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Wei Y, Zhong S, Yang H, Wang X, Lv B, Bian Y, Pei Y, Xu C, Zhao Q, Wu Y, Luo D, Wang F, Sun H, Chen Y. Current therapy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): A review on past and future therapeutic strategies. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 272:116496. [PMID: 38759454 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116496] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects the first and second motoneurons (MNs), associated with muscle weakness, paralysis and finally death. The exact etiology of the disease still remains unclear. Currently, efforts to develop novel ALS treatments which target specific pathomechanisms are being studied. The mechanisms of ALS pathogenesis involve multiple factors, such as protein aggregation, glutamate excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, inflammation etc. Unfortunately, to date, there are only two FDA-approved drugs for ALS, riluzole and edavarone, without curative treatment for ALS. Herein, we give an overview of the many pathways and review the recent discovery and preclinical characterization of neuroprotective compounds. Meanwhile, drug combination and other therapeutic approaches are also reviewed. In the last part, we analyze the reasons of clinical failure and propose perspective on the treatment of ALS in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Wei
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Sheng Zhong
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Huajing Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xueqing Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Bingbing Lv
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yaoyao Bian
- Jiangsu Provincial Engineering Center of TCM External Medication Researching and Industrializing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yuqiong Pei
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Chunlei Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qun Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yulan Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Daying Luo
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Fan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Haopeng Sun
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China.
| | - Yao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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Yang Y, Rowe D, McCann H, Shepherd CE, Kril JJ, Kiernan MC, Halliday GM, Tan RH. Treatment with the copper compound CuATSM has no significant effect on motor neuronal pathology in patients with ALS. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2023; 49:e12919. [PMID: 37317638 PMCID: PMC10947464 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Although the orally available brain-penetrant copper compound CuATSM has demonstrated promising effects in SOD1-linked mouse models, the impact of CuATSM on disease pathology in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remains unknown. METHODS The present study set out to address this deficit by performing the first pilot comparative analysis of ALS pathology in patients that had been administered CuATSM and riluzole [N = 6 cases composed of ALS-TDP (n = 5) and ALS-SOD1 (n = 1)] versus riluzole only [N = 6 cases composed of ALS-TDP (n = 4) and ALS-SOD1 (n = 2)]. RESULTS Our results revealed no significant difference in neuron density or TDP-43 burden in the motor cortex and spinal cord of patients that had received CuATSM compared with patients that had not. In patients that had received CuATSM, p62-immunoreactive astrocytes were observed in the motor cortex and reduced Iba1 density was found in the spinal cord. However, no significant difference in measures of astrocytic activity and SOD1 immunoreactivity was found with CuATSM treatment. DISCUSSION These findings, in this first postmortem investigation of patients with ALS in CuATSM trials, demonstrate that in contrast to that seen in preclinical models of disease, CuATSM does not significantly alleviate neuronal pathology or astrogliosis in patients with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yang
- Brain and Mind CentreUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical SciencesUniversity of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Dominic Rowe
- Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Heather McCann
- Neuroscience Research AustraliaRandwickNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | - Jillian J. Kril
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical SciencesUniversity of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
- Dementia Research Centre, Macquarie Medical SchoolMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Matthew C. Kiernan
- Brain and Mind CentreUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Institute of Clinical NeurosciencesRoyal Prince Alfred HospitalSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Glenda M. Halliday
- Brain and Mind CentreUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical SciencesUniversity of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Rachel H. Tan
- Brain and Mind CentreUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical SciencesUniversity of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
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3
