1
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Silva-Hucha S, Fernández de Sevilla ME, Humphreys KM, Benson FE, Franco JM, Pozo D, Pastor AM, Morcuende S. VEGF expression disparities in brainstem motor neurons of the SOD1 G93A ALS model: Correlations with neuronal vulnerability. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00340. [PMID: 38472048 PMCID: PMC11070718 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00340] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neuromuscular disease characterized by severe muscle weakness mainly due to degeneration and death of motor neurons. A peculiarity of the neurodegenerative processes is the variable susceptibility among distinct neuronal populations, exemplified by the contrasting resilience of motor neurons innervating the ocular motor system and the more vulnerable facial and hypoglossal motor neurons. The crucial role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as a neuroprotective factor in the nervous system is well-established since a deficit of VEGF has been related to motoneuronal degeneration. In this study, we investigated the survival of ocular, facial, and hypoglossal motor neurons utilizing the murine SOD1G93A ALS model at various stages of the disease. Our primary objective was to determine whether the survival of the different brainstem motor neurons was linked to disparate VEGF expression levels in resilient and susceptible motor neurons throughout neurodegeneration. Our findings revealed a selective loss of motor neurons exclusively within the vulnerable nuclei. Furthermore, a significantly higher level of VEGF was detected in the more resistant motor neurons, the extraocular ones. We also examined whether TDP-43 dynamics in the brainstem motor neuron of SOD mice was altered. Our data suggests that the increased VEGF levels observed in extraocular motor neurons may potentially underlie their resistance during the neurodegenerative processes in ALS in a TDP-43-independent manner. Our work might help to better understand the underlying mechanisms of selective vulnerability of motor neurons in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Silva-Hucha
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Seville, Spain; Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Medawar Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | | | - Kirsty M Humphreys
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Fiona E Benson
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Jaime M Franco
- Andalusian Center of Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine-CABIMER, Junta de Andalucía-Universidad Pablo de Olavide-Universidad de Sevilla-CSIC, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - David Pozo
- Andalusian Center of Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine-CABIMER, Junta de Andalucía-Universidad Pablo de Olavide-Universidad de Sevilla-CSIC, 41092, Seville, Spain; Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, Universidad de Sevilla Medical School, 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Angel M Pastor
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Seville, Spain.
| | - Sara Morcuende
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Seville, Spain.
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2
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Komine O, Ohnuma S, Hinohara K, Hara Y, Shimada M, Akashi T, Watanabe S, Sobue A, Kawade N, Ogi T, Yamanaka K. Genetic background variation impacts microglial heterogeneity and disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis model mice. iScience 2024; 27:108872. [PMID: 38318390 PMCID: PMC10839647 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent single-cell analyses have revealed the complexity of microglial heterogeneity in brain development, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Disease-associated microglia (DAMs) have been identified in ALS mice model, but their role in ALS pathology remains unclear. The effect of genetic background variations on microglial heterogeneity and functions remains unknown. Herein, we established and analyzed two mice models of ALS with distinct genetic backgrounds of C57BL/6 and BALB/c. We observed that the change in genetic background from C57BL/6 to BALB/c affected microglial heterogeneity and ALS pathology and its progression, likely due to the defective induction of neurotrophic factor-secreting DAMs and impaired microglial survival. Single-cell analyses of ALS mice revealed new markers for each microglial subtype and a possible association between microglial heterogeneity and systemic immune environments. Thus, we highlighted the role of microglia in ALS pathology and importance of genetic background variations in modulating microglial functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Okiru Komine
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Syuhei Ohnuma
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Hinohara
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Center for 5D Cell Dynamics, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Hara
- Department of Genetics, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Mayuko Shimada
- Department of Genetics, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Akashi
- Center for 5D Cell Dynamics, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Center for Neurological Disease and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Seiji Watanabe
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Akira Sobue
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Medical Interactive Research and Academia Industry Collaboration Center, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Noe Kawade
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Tomoo Ogi
- Department of Genetics, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Nagoya University, Aichi, Japan
- Center for One Medicine Innovative Translational Research (COMIT), Nagoya University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Koji Yamanaka
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Nagoya University, Aichi, Japan
- Center for One Medicine Innovative Translational Research (COMIT), Nagoya University, Aichi, Japan
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3
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Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is well known for its angiogenic activity, but recent evidence has revealed a neuroprotective action of this factor on injured or diseased neurons. In the present review, we summarize the most relevant findings that have contributed to establish a link between VEGF deficiency and neuronal degeneration. At issue, 1) mutant mice with reduced levels of VEGF show adult-onset muscle weakness and motoneuron degeneration resembling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), 2) administration of VEGF to different animal models of motoneuron degeneration improves motor performance and ameliorates motoneuronal degeneration, and 3) there is an association between low plasmatic levels of VEGF and human ALS. Altogether, the results presented in this review highlight VEGF as an essential motoneuron neurotrophic factor endowed with promising therapeutic potential for the treatment of motoneuron disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula M Calvo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Rosendo G Hernández
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Angel M Pastor
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Rosa R de la Cruz
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
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4
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Guise AJ, Misal SA, Carson R, Chu JH, Boekweg H, Van Der Watt D, Welsh NC, Truong T, Liang Y, Xu S, Benedetto G, Gagnon J, Payne SH, Plowey ED, Kelly RT. TDP-43-stratified single-cell proteomics of postmortem human spinal motor neurons reveals protein dynamics in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113636. [PMID: 38183652 PMCID: PMC10926001 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
A limitation of conventional bulk-tissue proteome studies in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the confounding of motor neuron (MN) signals by admixed non-MN proteins. Here, we leverage laser capture microdissection and nanoPOTS single-cell mass spectrometry-based proteomics to query changes in protein expression in single MNs from postmortem ALS and control tissues. In a follow-up analysis, we examine the impact of stratification of MNs based on cytoplasmic transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43)+ inclusion pathology on the profiles of 2,238 proteins. We report extensive overlap in differentially abundant proteins identified in ALS MNs with or without overt TDP-43 pathology, suggesting early and sustained dysregulation of cellular respiration, mRNA splicing, translation, and vesicular transport in ALS. Together, these data provide insights into proteome-level changes associated with TDP-43 proteinopathy and begin to demonstrate the utility of pathology-stratified trace sample proteomics for understanding single-cell protein dynamics in human neurologic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Santosh A Misal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Richard Carson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | | | - Hannah Boekweg
- Biology Department, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | | | | | - Thy Truong
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Yiran Liang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | | | | | | | - Samuel H Payne
- Biology Department, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | | | - Ryan T Kelly
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA.
