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Almarghalani DA, Boddu SHS, Ali M, Kondaka A, Ta D, Shah RA, Shah ZA. Small interfering RNAs based therapies for intracerebral hemorrhage: challenges and progress in drug delivery systems. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:1717-1725. [PMID: 35017419 PMCID: PMC8820693 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.332129] [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] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a subtype of stroke associated with higher rates of mortality. Currently, no effective drug treatment is available for ICH. The molecular pathways following ICH are complicated and diverse. Nucleic acid therapeutics such as gene knockdown by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have been developed in recent years to modulate ICH’s destructive pathways and mitigate its outcomes. However, siRNAs delivery to the central nervous system is challenging and faces many roadblocks. Existing barriers to systemic delivery of siRNA limit the use of naked siRNA; therefore, siRNA-vectors developed to protect and deliver these therapies into the specific-target areas of the brain, or cell types seem quite promising. Efficient delivery of siRNA via nanoparticles emerged as a viable and effective alternative therapeutic tool for central nervous system-related diseases. This review discusses the obstacles to siRNA delivery, including the advantages and disadvantages of viral and nonviral vectors. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive overview of recent progress in nanotherapeutics areas, primarily focusing on the delivery system of siRNA for ICH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniyah A Almarghalani
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics; Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Sai H S Boddu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammad Ali
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Akhila Kondaka
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Devin Ta
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Rayyan A Shah
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Zahoor A Shah
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
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Paul S, Bravo Vázquez LA, Pérez Uribe S, Roxana Reyes-Pérez P, Sharma A. Current Status of microRNA-Based Therapeutic Approaches in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Cells 2020; 9:cells9071698. [PMID: 32679881 PMCID: PMC7407981 DOI: 10.3390/cells9071698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a key gene regulator and play essential roles in several biological and pathological mechanisms in the human system. In recent years, plenty of miRNAs have been identified to be involved in the development of neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs), thus making them an attractive option for therapeutic approaches. Hence, in this review, we provide an overview of the current research of miRNA-based therapeutics for a selected set of NDDs, either for their high prevalence or lethality, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Friedreich's Ataxia, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and Frontotemporal Dementia. We also discuss the relevant delivery techniques, pertinent outcomes, their limitations, and their potential to become a new generation of human therapeutic drugs in the near future.
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3
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Csobonyeiova M, Polak S, Danisovic L. Recent Overview of the Use of iPSCs Huntington's Disease Modeling and Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21062239. [PMID: 32213859 PMCID: PMC7139425 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is an inherited, autosomal dominant, degenerative disease characterized by involuntary movements, cognitive decline, and behavioral impairment ending in death. HD is caused by an expansion in the number of CAG repeats in the huntingtin gene on chromosome 4. To date, no effective therapy for preventing the onset or progression of the disease has been found, and many symptoms do not respond to pharmacologic treatment. However, recent results of pre-clinical trials suggest a beneficial effect of stem-cell-based therapy. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) represent an unlimited cell source and are the most suitable among the various types of autologous stem cells due to their patient specificity and ability to differentiate into a variety of cell types both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the cultivation of iPSC-derived neural cells offers the possibility of studying the etiopathology of neurodegenerative diseases, such as HD. Moreover, differentiated neural cells can organize into three-dimensional (3D) organoids, mimicking the complex architecture of the brain. In this article, we present a comprehensive review of recent HD models, the methods for differentiating HD–iPSCs into the desired neural cell types, and the progress in gene editing techniques leading toward stem-cell-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Csobonyeiova
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.C.); (S.P.)
| | - Stefan Polak
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.C.); (S.P.)
| | - Lubos Danisovic
- Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Regenmed Ltd., Medena 29, 811 01 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +421-2-59357215
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Al-Ramahi I, Giridharan SSP, Chen YC, Patnaik S, Safren N, Hasegawa J, de Haro M, Wagner Gee AK, Titus SA, Jeong H, Clarke J, Krainc D, Zheng W, Irvine RF, Barmada S, Ferrer M, Southall N, Weisman LS, Botas J, Marugan JJ. Inhibition of PIP4Kγ ameliorates the pathological effects of mutant huntingtin protein. eLife 2017; 6:29123. [PMID: 29256861 PMCID: PMC5743427 DOI: 10.7554/elife.29123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of the causative gene for Huntington’s disease (HD) has promoted numerous efforts to uncover cellular pathways that lower levels of mutant huntingtin protein (mHtt) and potentially forestall the appearance of HD-related neurological defects. Using a cell-based model of pathogenic huntingtin expression, we identified a class of compounds that protect cells through selective inhibition of a lipid kinase, PIP4Kγ. Pharmacological inhibition or knock-down of PIP4Kγ modulates the equilibrium between phosphatidylinositide (PI) species within the cell and increases basal autophagy, reducing the total amount of mHtt protein in human patient fibroblasts and aggregates in neurons. In two Drosophila models of Huntington’s disease, genetic knockdown of PIP4K ameliorated neuronal dysfunction and degeneration as assessed using motor performance and retinal degeneration assays respectively. Together, these results suggest that PIP4Kγ is a druggable target whose inhibition enhances productive autophagy and mHtt proteolysis, revealing a useful pharmacological point of intervention for the treatment of Huntington’s disease, and potentially for other neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Al-Ramahi
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States.,Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Medical Center, Houston, United States
| | | | - Yu-Chi Chen
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Rockville, United States
