, USA
| | - Craig W. Vander Kooi
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, USA
- Center for Advanced Spatial Biomolecule Research, University of Florida
- Lafora Epilepsy Cure Initiative
| | - Ramon C. Sun
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, USA
- Center for Advanced Spatial Biomolecule Research, University of Florida
- Lafora Epilepsy Cure Initiative
| | - Matthew S. Gentry
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, USA
- Center for Advanced Spatial Biomolecule Research, University of Florida
- Lafora Epilepsy Cure Initiative
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2
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An T, Zhang W. Mendelian randomization analysis reveals a protective association between genetically predicted systemic lupus erythematosus and renal cell carcinoma. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37545. [PMID: 38489690 PMCID: PMC10939681 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Observational studies have suggested that there may be a connection between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and a higher likelihood of developing urological cancers, although the exact cause-effect relationship is still unclear. This study therefore investigated the causal relationship between SLE and urological cancers using the Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. Our primary MR analysis involved using the inverse variance weighted method, which employed an inverse-variance-weighted approach, to examine the causal relationship between SLE and urological conditions. In addition, we performed various sensitivity analyses, such as MR-Egger regression, tests for heterogeneity, and leave-one-out sensitivity tests, to assess the reliability of our results. The findings from our analysis using Two-Sample MR showed that genetically predicted SLE was linked to a reduced likelihood of developing renal cell carcinoma (RCC) (odds ratio = 0.9996, 95% confidence interval = 0.9993-0.9999, P value = .0159). These results suggest a possible protective impact of SLE against RCC. Nevertheless, no substantial correlation was detected between SLE and the likelihood of developing bladder cancer or prostate cancer. Collectively, these findings offer significant fresh perspectives on the possible correlation between SLE and genitourinary malignancies, specifically RCC, which will provide ideas and basis for the treatment of RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian An
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Wenzhi Zhang
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
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3
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Ferrari Aggradi CR, Rimoldi M, Romagnoli G, Velardo D, Meneri M, Iacobucci D, Ripolone M, Napoli L, Ciscato P, Moggio M, Comi GP, Ronchi D, Corti S, Abati E. Lafora Disease: A Case Report and Evolving Treatment Advancements. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1679. [PMID: 38137127 PMCID: PMC10742041 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13121679] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Lafora disease is a rare genetic disorder characterized by a disruption in glycogen metabolism. It manifests as progressive myoclonus epilepsy and cognitive decline during adolescence. Pathognomonic is the presence of abnormal glycogen aggregates that, over time, produce large inclusions (Lafora bodies) in various tissues. This study aims to describe the clinical and histopathological aspects of a novel Lafora disease patient, and to provide an update on the therapeutical advancements for this disorder. A 20-year-old Libyan boy presented with generalized tonic-clonic seizures, sporadic muscular jerks, eyelid spasms, and mental impairment. Electroencephalography showed multiple discharges across both brain hemispheres. Brain magnetic resonance imaging was unremarkable. Muscle biopsy showed increased lipid content and a very mild increase of intermyofibrillar glycogen, without the polyglucosan accumulation typically observed in Lafora bodies. Despite undergoing three lines of antiepileptic treatment, the patient's condition showed minimal to no improvement. We identified the homozygous variant c.137G>A, p.(Cys46Tyr), in the EPM2B/NHLRC1 gene, confirming the diagnosis of Lafora disease. To our knowledge, the presence of lipid aggregates without Lafora bodies is atypical. Lafora disease should be considered during the differential diagnosis of progressive, myoclonic, and refractory epilepsies in both children and young adults, especially when accompanied by cognitive decline. Although there are no effective therapies yet, the development of promising new strategies prompts the need for an early and accurate diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola Rita Ferrari Aggradi
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (C.R.F.A.); (G.R.); (M.M.); (G.P.C.); (D.R.)
| | - Martina Rimoldi
- Neuromuscular and Rare Diseases Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.R.); (D.V.); (M.R.); (P.C.); (M.M.)
- Medical Genetics Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Gloria Romagnoli
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (C.R.F.A.); (G.R.); (M.M.); (G.P.C.); (D.R.)
| | - Daniele Velardo
- Neuromuscular and Rare Diseases Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.R.); (D.V.); (M.R.); (P.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Megi Meneri
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (C.R.F.A.); (G.R.); (M.M.); (G.P.C.); (D.R.)