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Jensen BK. Astrocyte-Neuron Interactions Contributing to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Progression. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 39:285-318. [PMID: 39190080 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-64839-7_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a complex disease impacting motor neurons of the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord. Disease etiology is quite heterogeneous with over 40 genes causing the disease and a vast ~90% of patients having no prior family history. Astrocytes are major contributors to ALS, particularly through involvement in accelerating disease progression. Through study of genetic forms of disease including SOD1, TDP43, FUS, C9orf72, VCP, TBK1, and more recently patient-derived cells from sporadic individuals, many biological mechanisms have been identified to cause intrinsic or glial-mediated neurotoxicity to motor neurons. Overall, many of the normally supportive and beneficial roles that astrocytes contribute to neuronal health and survival instead switch to become deleterious and neurotoxic. While the exact pathways may differ based on disease-origin, altered astrocyte-neuron communication is a common feature of ALS. Within this chapter, distinct genetic forms are examined in detail, along with what is known from sporadic patient-derived cells. Overall, this chapter highlights the interplay between astrocytes and neurons in this complex disease and describes the key features underlying: astrocyte-mediated motor neuron toxicity, excitotoxicity, oxidative/nitrosative stress, protein dyshomeostasis, metabolic imbalance, inflammation, trophic factor withdrawal, blood-brain/blood-spinal cord barrier involvement, disease spreading, and the extracellular matrix/cell adhesion/TGF-β signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigid K Jensen
- Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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6
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Garrido AO, Picazo B, Guadix JA, Ruiz-Villalba A, Pérez-Pomares JM. The Genetics of Human Congenital Coronary Vascular Anomalies. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1441:811-816. [PMID: 38884750 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-44087-8_48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
The genetics of human congenital coronary vascular anomalies (hCCVA) remains largely underresearched. This is surprising, because although coronary vascular defects represent a relatively small proportion of human congenital heart disease (CHD), hCCVAs are clinically significant conditions. Indeed, hCCVA frequently associate to other congenital cardiac structural defects and may even result in sudden cardiac death in the adult. In this brief chapter, we will attempt to summarize our current knowledge on the topic, also proposing a rationale for the development of novel approaches to the genetics of hCCVA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Beatriz Picazo
- Hospital Materno Infantil-Hospital Carlos de Haya, Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Guadix
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Málaga (IBIMA)-Plataforma BIONAND, Málaga, Spain
| | - Adrián Ruiz-Villalba
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Málaga (IBIMA)-Plataforma BIONAND, Málaga, Spain
| | - José M Pérez-Pomares
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain.
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Málaga (IBIMA)-Plataforma BIONAND, Málaga, Spain.