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Reigado GR, Adriani PP, Dos Santos JF, Freitas BL, Fernandes MTP, Chambergo Alcalde FS, Leo P, Nunes VA. Delivery of superoxide dismutase by TAT and abalone peptides for the protection of skin cells against oxidative stress. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2022; 69:2673-2685. [PMID: 35092091 DOI: 10.1002/bab.2314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Trichoderma reesei superoxide dismutase (TrSOD) is a well-characterized enzyme being stable between 30 and 90°C for 1 h with activity at pH between 2.6 and 9.0. This work aimed to clone, express, purify, and evaluate the protective effect antioxidant of this enzyme on skin cells when fused to transactivator of transcription (TAT) protein transduction domain of HIV-1 and abalone (Ab) peptides to allow cell penetration. TrSOD, TAT-TrSOD-Yfp (fused to yellow fluorescent protein), and Ab-TrSOD were expressed in E. coli and purified as soluble proteins. The cytotoxicity of the enzymes, at the concentrations of 1, 3, and 6 μmol/L, was evaluated for a period of 24 and 48 h of incubation, with no cytotoxic effect on 3T3 fibroblasts. The 3T3 cells were exposed to the oxidant agent tert-butyl hydroperoxide and evaluated for reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, in the presence or not of the recombinant enzymes. TAT-TrSOD-Yfp was able to decrease the generation of ROS by 15% when used in the concentrations of 3 and 6 μmol/L in comparison to the control, but there was no difference in relation to the effect of TrSOD. Ab-TrSOD, when compared to TrSOD, promoted a decrease in the formation of ROS of 19% and 14% at the concentrations of 1 and 6 μmol/L, respectively, indicating that this recombinant form was more effective in reducing oxidative stress compared to SOD without the cell-penetrating peptide (CPP). Together, these results indicate that the fusion of SOD with these CPP increased the antioxidant capacity of fibroblasts, identified by the reduction in the generation of ROS. In addition, such molecules, in the concentrations initially used, were not toxic to the cells, opening perspectives for the development of products for antioxidant protection of the skin that may have therapeutic and cosmetic application.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Patricia Leo
- Institute of Technological Research, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Viviane Abreu Nunes
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, Brazil
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4
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Zhang J, Yu Y, Mekhail MA, Wu H, Green KN. A macrocyclic molecule with multiple antioxidative activities protects the lens from oxidative damage. Front Chem 2022; 10:996604. [PMID: 36385982 PMCID: PMC9650109 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.996604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence links oxidative stress to the development of a cataract and other diseases of the eye. Treatments for lens-derived diseases are still elusive outside of the standard surgical interventions, which still carry risks today. Therefore, a potential drug molecule OHPy2N2 was explored for the ability to target multiple components of oxidative stress in the lens to prevent cataract formation. Several pathways were identified. Here we show that the OHPy2N2 molecule activates innate catalytic mechanisms in primary lens epithelial cells to prevent damage induced by oxidative stress. This protection was linked to the upregulation of Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 and downstream antioxidant enzyme for glutathione-dependent glutaredoxins, based on Western Blot methods. The anti-ferroptotic potential was established by showing that OHPy2N2 increases levels of glutathione peroxidase, decreases lipid peroxidation, and readily binds iron (II) and (III). The bioenergetics pathway, which has been shown to be negatively impacted in many diseases involving oxidative stress, was also enhanced as evidence by increased levels of Adenosine triphosphate product when the lens epithelial cells were co-incubated with OHPy2N2. Lastly, OHPy2N2 was also found to prevent oxidative stress-induced lens opacity in an ex vivo organ culture model. Overall, these results show that there are multiple pathways that the OHPy2N2 has the ability to impact to promote natural mechanisms within cells to protect against chronic oxidative stress in the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinmin Zhang
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Yu Yu
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Magy A. Mekhail
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Hongli Wu
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Kayla N. Green
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, United States
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5
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Brown ML, McAlary L, Lum JS, Farrawell NE, Yerbury JJ. Cells Overexpressing ALS-Associated SOD1 Variants Are Differentially Susceptible to CuATSM-Associated Toxicity. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:2371-2379. [PMID: 35900338 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
CuATSM has repeatedly demonstrated to be therapeutically effective in SOD1 mouse models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), leading to current clinical trials. CuATSM acts to stabilize ALS-associated mutant SOD1 protein by supplying copper. However, in vitro work has demonstrated that CuATSM is only therapeutic for wild-type-like SOD1 mutants, not metal-binding-region mutants, suggesting that CuATSM may have genotype-specific effects. Furthermore, relatively high doses of CuATSM have been shown to produce adverse events in humans and mice. Here, we investigated the genotype-specific therapeutic window of CuATSM. NSC-34 cells transiently expressing copper-binding or non-binding mutations of SOD1 were treated with a broad range of CuATSM concentrations and examined for survival via time-lapse microscopy. Determination of the no-observed-adverse-effect level and the LC50 suggest that CuATSM-associated toxicity is dependent on the amount of copper-depleted SOD1 available as well as the mutant's ability to bind copper. Our results suggest that the particular variant of SOD1 mutant is crucial in not only determining the level of efficacy achieved but also potential adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikayla L Brown