| | - Samarjit Patnaik
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Rockville, United States
| | - Nathaniel Safren
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Junya Hasegawa
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Maria de Haro
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States.,Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Medical Center, Houston, United States
| | - Amanda K Wagner Gee
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Rockville, United States
| | - Steven A Titus
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Rockville, United States
| | - Hyunkyung Jeong
- The Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States
| | - Jonathan Clarke
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Dimitri Krainc
- The Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States
| | - Wei Zheng
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Rockville, United States
| | - Robin F Irvine
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sami Barmada
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Marc Ferrer
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Rockville, United States
| | - Noel Southall
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Rockville, United States
| | - Lois S Weisman
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Juan Botas
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States.,Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Medical Center, Houston, United States
| | - Juan Jose Marugan
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Rockville, United States
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Dietrich P, Johnson IM, Alli S, Dragatsis I. Elimination of huntingtin in the adult mouse leads to progressive behavioral deficits, bilateral thalamic calcification, and altered brain iron homeostasis. PLoS Genet 2017; 13:e1006846. [PMID: 28715425 PMCID: PMC5536499 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's Disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive, behavioral and motor dysfunctions. HD is caused by a CAG repeat expansion in exon 1 of the HD gene that is translated into an expanded polyglutamine tract in the encoded protein, huntingtin (HTT). While the most significant neuropathology of HD occurs in the striatum, other brain regions are also affected and play an important role in HD pathology. To date there is no cure for HD, and recently strategies aiming at silencing HTT expression have been initiated as possible therapeutics for HD. However, the essential functions of HTT in the adult brain are currently unknown and hence the consequence of sustained suppression of HTT expression is unpredictable and can potentially be deleterious. Using the Cre-loxP system of recombination, we conditionally inactivated the mouse HD gene homologue at 3, 6 and 9 months of age. Here we show that elimination of Htt expression in the adult mouse results in behavioral deficits, progressive neuropathological changes including bilateral thalamic calcification, and altered brain iron homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Dietrich
- Department of Physiology, The University of Tennessee, Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Irudayam Maria Johnson
- Department of Physiology, The University of Tennessee, Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Shanta Alli
- Department of Physiology, The University of Tennessee, Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Ioannis Dragatsis
- Department of Physiology, The University of Tennessee, Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Griesche N, Schilling J, Weber S, Rohm M, Pesch V, Matthes F, Auburger G, Krauss S. Regulation of mRNA Translation by MID1: A Common Mechanism of Expanded CAG Repeat RNAs. Front Cell Neurosci 2016; 10:226. [PMID: 27774050 PMCID: PMC5054010 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2016.00226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Expansion of CAG repeats, which code for the disease-causing polyglutamine protein, is a common feature in polyglutamine diseases. RNA-mediated mechanisms that contribute to neuropathology in polyglutamine diseases are important. RNA-toxicity describes a phenomenon by which the mutant CAG repeat RNA recruits RNA-binding proteins, thereby leading to aberrant function. For example the MID1 protein binds to mutant huntingtin (HTT) RNA, which is linked to Huntington's disease (HD), at its CAG repeat region and induces protein synthesis of mutant protein. But is this mechanism specific to HD or is it a common mechanism in CAG repeat expansion disorders? To answer this question, we have analyzed the interaction between MID1 and three other CAG repeat mRNAs, Ataxin2 (ATXN2), Ataxin3 (ATXN3), and Ataxin7 (ATXN7), that all differ in the sequence flanking the CAG repeat. We show that ATXN2, ATXN3, and ATXN7 bind to MID1 in a CAG repeat length-dependent manner. Furthermore, we show that functionally, in line with what we have previously observed for HTT, the binding of MID1 to ATXN2, ATXN3, and ATXN7 mRNA induces protein synthesis in a repeat length-dependent manner. Our data suggest that regulation of protein translation by the MID1 complex is a common mechanism for CAG repeat containing mRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Marlena Rohm
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases Bonn, Germany
| | - Verena Pesch
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases Bonn, Germany
| | - Frank Matthes
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases Bonn, Germany
| | - Georg Auburger
- Experimental Neurology, Goethe University Medical School Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sybille Krauss
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases Bonn, Germany
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Bone scaffolds loaded with siRNA-Semaphorin4d for the treatment of osteoporosis related bone defects. Sci Rep 2016; 6:26925. [PMID: 27254469 PMCID: PMC4890584 DOI: 10.1038/srep26925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoporosis is a prominent disorder affecting over 200 million people worldwide. Recently, semaphorins have been implicated in the cell-cell communication between osteoclasts and osteoblasts and have been associated with the progression of osteoporosis. Previously, we demonstrated that knockdown of semaphorin4d (Sema4d) using siRNA delivered with a bone-targeting system prevented bone loss in an osteoporotic animal model. Here, we used this bone-specific technology containing siRNA-Sema4d and fabricated a PLLA scaffold capable of enhancing bone repair following fracture. We investigated the ability of the implant to release siRNA-Sema4d into the surrounding tissues over time and to influence new bone formation in a 3 mm femur osteoporotic defect model in ovariectomized rats. Delivery of the bone-targeting system released from PLLA scaffolds began 2 hours post-implantation, peaked at 1 day, and was sustained over a 21 day period. μCT analysis demonstrated a significantly higher bone volume/total volume bone mineral density and number of osteoblasts in the rats that were transplanted with scaffolds loaded with siRNA-Sema4d. These results confirm the specific role of Sema4d in bone remodeling and demonstrate that significant increases in the speed and quality of new bone formation occur when siRNA-Sema4d is delivered via a PLLA scaffold.