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7
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Li M, Liao Y, Luo Z, Song H, Yang Z. Work-related factors and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A multivariable Mendelian randomization study. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e3317. [PMID: 37960974 PMCID: PMC10726785 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The causal relationship between work-related factors and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is unclear. We used a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the unconfounded association between work-related factors and ALS. METHODS Univariable MR analyses were conducted to evaluate the causal effects of work-related factors on ALS. Instrumental variables from the UK Biobank on work-related factors (n = 263,615) were used as proxies. The outcome dataset used ALS (n case = 20,806, n control = 59,804) summary-level data from a large-scale genome-wide association study based on European ancestry. MR analysis used inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, and weighted median (WM) to assess causal effects and other methods of MR for sensitivity analysis. Further multivariable MR analyses were performed to explore potential mediating effects. RESULTS In univariable MR, IVW methods support evidence that genetically determined job involves heavy manual or physical work (OR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.26-3.31; p = .004) was associated with an increased risk of ALS, and the WM methods also confirm this result (OR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.30-4.28; p = .005). No evidence of heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy was found in the results. In multivariable MR, the association was absent after adjusting for smoking and blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS Our MR analysis results demonstrate the potential causal relationship between jobs that involve heavy manual or physical work and ALS, which might be mediated by smoking and high systolic blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Li
- Department of NeurologyChangning County Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineYibinChina
- School of Acupuncture and MassageChengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduChina
| | - Yile Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine ResourcesSchool of Basic Medical SciencesChengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduChina
| | - Zhangkun Luo
- Department of NeurologyChangning County Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineYibinChina
| | - Hongfei Song
- School of Basic Medical SciencesChengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduChina
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineChangning County Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineYibinChina
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8
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Ruggiero V, Fagioli C, de Pretis S, Di Carlo V, Landsberger N, Zacchetti D. Complex CDKL5 translational regulation and its potential role in CDKL5 deficiency disorder. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1231493. [PMID: 37964795 PMCID: PMC10642286 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1231493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
CDKL5 is a kinase with relevant functions in correct neuronal development and in the shaping of synapses. A decrease in its expression or activity leads to a severe neurodevelopmental condition known as CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD). CDD arises from CDKL5 mutations that lie in the coding region of the gene. However, the identification of a SNP in the CDKL5 5'UTR in a patient with symptoms consistent with CDD, together with the complexity of the CDKL5 transcript leader, points toward a relevant translational regulation of CDKL5 expression with important consequences in physiological processes as well as in the pathogenesis of CDD. We performed a bioinformatics and molecular analysis of the 5'UTR of CDKL5 to identify translational regulatory features. We propose an important role for structural cis-acting elements, with the involvement of the eukaryotic translational initiation factor eIF4B. By evaluating both cap-dependent and cap-independent translation initiation, we suggest the presence of an IRES supporting the translation of CDKL5 mRNA and propose a pathogenic effect of the C>T -189 SNP in decreasing the translation of the downstream protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Ruggiero
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Fagioli
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano de Pretis
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Valerio Di Carlo
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Segrate, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Landsberger
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Segrate, Italy
| | - Daniele Zacchetti
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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9
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Zhao ZA, Yan L, Wen J, Satyanarayanan SK, Yu F, Lu J, Liu YU, Su H. Cellular and molecular mechanisms in vascular repair after traumatic brain injury: a narrative review. BURNS & TRAUMA 2023; 11:tkad033. [PMID: 37675267 PMCID: PMC10478165 DOI: 10.1093/burnst/tkad033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) disrupts normal brain function and is associated with high morbidity and fatality rates. TBI is characterized as mild, moderate or severe depending on its severity. The damage may be transient and limited to the dura matter, with only subtle changes in cerebral parenchyma, or life-threatening with obvious focal contusions, hematomas and edema. Blood vessels are often injured in TBI. Even in mild TBI, dysfunctional cerebral vascular repair may result in prolonged symptoms and poor outcomes. Various distinct types of cells participate in vascular repair after TBI. A better understanding of the cellular response and function in vascular repair can facilitate the development of new therapeutic strategies. In this review, we analyzed the mechanism of cerebrovascular impairment and the repercussions following various forms of TBI. We then discussed the role of distinct cell types in the repair of meningeal and parenchyma vasculature following TBI, including endothelial cells, endothelial progenitor cells, pericytes, glial cells (astrocytes and microglia), neurons, myeloid cells (macrophages and monocytes) and meningeal lymphatic endothelial cells. Finally, possible treatment techniques targeting these unique cell types for vascular repair after TBI are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Ai Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, 83# Wen-Hua Road, Shenyang 110840, China
| | - Lingli Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| | - Jing Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| | - Senthil Kumaran Satyanarayanan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| | - Feng Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| | - Jiahong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| | - Yong U Liu
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology in Health and Disease Institute, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Panyu District, Guangzhou 511400, China
| | - Huanxing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