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Luke McAlary
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Jeremy S Lum
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Natalie E Farrawell
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Justin J Yerbury
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
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6
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Trist BG, Genoud S, Roudeau S, Rookyard A, Abdeen A, Cottam V, Hare DJ, White M, Altvater J, Fifita JA, Hogan A, Grima N, Blair IP, Kysenius K, Crouch PJ, Carmona A, Rufin Y, Claverol S, Van Malderen S, Falkenberg G, Paterson DJ, Smith B, Troakes C, Vance C, Shaw CE, Al-Sarraj S, Cordwell S, Halliday G, Ortega R, Double KL. Altered SOD1 maturation and post-translational modification in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis spinal cord. Brain 2022; 145:3108-3130. [PMID: 35512359 PMCID: PMC9473357 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant self-assembly and toxicity of wild-type and mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) has been widely examined in silico, in vitro, and in transgenic animal models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Detailed examination of the protein in disease-affected tissues from ALS patients, however, remains scarce. We employed histological, biochemical and analytical techniques to profile alterations to SOD1 protein deposition, subcellular localization, maturation and post-translational modification in post-mortem spinal cord tissues from ALS cases and controls. Tissues were dissected into ventral and dorsal spinal cord grey matter to assess the specificity of alterations within regions of motor neuron degeneration. We provide evidence of the mislocalization and accumulation of structurally-disordered, immature SOD1 protein conformers in spinal cord motor neurons of SOD1-linked and non-SOD1-linked familial ALS cases, and sporadic ALS cases, compared with control motor neurons. These changes were collectively associated with instability and mismetallation of enzymatically-active SOD1 dimers, as well as alterations to SOD1 post-translational modifications and molecular chaperones governing SOD1 maturation. Atypical changes to SOD1 protein were largely restricted to regions of neurodegeneration in ALS cases, and clearly differentiated all forms of ALS from controls. Substantial heterogeneity in the presence of these changes was also observed between ALS cases. Our data demonstrates that varying forms of SOD1 proteinopathy are a common feature of all forms of ALS, and support the presence of one or more convergent biochemical pathways leading to SOD1 proteinopathy in ALS. The majority of these alterations are specific to regions of neurodegeneration, and may therefore constitute valid targets for therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin G Trist
- Brain and Mind Centre and School of Medical Sciences (Neuroscience), Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Sian Genoud
- Brain and Mind Centre and School of Medical Sciences (Neuroscience), Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Stéphane Roudeau
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, CENBG, UMR 5797, F-33170 Gradignan, France
| | - Alexander Rookyard
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Amr Abdeen
- Brain and Mind Centre and School of Medical Sciences (Neuroscience), Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Veronica Cottam
- Brain and Mind Centre and School of Medical Sciences (Neuroscience), Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Dominic J Hare
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.,Atomic Medicine Initiative, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | - Melanie White
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jens Altvater
- Sydney Mass Spectrometry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jennifer A Fifita
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alison Hogan
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natalie Grima
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ian P Blair
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kai Kysenius
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Peter J Crouch
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Asuncion Carmona
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, CENBG, UMR 5797, F-33170 Gradignan, France
| | - Yann Rufin
- Plateforme Biochimie, University of Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Stijn Van Malderen
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestr. 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gerald Falkenberg
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestr. 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - David J Paterson
- Australian Synchrotron, ANSTO, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Bradley Smith
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute and the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, Camberwell, SE5 9RT, London, UK
| | - Claire Troakes
- UK Dementia Research Institute at King's College London, 5 Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RT, UK
| | - Caroline Vance
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute and the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, Camberwell, SE5 9RT, London, UK
| | - Christopher E Shaw
- UK Dementia Research Institute at King's College London, 5 Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RT, UK
| | - Safa Al-Sarraj
- London Neurodegenerative Diseases Brain Bank, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, SE5 8AF, London, UK
| | - Stuart Cordwell
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Glenda Halliday
- Brain and Mind Centre and School of Medical Sciences (Neuroscience), Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Richard Ortega
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, CENBG, UMR 5797, F-33170 Gradignan, France
