1
|
Guo J, Min D, Farrell EK, Zhou Y, Faingold CL, Cotten JF, Feng HJ. Enhancing the action of serotonin by three different mechanisms prevents spontaneous seizure-induced mortality in Dravet mice. Epilepsia 2024; 65:1791-1800. [PMID: 38593237 PMCID: PMC11166528 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17966] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is an underestimated complication of epilepsy. Previous studies have demonstrated that enhancement of serotonergic neurotransmission suppresses seizure-induced sudden death in evoked seizure models. However, it is unclear whether elevated serotonin (5-HT) function will prevent spontaneous seizure-induced mortality (SSIM), which is characteristic of human SUDEP. We examined the effects of 5-HT-enhancing agents that act by three different pharmacological mechanisms on SSIM in Dravet mice, which exhibit a high incidence of SUDEP, modeling human Dravet syndrome. METHODS Dravet mice of both sexes were evaluated for spontaneous seizure characterization and changes in SSIM incidence induced by agents that enhance 5-HT-mediated neurotransmission. Fluoxetine (a selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor), fenfluramine (a 5-HT releaser and agonist), SR 57227 (a specific 5-HT3 receptor agonist), or saline (vehicle) was intraperitoneally administered over an 8-day period in Dravet mice, and the effect of these treatments on SSIM was examined. RESULTS Spontaneous seizures in Dravet mice generally progressed from wild running to tonic seizures with or without SSIM. Fluoxetine at 30 mg/kg, but not at 20 or 5 mg/kg, significantly reduced SSIM compared with the vehicle control. Fenfluramine at 1-10 mg/kg, but not .2 mg/kg, fully protected Dravet mice from SSIM, with all mice surviving. Compared with the vehicle control, SR 57227 at 20 mg/kg, but not at 10 or 5 mg/kg, significantly lowered SSIM. The effect of these drugs on SSIM was independent of sex. SIGNIFICANCE Our data demonstrate that elevating serotonergic function by fluoxetine, fenfluramine, or SR 57227 significantly reduces or eliminates SSIM in Dravet mice in a sex-independent manner. These findings suggest that deficits in serotonergic neurotransmission likely play an important role in the pathogenesis of SSIM, and fluoxetine and fenfluramine, which are US Food and Drug Administration-approved medications, may potentially prevent SUDEP in at-risk patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jialing Guo
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Research and Prevention, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Anesthesia, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel Min
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emory K. Farrell
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yupeng Zhou
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carl L. Faingold
- Department of Pharmacology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Joseph F. Cotten
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Anesthesia, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hua-Jun Feng
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Anesthesia, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Javadzadeh Y, Santos A, Aquilino MS, Mylvaganam S, Urban K, Carlen PL. Cannabidiol Exerts Anticonvulsant Effects Alone and in Combination with Δ 9-THC through the 5-HT1A Receptor in the Neocortex of Mice. Cells 2024; 13:466. [PMID: 38534310 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids have shown potential in drug-resistant epilepsy treatment; however, we lack knowledge on which cannabinoid(s) to use, dosing, and their pharmacological targets. This study investigated (i) the anticonvulsant effect of Cannabidiol (CBD) alone and (ii) in combination with Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), as well as (iii) the serotonin (5-HT)1A receptor's role in CBD's mechanism of action. Seizure activity, induced by 4-aminopyridine, was measured by extracellular field recordings in cortex layer 2/3 of mouse brain slices. The anticonvulsant effect of 10, 30, and 100 µM CBD alone and combined with Δ9-THC was evaluated. To examine CBD's mechanism of action, slices were pre-treated with a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist before CBD's effect was evaluated. An amount of ≥30 µM CBD alone exerted significant anticonvulsant effects while 10 µM CBD did not. However, 10 µM CBD combined with low-dose Δ9-THC (20:3 ratio) displayed significantly greater anticonvulsant effects than either phytocannabinoid alone. Furthermore, blocking 5-HT1A receptors before CBD application significantly abolished CBD's effects. Thus, our results demonstrate the efficacy of low-dose CBD and Δ9-THC combined and that CBD exerts its effects, at least in part, through 5-HT1A receptors. These results could address drug-resistance while providing insight into CBD's mechanism of action, laying the groundwork for further testing of cannabinoids as anticonvulsants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasaman Javadzadeh
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5S 0T8, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Alexandra Santos
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5S 0T8, Canada
| | - Mark S Aquilino
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5S 0T8, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Shanthini Mylvaganam
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5S 0T8, Canada
| | | | - Peter L Carlen
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5S 0T8, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Clevenger T, Paz J, Stafford A, Amos D, Hayes AW. An Evaluation of Zebrafish, an Emerging Model Analyzing the Effects of Toxicants on Cognitive and Neuromuscular Function. Int J Toxicol 2024; 43:46-62. [PMID: 37903286 DOI: 10.1177/10915818231207966] [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] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
An emerging alternative to conventional animal models in toxicology research is the zebrafish. Their accelerated development, regenerative capacity, transparent physical appearance, ability to be genetically manipulated, and ease of housing and care make them feasible and efficient experimental models. Nonetheless, their most esteemed asset is their 70% (+) genetic similarity with the human genome, which allows the model to be used in a variety of clinically relevant studies. With these attributes, we propose the zebrafish is an excellent model for analyzing cognitive and neuromuscular responses when exposed to toxicants. Neurocognition can be readily analyzed using visual discrimination, memory and learning, and social behavior testing. Neuromuscular function can be analyzed using techniques such as the startle response, assessment of activity level, and evaluation of critical swimming speed. Furthermore, selectively mutated zebrafish is another novel application of this species in behavioral and pharmacological studies, which can be exploited in toxicological studies. There is a critical need in biomedical research to discover ethical and cost-effective methods to develop new products, including drugs. Through mutagenesis, zebrafish models have become key in meeting this need by advancing the field in numerous areas of biomedical research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jakob Paz
- Florida College, Temple Terrace, FL, USA
| | | | | | - A Wallace Hayes
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Temple Terrace, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cheng L, Xia F, Li Z, Shen C, Yang Z, Hou H, Sun S, Feng Y, Yong X, Tian X, Qin H, Yan W, Shao Z. Structure, function and drug discovery of GPCR signaling. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2023; 4:46. [PMID: 38047990 PMCID: PMC10695916 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-023-00156-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are versatile and vital proteins involved in a wide array of physiological processes and responses, such as sensory perception (e.g., vision, taste, and smell), immune response, hormone regulation, and neurotransmission. Their diverse and essential roles in the body make them a significant focus for pharmaceutical research and drug development. Currently, approximately 35% of marketed drugs directly target GPCRs, underscoring their prominence as therapeutic targets. Recent advances in structural biology have substantially deepened our understanding of GPCR activation mechanisms and interactions with G-protein and arrestin signaling pathways. This review offers an in-depth exploration of both traditional and recent methods in GPCR structure analysis. It presents structure-based insights into ligand recognition and receptor activation mechanisms and delves deeper into the mechanisms of canonical and noncanonical signaling pathways downstream of GPCRs. Furthermore, it highlights recent advancements in GPCR-related drug discovery and development. Particular emphasis is placed on GPCR selective drugs, allosteric and biased signaling, polyphamarcology, and antibody drugs. Our goal is to provide researchers with a thorough and updated understanding of GPCR structure determination, signaling pathway investigation, and drug development. This foundation aims to propel forward-thinking therapeutic approaches that target GPCRs, drawing upon the latest insights into GPCR ligand selectivity, activation, and biased signaling mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Cheng
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Fan Xia
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ziyan Li
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Chenglong Shen
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhiqian Yang
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Hanlin Hou
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Suyue Sun
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuying Feng
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xihao Yong
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaowen Tian
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongxi Qin
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Yan
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Zhenhua Shao
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
- Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Frontiers Medical Center, Chengdu, 610212, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hou ZS, Liu MQ, Wen HS, Gao QF, Li Z, Yang XD, Xiang KW, Yang Q, Hu X, Qian MZ, Li JF. Identification, characterization, and transcription of serotonin receptors in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in response to bacterial infection and salinity changes. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 249:125930. [PMID: 37481174 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125930] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Serotonergic system is involved in the regulation of physiological functions and behavioral traits including cognition, memory, aggression, stress coping, appetite and immunomodulation. Serotonin exerts its functions via binding distinct serotonin receptors which are classified into 7 groups. Salmonid exhibits expanded functional gene copies due to salmonid-specific whole genome duplication. However, serotonin receptor (htr) repertoire is not fully identified in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). In this study, we identified 39 htr genes, including 14 htr1, 4 htr2, 4 htr2 like, 3 htr3, 4 htr4, 2 htr5, 2 htr6, and 6 htr7 subtypes. We investigated physiological functions of serotonin receptors in response to bacterial pathogens exposure and salinity changes. We showed htr1, htr2, htr4 and htr7 subtypes were associated with immunomodulation in response to Vibrio anguillarum or Aeromonas salmonicida infection. Saltwater (salinity of 15) transfer significantly altered htr1, htr2, htr4, and htr7 subtypes, suggesting trout Htr was associated with osmoregulation. We further showed residues interacted with inverse agonist (methiothepin) and serotonin analogue (5-Carboxamidotryptamine) were conserved between trout and human, suggesting exogenous ligands targeting human HTRs might have a role in aquaculture. This study showed duplicated trout Htrs might be physiologically neofunctionalized and potentially exhibit pleiotropic effects in regulating immunomodulation and osmoregulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Shuai Hou
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education (KLMME), Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
| | - Meng-Qun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education (KLMME), Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Hai-Shen Wen
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education (KLMME), Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
| | - Qin-Feng Gao
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education (KLMME), Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
| | - Zhao Li
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education (KLMME), Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education (KLMME), Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Kai-Wen Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education (KLMME), Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Qian Yang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education (KLMME), Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xin Hu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education (KLMME), Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
| | - Meng-Zhi Qian
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education (KLMME), Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Ji-Fang Li
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education (KLMME), Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Skiba A, Pellegata D, Morozova V, Kozioł E, Budzyńska B, Lee SMY, Gertsch J, Skalicka-Woźniak K. Pharmacometabolic Effects of Pteryxin and Valproate on Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Seizures in Zebrafish Reveal Vagus Nerve Stimulation. Cells 2023; 12:1540. [PMID: 37296660 PMCID: PMC10252891 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111540] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) assays provide a versatile pharmacological platform to test compounds on a wide range of behaviors in a whole organism. A major challenge lies in the lack of knowledge about the bioavailability and pharmacodynamic effects of bioactive compounds in this model organism. Here, we employed a combined methodology of LC-ESI-MS/MS analytics and targeted metabolomics with behavioral experiments to evaluate the anticonvulsant and potentially toxic effects of the angular dihydropyranocoumarin pteryxin (PTX) in comparison to the antiepileptic drug sodium valproate (VPN) in zebrafish larvae. PTX occurs in different Apiaceae plants traditionally used in Europe to treat epilepsy but has not been investigated so far. To compare potency and efficacy, the uptake of PTX and VPN into zebrafish larvae was quantified as larvae whole-body concentrations together with amino acids and neurotransmitters as proxy pharmacodynamic readout. The convulsant agent pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) acutely reduced the levels of most metabolites, including acetylcholine and serotonin. Conversely, PTX strongly reduced neutral essential amino acids in a LAT1 (SLCA5)-independent manner, but, similarly to VPN specifically increased the levels of serotonin, acetylcholine, and choline, but also ethanolamine. PTX dose and time-dependent manner inhibited PTZ-induced seizure-like movements resulting in a ~70% efficacy after 1 h at 20 µM (the equivalent of 4.28 ± 0.28 µg/g in larvae whole-body). VPN treated for 1 h with 5 mM (the equivalent of 18.17 ± 0.40 µg/g in larvae whole-body) showed a ~80% efficacy. Unexpectedly, PTX (1-20 µM) showed significantly higher bioavailability than VPN (0.1-5 mM) in immersed zebrafish larvae, possibly because VPN in the medium dissociated partially to the readily bioavailable valproic acid. The anticonvulsive effect of PTX was confirmed by local field potential (LFP) recordings. Noteworthy, both substances specifically increased and restored whole-body acetylcholine, choline, and serotonin levels in control and PTZ-treated zebrafish larvae, indicative of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), which is an adjunctive therapeutic strategy to treat refractory epilepsy in humans. Our study demonstrates the utility of targeted metabolomics in zebrafish assays and shows that VPN and PTX pharmacologically act on the autonomous nervous system by activating parasympathetic neurotransmitters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrianna Skiba
- Department of Chemistry of Natural Products, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Daniele Pellegata
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland (V.M.)
| | - Veronika Morozova
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland (V.M.)
| | - Ewelina Kozioł
- Department of Chemistry of Natural Products, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Barbara Budzyńska
- Independent Laboratory of Behavioral Studies, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Simon Ming-Yuen Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao 519020, China;
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland (V.M.)