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10
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Salafutdinov II, Gatina DZ, Markelova MI, Garanina EE, Malanin SY, Gazizov IM, Izmailov AA, Rizvanov AA, Islamov RR, Palotás A, Safiullov ZZ. A Biosafety Study of Human Umbilical Cord Blood Mononuclear Cells Transduced with Adenoviral Vector Carrying Human Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor cDNA In Vitro. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2020. [PMID: 37509661 PMCID: PMC10377014 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11072020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The biosafety of gene therapy remains a crucial issue for both the direct and cell-mediated delivery of recombinant cDNA encoding biologically active molecules for the pathogenetic correction of congenital or acquired disorders. The diversity of vector systems and cell carriers for the delivery of therapeutic genes revealed the difficulty of developing and implementing a safe and effective drug containing artificial genetic material for the treatment of human diseases in practical medicine. Therefore, in this study we assessed changes in the transcriptome and secretome of umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (UCB-MCs) genetically modified using adenoviral vector (Ad5) carrying cDNA encoding human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF165) or reporter green fluorescent protein (GFP). A preliminary analysis of UCB-MCs transduced with Ad5-VEGF165 and Ad5-GFP with MOI of 10 showed efficient transgene expression in gene-modified UCB-MCs at mRNA and protein levels. The whole transcriptome sequencing of native UCB-MCs, UCB-MC+Ad5-VEGF165, and UCB-MC+Ad5-GFP demonstrated individual sample variability rather than the effect of Ad5 or the expression of recombinant vegf165 on UCB-MC transcriptomes. A multiplex secretome analysis indicated that neither the transduction of UCB-MCs with Ad5-GFP nor with Ad5-VEGF165 affects the secretion of the studied cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors by gene-modified cells. Here, we show that UCB-MCs transduced with Ad5 carrying cDNA encoding human VEGF165 efficiently express transgenes and preserve transcriptome and secretome patterns. This data demonstrates the biosafety of using UCB-MCs as cell carriers of therapeutic genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilnur I Salafutdinov
- Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Kazan State Medical University, Kazan 420012, Russia
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan 420008, Russia
| | - Dilara Z Gatina
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan 420008, Russia
| | - Maria I Markelova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan 420008, Russia
| | - Ekaterina E Garanina
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan 420008, Russia
| | - Sergey Yu Malanin
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan 420008, Russia
| | - Ilnaz M Gazizov
- Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Kazan State Medical University, Kazan 420012, Russia
| | - Andrei A Izmailov
- Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Kazan State Medical University, Kazan 420012, Russia
| | - Albert A Rizvanov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan 420008, Russia
| | - Rustem R Islamov
- Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Kazan State Medical University, Kazan 420012, Russia
| | - András Palotás
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan 420008, Russia
- Asklepios-Med (Private Medical Practice and Research Center), H-6722 Szeged, Hungary
- Tokaj-Hegyalja University, H-3910 Tokaj, Hungary
| | - Zufar Z Safiullov
- Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Kazan State Medical University, Kazan 420012, Russia
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11
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Spalloni A, de Stefano S, Gimenez J, Greco V, Mercuri NB, Chiurchiù V, Longone P. The Ying and Yang of Hydrogen Sulfide as a Paracrine/Autocrine Agent in Neurodegeneration: Focus on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2023; 12:1691. [PMID: 37443723 PMCID: PMC10341301 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ever since its presence was reported in the brain, the nature and role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the Central Nervous System (CNS) have changed. Consequently, H2S has been elected as the third gas transmitter, along with carbon monoxide and nitric oxide, and a number of studies have focused on its neuromodulatory and protectant functions in physiological conditions. The research on H2S has highlighted its many facets in the periphery and in the CNS, and its role as a double-faced compound, switching from protective to toxic depending on its concentration. In this review, we will focus on the bell-shaped nature of H2S as an angiogenic factor and as a molecule released by glial cells (mainly astrocytes) and non-neuronal cells acting on the surrounding environment (paracrine) or on the releasing cells themselves (autocrine). Finally, we will discuss its role in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a paradigm of a neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alida Spalloni
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (S.d.S.); (J.G.); (P.L.)
| | - Susanna de Stefano
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (S.d.S.); (J.G.); (P.L.)
- Department of Systems Medicine, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Juliette Gimenez
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (S.d.S.); (J.G.); (P.L.)
| | - Viviana Greco
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative Clinics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Unity of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Molecular Biology, Department of Diagnostic and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola B. Mercuri
- Department of Systems Medicine, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Chiurchiù
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council (CNR), 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Laboratory of Resolution of Neuroinflammation, Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Longone
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (S.d.S.); (J.G.); (P.L.)
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12
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Fogarty MJ, Dasgupta D, Khurram OU, Sieck GC. Chemogenetic inhibition of TrkB signalling reduces phrenic motor neuron survival and size. Mol Cell Neurosci 2023; 125:103847. [PMID: 36958643 PMCID: PMC10247511 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2023.103847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signalling through its high-affinity tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) is known to have potent effects on motor neuron survival and morphology during development and in neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we employed a novel 1NMPP1 sensitive TrkBF616 rat model to evaluate the effect of 14 days inhibition of TrkB signalling on phrenic motor neurons (PhMNs). Adult female and male TrkBF616 rats were divided into 1NMPP1 or vehicle treated groups. Three days prior to treatment, PhMNs in both groups were initially labeled via intrapleural injection of Alexa-Fluor-647 cholera toxin B (CTB). After 11 days of treatment, retrograde axonal uptake/transport was assessed by secondary labeling of PhMNs by intrapleural injection of Alexa-Fluor-488 CTB. After 14 days of treatment, the spinal cord was excised 100 μm thick spinal sections containing PhMNs were imaged using two-channel confocal microscopy. TrkB inhibition reduced the total number of PhMNs by ∼16 %, reduced the mean PhMN somal surface areas by ∼25 %, impaired CTB uptake 2.5-fold and reduced the estimated PhMN dendritic surface area by ∼38 %. We conclude that inhibition of TrkB signalling alone in adult TrkBF616 rats is sufficient to lead to PhMN loss, morphological degeneration and deficits in retrograde axonal uptake/transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Fogarty