| | - Kay L Double
- Brain and Mind Centre and School of Medical Sciences (Neuroscience), Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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7
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McAlary L, Shephard VK, Wright GSA, Yerbury JJ. A copper chaperone-mimetic polytherapy for SOD1-associated amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101612. [PMID: 35065969 PMCID: PMC8885447 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease in which motor neurons progressively and rapidly degenerate, eventually leading to death. The first protein found to contain ALS-associated mutations was copper/zinc superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), which is conformationally stable when it contains its metal ligands and has formed its native intramolecular disulfide. Mutations in SOD1 reduce protein folding stability via disruption of metal binding and/or disulfide formation, resulting in misfolding, aggregation, and ultimately cellular toxicity. A great deal of effort has focused on preventing the misfolding and aggregation of SOD1 as a potential therapy for ALS; however, the results have been mixed. Here, we utilize a small-molecule polytherapy of diacetylbis(N(4)-methylthiosemicarbazonato)copper(II) (CuATSM) and ebselen to mimic the metal delivery and disulfide bond promoting activity of the cellular chaperone of SOD1, the “copper chaperone for SOD1.” Using microscopy with automated image analysis, we find that polytherapy using CuATSM and ebselen is highly effective and acts in synergy to reduce inclusion formation in a cell model of SOD1 aggregation for multiple ALS-associated mutants. Polytherapy reduces mutant SOD1-associated cell death, as measured by live-cell microscopy. Measuring dismutase activity via zymography and immunoblotting for disulfide formation showed that polytherapy promoted more effective maturation of transfected SOD1 variants beyond either compound alone. Our data suggest that a polytherapy of CuATSM and ebselen may merit more study as an effective method of treating SOD1-associated ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- L McAlary
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia; Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
| | - V K Shephard
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia; Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - G S A Wright
- Department of Biochemistry & Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - J J Yerbury
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia; Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
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8
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Lum JS, Brown ML, Farrawell NE, McAlary L, Ly D, Chisholm CG, Snow J, Vine KL, Karl T, Kreilaus F, McInnes LE, Nikseresht S, Donnelly PS, Crouch PJ, Yerbury JJ. CuATSM improves motor function and extends survival but is not tolerated at a high dose in SOD1 G93A mice with a C57BL/6 background. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19392. [PMID: 34588483 PMCID: PMC8481268 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98317-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The synthetic copper-containing compound, CuATSM, has emerged as one of the most promising drug candidates developed for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Multiple studies have reported CuATSM treatment provides therapeutic efficacy in various mouse models of ALS without any observable adverse effects. Moreover, recent results from an open label clinical study suggested that daily oral dosing with CuATSM slows disease progression in patients with both sporadic and familial ALS, providing encouraging support for CuATSM in the treatment of ALS. Here, we assessed CuATSM in high copy SOD1G93A mice on the congenic C57BL/6 background, treating at 100 mg/kg/day by gavage, starting at 70 days of age. This dose in this specific model has not been assessed previously. Unexpectedly, we report a subset of mice initially administered CuATSM exhibited signs of clinical toxicity, that necessitated euthanasia in extremis after 3-51 days of treatment. Following a 1-week washout period, the remaining mice resumed treatment at the reduced dose of 60 mg/kg/day. At this revised dose, treatment with CuATSM slowed disease progression and increased survival relative to vehicle-treated littermates. This work provides the first evidence that CuATSM produces positive disease-modifying outcomes in high copy SOD1G93A mice on a congenic C57BL/6 background. Furthermore, results from the 100 mg/kg/day phase of the study support dose escalation determination of tolerability as a prudent step when assessing treatments in previously unassessed models or genetic backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy S Lum
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Mikayla L Brown
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Natalie E Farrawell
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Luke McAlary
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Diane Ly
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Christen G Chisholm
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Josh Snow
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Kara L Vine
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Tim Karl
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia
| | - Fabian Kreilaus
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia
| | - Lachlan E McInnes
- School of Chemistry and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Sara Nikseresht
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Paul S Donnelly
- School of Chemistry and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter J Crouch
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Justin J Yerbury
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.