- Stroke Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Iacobucci
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Ripolone
- Neuromuscular and Rare Diseases Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.R.); (D.V.); (M.R.); (P.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Laura Napoli
- Neuromuscular and Rare Diseases Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.R.); (D.V.); (M.R.); (P.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Patrizia Ciscato
- Neuromuscular and Rare Diseases Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.R.); (D.V.); (M.R.); (P.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Maurizio Moggio
- Neuromuscular and Rare Diseases Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.R.); (D.V.); (M.R.); (P.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Giacomo Pietro Comi
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (C.R.F.A.); (G.R.); (M.M.); (G.P.C.); (D.R.)
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Dario Ronchi
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (C.R.F.A.); (G.R.); (M.M.); (G.P.C.); (D.R.)
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (C.R.F.A.); (G.R.); (M.M.); (G.P.C.); (D.R.)
- Neuromuscular and Rare Diseases Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.R.); (D.V.); (M.R.); (P.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Elena Abati
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (C.R.F.A.); (G.R.); (M.M.); (G.P.C.); (D.R.)
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4
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Donohue KJ, Fitzsimmons B, Bruntz RC, Markussen KH, Young LEA, Clarke HA, Coburn PT, Griffith LE, Sanders W, Klier J, Burke SN, Maurer AP, Minassian BA, Sun RC, Kordasiewisz HB, Gentry MS. Gys1 Antisense Therapy Prevents Disease-Driving Aggregates and Epileptiform Discharges in a Lafora Disease Mouse Model. Neurotherapeutics 2023; 20:1808-1819. [PMID: 37700152 PMCID: PMC10684475 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-023-01434-9] [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] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with Lafora disease have a mutation in EPM2A or EPM2B, resulting in dysregulation of glycogen metabolism throughout the body and aberrant glycogen molecules that aggregate into Lafora bodies. Lafora bodies are particularly damaging in the brain, where the aggregation drives seizures with increasing severity and frequency, coupled with neurodegeneration. Previous work employed mouse genetic models to reduce glycogen synthesis by approximately 50%, and this strategy significantly reduced Lafora body formation and disease phenotypes. Therefore, an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) was developed to reduce glycogen synthesis in the brain by targeting glycogen synthase 1 (Gys1). To test the distribution and efficacy of this drug, the Gys1-ASO was administered to Epm2b-/- mice via intracerebroventricular administration at 4, 7, and 10 months. The mice were then sacrificed at 13 months and their brains analyzed for Gys1 expression, glycogen aggregation, and neuronal excitability. The mice treated with Gys1-ASO exhibited decreased Gys1 protein levels, decreased glycogen aggregation, and reduced epileptiform discharges compared to untreated Epm2b-/- mice. This work provides proof of concept that a Gys1-ASO halts disease progression of EPM2B mutations of Lafora disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine J Donohue
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Bethany Fitzsimmons
- Department of Antisense Drug Discovery, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, 92010, USA
| | - Ronald C Bruntz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Kia H Markussen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Lyndsay E A Young
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Harrison A Clarke
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Peyton T Coburn
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Laiken E Griffith
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - William Sanders
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Jack Klier
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Sara N Burke
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Andrew P Maurer
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Berge A Minassian
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Ramon C Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Holly B Kordasiewisz
- Department of Antisense Drug Discovery, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, 92010, USA
| | - Matthew S Gentry
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
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5
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Young LEA, Conroy LR, Clarke HA, Hawkinson TR, Bolton KE, Sanders WC, Chang JE, Webb MB, Alilain WJ, Vander Kooi CW, Drake RR, Andres DA, Badgett TC, Wagner LM, Allison DB, Sun RC, Gentry MS. In situ mass spectrometry imaging reveals heterogeneous glycogen stores in human normal and cancerous tissues. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e16029. [PMID: 36059248 PMCID: PMC9641418 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202216029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycogen dysregulation is a hallmark of aging, and aberrant glycogen drives metabolic reprogramming and pathogenesis in multiple diseases. However, glycogen heterogeneity in healthy and diseased tissues remains largely unknown. Herein, we describe a method to define spatial glycogen architecture in mouse and human tissues using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging. This assay provides robust and sensitive spatial glycogen quantification and architecture characterization in the brain, liver, kidney, testis, lung, bladder, and even the bone. Armed with this tool, we interrogated glycogen spatial distribution and architecture in different types of human cancers. We demonstrate that glycogen stores and architecture are heterogeneous among diseases. Additionally, we observe unique hyperphosphorylated glycogen accumulation in Ewing sarcoma, a pediatric bone cancer. Using preclinical models, we correct glycogen hyperphosphorylation in Ewing sarcoma through genetic and pharmacological interventions that ablate in vivo tumor growth, demonstrating the clinical therapeutic potential of targeting glycogen in Ewing sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndsay E A Young
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of MedicineUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKYUSA
- Markey Cancer CenterUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKYUSA
| | - Lindsey R Conroy
- Markey Cancer CenterUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKYUSA