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sourbron J, Lagae L. Fenfluramine: a plethora of mechanisms? Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1192022. [PMID: 37251322 PMCID: PMC10213522 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1192022] [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: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies are rare, treatment-resistant epilepsies with high seizure burden and non-seizure comorbidities. The antiseizure medication (ASM) fenfluramine is an effective treatment for reducing seizure frequency, ameliorating comorbidities, and potentially reducing risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) in patients with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, among other rare epilepsies. Fenfluramine has a unique mechanism of action (MOA) among ASMs. Its primary MOA is currently described as dual-action sigma-1 receptor and serotonergic activity; however, other mechanisms may be involved. Here, we conduct an extensive review of the literature to identify all previously described mechanisms for fenfluramine. We also consider how these mechanisms may play a role in the reports of clinical benefit in non-seizure outcomes, including SUDEP and everyday executive function. Our review highlights the importance of serotonin and sigma-1 receptor mechanisms in maintaining a balance between excitatory (glutamatergic) and inhibitory (γ-aminobutyric acid [GABA]-ergic) neural networks, and suggests that these mechanisms may represent primary pharmacological MOAs in seizures, non-seizure comorbidities, and SUDEP. We also describe ancillary roles for GABA neurotransmission, noradrenergic neurotransmission, and the endocrine system (especially such progesterone derivatives as neuroactive steroids). Dopaminergic activity underlies appetite reduction, a common side effect with fenfluramine treatment, but any involvement in seizure reduction remains speculative. Further research is underway to evaluate promising new biological pathways for fenfluramine. A better understanding of the pharmacological mechanisms for fenfluramine in reducing seizure burden and non-seizure comorbidities may allow for rational drug design and/or improved clinical decision-making when prescribing multi-ASM regimens.
Collapse
|
8
|
Vavers E, Zvejniece L, Dambrova M. Sigma-1 receptor and seizures. Pharmacol Res 2023; 191:106771. [PMID: 37068533 PMCID: PMC10176040 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Over the last decade, sigma-1 receptor (Sig1R) has been recognized as a valid target for the treatment of seizure disorders and seizure-related comorbidities. Clinical trials with Sig1R ligands are underway testing therapies for the treatment of drug-resistant seizures, developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, and photosensitive epilepsy. However, the direct molecular mechanism by which Sig1R modulates seizures and the balance between excitatory and inhibitory pathways has not been fully elucidated. This review article aims to summarize existing knowledge of Sig1R and its involvement in seizures by focusing on the evidence obtained from Sig1R knockout animals and the anti-seizure effects of Sig1R ligands. In addition, this review article includes a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of the use of existing compounds and describes the challenges and future perspectives on the use of Sig1R as a target for the treatment of seizure disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edijs Vavers
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Aizkraukles 21, LV-1006, Riga, Latvia; University of Tartu, Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Chemistry, Ravila 14a, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Liga Zvejniece
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Aizkraukles 21, LV-1006, Riga, Latvia
| | - Maija Dambrova
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Aizkraukles 21, LV-1006, Riga, Latvia; Riga Stradiņš University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Konsula 21, LV-1007, Riga, Latvia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
de Moura LA, Pyterson MP, Pimentel AFN, Araújo F, de Souza LVXB, Mendes CHM, Costa BPD, de Siqueira-Silva DH, Lima-Maximino M, Maximino C. Roles of the 5-HT2C receptor on zebrafish sociality. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2023; 125:110769. [PMID: 37068544 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) receptors have been implicated in social behavior in vertebrates. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have been increasingly being used behavioral neuroscience to study the neurobiological correlates of behavior, including sociality. Nonetheless, the role of 5-HT2C receptors in different social functions were not yet studied in this species. Zebrafish were treated with the agonist MK-212 (2 mg/kg) or the antagonist RS-102221 (2 mg/kg) and tested in the social interaction and social novelty tests, conditional approach test, or mirror-induced aggressive displays. MK-212 increased preference for an unknown conspecific in the social investigation test, but also increased preference for the known conspecific in the social novelty test; RS-102221, on the other hand, decreased preference in the social investigation test but increased preference for the novel conspecific in the social novelty test. MK-212 also decreased predator inspection in the conditional approach test. While RS-102221 decreased time in the display zone in the mirror-induced aggressive display test, it increased display duration. Overall, these results demonstrate the complex role of 5-HT2C receptors in different social contexts in zebrafish, revealing a participation in social plasticity in vertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Layana Aquino de Moura
- Laboratório de Neurociências e Comportamento "Frederico Guilherme Graeff", Faculdade de Psicologia, Instituto de Estudos em Saúde e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará, Marabá,PA, Brazil
| | - Maryana Pereira Pyterson
- Laboratório de Neurociências e Comportamento "Frederico Guilherme Graeff", Faculdade de Psicologia, Instituto de Estudos em Saúde e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará, Marabá,PA, Brazil
| | - Ana Flávia Nogueira Pimentel
- Laboratório de Neurociências e Comportamento "Frederico Guilherme Graeff", Faculdade de Psicologia, Instituto de Estudos em Saúde e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará, Marabá,PA, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Araújo
- Laboratório de Neurociências e Comportamento "Frederico Guilherme Graeff", Faculdade de Psicologia, Instituto de Estudos em Saúde e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará, Marabá,PA, Brazil; Núcleo Emergente de Fisiologia e Farmacologia de Peixes Teleósteos do Sudeste do Pará, Marabá, PA, Brazil
| | - Loanne Valéria Xavier Bruce de Souza
- Laboratório de Neurociências e Comportamento "Frederico Guilherme Graeff", Faculdade de Psicologia, Instituto de Estudos em Saúde e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará, Marabá,PA, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências e Comportamento, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil; Núcleo Emergente de Fisiologia e Farmacologia de Peixes Teleósteos do Sudeste do Pará, Marabá, PA, Brazil
| | - Caio Henrique Moura Mendes
- Laboratório de Neurociências e Comportamento "Frederico Guilherme Graeff", Faculdade de Psicologia, Instituto de Estudos em Saúde e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará, Marabá,PA, Brazil; Núcleo Emergente de Fisiologia e Farmacologia de Peixes Teleósteos do Sudeste do Pará, Marabá, PA, Brazil
| | - Bruna Patrícia Dutra Costa
- Laboratório de Neurociências e Comportamento "Frederico Guilherme Graeff", Faculdade de Psicologia, Instituto de Estudos em Saúde e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará, Marabá,PA, Brazil; Rede de Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia da Amazônia Legal, Brazil
| | - Diógenes Henrique de Siqueira-Silva
- Grupo de Estudos da Reprodução de Peixes Amazônicos, Faculdade de Biologia, Instituto de Estudos em Saúde e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará, Marabá, PA, Brazil; Rede de Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia da Amazônia Legal, Brazil; Núcleo Emergente de Fisiologia e Farmacologia de Peixes Teleósteos do Sudeste do Pará, Marabá, PA, Brazil
| | - Monica Lima-Maximino
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia e Biofísica, Universidade do Estado do Pará, Campus VIII, Marabá, PA, Brazil; Rede de Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia da Amazônia Legal, Brazil; Núcleo Emergente de Fisiologia e Farmacologia de Peixes Teleósteos do Sudeste do Pará, Marabá, PA, Brazil
| | - Caio Maximino
- Laboratório de Neurociências e Comportamento "Frederico Guilherme Graeff", Faculdade de Psicologia, Instituto de Estudos em Saúde e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará, Marabá,PA, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências e Comportamento, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil; Rede de Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia da Amazônia Legal, Brazil; Núcleo Emergente de Fisiologia e Farmacologia de Peixes Teleósteos do Sudeste do Pará, Marabá, PA, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bialer M, Johannessen SI, Koepp MJ, Levy RH, Perucca E, Perucca P, Tomson T, White HS. Progress report on new antiepileptic drugs: A summary of the Sixteenth Eilat Conference on New Antiepileptic Drugs and Devices (EILAT XVI): II. Drugs in more advanced clinical development. Epilepsia 2022; 63:2883-2910. [PMID: 35950617 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The Sixteenth Eilat Conference on New Antiepileptic Drugs and Devices (EILAT XVI) was held in Madrid, Spain on May 22-25, 2022 and was attended by 157 delegates from 26 countries representing basic and clinical science, regulatory agencies, and pharmaceutical industries. One day of the conference was dedicated to sessions presenting and discussing investigational compounds under development for the treatment of seizures and epilepsy. The current progress report summarizes recent findings and current knowledge for seven of these compounds in more advanced clinical development for which either novel preclinical or patient data are available. These compounds include bumetanide and its derivatives, darigabat, ganaxolone, lorcaserin, soticlestat, STK-001, and XEN1101. Of these, ganaxolone was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in March 2022 for the treatment of seizures associated with cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 deficiency disorder in patients 2 years of age and older.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meir Bialer
- Institute for Drug Research, Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, and David R. Bloom Center for Pharmacy, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Svein I Johannessen
- National Center for Epilepsy, Sandvika, Norway.,Department of Pharmacology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Matthias J Koepp
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, University College London Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - René H Levy
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Emilio Perucca
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Piero Perucca
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Bladin-Berkovic Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Department of Neurology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Neurology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Torbjörn Tomson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - H Steve White
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ochenkowska K, Herold A, Samarut É. Zebrafish Is a Powerful Tool for Precision Medicine Approaches to Neurological Disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:944693. [PMID: 35875659 PMCID: PMC9298522 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.944693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Personalized medicine is currently one of the most promising tools which give hope to patients with no suitable or no available treatment. Patient-specific approaches are particularly needed for common diseases with a broad phenotypic spectrum as well as for rare and yet-undiagnosed disorders. In both cases, there is a need to understand the underlying mechanisms and how to counteract them. Even though, during recent years, we have been observing the blossom of novel therapeutic techniques, there is still a gap to fill between bench and bedside in a patient-specific fashion. In particular, the complexity of genotype-to-phenotype correlations in the context of neurological disorders has dampened the development of successful disease-modifying therapeutics. Animal modeling of human diseases is instrumental in the development of therapies. Currently, zebrafish has emerged as a powerful and convenient model organism for modeling and investigating various neurological disorders. This model has been broadly described as a valuable tool for understanding developmental processes and disease mechanisms, behavioral studies, toxicity, and drug screening. The translatability of findings obtained from zebrafish studies and the broad prospect of human disease modeling paves the way for developing tailored therapeutic strategies. In this review, we will discuss the predictive power of zebrafish in the discovery of novel, precise therapeutic approaches in neurosciences. We will shed light on the advantages and abilities of this in vivo model to develop tailored medicinal strategies. We will also investigate the newest accomplishments and current challenges in the field and future perspectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Ochenkowska
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Aveeva Herold
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Éric Samarut
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Modelis Inc., Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Moog M, Baraban SC. Clemizole and Trazodone are Effective Antiseizure Treatments in a Zebrafish Model of STXBP1 Disorder. Epilepsia Open 2022; 7:504-511. [PMID: 35451230 PMCID: PMC9436285 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9-generated zebrafish carrying a 12 base-pair deletion in stxbpb1b, a paralog sharing 79% amino acid sequence identity with human, exhibit spontaneous electrographic seizures during larval stages of development. Zebrafish stxbp1b mutants provide an efficient preclinical platform to test antiseizure therapeutics. The present study was designed to test antiseizure medications approved for clinical use and two recently identified repurposed drugs with antiseizure activity. Larval homozygous stxbp1b zebrafish (4 days post-fertilization) were agarose-embedded and monitored for electrographic seizure activity using a local field recording electrode placed in midbrain. Frequency of ictal-like events was evaluated at baseline and following 45 min of continuous drug exposure (1 mM, bath application). Analysis was performed on coded files by an experimenter blinded to drug treatment and genotype. Phenytoin, valproate, ethosuximide, levetiracetam, and diazepam had no effect on ictal-like event frequency in stxbp1b mutant zebrafish. Clemizole and trazodone decreased ictal-like event frequency in stxbp1b mutant zebrafish by 80% and 83%, respectively. These results suggest that repurposed drugs with serotonin receptor binding affinities could be effective antiseizure treatments. Clemizole and trazodone were previously identified in a larval zebrafish model for Dravet syndrome. Based primarily on these preclinical zebrafish studies, compassionate-use and double-blind clinical trials with both drugs have progressed. The present study extends this approach to a preclinical zebrafish model representing STXBP1-related disorders, and suggests that future clinical studies may be warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maia Moog
- Department of Neurological Surgery & Weill Institute for NeuroscienceUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Scott C. Baraban
- Department of Neurological Surgery & Weill Institute for NeuroscienceUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
- Helen Wills Neuroscience InstituteUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mao Q, Zhang B, Tian S, Qin W, Chen J, Huang XP, Xin Y, Yang H, Zhen XC, Shui W, Ye N. Structural optimizations and bioevaluation of N-H aporphine analogues as Gq-biased and selective serotonin 5-HT2C receptor agonists. Bioorg Chem 2022; 123:105795. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.105795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
14
|
From the North Sea to Drug Repurposing, the Antiseizure Activity of Halimide and Plinabulin. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15020247. [PMID: 35215359 PMCID: PMC8878679 DOI: 10.3390/ph15020247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PharmaSea performed large-scale in vivo screening of marine natural product (MNP) extracts, using zebrafish embryos and larvae, to identify compounds with the potential to treat epilepsy. In this study, we report the discovery of two new antiseizure compounds, the 2,5-diketopiperazine halimide and its semi-synthetic analogue, plinabulin. Interestingly, these are both known microtubule destabilizing agents, and plinabulin could have the potential for drug repurposing, as it is already in clinical trials for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia and treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Both halimide and plinabulin were found to have antiseizure activity in the larval zebrafish pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) seizure model via automated locomotor analysis and non-invasive local field potential recordings. The efficacy of plinabulin was further characterized in animal models of drug-resistant seizures, i.e., the larval zebrafish ethyl ketopentenoate (EKP) seizure model and the mouse 6 Hz psychomotor seizure model. Plinabulin was observed to be highly effective against EKP-induced seizures, on the behavioral and electrophysiological level, and showed activity in the mouse model. These data suggest that plinabulin could be of interest for the treatment of drug-resistant seizures. Finally, the investigation of two functional analogues, colchicine and indibulin, which were observed to be inactive against EKP-induced seizures, suggests that microtubule depolymerization does not underpin plinabulin’s antiseizure action.