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9
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Tarnacka B, Jopowicz A, Maślińska M. Copper, Iron, and Manganese Toxicity in Neuropsychiatric Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22157820. [PMID: 34360586 PMCID: PMC8346158 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Copper, manganese, and iron are vital elements required for the appropriate development and the general preservation of good health. Additionally, these essential metals play key roles in ensuring proper brain development and function. They also play vital roles in the central nervous system as significant cofactors for several enzymes, including the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) and other enzymes that take part in the creation and breakdown of neurotransmitters in the brain. An imbalance in the levels of these metals weakens the structural, regulatory, and catalytic roles of different enzymes, proteins, receptors, and transporters and is known to provoke the development of various neurological conditions through different mechanisms, such as via induction of oxidative stress, increased α-synuclein aggregation and fibril formation, and stimulation of microglial cells, thus resulting in inflammation and reduced production of metalloproteins. In the present review, the authors focus on neurological disorders with psychiatric signs associated with copper, iron, and manganese excess and the diagnosis and potential treatment of such disorders. In our review, we described diseases related to these metals, such as aceruloplasminaemia, neuroferritinopathy, pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) and other very rare classical NBIA forms, manganism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), ephedrone encephalopathy, HMNDYT1-SLC30A10 deficiency (HMNDYT1), HMNDYT2-SLC39A14 deficiency, CDG2N-SLC39A8 deficiency, hepatic encephalopathy, prion disease and “prion-like disease”, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, Friedreich’s ataxia, and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Tarnacka
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Warsaw Medical University, Spartańska 1, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-603944804
| | - Anna Jopowicz
- Department of Rehabilitation, Eleonora Reicher National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Spartańska 1, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Maria Maślińska
- Department of Early Arthritis, Eleonora Reicher National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Spartańska 1, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland;
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10
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A Metal-Free, Disulfide Oxidized Form of Superoxide Dismutase 1 as a Primary Misfolded Species with Prion-Like Properties in the Extracellular Environments Surrounding Motor Neuron-Like Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22084155. [PMID: 33923808 PMCID: PMC8074096 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) is a metalloenzyme with high structural stability, but a lack of Cu and Zn ions decreases its stability and enhances the likelihood of misfolding, which is a pathological hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). A growing body of evidence has demonstrated that misfolded SOD1 has prion-like properties such as transmissibility between cells and intracellular propagation of misfolding of natively folded SOD1. Recently, we found that SOD1 is misfolded in the cerebrospinal fluid of sporadic ALS patients, providing a route by which misfolded SOD1 spreads via the extracellular environment of the central nervous system. Unlike intracellular misfolded SOD1, it is unknown which extracellular misfolded species is most relevant to prion-like properties. Here, we determined a conformational feature of extracellular misfolded SOD1 that is linked to prion-like properties. Using culture media from motor neuron-like cells, NSC-34, extracellular misfolded wild-type, and four ALS-causing SOD1 mutants were characterized as a metal-free, disulfide oxidized form of SOD1 (apo-SOD1S-S). Extracellular misfolded apo-SOD1S-S exhibited cell-to-cell transmission from the culture medium to recipient cells as well as intracellular propagation of SOD1 misfolding in recipient cells. Furthermore, culture medium containing misfolded apo-SOD1S-S exerted cytotoxicity to motor neuron-like cells, which was blocked by removal of misfolded apo-SOD1S-S from the medium. We conclude that misfolded apo-SOD1S-S is a primary extracellular species that is linked to prion-like properties.