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N-terminal Huntingtin Knock-In Mice: Implications of Removing the N-terminal Region of Huntingtin for Therapy. PLoS Genet 2016; 12:e1006083. [PMID: 27203582 PMCID: PMC4874551 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Huntington’s disease (HD) protein, huntingtin (HTT), is a large protein consisting of 3144 amino acids and has conserved N-terminal sequences that are followed by a polyglutamine (polyQ) repeat. Loss of Htt is known to cause embryonic lethality in mice, whereas polyQ expansion leads to adult neuronal degeneration. Whether N-terminal HTT is essential for neuronal development or contributes only to late-onset neurodegeneration remains unknown. We established HTT knock-in mice (N160Q-KI) expressing the first 208 amino acids of HTT with 160Q, and they show age-dependent HTT aggregates in the brain and neurological phenotypes. Importantly, the N-terminal mutant HTT also preferentially accumulates in the striatum, the brain region most affected in HD, indicating the importance of N-terminal HTT in selective neuropathology. That said, homozygous N160Q-KI mice are also embryonic lethal, suggesting that N-terminal HTT alone is unable to support embryonic development. Using Htt knockout neurons, we found that loss of Htt selectively affects the survival of developing neuronal cells, but not astrocytes, in culture. This neuronal degeneration could be rescued by a truncated HTT lacking the first 237 amino acids, but not by N-terminal HTT (1–208 amino acids). Also, the rescue effect depends on the region in HTT known to be involved in intracellular trafficking. Thus, the N-terminal HTT region may not be essential for the survival of developing neurons, but when carrying a large polyQ repeat, can cause selective neuropathology. These findings imply a possible therapeutic benefit of removing the N-terminal region of HTT containing the polyQ repeat to treat the neurodegeneration in HD. The 17 amino acids in the N-terminal region of huntingtin (HTT) are conserved in a wide range of species and are followed by a polyglutamine repeat whose expansion causes selective neurodegeneration in Huntington’s disease (HD). Loss of Htt can affect developing neurons and early embryonic development in mice. Whether N-terminal HTT is important for the survival of developing neurons or contributes mainly to a gain of toxic function in HD remains unknown. In the current study, we generated N-terminal mutant HTT knock-in mice and found that N-terminal HTT with an expanded polyQ repeat is unable to support the early development of mice, but can cause age-dependent neurological phenotypes. Further, we show that a truncated HTT without the N-terminal region can rescue the Htt loss-mediated degeneration of developing neurons. Our studies suggest that removal of the N-terminal region of mutant HTT could be a strategy to abolish the neuronal toxicity of mutant HTT.
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Ablation of huntingtin in adult neurons is nondeleterious but its depletion in young mice causes acute pancreatitis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:3359-64. [PMID: 26951659 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1524575113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The Huntington's disease (HD) protein, huntingtin (HTT), is essential for early development. Because suppressing the expression of mutant HTT is an important approach to treat the disease, we must first understand the normal function of Htt in adults versus younger animals. Using inducible Htt knockout mice, we found that Htt depletion does not lead to adult neurodegeneration or animal death at >4 mo of age, which was also verified by selectively depleting Htt in neurons. On the other hand, young Htt KO mice die at 2 mo of age of acute pancreatitis due to the degeneration of pancreatic acinar cells. Importantly, Htt interacts with the trypsin inhibitor, serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 3 (Spink3), to inhibit activation of digestive enzymes in acinar cells in young mice, and transgenic HTT can rescue the early death of Htt KO mice. These findings point out age- and cell type-dependent vital functions of Htt and the safety of knocking down neuronal Htt expression in adult brains as a treatment.
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Sherwani SI, Khan HA. Role of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in neurodegeneration. Gene 2015; 570:17-24. [PMID: 26115768 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.06.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Revised: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The recent discovery of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), an epigenetic modifier and oxidation product of 5-methylcytosine (5mC), has broadened the scope and understanding of neural development and neurodegenerative diseases. By virtue of their functional groups, 5mC and 5hmC exert opposite effects on gene expression; the former is generally associated with gene silencing whereas the latter is mainly involved in up-regulation of gene expression affecting the cellular processes such as differentiation, development, and aging. Although DNA methylation plays an important role in normal neural development and neuroprotection, an altered pathway due to complex interaction with environmental and genetic factors may cause severe neurodegeneration. The levels of 5hmC in brain increase progressively from birth until death, while in patients with neurodegenerative disorders, the levels are found to be highly compromised. This article discusses the recent developments in the area of hydroxymethylation, with particular emphasis on the role of 5hmC in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's diseases and Huntington's disease. We have also included recent findings on the role of 5hmC in brain tumors (gliomas). Despite compelling evidence on the involvement of 5hmC in neurodegeneration, it is yet to be established whether this epigenetic molecule is the cause or the effect of the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shariq I Sherwani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Haseeb A Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