Collapse
|
15
|
Bialer M, Perucca E. Lorcaserin for Dravet Syndrome: A Potential Advance Over Fenfluramine? CNS Drugs 2022; 36:113-122. [PMID: 35094259 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-022-00896-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Lorcaserin, a selective serotonin 5-HT2C receptor agonist, was developed as an appetite suppressant with the rationale of minimizing the risk of cardiovascular toxicity associated with non-selective serotoninergic agents such as fenfluramine. Eight years after FDA approval, however, it was withdrawn from the market, when a large safety study suggested a potential cancer risk. Following in the fenfluramine footsteps and utilizing the repurposing approach coupled with the regulatory orphan drug designation, lorcaserin is currently in clinical development for the treatment of epilepsy. This potential novel indication builds on the evidence that 5-HT2C receptor stimulation can protect against seizures, and accounts at least in part for fenfluramine's antiseizure effects in Dravet syndrome models. In animal models, lorcaserin shows a narrower range of antiseizure activity than fenfluramine. In particular, lorcaserin is inactive in classical acute seizure tests such as maximal electroshock and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole in mice and rats, and the 6-Hz stimulation model in mice. However, it is active in the GAERS absence seizure model, and in mutant zebrafish models of Dravet syndrome. Preliminary uncontrolled studies in patients with Dravet syndrome have yielded promising results, and a phase III, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group trial is currently ongoing to assess its efficacy and safety in children and adults with Dravet syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meir Bialer
- Institute of Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel. .,David R. Bloom Center for Pharmacy, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Emilio Perucca
- Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sourbron J, Lagae L. Serotonin receptors in epilepsy: novel treatment targets? Epilepsia Open 2022; 7:231-246. [PMID: 35075810 PMCID: PMC9159250 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the availability of over 30 antiseizure medications (ASMs), there is no “one size fits it all,” so there is a continuing search for novel ASMs. There are divergent data demonstrating that modulation of distinct serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine, 5‐HT) receptors subtypes could be beneficial in the treatment of epilepsy and its comorbidities, whereas only a few ASM, such as fenfluramine (FA), act via 5‐HT. There are 14 different 5‐HT receptor subtypes, and most epilepsy studies focus on one or a few of these subtypes, using different animal models and different ligands. We reviewed the available evidence of each 5‐HT receptor subtype using MEDLINE up to July 2021. Our search included medical subject heading (MeSH) and free terms of each “5‐HT subtype” separately and its relation to “epilepsy or seizures.” Most research underlines the antiseizure activity of 5‐HT1A,1D,2A,2C,3 agonism and 5‐HT6 antagonism. Consistently, FA, which has recently been approved for the treatment of seizures in Dravet syndrome, is an agonist of 5‐HT1D,2A,2C receptors. Even though each study focused on a distinct seizure/epilepsy type and generalization of different findings could lead to false interpretations, we believe that the available preclinical and clinical studies emphasize the role of serotonergic modulation, especially stimulation, as a promising avenue in epilepsy treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jo Sourbron
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Section Pediatric Neurology, University Hospital KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lieven Lagae
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Section Pediatric Neurology, University Hospital KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Gong P, Liu J, Jiao X, Niu Y, Wang J, Wang X, Yang Z. Novel biallelic loss of EEF1B2 function links to autosomal recessive intellectual disability. Hum Mutat 2022; 43:299-304. [PMID: 35015920 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Biallelic variants in EEF1B2 have recently been shown to cause a novel form of non-syndromic intellectual disability (ID) in two unrelated families. More patients are needed to delineate the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of this gene. In this study, two patients in a family harboring pathogenic compound heterozygous variants in EEF1B2 were identified. They were characterized by non-syndromic ID and fever-sensitive seizures in childhood. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) analysis showed significantly reduced levels of mRNA expression in two patients compared with unaffected controls. The level of EEF1B2 protein was hardly detected in both patients and their unaffected parents. The eef1b2 F0 knockout (crispant) zebrafish presented with abnormal development and light-induced hyperactivity. We identified novel pathogenic EEF1B2 variants within two siblings in a new family. The findings of the expression experiment and first crispant eef1b2 zebrafish model provided further clues to the role of EEF1B2 variants in the pathogenesis of autosomal-recessive ID.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pan Gong
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | | | - Xianru Jiao
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Niu
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | | | | | - Zhixian Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Crouzier L, Richard EM, Sourbron J, Lagae L, Maurice T, Delprat B. Use of Zebrafish Models to Boost Research in Rare Genetic Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13356. [PMID: 34948153 PMCID: PMC8706563 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rare genetic diseases are a group of pathologies with often unmet clinical needs. Even if rare by a single genetic disease (from 1/2000 to 1/more than 1,000,000), the total number of patients concerned account for approximatively 400 million peoples worldwide. Finding treatments remains challenging due to the complexity of these diseases, the small number of patients and the challenge in conducting clinical trials. Therefore, innovative preclinical research strategies are required. The zebrafish has emerged as a powerful animal model for investigating rare diseases. Zebrafish combines conserved vertebrate characteristics with high rate of breeding, limited housing requirements and low costs. More than 84% of human genes responsible for diseases present an orthologue, suggesting that the majority of genetic diseases could be modelized in zebrafish. In this review, we emphasize the unique advantages of zebrafish models over other in vivo models, particularly underlining the high throughput phenotypic capacity for therapeutic screening. We briefly introduce how the generation of zebrafish transgenic lines by gene-modulating technologies can be used to model rare genetic diseases. Then, we describe how zebrafish could be phenotyped using state-of-the-art technologies. Two prototypic examples of rare diseases illustrate how zebrafish models could play a critical role in deciphering the underlying mechanisms of rare genetic diseases and their use to identify innovative therapeutic solutions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Crouzier
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France; (L.C.); (E.M.R.); (T.M.)
| | - Elodie M. Richard
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France; (L.C.); (E.M.R.); (T.M.)
| | - Jo Sourbron
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Section Pediatric Neurology, University Hospital KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (J.S.); (L.L.)
| | - Lieven Lagae
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Section Pediatric Neurology, University Hospital KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (J.S.); (L.L.)
| | - Tangui Maurice
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France; (L.C.); (E.M.R.); (T.M.)
| | - Benjamin Delprat
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France; (L.C.); (E.M.R.); (T.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
de Barros WA, Nunes CDS, Souza JADCR, Nascimento IJDS, Figueiredo IM, de Aquino TM, Vieira L, Farias D, Santos JCC, de Fátima Â. The new psychoactive substances 25H-NBOMe and 25H-NBOH induce abnormal development in the zebrafish embryo and interact in the DNA major groove. Curr Res Toxicol 2021; 2:386-398. [PMID: 34888530 PMCID: PMC8637007 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
25H-NBOMe and 25H-NBOH recreational drugs induces abnormal formation in zebrafish embryos. Biophysical and theoretical studies indicate that these drugs have affinity for the DNA major groove. The toxicity observed in the zebrafish embryos and DNA interaction may be correlated.