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Role of Oxidative Stress in the Pathogenesis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Antioxidant Metalloenzymes and Therapeutic Strategies. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11030437. [PMID: 33809730 PMCID: PMC8002298 DOI: 10.3390/biom11030437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) affects motor neurons in the cerebral cortex, brainstem and spinal cord and leads to death due to respiratory failure within three to five years. Although the clinical symptoms of this disease were first described in 1869 and it is the most common motor neuron disease and the most common neurodegenerative disease in middle-aged individuals, the exact etiopathogenesis of ALS remains unclear and it remains incurable. However, free oxygen radicals (i.e., molecules containing one or more free electrons) are known to contribute to the pathogenesis of this disease as they very readily bind intracellular structures, leading to functional impairment. Antioxidant enzymes, which are often metalloenzymes, inactivate free oxygen radicals by converting them into a less harmful substance. One of the most important antioxidant enzymes is Cu2+Zn2+ superoxide dismutase (SOD1), which is mutated in 20% of cases of the familial form of ALS (fALS) and up to 7% of sporadic ALS (sALS) cases. In addition, the proper functioning of catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) is essential for antioxidant protection. In this review article, we focus on the mechanisms through which these enzymes are involved in the antioxidant response to oxidative stress and thus the pathogenesis of ALS and their potential as therapeutic targets.
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12
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Furukawa Y. Good and Bad of Cu/Zn-Superoxide Dismutase Controlled by Metal Ions and Disulfide Bonds. CHEM LETT 2021. [DOI: 10.1246/cl.200770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiaki Furukawa
- Department of Chemistry, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan
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13
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McAlary L, Chew YL, Lum JS, Geraghty NJ, Yerbury JJ, Cashman NR. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Proteins, Proteostasis, Prions, and Promises. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:581907. [PMID: 33328890 PMCID: PMC7671971 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.581907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by the progressive degeneration of the motor neurons that innervate muscle, resulting in gradual paralysis and culminating in the inability to breathe or swallow. This neuronal degeneration occurs in a spatiotemporal manner from a point of onset in the central nervous system (CNS), suggesting that there is a molecule that spreads from cell-to-cell. There is strong evidence that the onset and progression of ALS pathology is a consequence of protein misfolding and aggregation. In line with this, a hallmark pathology of ALS is protein deposition and inclusion formation within motor neurons and surrounding glia of the proteins TAR DNA-binding protein 43, superoxide dismutase-1, or fused in sarcoma. Collectively, the observed protein aggregation, in conjunction with the spatiotemporal spread of symptoms, strongly suggests a prion-like propagation of protein aggregation occurs in ALS. In this review, we discuss the role of protein aggregation in ALS concerning protein homeostasis (proteostasis) mechanisms and prion-like propagation. Furthermore, we examine the experimental models used to investigate these processes, including in vitro assays, cultured cells, invertebrate models, and murine models. Finally, we evaluate the therapeutics that may best prevent the onset or spread of pathology in ALS and discuss what lies on the horizon for treating this currently incurable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke McAlary
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Yee Lian Chew
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Jeremy Stephen Lum
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicholas John Geraghty
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Justin John Yerbury
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Neil R. Cashman
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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14
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Franklin JP, Azzouz M, Shaw PJ. SOD1-targeting therapies for neurodegenerative diseases: a review of current findings and future potential. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2020.1835638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- John P. Franklin
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Mimoun Azzouz
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Pamela J. Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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15
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Balez R, Berg T, Bax M, Muñoz SS, Cabral-da-Silva MC, Engel M, Do-Ha D, Stevens CH, Rowe D, Yang S, Blair IP, Ooi L. The mRNA-based reprogramming of fibroblasts from a SOD1 E101G familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patient to induced pluripotent stem cell line UOWi007. Stem Cell Res 2020; 42:101701. [PMID: 32006803 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2020.101701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Dermal fibroblasts were donated by a 43 year old male patient with clinically diagnosed familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), carrying the SOD1E101G mutation. The induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line UOWi007-A was generated using repeated mRNA transfections for pluripotency transcription factors Oct4, Klf4, Sox2, c-Myc, Lin28 and Nanog. The iPSCs carried the SOD1E101G genotype and had a normal karyotype, expressed expected pluripotency markers and were capable of in vitro differentiation into endodermal, mesodermal and ectodermal lineages. This iPSC line may be useful for investigating familial ALS resulting from a SOD1E101G mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachelle Balez
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Tracey Berg