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Lardenoije R, Iatrou A, Kenis G, Kompotis K, Steinbusch HWM, Mastroeni D, Coleman P, Lemere CA, Hof PR, van den Hove DLA, Rutten BPF. The epigenetics of aging and neurodegeneration. Prog Neurobiol 2015; 131:21-64. [PMID: 26072273 PMCID: PMC6477921 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 246] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Revised: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetics is a quickly growing field encompassing mechanisms regulating gene expression that do not involve changes in the genotype. Epigenetics is of increasing relevance to neuroscience, with epigenetic mechanisms being implicated in brain development and neuronal differentiation, as well as in more dynamic processes related to cognition. Epigenetic regulation covers multiple levels of gene expression; from direct modifications of the DNA and histone tails, regulating the level of transcription, to interactions with messenger RNAs, regulating the level of translation. Importantly, epigenetic dysregulation currently garners much attention as a pivotal player in aging and age-related neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, where it may mediate interactions between genetic and environmental risk factors, or directly interact with disease-specific pathological factors. We review current knowledge about the major epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation and DNA demethylation, chromatin remodeling and non-coding RNAs, as well as the involvement of these mechanisms in normal aging and in the pathophysiology of the most common neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, we examine the current state of epigenetics-based therapeutic strategies for these diseases, which either aim to restore the epigenetic homeostasis or skew it to a favorable direction to counter disease pathology. Finally, methodological challenges of epigenetic investigations and future perspectives are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Lardenoije
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Artemis Iatrou
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gunter Kenis
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Konstantinos Kompotis
- Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Genopode Building, 1015 Lausanne-Dorigny, Switzerland
| | - Harry W M Steinbusch
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Diego Mastroeni
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands; L.J. Roberts Alzheimer's Disease Center, Banner Sun Health Research Institute, 10515 W. Santa Fe Drive, Sun City, AZ 85351, USA
| | - Paul Coleman
- L.J. Roberts Alzheimer's Disease Center, Banner Sun Health Research Institute, 10515 W. Santa Fe Drive, Sun City, AZ 85351, USA
| | - Cynthia A Lemere
- Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Patrick R Hof
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Daniel L A van den Hove
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands; Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, Fuechsleinstrasse 15, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Bart P F Rutten
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Abstract
The efficient delivery of short interfering RNA (siRNA) is an enormous challenge in the field of gene therapy. Herein, we report a delivery nanosystem based on programmed DNA self-assembly mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) siRNA-loaded DNA nanotubes (DNA-NTs). We demonstrate that these siRNA-DNA-NTs can be effectively transfected into pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) via endocytosis; and that the loaded mTOR siRNA can induce obvious autophagy and inhibit cell growth under both normal and hypoxic conditions. Moreover, we found that mTOR siRNA can control the autophagy and proliferation of PASMCs under hypoxic condition, suggesting a potential therapeutic application for mTOR siRNA in diseases involving abnormal autophagy in PASMCs.
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13
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Merienne N, Déglon N. [Gene silencing approaches for the treatment of Huntington's disease]. Med Sci (Paris) 2015; 31:159-67. [PMID: 25744262 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/20153102012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease is a rare neurodegenerative disease caused by a pathologic CAG expansion in the exon 1 of the huntingtin (HTT) gene. Aggregation and abnormal function of the mutant HTT (mHTT) cause motor, cognitive and psychiatric symptoms in patients, which lead to death in 15-20 years. Currently, there is no treatment for HD. Experimental approaches based on drug, cell or gene therapy are developed and reach progressively to the clinic. Among them, mHTT silencing using small non-coding nucleic acids display important physiopathological benefit in HD experimental models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Merienne
- Lausanne university hospital (CHUV), department of clinical neurosciences (DNC), laboratory of cellular and molecular neurotherapies (LCMN), avenue de Beaumont, Pavillon 3, 1011 Lausanne, Suisse ; Lausanne university hospital (CHUV), neuroscience research center (CRN), LCMN, Lausanne, Suisse
| | - Nicole Déglon
- Lausanne university hospital (CHUV), department of clinical neurosciences (DNC), laboratory of cellular and molecular neurotherapies (LCMN), avenue de Beaumont, Pavillon 3, 1011 Lausanne, Suisse ; Lausanne university hospital (CHUV), neuroscience research center (CRN), LCMN, Lausanne, Suisse
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14
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Dietrich P, Dragatsis I. Use of Genetically Engineered Mice to Study the Biology of Huntingtin. Mov Disord 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-405195-9.00032-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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Zielonka D, Mielcarek M, Landwehrmeyer GB. Update on Huntington's disease: advances in care and emerging therapeutic options. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2014; 21:169-78. [PMID: 25572500 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2014.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Revised: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Huntington's disease (HD) is the most common hereditary neurodegenerative disorder. Despite the fact that both the gene and the mutation causing this monogenetic disorder were identified more than 20 years ago, disease-modifying therapies for HD have not yet been established. REVIEW While intense preclinical research and large cohort studies in HD have laid foundations for tangible improvements in understanding HD and caring for HD patients, identifying targets for therapeutic interventions and developing novel therapeutic modalities (new chemical entities and advanced therapies using DNA and RNA molecules as therapeutic agents) continues to be an ongoing process. The authors review recent achievements in HD research and focus on approaches towards disease-modifying therapies, ranging from huntingtin-lowering strategies to improving huntingtin clearance that may be promoted by posttranslational HTT modifications. CONCLUSION The nature and number of upcoming clinical studies/trials in HD is a reason for hope for HD patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Zielonka
- Department of Social Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland.