Toxicological effects of 25H-NBOMe and 25H-NBOH recreational drugs on zebrafish embryos and larvae at the end of 96 h exposure period were demonstrated. 25H-NBOH and 25H-NBOMe caused high embryo mortality at 80 and 100 µg mL−1, respectively. According to the decrease in the concentration tested, lethality decreased while non-lethal effects were predominant up to 10 and 50 µg mL−1 of 25H-NBOH and 25H-NBOMe, respectively, including spine malformation, egg hatching delay, body malformation, otolith malformation, pericardial edema, and blood clotting. We can disclose that these drugs have an affinity for DNA in vitro using biophysical spectroscopic assays and molecular modeling methods. The experiments demonstrated that 25H-NBOH and 25H-NBOMe bind to the unclassical major groove of ctDNA with a binding constant of 27.00 × 104 M−1 and 5.27 × 104 M−1, respectively. Furthermore, these interactions lead to conformational changes in the DNA structure. Therefore, the results observed in the zebrafish embryos and DNA may be correlated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wellington Alves de Barros
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Camila da Silva Nunes
- Instituto de Química e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Maceió, AL, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Leonardo Vieira
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | - Davi Farias
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | | | - Ângelo de Fátima
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
do Carmo Silva RX, do Nascimento BG, Gomes GCV, da Silva NAH, Pinheiro JS, da Silva Chaves SN, Pimentel AFN, Costa BPD, Herculano AM, Lima-Maximino M, Maximino C. 5-HT2C agonists and antagonists block different components of behavioral responses to potential, distal, and proximal threat in zebrafish. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 210:173276. [PMID: 34555392 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) receptors have been implicated in responses to aversive stimuli in mammals and fish, but its precise role is still unknown. Moreover, since at least seven families of 5-HT receptors exist in vertebrates, the role of specific receptors is still debated. Aversive stimuli can be classified as indicators of proximal, distal, or potential threat, initiating responses that are appropriate for each of these threat levels. Responses to potential threat usually involve cautious exploration and increased alertness, while responses to distal and proximal threat involve a fight-flight-freeze reaction. We exposed adult zebrafish to a conspecific alarm substance (CAS) and observed behavior during (distal threat) and after (potential threat) exposure, and treated with the 5-HT2C receptor agonists MK-212 or WAY-161503 or with the antagonist RS-102221. The agonists blocked CAS-elicited defensive behavior (distal threat), but not post-exposure increases in defensive behavior (potential threat), suggesting inhibition of responses to distal threat. MK-212 blocked changes in freezing elicited by acute restraint stress, a model of proximal threat, while RS-102221 blocked changes in geotaxis elicited this stressor. We also found that RS-102221, a 5-HT2C receptor antagonist, produced small effect on behavior during and after exposure to CAS. Preprint: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.04.324202; Data and scripts: https://github.com/lanec-unifesspa/5-HT-CAS/tree/master/data/5HT2C.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rhayra Xavier do Carmo Silva
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia Experimental - LNE, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém/PA, Brazil; Laboratório de Neurociências e Comportamento "Frederico Guilherme Graeff" - LaNeC, Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará, Marabá/PA, Brazil
| | - Bianca Gomes do Nascimento
- Laboratório de Neurociências e Comportamento "Frederico Guilherme Graeff" - LaNeC, Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará, Marabá/PA, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Cristini Vidal Gomes
- Laboratório de Neurociências e Comportamento "Frederico Guilherme Graeff" - LaNeC, Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará, Marabá/PA, Brazil
| | | | - Jéssica Souza Pinheiro
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia Experimental - LNE, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém/PA, Brazil
| | - Suianny Nayara da Silva Chaves
- Laboratório de Neurociências e Comportamento "Frederico Guilherme Graeff" - LaNeC, Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará, Marabá/PA, Brazil
| | - Ana Flávia Nogueira Pimentel
- Laboratório de Neurociências e Comportamento "Frederico Guilherme Graeff" - LaNeC, Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará, Marabá/PA, Brazil
| | - Bruna Patrícia Dutra Costa
- Laboratório de Neurociências e Comportamento "Frederico Guilherme Graeff" - LaNeC, Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará, Marabá/PA, Brazil
| | | | - Monica Lima-Maximino
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia e Biofísica - LaNeF, Universidade do Estado do Pará, Marabá/PA, Brazil
| | - Caio Maximino
- Laboratório de Neurociências e Comportamento "Frederico Guilherme Graeff" - LaNeC, Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará, Marabá/PA, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Paudel YN, Khan SU, Othman I, Shaikh MF. Naturally Occurring HMGB1 Inhibitor, Glycyrrhizin, Modulates Chronic Seizures-Induced Memory Dysfunction in Zebrafish Model. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:3288-3302. [PMID: 34463468 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycyrrhizin (GL) is a well-known pharmacological inhibitor of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and is abundantly present in the licorice root (Glycyrrhiza radix). HMGB1 protein, a key mediator of neuroinflammation, has been implicated in several neurological disorders, including epilepsy. Epilepsy is a devastating neurological disorder with no effective disease-modifying treatment strategies yet, suggesting a pressing need for exploring novel therapeutic options. In the current investigation, using a second hit pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) induced chronic seizure model in adult zebrafish, regulated mRNA expression of HMGB1 was inhibited by pretreatment with GL (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, ip). A molecular docking study suggests that GL establishes different binding interactions with the various amino acid chains of HMGB1 and Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4). Our finding suggests that GL pretreatment reduces/suppresses second hit PTZ induced seizure, as shown by the reduction in the seizure score. GL also regulates the second hit PTZ induced behavioral impairment and rescued second hit PTZ related memory impairment as demonstrated by an increase in the inflection ratio (IR) at the 3 h and 24 h T-maze trial. GL inhibited seizure-induced neuronal activity as demonstrated by reduced C-fos mRNA expression. GL also modulated mRNA expression of BDNF, CREB-1, and NPY. The possible mechanism underlying the anticonvulsive effect of GL could be attributed to its anti-inflammatory activity, as demonstrated by the downregulated mRNA expression level of HMGB1, TLR4, NF-kB, and TNF-α. Overall, our finding suggests that GL exerts an anticonvulsive effect and ameliorates seizure-related memory disruption plausibly through regulating of the HMGB1-TLR4-NF-kB axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yam Nath Paudel
- Neuropharmacology Research Strength, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Shafi Ullah Khan
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacy, Abasyn University, Ring Road, Peshawar 25120, Pakistan
| | - Iekhsan Othman
- Neuropharmacology Research Strength, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
- Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LCMS) Platform, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia
| | - Mohd. Farooq Shaikh
- Neuropharmacology Research Strength, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Martin P, Reeder T, Sourbron J, de Witte PAM, Gammaitoni AR, Galer BS. An Emerging Role for Sigma-1 Receptors in the Treatment of Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8416. [PMID: 34445144 PMCID: PMC8395113 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are complex conditions characterized primarily by seizures associated with neurodevelopmental and motor deficits. Recent evidence supports sigma-1 receptor modulation in both neuroprotection and antiseizure activity, suggesting that sigma-1 receptors may play a role in the pathogenesis of DEEs, and that targeting this receptor has the potential to positively impact both seizures and non-seizure outcomes in these disorders. Recent studies have demonstrated that the antiseizure medication fenfluramine, a serotonin-releasing drug that also acts as a positive modulator of sigma-1 receptors, reduces seizures and improves everyday executive functions (behavior, emotions, cognition) in patients with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Here, we review the evidence for sigma-1 activity in reducing seizure frequency and promoting neuroprotection in the context of DEE pathophysiology and clinical presentation, using fenfluramine as a case example. Challenges and opportunities for future research include developing appropriate models for evaluating sigma-1 receptors in these syndromic epileptic conditions with multisystem involvement and complex clinical presentation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parthena Martin
- Zogenix, Inc., Emeryville, CA 94608, USA; (P.M.); (T.R.); (A.R.G.)
| | - Thadd Reeder
- Zogenix, Inc., Emeryville, CA 94608, USA; (P.M.); (T.R.); (A.R.G.)
| | - Jo Sourbron
- University Hospital KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Peter A. M. de Witte
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences at KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | | | - Bradley S. Galer
- Zogenix, Inc., Emeryville, CA 94608, USA; (P.M.); (T.R.); (A.R.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
Danio rerio (zebrafish) are a powerful experimental model for genetic and developmental studies. Adaptation of zebrafish to study seizures was initially established using the common convulsant agent pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). Larval PTZ-exposed zebrafish exhibit clear behavioral convulsions and abnormal electrographic activity, reminiscent of interictal and ictal epileptiform discharge. By using this model, our laboratory developed simple locomotion-based and electrophysiological assays to monitor and quantify seizures in larval zebrafish. Zebrafish also offer multiple advantages for rapid genetic manipulation and high-throughput phenotype-based drug screening. Combining these seizure assays with genetically modified zebrafish that represent Dravet syndrome, a rare genetic epilepsy, ultimately contributed to a phenotype-based screen of over 3500 drugs. Several drugs identified in these zebrafish screens are currently in clinical or compassionate-use trials. The emergence of this 'aquarium-to-bedside' approach suggests that broader efforts to adapt and improve upon this zebrafish-centric strategy can drive a variety of exciting new discoveries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott C Baraban
- Department of Neurological Surgery and Weill Institute for Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco,CA 94143-0350, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Dang J, Paudel YN, Yang X, Ren Q, Zhang S, Ji X, Liu K, Jin M. Schaftoside Suppresses Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Seizures in Zebrafish via Suppressing Apoptosis, Modulating Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:2542-2552. [PMID: 34128378 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The lack of disease-modifying therapeutic strategies against epileptic seizures has caused a surge in preclinical research focused on exploring and developing novel therapeutic candidates for epilepsy. Compounds from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have gained much attention for a plethora of neurological diseases, including epilepsy. Herein, for the first time, we evaluated the anticonvulsive effects of schaftoside (SS), a TCM, on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced epileptic seizures in zebrafish and examined the underlying mechanisms. We observed that SS pretreatments significantly suppressed seizure-like behavior and prolonged the onset of seizures. Zebrafish larvae pretreated with SS demonstrated downregulation of c-fos expression during seizures. PTZ-induced upregulation of apoptotic cells was decreased upon pretreatment with SS. Inflammatory phenomena during seizure progression including the upregulation of interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) were downregulated upon pretreatment with SS. The PTZ-induced recruitment of immunocytes was in turn reduced upon SS pretreatment. Moreover, SS pretreatment modulated oxidative stress, as demonstrated by decreased levels of catalase (CAT) and increased levels of glutathione peroxidase-1a (GPx1a) and manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD). However, pretreatment with SS modulated the PTZ-induced downregulation of the relative enzyme activity of CAT, GPx, and SOD. Hence, our findings suggest that SS pretreatment ameliorates PTZ-induced seizures, suppresses apoptosis, and downregulates the inflammatory response and oxidative stress, which potentially protect against further seizures in zebrafish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Dang
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji’nan 250103, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji’nan 250103, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yam Nath Paudel
- Neuropharmacology Research Strength, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Xueliang Yang
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji’nan 250103, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji’nan 250103, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qingyu Ren
- School of Psychology, North China University of Science and Technology, 21 Bohai Road, Tang’shan 063210, Hebei Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji’nan 250103, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji’nan 250103, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiuna Ji
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji’nan 250103, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji’nan 250103, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kechun Liu
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji’nan 250103, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji’nan 250103, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meng Jin
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji’nan 250103, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji’nan 250103, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Evaluation of lorcaserin as an anticonvulsant in juvenile Fmr1 knockout mice. Epilepsy Res 2021; 175:106677. [PMID: 34130255 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2021.106677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent preclinical and clinical studies suggest that lorcaserin, a preferential serotonin 2C receptor (5-HT2CR) agonist that was approved for the treatment of obesity, possesses antiepileptic properties. Here, we tested whether lorcaserin (1, 3, 5.6, 10 mg/kg) is prophylactic against audiogenic seizures (AGSs) in juvenile Fmr1 knockout mice, a mouse model of fragile X syndrome (FXS). MPEP (30 mg/kg), a non-competitive mGluR5 receptor antagonist, was used as a positive control. As lorcaserin likely engages 5-HT2ARs at therapeutic doses, we pretreated one group of mice with the selective 5-HT2AR antagonist/inverse agonist, M100907 (0.03 mg/kg), alone or before administering lorcaserin (5.6 mg/kg), to discern putative contributions of 5-HT2ARs to AGSs. We also assessed lorcaserin's in vitro pharmacology at human (h) and mouse (m) 5-HT2CRs and 5-HT2ARs and its in vivo interactions at m5-HT2CRs and m5-HT2ARs. MPEP significantly decreased AGS prevalence (P = 0.011) and lethality (P = 0.038). Lorcaserin, 3 mg/kg, attenuated AGS prevalence and lethality by 14 % and 32 %, respectively, however, results were not statistically significant (P = 0.5 and P = 0.06); other doses and M100907 alone or with lorcaserin also did not significantly affect AGSs. Lorcaserin exhibited full efficacy agonist activity at h5-HT2CRs and m5-HT2CRs, and near full efficacy agonist activity at h5-HT2ARs and m5-HT2ARs; selectivity for activation of 5-HT2CRs over 5-HT2ARs was greater for human (38-fold) compared to mouse (13-fold) receptors. Lorcaserin displayed relatively low affinities at antagonist-labeled 5-HT2CRs and 5-HT2ARs, regardless of species. Lorcaserin (3 and 5.6 mg/kg) increased the 5-HT2AR-dependent head-twitch response (HTR) elicited by (±)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI) in mice (P = 0.03 and P = 0.02). At 3 mg/kg, lorcaserin alone did not elicit an HTR. If mice were treated with the selective 5-HT2CR antagonist SB 242084 (0.5 or 1 mg/kg) plus lorcaserin (3 mg/kg), a significantly increased HTR was observed, relative to vehicle (P = 0.01 and P = 0.03), however, the HTR was much lower than what was elicited by DOI or DOI plus lorcaserin. Lorcaserin, 3 mg/kg, significantly reduced locomotor activity on its own, an effect reversed by SB 242084, and lorcaserin also dose-dependently reduced locomotor activity when administered prior to DOI (Ps<0.002). These data suggest that lorcaserin may engage 5-HT2CRs as well as 5-HT2ARs in mice at doses as low as 3 mg/kg. The similar activity at m5-HT2CRs and m5-HT2ARs suggests careful dosing of lorcaserin is necessary to selectively engage 5-HT2CRs in vivo. In conclusion, lorcaserin was ineffective at preventing AGSs in Fmr1 knockout mice. Lorcaserin may not be a suitable pharmacotherapy for seizures in FXS.