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Monique Bax
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Sonia Sanz Muñoz
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Mauricio C Cabral-da-Silva
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Martin Engel
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Dzung Do-Ha
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Claire H Stevens
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Dominic Rowe
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Shu Yang
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ian P Blair
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lezanne Ooi
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
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16
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Abstract
Few proteins have come under such intense scrutiny as superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1). For almost a century, scientists have dissected its form, function and then later its malfunction in the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We now know SOD1 is a zinc and copper metalloenzyme that clears superoxide as part of our antioxidant defence and respiratory regulation systems. The possibility of reduced structural integrity was suggested by the first crystal structures of human SOD1 even before deleterious mutations in the sod1 gene were linked to the ALS. This concept evolved in the intervening years as an impressive array of biophysical studies examined the characteristics of mutant SOD1 in great detail. We now recognise how ALS-related mutations perturb the SOD1 maturation processes, reduce its ability to fold and reduce its thermal stability and half-life. Mutant SOD1 is therefore predisposed to monomerisation, non-canonical self-interactions, the formation of small misfolded oligomers and ultimately accumulation in the tell-tale insoluble inclusions found within the neurons of ALS patients. We have also seen that several post-translational modifications could push wild-type SOD1 down this toxic pathway. Recently we have come to view ALS as a prion-like disease where both the symptoms, and indeed SOD1 misfolding itself, are transmitted to neighbouring cells. This raises the possibility of intervention after the initial disease presentation. Several small-molecule and biologic-based strategies have been devised which directly target the SOD1 molecule to change the behaviour thought to be responsible for ALS. Here we provide a comprehensive review of the many biophysical advances that sculpted our view of SOD1 biology and the recent work that aims to apply this knowledge for therapeutic outcomes in ALS.
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17
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Yang S, Wu S, Fifita J, McCann E, Fat SCM, Galper J, Freckleton S, Zhang KY, Blair IP. Theme 3 In vitro experimental models. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2019; 20:135-159. [PMID: 31702460 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2019.1646991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: Ongoing disease gene discoveries continue to drive our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying ALS. Causative genes from 60% of ALS families have been identified using modern genetic techniques, but the causal gene defect is yet to be identified in the remaining 40% of families. These remaining families often do not follow true Mendelian inheritance patterns and are challenging to solve using traditional genetic analysis alone. In vitro and in vivo studies have become critical in assessing and validating these ALS candidate genes.Objectives: In this study, we aim to develop and validate the utility of an in vitro functional pipeline for the discovery and validation of novel ALS candidate genes.Methods: A panel of cell based-assays were applied to candidate genes to examine the presence/absence of known ALS pathologies in cell lines as well as human autopsy tissues. These include immunofluorescence, flow cytometry and western blotting to study toxicity, neuronal inclusion formation, interaction with TDP-43, aberrant protein degradation and accumulation in detergent-insoluble cellular fractions. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were also used to examine if candidates were present in neuronal inclusions from ALS patient spinal cord tissues.Results: The in vitro pipeline was applied to five candidate genes from an ALS family that is negative for known ALS gene mutations. Two candidates were prioritized as top candidates based on their capacity to induce known ALS cellular pathologies. In transfected cells, the variants in these two genes caused a significantly higher toxicity than wild type, formed detergent insoluble inclusions and was able to co-aggregate with TDP-43 in neuronal cells. The variants have also led to protein degradation defects. One of the candidates also co-localised with TDP-43-positive neuronal inclusions in sporadic ALS patient post-mortem tissues, a signature pathology of ALS.Discussion and conclusions: We have demonstrated the utility of a functional prioritization pipeline and successfully prioritized two novel candidate ALS genes. These genes, and its associated pathways, will be further investigated through the development of animal models to establish if there is support for its role in ALS. New ALS genes offer fresh diagnostic and therapeutic targets and tools for the generation of novel animal models to better understand disease biology and offer preclinical testing of candidate treatments for ALS in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Yang
- Centre for MND Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sharlynn Wu
- Centre for MND Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jennifer Fifita
- Centre for MND Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Emily McCann
- Centre for MND Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sandrine Chan Moi Fat
- Centre for MND Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jasmin Galper
- Centre for MND Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sarah Freckleton
- Centre for MND Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kathrine Y Zhang
- Centre for MND Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ian P Blair