| | - Michal Mielcarek
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College London, London, UK
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16
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Tan L, Yu JT, Tan L. Causes and Consequences of MicroRNA Dysregulation in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Mol Neurobiol 2014; 51:1249-62. [PMID: 24973986 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-014-8803-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), originate from a loss of neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) and are severely debilitating. The incidence of neurodegenerative diseases increases with age, and they are expected to become more common due to extended life expectancy. Because of no clear mechanisms, these diseases have become a major challenge in neurobiology. It is well recognized that these disorders become the culmination of many different genetic and environmental influences. Prior studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) are pathologically altered during the inexorable course of some neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that miRNAs may be the contributing factor in neurodegeneration. Here, we review what is known about the involvement of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. The biogenesis of miRNAs and various functions of miRNAs that act as the chief regulators will be discussed. We focus in particular on dysregulation of miRNAs which leads to several neurodegenerative diseases from three aspects: miRNA-generating disorders, miRNA-targeting genes and epigenetic alterations. Furthermore, recent evidences have shown that circulating miRNA expression levels are changed in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Circulating miRNA expression levels are reported in patients in order to evaluate their application as biomarkers of these diseases. A discussion is included with a potential diagnostic biomarker and the possible future direction in exploring the nexus between miRNAs and various neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Tan
- College of Medicine and Pharmaceutics, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
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17
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Drouet V, Ruiz M, Zala D, Feyeux M, Auregan G, Cambon K, Troquier L, Carpentier J, Aubert S, Merienne N, Bourgois-Rocha F, Hassig R, Rey M, Dufour N, Saudou F, Perrier AL, Hantraye P, Déglon N. Allele-specific silencing of mutant huntingtin in rodent brain and human stem cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e99341. [PMID: 24926995 PMCID: PMC4057216 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder resulting from polyglutamine expansion in the huntingtin (HTT) protein and for which there is no cure. Although suppression of both wild type and mutant HTT expression by RNA interference is a promising therapeutic strategy, a selective silencing of mutant HTT represents the safest approach preserving WT HTT expression and functions. We developed small hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) targeting single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) present in the HTT gene to selectively target the disease HTT isoform. Most of these shRNAs silenced, efficiently and selectively, mutant HTT in vitro. Lentiviral-mediated infection with the shRNAs led to selective degradation of mutant HTT mRNA and prevented the apparition of neuropathology in HD rat's striatum expressing mutant HTT containing the various SNPs. In transgenic BACHD mice, the mutant HTT allele was also silenced by this approach, further demonstrating the potential for allele-specific silencing. Finally, the allele-specific silencing of mutant HTT in human embryonic stem cells was accompanied by functional recovery of the vesicular transport of BDNF along microtubules. These findings provide evidence of the therapeutic potential of allele-specific RNA interference for HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Drouet
- Institute of Biomedical Imaging (I2BM) and Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRCen), Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- URA2210, Centre National de Recherché Scientifique (CNRS), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Marta Ruiz
- Institute of Biomedical Imaging (I2BM) and Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRCen), Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- URA2210, Centre National de Recherché Scientifique (CNRS), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Diana Zala
- Institut Curie, Orsay, France
- UMR3306, Centre National de Recherché Scientifique (CNRS), Orsay, France
- U1005, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Orsay France
| | - Maxime Feyeux
- U861, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), AFM, Evry, France
- UEVE U861, I-STEM, AFM, Evry, France
| | - Gwennaëlle Auregan
- Institute of Biomedical Imaging (I2BM) and Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRCen), Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- URA2210, Centre National de Recherché Scientifique (CNRS), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Karine Cambon
- Institute of Biomedical Imaging (I2BM) and Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRCen), Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- URA2210, Centre National de Recherché Scientifique (CNRS), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Laetitia Troquier
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences (DNC), Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Johann Carpentier
- Institute of Biomedical Imaging (I2BM) and Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRCen), Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- URA2210, Centre National de Recherché Scientifique (CNRS), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | | | - Nicolas Merienne
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences (DNC), Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Fany Bourgois-Rocha
- U861, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), AFM, Evry, France
- UEVE U861, I-STEM, AFM, Evry, France
| | - Raymonde Hassig
- Institute of Biomedical Imaging (I2BM) and Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRCen), Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- URA2210, Centre National de Recherché Scientifique (CNRS), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Maria Rey
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences (DNC), Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Noëlle Dufour
- Institute of Biomedical Imaging (I2BM) and Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRCen), Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- URA2210, Centre National de Recherché Scientifique (CNRS), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Frédéric Saudou
- Institut Curie, Orsay, France
- UMR3306, Centre National de Recherché Scientifique (CNRS), Orsay, France
- U1005, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Orsay France
| | - Anselme L. Perrier
- U861, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), AFM, Evry, France
- UEVE U861, I-STEM, AFM, Evry, France
| | - Philippe Hantraye
- Institute of Biomedical Imaging (I2BM) and Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRCen), Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- URA2210, Centre National de Recherché Scientifique (CNRS), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Nicole Déglon
- Institute of Biomedical Imaging (I2BM) and Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRCen), Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- URA2210, Centre National de Recherché Scientifique (CNRS), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences (DNC), Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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18