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Debanjali Dasgupta
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Obaid U Khurram
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Gary C Sieck
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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13
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Schreiber S, Bernal J, Arndt P, Schreiber F, Müller P, Morton L, Braun-Dullaeus RC, Valdés-Hernández MDC, Duarte R, Wardlaw JM, Meuth SG, Mietzner G, Vielhaber S, Dunay IR, Dityatev A, Jandke S, Mattern H. Brain Vascular Health in ALS Is Mediated through Motor Cortex Microvascular Integrity. Cells 2023; 12:957. [PMID: 36980297 PMCID: PMC10047140 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060957] [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: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain vascular health appears to be critical for preventing the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and slowing its progression. ALS patients often demonstrate cardiovascular risk factors and commonly suffer from cerebrovascular disease, with evidence of pathological alterations in their small cerebral blood vessels. Impaired vascular brain health has detrimental effects on motor neurons: vascular endothelial growth factor levels are lowered in ALS, which can compromise endothelial cell formation and the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. Increased turnover of neurovascular unit cells precedes their senescence, which, together with pericyte alterations, further fosters the failure of toxic metabolite removal. We here provide a comprehensive overview of the pathogenesis of impaired brain vascular health in ALS and how novel magnetic resonance imaging techniques can aid its detection. In particular, we discuss vascular patterns of blood supply to the motor cortex with the number of branches from the anterior and middle cerebral arteries acting as a novel marker of resistance and resilience against downstream effects of vascular risk and events in ALS. We outline how certain interventions adapted to patient needs and capabilities have the potential to mechanistically target the brain microvasculature towards favorable motor cortex blood supply patterns. Through this strategy, we aim to guide novel approaches to ALS management and a better understanding of ALS pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Schreiber
- Department of Neurology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Medical Faculty, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) within the Helmholtz Association, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jose Bernal
- Department of Neurology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Medical Faculty, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) within the Helmholtz Association, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Arndt
- Department of Neurology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Medical Faculty, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) within the Helmholtz Association, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Frank Schreiber
- Department of Neurology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Medical Faculty, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) within the Helmholtz Association, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Müller
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) within the Helmholtz Association, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology and Angiology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Lorena Morton
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Roberto Duarte
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, UK Dementia Research Institute Centre, Edinburgh EH16 4UX, UK
| | - Joanna Marguerite Wardlaw
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, UK Dementia Research Institute Centre, Edinburgh EH16 4UX, UK
| | - Sven Günther Meuth
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Grazia Mietzner
- Department of Neurology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Medical Faculty, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Vielhaber
- Department of Neurology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Medical Faculty, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ildiko Rita Dunay
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Dityatev
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) within the Helmholtz Association, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Otto von Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Solveig Jandke
- Department of Neurology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Medical Faculty, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) within the Helmholtz Association, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Hendrik Mattern
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) within the Helmholtz Association, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Biomedical Magnetic Resonance, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
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14
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The Neuroprotective Activities of the Novel Multi-Target Iron-Chelators in Models of Alzheimer's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Aging. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050763. [PMID: 36899898 PMCID: PMC10001413 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The concept of chelation therapy as a valuable therapeutic approach in neurological disorders led us to develop multi-target, non-toxic, lipophilic, brain-permeable compounds with iron chelation and anti-apoptotic properties for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), age-related dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Herein, we reviewed our two most effective such compounds, M30 and HLA20, based on a multimodal drug design paradigm. The compounds have been tested for their mechanisms of action using animal and cellular models such as APP/PS1 AD transgenic (Tg) mice, G93A-SOD1 mutant ALS Tg mice, C57BL/6 mice, Neuroblastoma × Spinal Cord-34 (NSC-34) hybrid cells, a battery of behavior tests, and various immunohistochemical and biochemical techniques. These novel iron chelators exhibit neuroprotective activities by attenuating relevant neurodegenerative pathology, promoting positive behavior changes, and up-regulating neuroprotective signaling pathways. Taken together, these results suggest that our multifunctional iron-chelating compounds can upregulate several neuroprotective-adaptive mechanisms and pro-survival signaling pathways in the brain and might function as ideal drugs for neurodegenerative disorders, such as PD, AD, ALS, and aging-related cognitive decline, in which oxidative stress and iron-mediated toxicity and dysregulation of iron homeostasis have been implicated.