- Department of Neuroscience, College of MedicineUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKYUSA
| | - Harrison A Clarke
- Department of Neuroscience, College of MedicineUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKYUSA
| | - Tara R Hawkinson
- Department of Neuroscience, College of MedicineUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKYUSA
| | - Kayli E Bolton
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of MedicineUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKYUSA
| | - William C Sanders
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of MedicineUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKYUSA
| | - Josephine E Chang
- Department of Neuroscience, College of MedicineUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKYUSA
| | - Madison B Webb
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of MedicineUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKYUSA
| | - Warren J Alilain
- Department of Neuroscience, College of MedicineUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKYUSA
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research CenterUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKYUSA
| | - Craig W Vander Kooi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of MedicineUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKYUSA
- Markey Cancer CenterUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKYUSA
| | - Richard R Drake
- Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental TherapeuticsMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSCUSA
| | - Douglas A Andres
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of MedicineUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKYUSA
| | - Tom C Badgett
- Pediatric Hematology‐Oncology, College of MedicineUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKYUSA
| | - Lars M Wagner
- Pediatric Hematology‐OncologyDuke UniversityDurhamNCUSA
| | - Derek B Allison
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of MedicineUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKYUSA
| | - Ramon C Sun
- Markey Cancer CenterUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKYUSA
- Department of Neuroscience, College of MedicineUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKYUSA
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research CenterUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKYUSA
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, College of MedicineUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
- Center for Advanced Spatial Biomolecule ResearchUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
| | - Matthew S Gentry
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of MedicineUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKYUSA
- Markey Cancer CenterUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKYUSA
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, College of MedicineUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
- Center for Advanced Spatial Biomolecule ResearchUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
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6
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Mollá B, Heredia M, Campos Á, Sanz P. Pharmacological Modulation of Glutamatergic and Neuroinflammatory Pathways in a Lafora Disease Mouse Model. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:6018-6032. [PMID: 35835895 PMCID: PMC9463199 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02956-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Lafora disease (LD) is a fatal rare neurodegenerative disorder that affects young adolescents and has no treatment yet. The hallmark of LD is the presence of polyglucosan inclusions (PGs), called Lafora bodies (LBs), in the brain and peripheral tissues. LD is caused by mutations in either EPM2A or EPM2B genes, which, respectively, encode laforin, a glucan phosphatase, and malin, an E3-ubiquitin ligase, with identical clinical features. LD knockout mouse models (Epm2a - / - and Epm2b - / -) recapitulate PG body accumulation, as in the human pathology, and display alterations in glutamatergic transmission and neuroinflammatory pathways in the brain. In this work, we show the results of four pre-clinical trials based on the modulation of glutamatergic transmission (riluzole and memantine) and anti-neuroinflammatory interventions (resveratrol and minocycline) as therapeutical strategies in an Epm2b - / - mouse model. Drugs were administered in mice from 3 to 5 months of age, corresponding to early stage of the disease, and we evaluated the beneficial effect of the drugs by in vivo behavioral phenotyping and ex vivo histopathological brain analyses. The behavioral assessment was based on a battery of anxiety, cognitive, and neurodegenerative tests and the histopathological analyses included a panel of markers regarding PG accumulation, astrogliosis, and microgliosis. Overall, the outcome of ameliorating the excessive glutamatergic neurotransmission present in Epm2b - / - mice by memantine displayed therapeutic effectiveness at the behavioral levels. Modulation of neuroinflammation by resveratrol and minocycline also showed beneficial effects at the behavioral level. Therefore, our study suggests that both therapeutical strategies could be beneficial for the treatment of LD patients. A mouse model of Lafora disease (Epm2b-/-) was used to check the putative beneficial effect of different drugs aimed to ameliorate the alterations in glutamatergic transmission and/or neuroinflammation present in the model. Drugs in blue gave a more positive outcome than the rest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belén Mollá
- Laboratory of Nutrient Signaling, Institute of Biomedicine of Valencia (CSIC), Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Miguel Heredia
- Laboratory of Nutrient Signaling, Institute of Biomedicine of Valencia (CSIC), Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Ángela Campos
- Laboratory of Nutrient Signaling, Institute of Biomedicine of Valencia (CSIC), Valencia, Spain
| | - Pascual Sanz
- Laboratory of Nutrient Signaling, Institute of Biomedicine of Valencia (CSIC), Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Jaime Roig 11, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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7