Collapse
|
26
|
Efficacy of Fenfluramine and Norfenfluramine Enantiomers and Various Antiepileptic Drugs in a Zebrafish Model of Dravet Syndrome. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:2249-2261. [PMID: 34041623 PMCID: PMC8302504 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03358-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Dravet syndrome (DS) is a rare genetic encephalopathy that is characterized by severe seizures and highly resistant to commonly used antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). In 2020, FDA has approved fenfluramine (FFA) for treatment of seizures associated with DS. However, the clinically used FFA is a racemic mixture (i.e. (±)-FFA), that is substantially metabolized to norfenfluramine (norFFA), and it is presently not known whether the efficacy of FFA is due to a single enantiomer of FFA, or to both, and whether the norFFA enantiomers also contribute significantly. In this study, the antiepileptic activity of enantiomers of FFA (i.e. (+)-FFA and (−)-FFA) and norFFA (i.e. (+)-norFFA and (−)-norFFA) was explored using the zebrafish scn1Lab−/− mutant model of DS. To validate the experimental conditions used, we assessed the activity of various AEDs typically used in the fight against DS, including combination therapy. Overall, our results are highly consistent with the treatment algorithm proposed by the updated current practice in the clinical management of DS. Our results show that (+)-FFA, (−)-FFA and (+)-norFFA displayed significant antiepileptic effects in the preclinical model, and thus can be considered as compounds actively contributing to the clinical efficacy of FFA. In case of (−)-norFFA, the results were less conclusive. We also investigated the uptake kinetics of the enantiomers of FFA and norFFA in larval zebrafish heads. The data show that the total uptake of each compound increased in a time-dependent fashion. A somewhat similar uptake was observed for the (+)-norFFA and (−)-norFFA, implying that the levo/dextrotation of the structure did not dramatically affect the uptake. Significantly, when comparing (+)-FFA with the less lipophilic (+)-norFFA, the data clearly show that the nor-metabolite of FFA is taken up less than the parent compound.
Collapse
|
27
|
Schoonjans AS, Ceulemans B. Dravet syndrome—toward an optimal and disease-specific treatment. ZEITSCHRIFT FÜR EPILEPTOLOGIE 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10309-021-00399-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
28
|
Odi R, Invernizzi RW, Gallily T, Bialer M, Perucca E. Fenfluramine repurposing from weight loss to epilepsy: What we do and do not know. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 226:107866. [PMID: 33895186 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In 2020, racemic-fenfluramine was approved in the U.S. and Europe for the treatment of seizures associated with Dravet syndrome, through a restricted/controlled access program aimed at minimizing safety risks. Fenfluramine had been used extensively in the past as an appetite suppressant, but it was withdrawn from the market in 1997 when it was found to cause cardiac valvulopathy. Available evidence indicates that appetite suppression and cardiac valvulopathy are mediated by different serotonergic mechanisms. In particular, appetite suppression can be ascribed mainly to the enantiomers d-fenfluramine and d-norfenfluramine, the primary metabolite of d-fenfluramine, whereas cardiac valvulopathy can be ascribed mainly to d-norfenfluramine. Because of early observations of markedly improved seizure control in some forms of epilepsy, fenfluramine remained available in Belgium through a Royal Decree after 1997 for use in a clinical trial in patients with Dravet syndrome at average dosages lower than those generally prescribed for appetite suppression. More recently, double-blind placebo-controlled trials established its efficacy in the treatment of convulsive seizures associated with Dravet syndrome and of drop seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, at doses up to 0.7 mg/kg/day (maximum 26 mg/day). Although no cardiovascular toxicity has been associated with the use of fenfluramine in epilepsy, the number of patients exposed to date has been limited and only few patients had duration of exposure longer than 3 years. This article analyzes available evidence on the mechanisms involved in fenfluramine-induced appetite suppression, antiseizure effects and cardiovascular toxicity. Despite evidence that stimulation of 5-HT2B receptors (the main mechanism leading to cardiac valvulopathy) is not required for antiseizure activity, there are many critical gaps in understanding fenfluramine's properties which are relevant to its use in epilepsy. Particular emphasis is placed on the remarkable lack of publicly accessible information about the comparative activity of the individual enantiomers of fenfluramine and norfenfluramine in experimental models of seizures and epilepsy, and on receptors systems considered to be involved in antiseizure effects. Preliminary data suggest that l-fenfluramine retains prominent antiseizure effects in a genetic zebrafish model of Dravet syndrome. If these findings are confirmed and extended to other seizure/epilepsy models, there would be an incentive for a chiral switch from racemic-fenfluramine to l-fenfluramine, which could minimize the risk of cardiovascular toxicity and reduce the incidence of adverse effects such as loss of appetite and weight loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reem Odi
- Institute of Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Tamar Gallily
- Yissum Technology Transfer Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Meir Bialer
- Institute of Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel; David R. Bloom Center for Pharmacy, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Emilio Perucca
- Division of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Bombardi C, Grandis A, Pivac N, Sagud M, Lucas G, Chagraoui A, Lemaire-Mayo V, De Deurwaerdère P, Di Giovanni G. Serotonin modulation of hippocampal functions: From anatomy to neurotherapeutics. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2021; 261:83-158. [PMID: 33785139 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2021.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The hippocampal region receives a dense serotoninergic innervation originating from both medial and dorsal raphe nuclei. This innervation regulates hippocampal activity through the activation of distinct receptor families that are expressed in excitatory and inhibitory neurons, terminals of several afferent neurotransmitter systems, and glial cells. Preclinical and clinical studies indicate that hippocampal dysfunctions are involved in learning and memory deficits, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy and mood disorders such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic syndrome disorder, whereas the hippocampus participates also in the therapeutic mechanisms of numerous medicines. Not surprisingly, several drugs acting via 5-HT mechanisms are efficacious to some extent in some diseases and the link between 5-HT and the hippocampus although clear remains difficult to untangle. For this reason, we review reported data concerning the distribution and the functional roles of the 5-HT receptors in the hippocampal region in health and disease. The impact of the 5-HT systems on the hippocampal function is such that the research of new 5-HT mechanisms and drugs is still very active. It concerns notably drugs acting at the 5-HT1A,2A,2C,4,6 receptor subtypes, in addition to the already existing drugs including the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristiano Bombardi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Annamaria Grandis
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Nela Pivac
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudier Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marina Sagud
- Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb and School of Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Guillaume Lucas
- Neurocentre Magendie, INSERM 1215, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Abdeslam Chagraoui
- Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine of Normandy (IRIB), Normandie University, UNIROUEN, INSERM U1239, Rouen, France; Department of Medical Biochemistry, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Valérie Lemaire-Mayo
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut des Neurosciences Intégratives et Cognitives d'Aquitaine, UMR 5287, Bordeaux, France
| | - Philippe De Deurwaerdère
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut des Neurosciences Intégratives et Cognitives d'Aquitaine, UMR 5287, Bordeaux, France
| | - Giuseppe Di Giovanni
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta; Neuroscience Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Schoonjans AS, Ceulemans B. A critical evaluation of fenfluramine hydrochloride for the treatment of Dravet syndrome. Expert Rev Neurother 2021; 22:351-364. [PMID: 33455486 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2021.1877540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Dravet Syndrome (DS) is a severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Fenfluramine recently demonstrated to be a highly efficacious and safe treatment option for DS patients. Fenfluramine has been recently approved by the FDA and EMA and is marketed as Fintepla®.Areas covered: DS and the need for additional anticonvulsive treatment options is discussed. The results of three placebo-controlled phase III studies (1 with and 2 without stiripentol) and 2 open label (extension) studies are reviewed. All studies demonstrate a consistent and impressive seizure reduction, confirming the results of two smaller investigator-initiated trials. The mechanism of action of fenfluramine is discussed. Finally, the place of fenfluramine in the future treatment of DS is outlined.Expert opinion: Fenfluramine has a potent anticonvulsive effect in DS. Although not yet fully elucidated, the anticonvulsive mechanism of fenfluramine seems to be mainly serotonergic. Fenfluramine is generally well tolerated. A dose reduction is necessary in combination with stiripentol. Considering new competitors, efficacy seems lower for cannabidiol and is comparable with stiripentol. Preclinical studies indicate a disease specific action and possible disease modification in DS. The latter would support the use of fenfluramine above its anticonvulsive effect and needs to be further elaborated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- An-Sofie Schoonjans
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Berten Ceulemans
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Prentzell MT, Rehbein U, Cadena Sandoval M, De Meulemeester AS, Baumeister R, Brohée L, Berdel B, Bockwoldt M, Carroll B, Chowdhury SR, von Deimling A, Demetriades C, Figlia G, de Araujo MEG, Heberle AM, Heiland I, Holzwarth B, Huber LA, Jaworski J, Kedra M, Kern K, Kopach A, Korolchuk VI, van 't Land-Kuper I, Macias M, Nellist M, Palm W, Pusch S, Ramos Pittol JM, Reil M, Reintjes A, Reuter F, Sampson JR, Scheldeman C, Siekierska A, Stefan E, Teleman AA, Thomas LE, Torres-Quesada O, Trump S, West HD, de Witte P, Woltering S, Yordanov TE, Zmorzynska J, Opitz CA, Thedieck K. G3BPs tether the TSC complex to lysosomes and suppress mTORC1 signaling. Cell 2021; 184:655-674.e27. [PMID: 33497611 PMCID: PMC7868890 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Ras GTPase-activating protein-binding proteins 1 and 2 (G3BP1 and G3BP2, respectively) are widely recognized as core components of stress granules (SGs). We report that G3BPs reside at the cytoplasmic surface of lysosomes. They act in a non-redundant manner to anchor the tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) protein complex to lysosomes and suppress activation of the metabolic master regulator mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) by amino acids and insulin. Like the TSC complex, G3BP1 deficiency elicits phenotypes related to mTORC1 hyperactivity. In the context of tumors, low G3BP1 levels enhance mTORC1-driven breast cancer cell motility and correlate with adverse outcomes in patients. Furthermore, G3bp1 inhibition in zebrafish disturbs neuronal development and function, leading to white matter heterotopia and neuronal hyperactivity. Thus, G3BPs are not only core components of SGs but also a key element of lysosomal TSC-mTORC1 signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mirja Tamara Prentzell
- Brain Cancer Metabolism Group, German Consortium of Translational Cancer Research (DKTK) & German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany; Department of Pediatrics, Section Systems Medicine of Metabolism and Signaling, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9700 RB, The Netherlands; Department of Bioinformatics and Molecular Genetics (Faculty of Biology), University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany; Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Ulrike Rehbein
- Department of Pediatrics, Section Systems Medicine of Metabolism and Signaling, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9700 RB, The Netherlands; Department for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg 26129, Germany; Institute of Biochemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Marti Cadena Sandoval
- Department of Pediatrics, Section Systems Medicine of Metabolism and Signaling, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9700 RB, The Netherlands; Institute of Biochemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Ann-Sofie De Meulemeester
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven BE-3000, Belgium
| | - Ralf Baumeister
- Department of Bioinformatics and Molecular Genetics (Faculty of Biology), University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany; Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany; Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS & ZBMZ Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Research (Faculty of Medicine), University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Laura Brohée
- Cell Growth Control in Health and Age-Related Disease Group, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing (MPI-AGE), Cologne 50931, Germany
| | - Bianca Berdel
- Brain Cancer Metabolism Group, German Consortium of Translational Cancer Research (DKTK) & German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Mathias Bockwoldt
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø 9037, Norway
| | - Bernadette Carroll
- School of Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Suvagata Roy Chowdhury
- Cell Signaling and Metabolism Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Andreas von Deimling
- German Consortium of Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany; Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Constantinos Demetriades
- Cell Growth Control in Health and Age-Related Disease Group, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing (MPI-AGE), Cologne 50931, Germany; CECAD Cluster of Excellence, University of Cologne, Cologne 50931, Germany
| | - Gianluca Figlia
- Signal Transduction in Cancer and Metabolism, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany; Heidelberg University, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | | | - Alexander M Heberle
- Department of Pediatrics, Section Systems Medicine of Metabolism and Signaling, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9700 RB, The Netherlands; Institute of Biochemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Ines Heiland
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø 9037, Norway
| | - Birgit Holzwarth
- Department of Bioinformatics and Molecular Genetics (Faculty of Biology), University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Lukas A Huber
- Institute of Cell Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria; Austrian Drug Screening Institute (ADSI), Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Jacek Jaworski
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw 02-109, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kedra
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw 02-109, Poland
| | - Katharina Kern
- Brain Cancer Metabolism Group, German Consortium of Translational Cancer Research (DKTK) & German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Andrii Kopach
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw 02-109, Poland
| | - Viktor I Korolchuk
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Ineke van 't Land-Kuper
- Department of Pediatrics, Section Systems Medicine of Metabolism and Signaling, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9700 RB, The Netherlands; Department for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg 26129, Germany
| | - Matylda Macias
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw 02-109, Poland
| | - Mark Nellist
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015 GD, The Netherlands
| | - Wilhelm Palm
- Cell Signaling and Metabolism Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Stefan Pusch
- German Consortium of Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany; Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Jose Miguel Ramos Pittol
- Institute of Biochemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Michèle Reil
- Brain Cancer Metabolism Group, German Consortium of Translational Cancer Research (DKTK) & German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Anja Reintjes
- Institute of Biochemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Friederike Reuter
- Brain Cancer Metabolism Group, German Consortium of Translational Cancer Research (DKTK) & German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Julian R Sampson
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University Medical School, Cardiff CF14 4AY, UK
| | - Chloë Scheldeman
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven BE-3000, Belgium; Neurogenetics Research Group, VUB, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Aleksandra Siekierska
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven BE-3000, Belgium
| | - Eduard Stefan
- Institute of Biochemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Aurelio A Teleman
- Signal Transduction in Cancer and Metabolism, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany; Heidelberg University, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Laura E Thomas
- Institute of Life Science, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Omar Torres-Quesada
- Institute of Biochemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Saskia Trump
- Molecular Epidemiology Unit, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin 13353, Germany
| | - Hannah D West
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University Medical School, Cardiff CF14 4AY, UK
| | - Peter de Witte
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven BE-3000, Belgium
| | - Sandra Woltering
- Brain Cancer Metabolism Group, German Consortium of Translational Cancer Research (DKTK) & German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Teodor E Yordanov
- Institute of Cell Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria; Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Justyna Zmorzynska
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw 02-109, Poland
| | - Christiane A Opitz
- Brain Cancer Metabolism Group, German Consortium of Translational Cancer Research (DKTK) & German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany; Department of Neurology, University Hospital Heidelberg and National Center for Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg 69120, Germany.