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Valor LM. Transcription, epigenetics and ameliorative strategies in Huntington's Disease: a genome-wide perspective. Mol Neurobiol 2014; 51:406-23. [PMID: 24788684 PMCID: PMC4309905 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-014-8715-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptional dysregulation in Huntington’s disease (HD) is an early event that shapes the brain transcriptome by both the depletion and ectopic activation of gene products that eventually affect survival and neuronal functions. Disruption in the activity of gene expression regulators, such as transcription factors, chromatin-remodeling proteins, and noncoding RNAs, accounts for the expression changes observed in multiple animal and cellular models of HD and in samples from patients. Here, I review the recent advances in the study of HD transcriptional dysregulation and its causes to finally discuss the possible implications in ameliorative strategies from a genome-wide perspective. To date, the use of genome-wide approaches, predominantly based on microarray platforms, has been successful in providing an extensive catalog of differentially regulated genes, including biomarkers aimed at monitoring the progress of the pathology. Although still incipient, the introduction of combined next-generation sequencing techniques is enhancing our comprehension of the mechanisms underlying altered transcriptional dysregulation in HD by providing the first genomic landscapes associated with epigenetics and the occupancy of transcription factors. In addition, the use of genome-wide approaches is becoming more and more necessary to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ameliorative strategies and to identify novel mechanisms of amelioration that may help in the improvement of current preclinical therapeutics. Finally, the major conclusions obtained from HD transcriptomics studies have the potential to be extrapolated to other neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis M Valor
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Av. Santiago Ramón y Cajal s/n, Sant Joan d'Alacant, 03550, Alicante, Spain,
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19
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Chen Y, Carter RL, Cho IK, Chan AWS. Cell-based therapies for Huntington's disease. Drug Discov Today 2014; 19:980-4. [PMID: 24631682 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2014.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Cell-based therapies are a viable option for the long-term treatment of Huntington's disease (HD), which is characterized by progressive neurodegeneration predominately in the striatum and cortex. Current research focuses on genetic suppression of the mutant huntingtin (mHTT) gene and cell replacement therapy of the lost cells in HD. As we discuss here, the recent development of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells technology demonstrated the potential of cell-based therapy in rodent models. It was shown that iPSCs were capable of differentiating into lost neurons in HD and stem cell grafts can improve motor deficiency in HD rodent models. Altogether, these findings have shown great promise for developing the foundation of the cell-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiju Chen
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, 954 Gatewood Rd, NE Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael St, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Richard L Carter
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, 954 Gatewood Rd, NE Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael St, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Genetics and Molecular Biology Program, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - In K Cho
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, 954 Gatewood Rd, NE Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael St, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Genetics and Molecular Biology Program, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Anthony W S Chan
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, 954 Gatewood Rd, NE Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael St, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Genetics and Molecular Biology Program, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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20
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Diversity, evolution, and therapeutic applications of small RNAs in prokaryotic and eukaryotic immune systems. Phys Life Rev 2014; 11:113-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.plrev.2013.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2013] [Accepted: 11/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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21
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Yu M, Li X, Wu S, Shen J, Tu J. Examination of Huntington's disease in a Chinese family. Neural Regen Res 2014; 9:440-6. [PMID: 25206833 PMCID: PMC4146191 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.128258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We report brain imaging and genetic diagnosis in a family from Wuhan, China, with a history of Huntington's disease. Among 17 family members across three generations, four patients (II2, II6, III5, and III9) show typical Huntington's disease, involuntary dance-like movements. Magnetic resonance imaging found lateral ventricular atrophy in three members (II2, II6, and III5). Moreover, genetic analysis identified abnormally amplified CAG sequence repeats (> 40) in two members (III5 and III9). Among borderline cases, with clinical symptoms and brain imaging features of Huntington's disease, two cases were identified (II2 and II6), but shown by mutation analysis for CAG expansions in the important transcript 15 gene, to be non-Huntington's disease. Our findings suggest that clinical diagnosis of Huntington's disease requires a combination of clinical symptoms, radiological changes, and genetic diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxia Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine & Center for Gene Diagnosis, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiaogai Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine & Center for Gene Diagnosis, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Sanyun Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine & Center for Gene Diagnosis, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ji Shen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine & Center for Gene Diagnosis, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jiancheng Tu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine & Center for Gene Diagnosis, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
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22
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Gherardini L, Bardi G, Gennaro M, Pizzorusso T. Novel siRNA delivery strategy: a new "strand" in CNS translational medicine? Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 71:1-20. [PMID: 23508806 PMCID: PMC11113879 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-013-1310-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2012] [Revised: 02/18/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference has been envisaged as a powerful tool for molecular and clinical investigation with a great potential for clinical applications. In recent years, increased understanding of cancer biology and stem cell biology has dramatically accelerated the development of technology for cell and gene therapy in these areas. This paper is a review of the most recent report of innovative use of siRNA to benefit several central nervous system diseases. Furthermore, a description is made of innovative strategies of delivery into the brain by means of viral and non-viral vectors with high potential for translation into clinical use. Problems are also highlighted that might hamper the transition from bench to bed, analyzing the lack of reliable preclinical models with predictive validity and the lack of effective delivery systems, which are able to overcome biological barriers and specifically reach the brain site of action.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giuseppe Bardi
- Center for MicroBioRobotics @SSSA, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
| | | | - Tommaso Pizzorusso
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, Via Moruzzi, 1 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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23