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Trehalose Treatment in Zebrafish Model of Lafora Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126874. [PMID: 35743315 PMCID: PMC9224929 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126874] [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: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the EPM2A gene encoding laforin cause Lafora disease (LD), a progressive myoclonic epilepsy characterized by drug-resistant seizures and progressive neurological impairment. To date, rodents are the only available models for studying LD; however, their use for drug screening is limited by regulatory restrictions and high breeding costs. To investigate the role of laforin loss of function in early neurodevelopment, and to screen for possible new compounds for treating the disorder, we developed a zebrafish model of LD. Our results showed the epm2a−/− zebrafish to be a faithful model of LD, exhibiting the main disease features, namely motor impairment and neuronal hyperexcitability with spontaneous seizures. The model also showed increased inflammatory response and apoptotic death, as well as an altered autophagy pathway that occurs early in development and likely contributes to the disease progression. Early administration of trehalose was found to be effective for rescuing motor impairment and neuronal hyperexcitability associated with seizures. Our study adds a new tool for investigating LD and might help to identify new treatment opportunities.
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8
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Simultaneous heptamerization of nanobody and alkaline phosphatase by self-assembly and its application for ultrasensitive immunodetection of small molecular contaminants in agro-products. Food Control 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2022.109156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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9
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An empirical pipeline for personalized diagnosis of Lafora disease mutations. iScience 2021; 24:103276. [PMID: 34755096 PMCID: PMC8564118 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Lafora disease (LD) is a fatal childhood dementia characterized by progressive myoclonic epilepsy manifesting in the teenage years, rapid neurological decline, and death typically within ten years of onset. Mutations in either EPM2A, encoding the glycogen phosphatase laforin, or EPM2B, encoding the E3 ligase malin, cause LD. Whole exome sequencing has revealed many EPM2A variants associated with late-onset or slower disease progression. We established an empirical pipeline for characterizing the functional consequences of laforin missense mutations in vitro using complementary biochemical approaches. Analysis of 26 mutations revealed distinct functional classes associated with different outcomes that were supported by clinical cases. For example, F321C and G279C mutations have attenuated functional defects and are associated with slow progression. This pipeline enabled rapid characterization and classification of newly identified EPM2A mutations, providing clinicians and researchers genetic information to guide treatment of LD patients. Lafora disease (LD) patients present with varying clinical progression LD missense mutations differentially affect laforin function An empirical in vitro pipeline is used to classify laforin missense mutations Patient progression can be predicted based on mutation class
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10
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Mitra S, Gumusgoz E, Minassian BA. Lafora disease: Current biology and therapeutic approaches. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2021; 178:315-325. [PMID: 34301405 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2021.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The ubiquitin system impacts most cellular processes and is altered in numerous neurodegenerative diseases. However, little is known about its role in neurodegenerative diseases due to disturbances of glycogen metabolism such as Lafora disease (LD). In LD, insufficiently branched and long-chained glycogen forms and precipitates into insoluble polyglucosan bodies (Lafora bodies), which drive neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration and epilepsy. LD is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the glycogen phosphatase laforin or the gene coding for the laforin interacting partner ubiquitin E3 ligase malin. The role of the malin-laforin complex in regulating glycogen structure remains with full of gaps. In this review we bring together the disparate body of data on these two proteins and propose a mechanistic hypothesis of the disease in which malin-laforin's role to monitor and prevent over-elongation of glycogen branch chains, which drive glycogen molecules to precipitate and accumulate into Lafora bodies. We also review proposed connections between Lafora bodies and the ensuing neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration and intractable epilepsy. Finally, we review the exciting activities in developing therapies for Lafora disease based on replacing the missing genes, slowing the enzyme - glycogen synthase - that over-elongates glycogen branches, and introducing enzymes that can digest Lafora bodies. Much more work is needed to fill the gaps in glycogen metabolism in which laforin and malin operate. However, knowledge appears already adequate to advance disease course altering therapies for this catastrophic fatal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mitra
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - E Gumusgoz
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - B A Minassian
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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11
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Brain glycogen serves as a critical glucosamine cache required for protein glycosylation. Cell Metab 2021; 33:1404-1417.e9. [PMID: 34043942 PMCID: PMC8266748 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Glycosylation defects are a hallmark of many nervous system diseases. However, the molecular and metabolic basis for this pathology is not fully understood. In this study, we found that N-linked protein glycosylation in the brain is metabolically channeled to glucosamine metabolism through glycogenolysis. We discovered that glucosamine is an abundant constituent of brain glycogen, which functions as a glucosamine reservoir for multiple glycoconjugates. We demonstrated the enzymatic incorporation of glucosamine into glycogen by glycogen synthase, and the release by glycogen phosphorylase by biochemical and structural methodologies, in primary astrocytes, and in vivo by isotopic tracing and mass spectrometry. Using two mouse models of glycogen storage diseases, we showed that disruption of brain glycogen metabolism causes global decreases in free pools of UDP-N-acetylglucosamine and N-linked protein glycosylation. These findings revealed fundamental biological roles of brain glycogen in protein glycosylation with direct relevance to multiple human diseases of the central nervous system.