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15
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McMillan M, Gomez N, Hsieh C, Bekier M, Li X, Miguez R, Tank EMH, Barmada SJ. RNA methylation influences TDP43 binding and disease pathogenesis in models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Mol Cell 2023; 83:219-236.e7. [PMID: 36634675 PMCID: PMC9899051 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
RNA methylation at adenosine N6 (m6A) is one of the most common RNA modifications, impacting RNA stability, transport, and translation. Previous studies uncovered RNA destabilization in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) models in association with accumulation of the RNA-binding protein TDP43. Here, we show that TDP43 recognizes m6A RNA and that RNA methylation is critical for both TDP43 binding and autoregulation. We also observed extensive RNA hypermethylation in ALS spinal cord, corresponding to methylated TDP43 substrates. Emphasizing the importance of m6A for TDP43 binding and function, we identified several m6A factors that enhance or suppress TDP43-mediated toxicity via single-cell CRISPR-Cas9 in primary neurons. The most promising modifier-the canonical m6A reader YTHDF2-accumulated within ALS spinal neurons, and its knockdown prolonged the survival of human neurons carrying ALS-associated mutations. Collectively, these data show that m6A modifications modulate RNA binding by TDP43 and that m6A is pivotal for TDP43-related neurodegeneration in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael McMillan
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Nicolas Gomez
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Caroline Hsieh
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Michael Bekier
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Xingli Li
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Roberto Miguez
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Elizabeth M H Tank
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sami J Barmada
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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16
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King BC, Blom AM. Intracellular complement: Evidence, definitions, controversies, and solutions. Immunol Rev 2023; 313:104-119. [PMID: 36100972 PMCID: PMC10086947 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The term "intracellular complement" has been introduced recently as an umbrella term to distinguish functions of complement proteins that take place intracellularly, rather than in the extracellular environment. However, this rather undefined term leaves some confusion as to the classification of what intracellular complement really is, and as to which intracellular compartment(s) it should refer to. In this review, we will describe the evidence for both canonical and non-canonical functions of intracellular complement proteins, as well as the current controversies and unanswered questions as to the nature of the intracellular complement. We also suggest new terms to facilitate the accurate description and discussion of specific forms of intracellular complement and call for future experiments that will be required to provide more definitive evidence and a better understanding of the mechanisms of intracellular complement activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben C King
- Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Anna M Blom
- Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
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17
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Yuan Y, Sun J, Dong Q, Cui M. Blood-brain barrier endothelial cells in neurodegenerative diseases: Signals from the "barrier". Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1047778. [PMID: 36908787 PMCID: PMC9998532 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1047778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
As blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption emerges as a common problem in the early stages of neurodegenerative diseases, the crucial roles of barrier-type brain endothelial cells (BECs), the primary part of the BBB, have been reported in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. The mechanisms of how early vascular dysfunction contributes to the progress of neurodegeneration are still unclear, and understanding BEC functions is a promising start. Our understanding of the BBB has gone through different stages, from a passive diffusion barrier to a mediator of central-peripheral interactions. BECs serve two seemingly paradoxical roles: as a barrier to protect the delicate brain from toxins and as an interface to constantly receive and release signals, thus maintaining and regulating the homeostasis of the brain. Most previous studies about neurodegenerative diseases focus on the loss of barrier functions, and far too little attention has been paid to the active regulations of BECs. In this review, we present the current evidence of BEC dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases and explore how BEC signals participate in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Dong
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education (MOE) Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mei Cui
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education (MOE) Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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18
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Nunes FDD, Ferezin LP, Pereira SC, Figaro-Drumond FV, Pinheiro LC, Menezes IC, Baes CVW, Coeli-Lacchini FB, Tanus-Santos JE, Juruena MF, Lacchini R. The Association of Biochemical and Genetic Biomarkers in VEGF Pathway with Depression. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122757. [PMID: 36559251 PMCID: PMC9785844 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
VEGF is an important neurotrophic and vascular factor involved in mental disorders. The objective of this study was to verify the effect of genetic polymorphisms in the VEGF pathway on the risk for depression, symptom intensity, and suicide attempts. To examine the association between the VEGF pathway and depression, we genotyped polymorphisms and measured the plasma concentrations of VEGF, KDR, and FLT1 proteins. The participants were 160 patients with depression and 114 healthy controls. The questionnaires that assessed the clinical profile of the patients were the MINI-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, GRID-HAMD21, CTQ, BSI, and the number of suicide attempts. Genotyping of participants was performed using the real-time PCR and protein measurements were performed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). VEGF and its inhibitors were reduced in depression. Individuals with depression and displaying the homozygous AA of the rs699947 polymorphism had higher plasma concentrations of VEGF (p-value = 0.006) and were associated with a greater number of suicide attempts (p-value = 0.041). Individuals with depression that were homozygous for the G allele of the FLT1 polymorphism rs7993418 were associated with lower symptom severity (p-value = 0.040). Our results suggest that VEGF pathway polymorphisms are associated with the number of suicide attempts and the severity of depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Daniela Dornelas Nunes
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing and Human Sciences, Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of Sao Paolo, Sao Paulo 14040-902, Brazil