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Lee J, Hwang YJ, Kim KY, Kowall NW, Ryu H. Epigenetic mechanisms of neurodegeneration in Huntington's disease. Neurotherapeutics 2013; 10:664-76. [PMID: 24006238 PMCID: PMC3805871 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-013-0206-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an incurable and fatal hereditary neurodegenerative disorder of mid-life onset characterized by chorea, emotional distress, and progressive cognitive decline. HD is caused by an expansion of CAG repeats coding for glutamine (Q) in exon 1 of the huntingtin gene. Recent studies suggest that epigenetic modifications may play a key role in HD pathogenesis. Alterations of the epigenetic "histone code" lead to chromatin remodeling and deregulation of neuronal gene transcription that are prominently linked to HD pathogenesis. Furthermore, specific noncoding RNAs and microRNAs are associated with neuronal damage in HD. In this review, we discuss how DNA methylation, post-translational modifications of histone, and noncoding RNA function are affected and involved in HD pathogenesis. In addition, we summarize the therapeutic effects of histone deacetylase inhibitors and DNA binding drugs on epigenetic modifications and neuropathological sequelae in HD. Our understanding of the role of these epigenetic mechanisms may lead to the identification of novel biological markers and new therapeutic targets to treat HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junghee Lee
- />Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118 USA
- />VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130 USA
| | - Yu Jin Hwang
- />WCU Neurocytomics Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul, 110-799 South Korea
| | - Ki Yoon Kim
- />WCU Neurocytomics Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul, 110-799 South Korea
| | - Neil W. Kowall
- />Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118 USA
- />VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130 USA
| | - Hoon Ryu
- />Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118 USA
- />VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130 USA
- />WCU Neurocytomics Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul, 110-799 South Korea
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24
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Mechanisms of RNA-induced toxicity in CAG repeat disorders. Cell Death Dis 2013; 4:e752. [PMID: 23907466 PMCID: PMC3763438 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2013.276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2013] [Revised: 06/21/2013] [Accepted: 06/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Several inherited neurodegenerative disorders are caused by CAG trinucleotide repeat expansions, which can be located either in the coding region or in the untranslated region (UTR) of the respective genes. Polyglutamine diseases (polyQ diseases) are caused by an expansion of a stretch of CAG repeats within the coding region, translating into a polyQ tract. The polyQ tract expansions result in conformational changes, eventually leading to aggregate formation. It is widely believed that the aggregation of polyQ proteins is linked with disease development. In addition, in the last couple of years, it has been shown that RNA-mediated mechanisms also have a profound role in neurotoxicity in both polyQ diseases and diseases caused by elongated CAG repeat motifs in their UTRs. Here, we review the different molecular mechanisms assigned to mRNAs with expanded CAG repeats. One aspect is the mRNA folding of CAG repeats. Furthermore, pathogenic mechanisms assigned to CAG repeat mRNAs are discussed. First, we discuss mechanisms that involve the sequestration of the diverse proteins to the expanded CAG repeat mRNA molecules. As a result of this, several cellular mechanisms are aberrantly regulated. These include the sequestration of MBNL1, leading to misregulated splicing; sequestration of nucleolin, leading to reduced cellular rRNA; and sequestration of proteins of the siRNA machinery, resulting in the production of short silencing RNAs that affect gene expression. Second, we discuss the effect of expanded CAG repeats on the subcellular localization, transcription and translation of the CAG repeat mRNA itself. Here we focus on the MID1 protein complex that triggers an increased translation of expanded CAG repeat mRNAs and a mechanism called repeat-associated non-ATG translation, which leads to proteins aberrantly translated from CAG repeat mRNAs. In addition, therapeutic approaches for CAG repeat disorders are discussed. Together, all the findings summarized here show that mutant mRNA has a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of CAG repeat diseases.
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25
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Mearini G, Stimpel D, Krämer E, Geertz B, Braren I, Gedicke-Hornung C, Précigout G, Müller OJ, Katus HA, Eschenhagen T, Voit T, Garcia L, Lorain S, Carrier L. Repair of Mybpc3 mRNA by 5'-trans-splicing in a Mouse Model of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2013; 2:e102. [PMID: 23820890 PMCID: PMC3731888 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2013.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
RNA trans-splicing has been explored as a therapeutic option for a variety of genetic diseases, but not for cardiac genetic disease. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an autosomal-dominant disease, characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and diastolic dysfunction. MYBPC3, encoding cardiac myosin-binding protein C (cMyBP-C) is frequently mutated. We evaluated the 5'-trans-splicing strategy in a mouse model of HCM carrying a Mybpc3 mutation. 5'-trans-splicing was induced between two independently transcribed molecules, the mutant endogenous Mypbc3 pre-mRNA and an engineered pre-trans-splicing molecule (PTM) carrying a FLAG-tagged wild-type (WT) Mybpc3 cDNA sequence. PTMs were packaged into adeno-associated virus (AAV) for transduction of cultured cardiac myocytes and the heart in vivo. Full-length repaired Mybpc3 mRNA represented up to 66% of total Mybpc3 transcripts in cardiac myocytes and 0.14% in the heart. Repaired cMyBP-C protein was detected by immunoprecipitation in cells and in vivo and exhibited correct incorporation into the sarcomere in cardiac myocytes. This study provides (i) the first evidence of successful 5'-trans-splicing in vivo and (ii) proof-of-concept of mRNA repair in the most prevalent cardiac genetic disease. Since current therapeutic options for HCM only alleviate symptoms, these findings open new horizons for causal therapy of the severe forms of the disease.Molecular Therapy-Nucleic Acids (2013) 2, e102; doi:10.1038/mtna.2013.31; published online 2 July 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Mearini
- 1] Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany [2] DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
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26
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Optimization of Ultrasound-mediated Anti-angiogenic Cancer Gene Therapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2013; 2:e94. [PMID: 23695537 PMCID: PMC4817934 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2013.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) can be used to deliver silencing gene therapy to tumors. We hypothesized that UTMD would be effective in suppressing angiogenesis within tumors, and that modulation of the ultrasound pulsing intervals (PI) during UTMD would affect the magnitude of target knockdown. We performed UTMD of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2) short hairpin (sh)RNA plasmid in an heterotopic mammary adenocarcinoma model in rats, evaluating PIs of 2, 5, 10, and 20 seconds. We demonstrated that UTMD with a PI of 10 seconds resulted in the greatest knockdown of VEGFR2 by PCR, immunostaining, western blotting, smaller tumor volumes and perfused areas, and lower tumor microvascular blood volume (MBV) and flow by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEU) compared with UTMD-treated tumors at 2, 5, and 20 seconds, control tumors, tumors treated with intravenous shRNA plasmid and scrambled plasmid. CEU perfusion assessment using the therapeutic probe demonstrated that tumors were fully replenished with microbubbles within 10 seconds, but incompletely replenished at PI-2 and PI-5 seconds. In conclusion, for anti-VEGFR2 cancer gene therapy by UTMD, PI of 10 seconds results in higher target knockdown and a greater anti-angiogenic effect. Complete replenishment of tumor vasculature with silencing gene-bearing microbubbles in between destructive pulses of UTMD is required to maximize the efficacy of anti-angiogenic cancer gene therapy.Molecular Therapy - Nucleic Acids (2013) 2, e94; doi:10.1038/mtna.2013.20; published online 21 May 2013.