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Markussen KH, Macedo JKA, Machío M, Dolce A, Goldberg YP, Vander Kooi CW, Gentry MS. The 6th International Lafora Epilepsy Workshop: Advances in the search for a cure. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 119:107975. [PMID: 33946009 PMCID: PMC8154720 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.107975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Lafora disease (LD) is a fatal childhood dementia with severe epilepsy and also a glycogen storage disease that is caused by recessive mutations in either the EPM2A or EPM2B genes. Aberrant, cytoplasmic carbohydrate aggregates called Lafora bodies (LBs) are both a hallmark and driver of the disease. The 6th International Lafora Epilepsy Workshop was held online due to the pandemic. Nearly 300 clinicians, academic and industry scientists, trainees, NIH representatives, and LD friends and family members participated in the event. Speakers covered aspects of LD including progress towards the clinic, the importance of establishing clinical progression, translational progress with repurposed drugs and additional pre-clinical therapies, and novel discoveries that define foundational LD mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kia H. Markussen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Epilepsy and Brain Metabolism Alliance, and Epilepsy Research Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - Jessica K. A. Macedo
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Epilepsy and Brain Metabolism Alliance, and Epilepsy Research Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA,Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - María Machío
- Fundación Jimenez Diaz Hospital, UAM, 28045 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alison Dolce
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas-Southwestern, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Y. Paul Goldberg
- Department of Clinical Development, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, 92008 USA
| | - Craig W. Vander Kooi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Epilepsy and Brain Metabolism Alliance, and Epilepsy Research Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA,Lafora Epilepsy Cure Initiative (LECI), USA
| | - Matthew S. Gentry
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Epilepsy and Brain Metabolism Alliance, and Epilepsy Research Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA,Lafora Epilepsy Cure Initiative (LECI), USA
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Vemana HP, Saraswat A, Bhutkar S, Patel K, Dukhande VV. A novel gene therapy for neurodegenerative Lafora disease via EPM2A-loaded DLinDMA lipoplexes. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2021; 16:1081-1095. [PMID: 33960213 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2020-0477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To develop novel cationic liposomes as a nonviral gene delivery vector for the treatment of rare diseases, such as Lafora disease - a neurodegenerative epilepsy. Materials & methods: DLinDMA and DOTAP liposomes were formulated and characterized for the delivery of gene encoding laforin and expression of functional protein in HEK293 and neuroblastoma cells. Results: Liposomes with cationic lipids DLinDMA and DOTAP showed good physicochemical characteristics. Nanosized DLinDMA liposomes demonstrated desired transfection efficiency, negligible hemolysis and minimal cytotoxicity. Western blotting confirmed successful expression and glucan phosphatase assay demonstrated the biological activity of laforin. Conclusion: Our study is a novel preclinical effort in formulating cationic lipoplexes containing plasmid DNA for the therapy of rare genetic diseases such as Lafora disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hari Priya Vemana
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Aishwarya Saraswat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Shraddha Bhutkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Ketan Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Vikas V Dukhande
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
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14
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Laforêt P, Oldfors A, Malfatti E, Vissing J. 251st ENMC international workshop: Polyglucosan storage myopathies 13-15 December 2019, Hoofddorp, the Netherlands. Neuromuscul Disord 2021; 31:466-477. [PMID: 33602551 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2021.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Laforêt
- Neurology Unit, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, Université Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Anders Oldfors
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Edoardo Malfatti
- Neuromuscular Reference Center, Henri Mondor University Hospital, Université Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - John Vissing