| | - Kathrin Thedieck
- Department of Pediatrics, Section Systems Medicine of Metabolism and Signaling, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9700 RB, The Netherlands; Department for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg 26129, Germany; Institute of Biochemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Kim SS, Kan H, Hwang KS, Yang JY, Son Y, Shin DS, Lee BH, Ahn SH, Ahn JH, Cho SH, Bae MA. Neurochemical Effects of 4-(2Chloro-4-Fluorobenzyl)-3-(2-Thienyl)-1,2,4-Oxadiazol-5(4H)-One in the Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-Induced Epileptic Seizure Zebrafish Model. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1285. [PMID: 33525453 PMCID: PMC7865321 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders, and it is characterized by spontaneous seizures. In a previous study, we identified 4-(2-chloro-4-fluorobenzyl)-3-(2-thienyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5(4H)-one (GM-90432) as a novel anti-epileptic agent in chemically- or genetically-induced epileptic zebrafish and mouse models. In this study, we investigated the anti-epileptic effects of GM-90432 through neurochemical profiling-based approach to understand the neuroprotective mechanism in a pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced epileptic seizure zebrafish model. GM-90432 effectively improved PTZ-induced epileptic behaviors via upregulation of 5-hydroxytryptamine, 17-β-estradiol, dihydrotestosterone, progesterone, 5α -dihydroprogesterone, and allopregnanolone levels, and downregulation of normetanephrine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and cortisol levels in brain tissue. GM-90432 also had a protective effect against PTZ-induced oxidative stress and zebrafish death, suggesting that it exhibits biphasic neuroprotective effects via scavenging of reactive oxygen species and anti-epileptic activities in a zebrafish model. In conclusion, our results suggest that neurochemical profiling study could be used to better understand of anti-epileptic mechanism of GM-90432, potentially leading to new drug discovery and development of anti-seizure agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seong Soon Kim
- Bio & Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea; (S.S.K.); (H.K.); (K.-S.H.); (J.Y.Y.); (Y.S.); (D.-S.S.); (B.H.L.)
| | - Hyemin Kan
- Bio & Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea; (S.S.K.); (H.K.); (K.-S.H.); (J.Y.Y.); (Y.S.); (D.-S.S.); (B.H.L.)
| | - Kyu-Seok Hwang
- Bio & Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea; (S.S.K.); (H.K.); (K.-S.H.); (J.Y.Y.); (Y.S.); (D.-S.S.); (B.H.L.)
| | - Jung Yoon Yang
- Bio & Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea; (S.S.K.); (H.K.); (K.-S.H.); (J.Y.Y.); (Y.S.); (D.-S.S.); (B.H.L.)
| | - Yuji Son
- Bio & Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea; (S.S.K.); (H.K.); (K.-S.H.); (J.Y.Y.); (Y.S.); (D.-S.S.); (B.H.L.)
| | - Dae-Seop Shin
- Bio & Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea; (S.S.K.); (H.K.); (K.-S.H.); (J.Y.Y.); (Y.S.); (D.-S.S.); (B.H.L.)
| | - Byung Hoi Lee
- Bio & Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea; (S.S.K.); (H.K.); (K.-S.H.); (J.Y.Y.); (Y.S.); (D.-S.S.); (B.H.L.)
| | - Se Hwan Ahn
- Department of Chemistry, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Korea; (S.H.A.); (J.H.A.)
| | - Jin Hee Ahn
- Department of Chemistry, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Korea; (S.H.A.); (J.H.A.)
| | - Sung-Hee Cho
- Chemical Analysis Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea
| | - Myung Ae Bae
- Bio & Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea; (S.S.K.); (H.K.); (K.-S.H.); (J.Y.Y.); (Y.S.); (D.-S.S.); (B.H.L.)
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Banerji R, Huynh C, Figueroa F, Dinday MT, Baraban SC, Patel M. Enhancing glucose metabolism via gluconeogenesis is therapeutic in a zebrafish model of Dravet syndrome. Brain Commun 2021; 3:fcab004. [PMID: 33842883 PMCID: PMC8023476 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcab004] [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: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Energy-producing pathways are novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we focussed on correcting metabolic defects in a catastrophic paediatric epilepsy, Dravet syndrome which is caused by mutations in sodium channel NaV1.1 gene, SCN1A. We utilized a translatable zebrafish model of Dravet syndrome (scn1lab) which exhibits key characteristics of patients with Dravet syndrome and shows metabolic deficits accompanied by down-regulation of gluconeogenesis genes, pck1 and pck2. Using a metabolism-based small library screen, we identified compounds that increased gluconeogenesis via up-regulation of pck1 gene expression in scn1lab larvae. Treatment with PK11195, a pck1 activator and a translocator protein ligand, normalized dys-regulated glucose levels, metabolic deficits, translocator protein expression and significantly decreased electrographic seizures in mutant larvae. Inhibition of pck1 in wild-type larvae mimicked metabolic and behaviour defects observed in scn1lab mutants. Together, this suggests that correcting dys-regulated metabolic pathways can be therapeutic in neurodevelopmental disorders such as Dravet syndrome arising from ion channel dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajeswari Banerji
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, CA 80045, USA
| | - Christopher Huynh
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, CA 80045, USA
| | - Francisco Figueroa
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Epilepsy Research Laboratory, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Matthew T Dinday
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Epilepsy Research Laboratory, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Scott C Baraban
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Epilepsy Research Laboratory, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Manisha Patel
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, CA 80045, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Yang H, Liang X, Zhao Y, Gu X, Mao Z, Zeng Q, Chen H, Martyniuk CJ. Molecular and behavioral responses of zebrafish embryos/larvae after sertraline exposure. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 208:111700. [PMID: 33396031 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Sertraline (SER) is one of the most frequently detected antidepressant drugs in aquatic environments. However, knowledge regarding SER-induced behavioral alterations in fish is insufficient, as well as the mechanisms underlying SER-induced toxicity. The present study aimed to determine behavioral and molecular responses in larval fish following SER exposure with a focus on its mode of action. Zebrafish embryos (~6 h-post-fertilization, hpf) were exposed to one of three concentrations of SER (1, 10, 100 μg/L) for 6 days, respectively. Evaluated parameters included development, behavior, transcripts related to serotonin signaling, serotonin levels, and acetylcholinesterase activity. Accelerated hatching of zebrafish embryos was observed for those fish exposed to 100 μg/L SER at 54 hpf. Locomotor activity (e.g. distance moved and mobile cumulative duration) was significantly reduced in larval zebrafish following exposure to 10 and 100 μg/L SER. Conversely, larval fish showed increased dark-avoidance after exposure to 1-100 μg/L SER. Of the measured transcripts related to serotonin signaling, only serotonin transporter (serta) and serotonin receptor 2c (5-ht2c) mRNA levels were increased in fish in response to 10 μg/L SER treatment. However, serotonin levels were unaltered in larvae exposed to SER. There were no differences among groups in acetylcholinesterase activity at any concentration tested. Taking together, the results evidenced that exposure to SER alters behavioral responses in early-staged zebrafish, which may be related to the abnormal expression of 5-ht2c. This study elucidates molecular responses to SER and characterizes targets that may be sensitive to antidepressant pharmaceuticals in larval fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huiting Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control & Waste Resource Reuse, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Xuefang Liang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control & Waste Resource Reuse, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Yanyan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Xiaohong Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Zhigang Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Qingfei Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Huihui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, Hunan, China.
| | - Christopher J Martyniuk
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida Genetics Institute, Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Sciences Neuroscience, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611 USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Emerging Roles of Cannabinoids and Synthetic Cannabinoids in Clinical Experimental Models. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1264:47-65. [PMID: 33332003 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-57369-0_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, an increasing number of investigations has demonstrated the therapeutic potential of molecules targeting the endocannabinoid system. Cannabinoids of endogenous, phytogenic, and synthetic nature have been assessed in a wide variety of disease models ranging from neurological to metabolic disorders. Even though very few compounds of this type have already reached the market, numerous preclinical and clinical studies suggest that cannabinoids are suitable drugs for the clinical management of diverse pathologies.In this chapter, we will provide an overview of the endocannabinoid system under certain physiopathological conditions, with a focus on neurological, oncologic, and metabolic disorders. Cannabinoids evaluated as potential therapeutic agents in experimental models with an emphasis in the most successful chemical entities and their perspectives towards the clinic will be discussed.