- Centre for MND Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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18
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Hunsaker EW, Franz KJ. Emerging Opportunities To Manipulate Metal Trafficking for Therapeutic Benefit. Inorg Chem 2019; 58:13528-13545. [PMID: 31247859 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b01029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The indispensable requirement for metals in life processes has led to the evolution of sophisticated mechanisms that allow organisms to maintain dynamic equilibria of these ions. This dynamic control of the level, speciation, and availability of a variety of metal ions allows organisms to sustain biological processes while avoiding toxicity. When functioning properly, these mechanisms allow cells to return to their metal homeostatic set points following shifts in the metal availability or other stressors. These periods of transition, when cells are in a state of flux in which they work to regain homeostasis, present windows of opportunity to pharmacologically manipulate targets associated with metal-trafficking pathways in ways that could either facilitate a return to homeostasis and the recovery of cellular function or further push cells outside of homeostasis and into cellular distress. The purpose of this Viewpoint is to highlight emerging opportunities for chemists and chemical biologists to develop compounds to manipulate metal-trafficking processes for therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth W Hunsaker
- Department of Chemistry , Duke University , French Family Science Center, 124 Science Drive , Durham , North Carolina 27708 , United States
| | - Katherine J Franz
- Department of Chemistry , Duke University , French Family Science Center, 124 Science Drive , Durham , North Carolina 27708 , United States
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19
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Hedl TJ, San Gil R, Cheng F, Rayner SL, Davidson JM, De Luca A, Villalva MD, Ecroyd H, Walker AK, Lee A. Proteomics Approaches for Biomarker and Drug Target Discovery in ALS and FTD. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:548. [PMID: 31244593 PMCID: PMC6579929 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are increasing in prevalence but lack targeted therapeutics. Although the pathological mechanisms behind these diseases remain unclear, both ALS and FTD are characterized pathologically by aberrant protein aggregation and inclusion formation within neurons, which correlates with neurodegeneration. Notably, aggregation of several key proteins, including TAR DNA binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), and tau, have been implicated in these diseases. Proteomics methods are being increasingly applied to better understand disease-related mechanisms and to identify biomarkers of disease, using model systems as well as human samples. Proteomics-based approaches offer unbiased, high-throughput, and quantitative results with numerous applications for investigating proteins of interest. Here, we review recent advances in the understanding of ALS and FTD pathophysiology obtained using proteomics approaches, and we assess technical and experimental limitations. We compare findings from various mass spectrometry (MS) approaches including quantitative proteomics methods such as stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) and tandem mass tagging (TMT) to approaches such as label-free quantitation (LFQ) and sequential windowed acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion mass spectra (SWATH-MS) in studies of ALS and FTD. Similarly, we describe disease-related protein-protein interaction (PPI) studies using approaches including immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry (IP-MS) and proximity-dependent biotin identification (BioID) and discuss future application of new techniques including proximity-dependent ascorbic acid peroxidase labeling (APEX), and biotinylation by antibody recognition (BAR). Furthermore, we explore the use of MS to detect post-translational modifications (PTMs), such as ubiquitination and phosphorylation, of disease-relevant proteins in ALS and FTD. We also discuss upstream technologies that enable enrichment of proteins of interest, highlighting the contributions of new techniques to isolate disease-relevant protein inclusions including flow cytometric analysis of inclusions and trafficking (FloIT). These recently developed approaches, as well as related advances yet to be applied to studies of these neurodegenerative diseases, offer numerous opportunities for discovery of potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for ALS and FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Hedl
- Neurodegeneration Pathobiology Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Rebecca San Gil
- Neurodegeneration Pathobiology Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Flora Cheng
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephanie L Rayner
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Jennilee M Davidson
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Alana De Luca
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Maria D Villalva
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Heath Ecroyd
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Adam K Walker
- Neurodegeneration Pathobiology Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Albert Lee
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
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20
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McAlary L, Yerbury JJ. Strategies to promote the maturation of ALS-associated SOD1 mutants: small molecules return to the fold. Neural Regen Res 2019; 14:1511-1512. [PMID: 31089043 PMCID: PMC6557088 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.255962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Luke McAlary
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong; School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Justin J Yerbury
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong; School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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