- Copenhagen Neuromuscular Center, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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Gentry MS, Afawi Z, Armstrong DD, Delgado-Escueta A, Goldberg YP, Grossman TR, Guinovart JJ, Harris F, Hurley TD, Michelucci R, Minassian BA, Sanz P, Worby CA, Serratosa JM. The 5th International Lafora Epilepsy Workshop: Basic science elucidating therapeutic options and preparing for therapies in the clinic. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 103:106839. [PMID: 31932179 PMCID: PMC7024738 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Lafora disease (LD) is both a fatal childhood epilepsy and a glycogen storage disease caused by recessive mutations in either the Epilepsy progressive myoclonus 2A (EPM2A) or EPM2B genes. Hallmarks of LD are aberrant, cytoplasmic carbohydrate aggregates called Lafora bodies (LBs) that are a disease driver. The 5th International Lafora Epilepsy Workshop was recently held in Alcala de Henares, Spain. The workshop brought together nearly 100 clinicians, academic and industry scientists, trainees, National Institutes of Health (NIH) representation, and friends and family members of patients with LD. The workshop covered aspects of LD ranging from defining basic scientific mechanisms to elucidating a LD therapy or cure and a recently launched LD natural history study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S. Gentry
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Epilepsy and Brain Metabolism Alliance, and Epilepsy Research Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA,Lafora Epilepsy Cure Initiative (LECI), USA,Corresponding author at: 741 S. Limestone, BBSRB, Room 177, Lexington, KY 40536, USA., (M.S. Gentry)
| | - Zaid Afawi
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel,Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Antonio Delgado-Escueta
- Lafora Epilepsy Cure Initiative (LECI), USA,Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA
| | | | | | - Joan J. Guinovart
- Lafora Epilepsy Cure Initiative (LECI), USA,Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028 Barcelona, Spain,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Frank Harris
- Lafora Epilepsy Cure Initiative (LECI), USA,Chelsea’s Hope, PO Box 348626, Sacramento, CA 95834, USA
| | - Thomas D. Hurley
- Lafora Epilepsy Cure Initiative (LECI), USA,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Roberto Michelucci
- Lafora Epilepsy Cure Initiative (LECI), USA,IRCCS-Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Unit of Neurology, Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Berge A. Minassian
- Lafora Epilepsy Cure Initiative (LECI), USA,Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Pascual Sanz
- Lafora Epilepsy Cure Initiative (LECI), USA,Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia (IBV-CSIC) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Carolyn A. Worby
- Lafora Epilepsy Cure Initiative (LECI), USA,Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jose M. Serratosa
- Lafora Epilepsy Cure Initiative (LECI), USA,Laboratory of Neurology, IIS-Jimenez Diaz Foundation, UAM, 28045 Madrid, Spain,Biomedical Research Networking Center on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Zhou Z, Austin GL, Shaffer R, Armstrong DD, Gentry MS. Antibody-Mediated Enzyme Therapeutics and Applications in Glycogen Storage Diseases. Trends Mol Med 2019; 25:1094-1109. [PMID: 31522955 PMCID: PMC6889062 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2019.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The use of antibodies as targeting molecules or cell-penetrating tools has emerged at the forefront of pharmaceutical research. Antibody-directed therapies in the form of antibody-drug conjugates, immune modulators, and antibody-directed enzyme prodrugs have been most extensively utilized as hematological, rheumatological, and oncological therapies, but recent developments are identifying additional applications of antibody-mediated delivery systems. A novel application of this technology is for the treatment of glycogen storage disorders (GSDs) via an antibody-enzyme fusion (AEF) platform to penetrate cells and deliver an enzyme to the cytoplasm, nucleus, and/or other organelles. Exciting developments are currently underway for AEFs in the treatment of the GSDs Pompe disease and Lafora disease (LD). Antibody-based therapies are quickly becoming an integral part of modern disease therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengqiu Zhou
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Grant L Austin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | | | | | - Matthew S Gentry
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Lafora Epilepsy Cure Initiative, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Epilepsy and Brain Metabolism Alliance, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
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