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27
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Noncoding RNAs in Neurodegenerative Diseases. ISRN NEUROLOGY 2013; 2013:375852. [PMID: 23738143 PMCID: PMC3657400 DOI: 10.1155/2013/375852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Noncoding RNAs are widely known for their various essential roles in the development of central nervous system. It involves neurogenesis, neural stem cells generation, maintenance and maturation, neurotransmission, neural network plasticity, formation of synapses, and even brain aging and DNA damage responses. In this review, we will discuss the biogenesis of microRNA, various functions of noncoding RNA's specifically microRNAs (miRNAs) that act as the chief regulators of gene expression, and focus in particular on misregulation of miRNAs which leads to several neurodegenerative diseases as well as its therapeutic outcome. Recent evidences has shown that miRNAs expression levels are changed in patients with neurodegenerative diseases; hence, miRNA can be used as a potential diagnostic biomarker and serve as an effective therapeutic tool in overcoming various neurodegenerative disease processes.
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28
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Abstract
Instability of repetitive DNA sequences within the genome is associated with a number of human diseases. The expansion of trinucleotide repeats is recognized as a major cause of neurological and neuromuscular diseases, and progress in understanding the mutations over the last 20 years has been substantial. Here we provide a brief summary of progress with an emphasis on technical advances at different stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Budworth
- Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
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29
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Hu J, Liu J, Yu D, Chu Y, Corey DR. Mechanism of allele-selective inhibition of huntingtin expression by duplex RNAs that target CAG repeats: function through the RNAi pathway. Nucleic Acids Res 2012; 40:11270-80. [PMID: 23042244 PMCID: PMC3526262 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gks907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2012] [Revised: 09/06/2012] [Accepted: 09/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease is an incurable neurodegenerative disorder caused by expansion of a CAG trinucleotide repeat within one allele of the huntingtin (HTT) gene. Agents that block expression of mutant HTT and preserve expression of wild-type HTT target the cause of the disease and are an alternative for therapy. We have previously demonstrated that mismatch-containing duplex RNAs complementary to the expanded trinucleotide repeat are potent and allele-selective inhibitors of mutant HTT expression, but the mechanism of allele selectivity was not explored. We now report that anti-CAG duplex RNA preferentially recruits argonaute 2 (AGO2) to mutant rather than wild-type HTT mRNA. Efficient inhibition of mutant HTT protein expression requires less AGO2 than needed for inhibiting wild-type expression. In contrast, inhibiting the expression of mutant HTT protein is highly sensitive to reduced expression of GW182 (TNRC6A) and its two paralogs, a protein family associated with miRNA action. Allele-selective inhibition may involve cooperative binding of multiple protein-RNA complexes to the expanded repeat. These data suggest that allele-selective inhibition proceeds through an RNA interference pathway similar to that used by miRNAs and that discrimination between mutant and wild-type alleles of HTT mRNA is highly sensitive to the pool of AGO2 and GW182 family proteins inside cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - David R. Corey
- Departments of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390-9041, USA
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30
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Pre-mRNA splicing in disease and therapeutics. Trends Mol Med 2012; 18:472-82. [PMID: 22819011 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2012.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 325] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Revised: 06/12/2012] [Accepted: 06/18/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In metazoans, alternative splicing of genes is essential for regulating gene expression and contributing to functional complexity. Computational predictions, comparative genomics, and transcriptome profiling of normal and diseased tissues indicate that an unexpectedly high fraction of diseases are caused by mutations that alter splicing. Mutations in cis elements cause missplicing of genes that alter gene function and contribute to disease pathology. Mutations of core spliceosomal factors are associated with hematolymphoid neoplasias, retinitis pigmentosa, and microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type 1 (MOPD1). Mutations in the trans regulatory factors that control alternative splicing are associated with autism spectrum disorder, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and various cancers. In addition to discussing the disorders caused by these mutations, this review summarizes therapeutic approaches that have emerged to correct splicing of individual genes or target the splicing machinery.
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31
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Carter RL, Chan AW. Pluripotent stem cells models for Huntington's disease: prospects and challenges. J Genet Genomics 2012; 39:253-9. [PMID: 22749012 PMCID: PMC4075320 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2012.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Revised: 04/23/2012] [Accepted: 04/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Pluripotent cellular models have shown great promise in the study of a number of neurological disorders. Several advantages of using a stem cell model include the potential for cells to derive disease relevant neuronal cell types, providing a system for researchers to monitor disease progression during neurogenesis, along with serving as a platform for drug discovery. A number of stem cell derived models have been employed to establish in vitro research models of Huntington's disease that can be used to investigate cellular pathology and screen for drug and cell-based therapies. Although some progress has been made, there are a number of challenges and limitations that must be overcome before the true potential of this research strategy is achieved. In this article we review current stem cell models that have been reported, as well as discuss the issues that impair these studies. We also highlight the prospective application of Huntington's disease stem cell models in the development of novel therapeutic strategies and advancement of personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L. Carter
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, 954 Gatewood Rd., N.E. Atlanta, GA 39329
- Genetic and Molecular Biology Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael St., Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Anthony W.S. Chan
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, 954 Gatewood Rd., N.E. Atlanta, GA 39329
- Genetic and Molecular Biology Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael St., Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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