| | - Letícia Perticarrara Ferezin
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing and Human Sciences, Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of Sao Paolo, Sao Paulo 14040-902, Brazil
| | - Sherliane Carla Pereira
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paolo 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Viana Figaro-Drumond
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing and Human Sciences, Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of Sao Paolo, Sao Paulo 14040-902, Brazil
| | - Lucas Cézar Pinheiro
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing and Human Sciences, Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of Sao Paolo, Sao Paulo 14040-902, Brazil
| | - Itiana Castro Menezes
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Cristiane von Werne Baes
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Borchers Coeli-Lacchini
- Blood Center Foundation, Clinics Hospital of the Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paolo 14051-060, Brazil
| | - José Eduardo Tanus-Santos
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paolo 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Mário Francisco Juruena
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Monks Orchard Road, Beckenham BR3 3BX, UK
| | - Riccardo Lacchini
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing and Human Sciences, Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of Sao Paolo, Sao Paulo 14040-902, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +16-33153447
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19
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Alexander GM, Heiman-Patterson TD, Bearoff F, Sher RB, Hennessy L, Terek S, Caccavo N, Cox GA, Philip VM, Blankenhorn EA. Identification of quantitative trait loci for survival in the mutant dynactin p150Glued mouse model of motor neuron disease. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274615. [PMID: 36107978 PMCID: PMC9477371 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common degenerative motor neuron disorder. Although most cases of ALS are sporadic, 5-10% of cases are familial, with mutations associated with over 40 genes. There is variation of ALS symptoms within families carrying the same mutation; the disease may develop in one sibling and not in another despite the presence of the mutation in both. Although the cause of this phenotypic variation is unknown, it is likely related to genetic modifiers of disease expression. The identification of ALS causing genes has led to the development of transgenic mouse models of motor neuron disease. Similar to families with familial ALS, there are background-dependent differences in disease phenotype in transgenic mouse models of ALS suggesting that, as in human ALS, differences in phenotype may be ascribed to genetic modifiers. These genetic modifiers may not cause ALS rather their expression either exacerbates or ameliorates the effect of the mutant ALS causing genes. We have reported that in both the G93A-hSOD1 and G59S-hDCTN1 mouse models, SJL mice demonstrated a more severe phenotype than C57BL6 mice. From reciprocal intercrosses between G93A-hSOD1 transgenic mice on SJL and C57BL6 strains, we identified a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) on mouse chromosome 17 that results in a significant shift in lifespan. In this study we generated reciprocal intercrosses between transgenic G59S-hDCTN1 mice on SJL and C57BL6 strains and identified survival QTLs on mouse chromosomes 17 and 18. The chromosome 17 survival QTL on G93A-hSOD1 and G59S-hDCTN1 mice partly overlap, suggesting that the genetic modifiers located in this region may be shared by these two ALS models despite the fact that motor neuron degeneration is caused by mutations in different proteins. The overlapping region contains eighty-seven genes with non-synonymous variations predicted to be deleterious and/or damaging. Two genes in this segment, NOTCH3 and Safb/SAFB1, have been associated with motor neuron disease. The identification of genetic modifiers of motor neuron disease, especially those modifiers that are shared by SOD1 and dynactin-1 transgenic mice, may result in the identification of novel targets for therapies that can alter the course of this devastating illness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Terry D. Heiman-Patterson
- Department of Neurology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine of Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Frank Bearoff
- Department of Microbiology Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Roger B. Sher
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Laura Hennessy
- The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Shannon Terek
- The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Nicole Caccavo
- Department of Neurology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine of Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Gregory A. Cox
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, United States of America
| | - Vivek M. Philip
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth A. Blankenhorn
- Department of Microbiology Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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20
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Molecular Polymorphisms of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Gene and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Very Low Birth Weight Infants. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:2793846. [PMID: 36092960 PMCID: PMC9458363 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2793846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Background Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease affecting primarily preterm and very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Despite the advances in perinatal care, BPD remains a major clinical and costly complication in premature infants. The pathogenesis of BPD is complex and multifactorial. Prematurity, mechanical ventilation, oxidative stress, and inflammation are recognized as major interrelated contributing factors. Recently, some candidate genes involved in angiogenesis and alveolarization regulating mechanisms have been associated to BPD risk development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) polymorphisms on BPD onset in VLBW newborns. Methods Eighty-two VLBW infants, without major anomalies, were consecutively enrolled: 33 developed BPD (BPD group) and 49 infants without BPD served as controls (control group). In all infants, two polymorphisms, respectively (VEGF receptor) VEGFR1-710 C/T and VEGF +936 C/T, were determined through salivary brush. Genomic DNA was extracted and purified from saliva samples by using the MasterAmp Buccal Swab DNA Extraction Kit (Tebu-bio, Milan, Italy). Results Significant statistic differences were found between BPD newborns and controls with regard to gestational age, birth weight, mechanical ventilation, duration of oxygen therapy, maternal preeclampsia, and chorioamnionitis. No differences were detected between genotypic and allelic levels regarding VEGFR1 and VEGF molecular polymorphisms. Conclusions Two single nucleotide polymorphisms within VEGF and VEGFR1 genes are not associated with BPD. Further researches are needed to reveal gene polymorphisms involved in vascular development as contributors to the onset of BPD.