Collapse
|
36
|
Abstract
There is increasing recognition that epilepsy can be associated with a broad spectrum of comorbidities. While epileptic seizures are an essential element of epilepsy in children, there is a spectrum of neurological, mental health and cognitive disorders that add to the disease burden of childhood epilepsy resulting in a decreased quality of life. The most common comorbid conditions in childhood epilepsy include depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, sleep disorders, attention deficits, cognitive impairment, and migraine. While epilepsy can result in comorbidities, many of the comorbidities of childhood have a bi-directional association, with the comorbid condition increasing risk for epilepsy and epilepsy increasing the risk for the comorbid condition. The bidirectional feature of epilepsy and the comorbidities suggest a common underlying pathological basis for both the seizures and comorbid condition. While recognition of the comorbid conditions of pediatric epilepsies is increasing, there has been a lag in the development of effective therapies partly out of concern that drugs used to treat the comorbid conditions could increase seizure susceptibility. There is now some evidence that most drugs used for comorbid conditions are safe and do not lower seizure threshold. Unfortunately, the evidence showing drugs are effective in treating many of the childhood comorbidities of epilepsy is quite limited. There is a great need for randomized, placebo-controlled drug trials for efficacy and safety in the treatment of comorbidities of childhood epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory L Holmes
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Stafford Hall, 118C, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Miziak B, Czuczwar S. Advances in the design and discovery of novel small molecule drugs for the treatment of Dravet Syndrome. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 16:579-593. [PMID: 33275464 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1857722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Dravet syndrome (severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy) begins in the first year of life characterized by generalized or unilateral clonic seizures that are frequently triggered by high fever. A subsequent worsening stage occurs (in years 1-4 of life) and seizure activity is accompanied by disturbed psychomotor development. The third stage of the disease, known as the 'stabilization phase,' is associated with seizures and intellectual impairment. Of note, a mutation in the voltage-gated sodium-channel gene α 1 subunit (SCN1A) has been found in around 85% of patients with Dravet syndrome.Areas covered: The authors review the current treatment strategies as well as potential drugs in the initial stages of clinical evaluation. The authors also review drugs with protective activity in mice models of Dravet syndrome.Expert opinion: Experimental data and results from initial clinical studies have brought attention to several drugs with various mechanisms of action including: ataluren (a suppressant of premature stop codons; under clinical evaluation), EPX-100, EPX-200, fenfluramine (serotonin modulators), soticlestat (an 24-hydroxylase cholesterol enzyme inhibitor), SPN-817 (an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase), verapamil (a voltage-dependent calcium channel inhibitor) and STK-001 (an antisense oligonucleotide). The latter is scheduled for clinical evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Miziak
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Stanisław Czuczwar
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Guery D, Rheims S. Is the mechanism of action of antiseizure drugs a key element in the choice of treatment? Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2020; 35:552-563. [PMID: 33090514 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
About 25 antiseizure drugs are available for the treatment of patients with epilepsy. The choice of the most suited drug for a specific patient is primarily based on the results of the pivotal randomized clinical trials and on the patient's characteristics and comorbidities. Whether or not the mechanism of action of the antiseizure drugs should be also taken into account to better predict the patient's response to the treatment remains a matter of debate. Despite the apparent complexity and diversity of antiseizure drug mechanisms of action, the reality unfortunately remains that they are very close, in particular with regard to their relationship with the pathophysiology of epilepsy. With the only exception of the association between lamotrigine and sodium valproate, there are no clinical data that formally support a synergistic association between certain antiseizure drugs in terms of efficacy. However, anticipating risk of adverse events by limiting as far as possible the combination of drugs, which share the same mechanisms of action, is undoubtedly an important driver of daily therapeutic decisions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Guery
- Department of Functional Neurology and Epileptology, Hospices Civils de Lyon and University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Sylvain Rheims
- Department of Functional Neurology and Epileptology, Hospices Civils de Lyon and University of Lyon, Lyon, France.,Lyon's Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM U1028 / CNRS UMR 5292, Lyon, France.,Epilepsy Institute, Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Specchio N, Pietrafusa N, Doccini V, Trivisano M, Darra F, Ragona F, Cossu A, Spolverato S, Battaglia D, Quintiliani M, Luigia Gambardella M, Rosati A, Mei D, Granata T, Dalla Bernardina B, Vigevano F, Guerrini R. Efficacy and safety of Fenfluramine hydrochloride for the treatment of seizures in Dravet syndrome: A real‐world study. Epilepsia 2020; 61:2405-2414. [DOI: 10.1111/epi.16690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Specchio
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit Department of Neuroscience Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE Rome Italy
| | - Nicola Pietrafusa
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit Department of Neuroscience Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE Rome Italy
| | - Viola Doccini
- Neuroscience Department A. Meyer Children's Hospital–University of Florence Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE Florence Italy
| | - Marina Trivisano
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit Department of Neuroscience Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE Rome Italy
| | - Francesca Darra
- Child Neuropsychiatry Department of Surgical Sciences Dentistry, Gynecology, and Pediatrics University of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Francesca Ragona
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience IRCCS Foundation Carlo Besta Neurological Institute Full Member of the European Reference Network EpiCare Milan Italy
| | - Alberto Cossu
- Child Neuropsychiatry Department of Surgical Sciences Dentistry, Gynecology, and Pediatrics University of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Silvia Spolverato
- Child Neuropsychiatry Department of Surgical Sciences Dentistry, Gynecology, and Pediatrics University of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Domenica Battaglia
- Pediatric Neurology Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health Child Health Area A. Gemelli University Polyclinic Foundation IRCCS Catholic University of the Sacred Heart Rome Italy
| | - Michela Quintiliani
- Pediatric Neurology Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health Child Health Area A. Gemelli University Polyclinic Foundation IRCCS Catholic University of the Sacred Heart Rome Italy
| | - Maria Luigia Gambardella
- Pediatric Neurology Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health Child Health Area A. Gemelli University Polyclinic Foundation IRCCS Catholic University of the Sacred Heart Rome Italy
| | - Anna Rosati
- Neuroscience Department A. Meyer Children's Hospital–University of Florence Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE Florence Italy
| | - Davide Mei
- Neuroscience Department A. Meyer Children's Hospital–University of Florence Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE Florence Italy
| | - Tiziana Granata
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience IRCCS Foundation Carlo Besta Neurological Institute Full Member of the European Reference Network EpiCare Milan Italy
| | - Bernardo Dalla Bernardina
- Child Neuropsychiatry Department of Surgical Sciences Dentistry, Gynecology, and Pediatrics University of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Federico Vigevano
- Department of Neuroscience Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE Rome Italy
| | - Renzo Guerrini
- Child Neuropsychiatry Department of Surgical Sciences Dentistry, Gynecology, and Pediatrics University of Verona Verona Italy
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Takai A, Yamaguchi M, Yoshida H, Chiyonobu T. Investigating Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy Using Drosophila melanogaster. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176442. [PMID: 32899411 PMCID: PMC7503973 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are the spectrum of severe epilepsies characterized by early-onset, refractory seizures occurring in the context of developmental regression or plateauing. Early infantile epileptic encephalopathy (EIEE) is one of the earliest forms of DEE, manifesting as frequent epileptic spasms and characteristic electroencephalogram findings in early infancy. In recent years, next-generation sequencing approaches have identified a number of monogenic determinants underlying DEE. In the case of EIEE, 85 genes have been registered in Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man as causative genes. Model organisms are indispensable tools for understanding the in vivo roles of the newly identified causative genes. In this review, we first present an overview of epilepsy and its genetic etiology, especially focusing on EIEE and then briefly summarize epilepsy research using animal and patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models. The Drosophila model, which is characterized by easy gene manipulation, a short generation time, low cost and fewer ethical restrictions when designing experiments, is optimal for understanding the genetics of DEE. We therefore highlight studies with Drosophila models for EIEE and discuss the future development of their practical use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akari Takai
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan;
| | - Masamitsu Yamaguchi
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 603-8585, Japan; (M.Y.); (H.Y.)
- Kansai Gakken Laboratory, Kankyo Eisei Yakuhin Co. Ltd., Kyoto 619-0237, Japan
| | - Hideki Yoshida
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 603-8585, Japan; (M.Y.); (H.Y.)
| | - Tomohiro Chiyonobu
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Hatini PG, Commons KG. A 5-HT 1D -receptor agonist protects Dravet syndrome mice from seizure and early death. Eur J Neurosci 2020; 52:4370-4374. [PMID: 32394465 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the SCN1A gene encoding the Nav1.1 sodium channel cause several forms of epilepsy, the most severe is Dravet syndrome (DS). DS patients are at high risk for sudden death and seizures are often triggered by fever or hyperthermia. To improve understanding of how serotonergic ligands might influence DS in this study, we tested several drugs for their effect on hyperthermia-induced seizure using a mouse model of DS consisting of a heterozygous loss of function of Scn1A. We found that a mixed 5-HT2A/2C receptor agonist had no effect while a mixed 5-HT1B/D receptor agonist had a modest effect reducing the severity of seizures. Hypothesizing selective agonists may be more effective, we tested selective 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptor agonists, CP-93129 and GR-46611, respectively. Of these GR-46611 significantly increased the threshold of hyperthermia-induced seizure and lowered seizure severity. Given chronically at 1 mg kg-1 day-1 , GR-46611 also significantly improved survival of DS mice. Thus, 5-HT1D -receptors may represent a meaningful target for pharmacotherapy for DS with potential relevance for related forms of epilepsy, particularly those with a known sensory trigger such as heat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul G Hatini
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Anaesthesia, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kathryn G Commons
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Anaesthesia, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Dozières-Puyravel B, Auvin S. Fenfluramine hydrochloride for the treatment of Dravet syndrome. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2020.1758930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stéphane Auvin
- APHP, Service de Neurologie Pédiatrique, Hôpital Robert Debré, Paris, France
- INSERM NeuroDiderot, Université De Paris, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Auvin S, Avbersek A, Bast T, Chiron C, Guerrini R, Kaminski RM, Lagae L, Muglia P, Cross JH. Drug Development for Rare Paediatric Epilepsies: Current State and Future Directions. Drugs 2020; 79:1917-1935. [PMID: 31734883 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-019-01223-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Rare diseases provide a challenge in the evaluation of new therapies. However, orphan drug development is of increasing interest because of the legislation enabling facilitated support by regulatory agencies through scientific advice, and the protection of the molecules with orphan designation. In the landscape of the rare epilepsies, very few syndromes, namely Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and West syndrome, have been subject to orphan drug development. Despite orphan designations for rare epilepsies having dramatically increased in the past 10 years, the number of approved drugs remains limited and restricted to a handful of epilepsy syndromes. In this paper, we describe the current state of orphan drug development for rare epilepsies. We identified a large number of compounds currently under investigation, but mostly in the same rare epilepsy syndromes as in the past. A rationale for further development in rare epilepsies could be based on the match between the drug mechanisms of action and the knowledge of the causative gene mutation or by evidence from animal models. In case of the absence of strong pathophysiological hypotheses, exploratory/basket clinical studies could be helpful to identify a subpopulation that may benefit from the new drug. We provide some suggestions for future improvements in orphan drug development such as promoting paediatric drug investigations, better evaluation of the incidence and the prevalence, together with the natural history data, and the development of new primary outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Auvin
- PROTECT, INSERM U1141, Université de Paris, Paris, France. .,Service de Neurologie Pédiatrique, AP-HP, Hôpital Universitaire Robert-Debré, 48, Boulevard Sérurier, 75935, Paris Cedex 19, France.
| | | | - Thomas Bast
- The Kork Epilepsy Center, Kehl-Kork, Germany.,Medical Faculty of the University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Catherine Chiron
- PROTECT, INSERM U1141, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Service de Neurologie Pédiatrique, AP-HP, Hôpital Necker-Enfanst Malades, Paris, France
| | - Renzo Guerrini
- Neuroscience Department, Children's Hospital Anna Meyer-University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Rafal M Kaminski
- UCB Pharma, Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium.,Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lieven Lagae
- Department Development and Regeneration, Section Paediatric Neurology, University Hospitals, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - J Helen Cross
- UCL NIHR BRC Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Martin P, de Witte PAM, Maurice T, Gammaitoni A, Farfel G, Galer B. Fenfluramine acts as a positive modulator of sigma-1 receptors. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 105:106989. [PMID: 32169824 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.106989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Adjunctive fenfluramine hydrochloride, classically described as acting pharmacologically through a serotonergic mechanism, has demonstrated a unique and robust clinical response profile with regard to its magnitude, consistency, and durability of effect on seizure activity in patients with pharmacoresistant Dravet syndrome. Recent findings also support long-term improvements in executive functions (behavior, emotion, cognition) in these patients. The observed clinical profile is inconsistent with serotonergic activity alone, as other serotonergic medications have not been demonstrated to have these clinical effects. This study investigated a potential role for σ1 receptor activity in complementing fenfluramine's serotonergic pharmacology. METHODS Radioligand binding assays tested the affinity of fenfluramine for 47 receptors associated with seizures in the literature, including σ receptors. Cellular function assays tested fenfluramine and norfenfluramine (its major metabolite) activity at various receptors, including adrenergic, muscarinic, and serotonergic receptors. The σ1 receptor activity was assessed by the mouse vas deferens isometric twitch and by an assay of dissociation of the σ1 receptor from the endoplasmic reticulum stress protein binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP). In vivo mouse models assessed fenfluramine activity at σ1 receptors in ameliorating dizocilpine-induced learning deficits in spatial and nonspatial memory tasks, alone or in combination with the reference σ1 receptor agonist PRE-084. RESULTS Fenfluramine and norfenfluramine bound ≥30% to β2-adrenergic, muscarinic M1, serotonergic 5-HT1A, and σ receptors, as well as sodium channels, with a Ki between 266 nM (σ receptors) and 17.5 μM (β-adrenergic receptors). However, only σ1 receptor isometric twitch assays showed a positive functional response, with weak stimulation by fenfluramine and inhibition by norfenfluramine. Fenfluramine, but not the 5-HT2C agonist lorcaserin, showed a positive modulation of the PRE-084-induced dissociation of σ1 protein from BiP. Fenfluramine also showed dose-dependent antiamnesic effects against dizocilpine-induced learning deficits in spontaneous alternation and passive avoidance responses, which are models of σ1 activation. Moreover, low doses of fenfluramine synergistically potentiated the low-dose effect of PRE-084, confirming a positive modulatory effect at the σ1 receptor. Finally, all in vivo effects were blocked by the σ1 receptor antagonist NE-100. SIGNIFICANCE Fenfluramine demonstrated modulatory activity at σ1 receptors in vitro and in vivo in addition to its known serotonergic activity. These studies identify a possible new σ1 receptor mechanism underpinning fenfluramine's central nervous system effects, which may contribute to its antiseizure activity in Dravet syndrome and positive effects observed on executive functions in clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter A M de Witte
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Tangui Maurice
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EPHE, UMR_S1198, Montpellier, France.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Wang X, Giusti A, Ny A, de Witte PA. Nephrotoxic Effects in Zebrafish after Prolonged Exposure to Aristolochic Acid. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12040217. [PMID: 32235450 PMCID: PMC7232444 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12040217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
With the aim to explore the possibility to generate a zebrafish model of renal fibrosis, in this study the fibrogenic renal effect of aristolochic acid I (AAI) after immersion was assessed. This compound is highly nephrotoxic able to elicit renal fibrosis after exposure of rats and humans. Our results reveal that larval zebrafish at 15 days dpf (days post-fertilization) exposed for 8 days to 0.5 µM AAI showed clear signs of AKI (acute kidney injury). The damage resulted in the relative loss of the functional glomerular filtration barrier. Conversely, we did not observe any deposition of collagen, nor could we immunodetect α-SMA, a hallmark of myofibroblasts, in the tubules. In addition, no increase in gene expression of fibrogenesis biomarkers after whole animal RNA extraction was found. As zebrafish have a high capability for tissue regeneration possibly impeding fibrogenic processes, we also used a tert−/− zebrafish line exhibiting telomerase deficiency and impaired tissue homeostasis. AAI-treated tert−/− larvae displayed an increased sensitivity towards 0.5 µM AAI. Importantly, after AAI treatment a mild collagen deposition could be found in the tubules. The outcome implies that sustained AKI induced by nephrotoxic compounds combined with defective tert−/− stem cells can produce a fibrotic response.
Collapse
|
46
|
Li J, Copmans D, Partoens M, Hunyadi B, Luyten W, de Witte P. Zebrafish-Based Screening of Antiseizure Plants Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine: Magnolia officinalis Extract and Its Constituents Magnolol and Honokiol Exhibit Potent Anticonvulsant Activity in a Therapy-Resistant Epilepsy Model. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:730-742. [PMID: 32083464 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
With the aim to discover interesting lead compounds that could be further developed into compounds active against pharmacoresistant epilepsies, we first collected 14 medicinal plants used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) against epilepsy. Of the six extracts that tested positive in a pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) behavioral zebrafish model, only the ethanol and acetone extracts from Magnolia officinalis (M. officinalis) also showed effective antiseizure activity in the ethylketopentenoate (EKP) zebrafish model. The EKP model is regarded as an interesting discovery platform to find mechanistically novel antiseizure drugs, as it responds poorly to a large number of marketed anti-epileptics. We then demonstrated that magnolol and honokiol, two major constituents of M. officinalis, displayed an effective behavioral and electrophysiological antiseizure activity in both the PTZ and the EKP models. Out of six structural analogues tested, only 4-O-methylhonokiol was active and to a lesser extent tetrahydromagnolol, whereas the other analogues (3,3'-dimethylbiphenyl, 2,2'-biphenol, 2-phenylphenol, and 3,3',5,5'-tetra-tert-butyl-[1,1'-biphenyl]-2,2'-diol) were not consistently active in the aforementioned assays. Finally, magnolol was also active in the 6 Hz psychomotor mouse model, an acute therapy-resistant rodent model, thereby confirming the translation of the findings from zebrafish larvae to mice in the field of epilepsy. We also developed a fast and automated power spectral density (PSD) analysis of local field potential (LFP) recordings. The PSD results are in agreement with the visual analysis of LFP recordings using Clampfit software and manually counting the epileptiform events. Taken together, screening extracts of single plants employed in TCM, using a combination of zebrafish- and mouse-based assays, allowed us to identify allyl biphenol as a chemical scaffold for the future development of compounds with potential activity against therapy-resistant epilepsies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Daniëlle Copmans
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Michèle Partoens
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Borbála Hunyadi
- STADIUS Center for Dynamical Systems, Signal Processing and Data Analytics, Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT), KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Walter Luyten
- Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter de Witte
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Colasante G, Lignani G, Brusco S, Di Berardino C, Carpenter J, Giannelli S, Valassina N, Bido S, Ricci R, Castoldi V, Marenna S, Church T, Massimino L, Morabito G, Benfenati F, Schorge S, Leocani L, Kullmann DM, Broccoli V. dCas9-Based Scn1a Gene Activation Restores Inhibitory Interneuron Excitability and Attenuates Seizures in Dravet Syndrome Mice. Mol Ther 2020; 28:235-253. [PMID: 31607539 PMCID: PMC6952031 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Dravet syndrome (DS) is a severe epileptic encephalopathy caused mainly by heterozygous loss-of-function mutations of the SCN1A gene, indicating haploinsufficiency as the pathogenic mechanism. Here we tested whether catalytically dead Cas9 (dCas9)-mediated Scn1a gene activation can rescue Scn1a haploinsufficiency in a mouse DS model and restore physiological levels of its gene product, the Nav1.1 voltage-gated sodium channel. We screened single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) for their ability to stimulate Scn1a transcription in association with the dCas9 activation system. We identified a specific sgRNA that increases Scn1a gene expression levels in cell lines and primary neurons with high specificity. Nav1.1 protein levels were augmented, as was the ability of wild-type immature GABAergic interneurons to fire action potentials. A similar enhancement of Scn1a transcription was achieved in mature DS interneurons, rescuing their ability to fire. To test the therapeutic potential of this approach, we delivered the Scn1a-dCas9 activation system to DS pups using adeno-associated viruses. Parvalbumin interneurons recovered their firing ability, and febrile seizures were significantly attenuated. Our results pave the way for exploiting dCas9-based gene activation as an effective and targeted approach to DS and other disorders resulting from altered gene dosage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Colasante
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
| | - Gabriele Lignani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Simone Brusco
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Di Berardino
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Jenna Carpenter
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Serena Giannelli
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicholas Valassina
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Bido
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaele Ricci
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Valerio Castoldi
- Experimental Neurophysiology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Marenna
- Experimental Neurophysiology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Timothy Church
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Luca Massimino
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Morabito
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Stephanie Schorge
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Letizia Leocani
- Experimental Neurophysiology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Dimitri M Kullmann
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Vania Broccoli
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; CNR Institute of Neuroscience, 20129 Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Higgins GA, Fletcher PJ, Shanahan WR. Lorcaserin: A review of its preclinical and clinical pharmacology and therapeutic potential. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 205:107417. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.107417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
49
|
Brenet A, Hassan-Abdi R, Somkhit J, Yanicostas C, Soussi-Yanicostas N. Defective Excitatory/Inhibitory Synaptic Balance and Increased Neuron Apoptosis in a Zebrafish Model of Dravet Syndrome. Cells 2019; 8:cells8101199. [PMID: 31590334 PMCID: PMC6829503 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Dravet syndrome is a type of severe childhood epilepsy that responds poorly to current anti-epileptic drugs. In recent years, zebrafish disease models with Scn1Lab sodium channel deficiency have been generated to seek novel anti-epileptic drug candidates, some of which are currently undergoing clinical trials. However, the spectrum of neuronal deficits observed following Scn1Lab depletion in zebrafish larvae has not yet been fully explored. To fill this gap and gain a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying neuron hyperexcitation in Scn1Lab-depleted larvae, we analyzed neuron activity in vivo using combined local field potential recording and transient calcium uptake imaging, studied the distribution of excitatory and inhibitory synapses and neurons as well as investigated neuron apoptosis. We found that Scn1Lab-depleted larvae displayed recurrent epileptiform seizure events, associating massive synchronous calcium uptakes and ictal-like local field potential bursts. Scn1Lab-depletion also caused a dramatic shift in the neuronal and synaptic balance toward excitation and increased neuronal death. Our results thus provide in vivo evidence suggesting that Scn1Lab loss of function causes neuron hyperexcitation as the result of disturbed synaptic balance and increased neuronal apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Brenet
- Université de Paris, NeuroDiderot, Inserm, F-75019 Paris, France.
| | | | - Julie Somkhit
- Université de Paris, NeuroDiderot, Inserm, F-75019 Paris, France.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Chen PY, Tu HC, Schirch V, Safo MK, Fu TF. Pyridoxamine Supplementation Effectively Reverses the Abnormal Phenotypes of Zebrafish Larvae With PNPO Deficiency. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1086. [PMID: 31616300 PMCID: PMC6764245 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonatal epileptic encephalopathy (NEE), as a result of pyridoxine 5′-phosphate oxidase (PNPO) deficiency, is a rare neural disorder characterized by intractable seizures and usually leads to early infant death. The clinical phenotypes do not respond to antiepileptic drugs but are alleviated in most cases by giving large doses of pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP). PLP is the active form of vitamin B6 participating in more than 100 enzymatic pathways. One of the causes of NEE is pathogenic mutations in the gene for human PNPO (hPNPO). PNPO is a key enzyme in converting pyridoxine (PN), the common dietary form of vitamin B6, and some other B6 vitamers to PLP. More than 25 different mutations in hPNPO, which result in reduced catalytic activity, have been described for PNPO-deficiency NEE. To date, no animal model is available to test new therapeutic strategies. In this report, we describe using zebrafish with reduced activity of Pnpo as an animal model. Knocking down zPnpo resulted in developmental anomalies including brain malformation and impaired locomotor activity, similar to the clinical features of PNPO-deficiency NEE. Other anomalies include a defective circulation system. These anomalies were significantly alleviated by co-injecting either zpnpo or hPNPO mRNAs. As expected from clinical observations in humans, supplementing with PLP improved the morphological and behavioral anomalies. PN only showed marginal positive effects, and only in a few anomalies. Remarkably, pyridoxamine (PM), another dietary form of vitamin B6, showed rescue effects even at a lower concentration than PLP, presenting a possible new therapeutic treatment for PNPO-deficiency NEE. Finally, GABA, a neurotransmitter whose biosynthesis depends on a PLP-dependent enzyme, showed some positive rescue effect. These results suggest zebrafish to be a promising PNPO-deficiency model for studying PLP homeostasis and drug therapy in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Po-Yuan Chen
- College of Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Science, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chi Tu
- College of Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Science, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Verne Schirch
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Martin K Safo
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Tzu-Fun Fu
- College of Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Science, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|