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21
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Feldmann DC, Rahim M, Suijkerbuijk MAM, Laguette MJN, Cieszczyk P, Ficek K, Huminska-Lisowska K, Häger CK, Stattin E, Nilsson KG, Alvarez-Rumero J, Eynon N, Feller J, Tirosh O, Posthumus M, Chimusa ER, Collins M, September AV. Investigation of multiple populations highlight VEGFA polymorphisms to modulate anterior cruciate ligament injury. J Orthop Res 2022; 40:1604-1612. [PMID: 34664319 DOI: 10.1002/jor.25192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Polymorphisms in VEGFA and KDR encoding proteins have been associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk. We leveraged a collective sample from Sweden, Poland, and Australia to investigate the association of functional polymorphisms in VEGFA and KDR with susceptibility to ACL injury risk. Using a case-control genetic association approach, polymorphisms in VEGFA and KDR were genotyped and haplotypes inferred from 765 controls, and 912 cases clinically diagnosed with ACL rupture. For VEGFA, there was a significant overrepresentation of the rs2010963 CC genotype (p = 0.0001, false discovery rate [FDR]: p = 0.001, odds ratio [OR]: 2.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.47-3.19) in the combined ACL group (18%) compared to the combined control group (11%). The VEGFA (rs699947 C/A, rs1570360 G/A, rs2010963 G/C) A-A-G haplotype was significantly (p = 0.010, OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.69-1.05) underrepresented in the combined ACL group (23%) compared to the combined control group (28%). In addition, the A-G-G construct was significantly (p = 0.036, OR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.64-1.02) underrepresented in the combined ACL group (12%) compared to the combined CON group (16%). Our findings support the association of the VEGFA rs2010963 CC genotype with increased risk and (ii) the VEGFA A-A-G haplotype with a reduced risk, and are in alignment with the a priori hypothesis. Collectively identifying a genetic interval within VEGFA to be implicated in ACL risk modulation and highlight further the importance of vascular regulation in ligament biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daneil C Feldmann
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Masouda Rahim
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mathijs A M Suijkerbuijk
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mary-Jessica N Laguette
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,UCT Research Centre for Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport, Cape Town, South Africa.,International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS) Collaborative Centre of Sports Medicine, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Paweł Cieszczyk
- Faculty of Physical Education, Gdańsk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Ficek
- Faculty of Physiotherapy, Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Kinga Huminska-Lisowska
- Faculty of Physical Education, Gdańsk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Charlotte K Häger
- Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Evalena Stattin
- Department of Immunology Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kjell G Nilsson
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Javier Alvarez-Rumero
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nir Eynon
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Julian Feller
- OrthoSport Victoria, Epworth Healthcare, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Oren Tirosh
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Posthumus
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS) Collaborative Centre of Sports Medicine, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Emile R Chimusa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Pathology, Division of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Malcolm Collins
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,UCT Research Centre for Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport, Cape Town, South Africa.,International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS) Collaborative Centre of Sports Medicine, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alison V September
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,UCT Research Centre for Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport, Cape Town, South Africa.,International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS) Collaborative Centre of Sports Medicine, Cape Town, South Africa
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22
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Nebie O, Buée L, Blum D, Burnouf T. Can the administration of platelet lysates to the brain help treat neurological disorders? Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:379. [PMID: 35750991 PMCID: PMC9243829 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04397-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) and brain traumatic insults are characterized by complex overlapping pathophysiological alterations encompassing neuroinflammation, alterations of synaptic functions, oxidative stress, and progressive neurodegeneration that eventually lead to irreversible motor and cognitive dysfunctions. A single pharmacological approach is unlikely to provide a complementary set of molecular therapeutic actions suitable to resolve these complex pathologies. Recent preclinical data are providing evidence-based scientific rationales to support biotherapies based on administering neurotrophic factors and extracellular vesicles present in the lysates of human platelets collected from healthy donors to the brain. Here, we present the most recent findings on the composition of the platelet proteome that can activate complementary signaling pathways in vivo to trigger neuroprotection, synapse protection, anti-inflammation, antioxidation, and neurorestoration. We also report experimental data where the administration of human platelet lysates (HPL) was safe and resulted in beneficial neuroprotective effects in established rodent models of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, traumatic brain injury, and stroke. Platelet-based biotherapies, prepared from collected platelet concentrates (PC), are emerging as a novel pragmatic and accessible translational therapeutic strategy for treating neurological diseases. Based on this assumption, we further elaborated on various clinical, manufacturing, and regulatory issues that need to be addressed to ensure the ethical supply, quality, and safety of HPL preparations for treating neurodegenerative and traumatic pathologies of the CNS. HPL made from PC may become a unique approach for scientifically based treatments of neurological disorders readily accessible in low-, middle-, and high-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ouada Nebie
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Xing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 - LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience and Cognition, 59045, Lille, France
- Alzheimer and Tauopathies, LabEx DISTALZ, LiCEND, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Luc Buée
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 - LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience and Cognition, 59045, Lille, France
- Alzheimer and Tauopathies, LabEx DISTALZ, LiCEND, 59000, Lille, France
- NeuroTMULille International Laboratory, Univ. Lille, Lille, France
| | - David Blum
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 - LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience and Cognition, 59045, Lille, France.
- Alzheimer and Tauopathies, LabEx DISTALZ, LiCEND, 59000, Lille, France.
- NeuroTMULille International Laboratory, Univ. Lille, Lille, France.
- NeuroTMULille International Laboratory, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
| | - Thierry Burnouf
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Xing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
- NeuroTMULille International Laboratory, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
- International PhD Program in Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
- International PhD Program in Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
- Brain and Consciousness Research Centre, Taipei Medical University Shuang-Ho Hospital, New Taipei City, 23561, Taiwan.
- Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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23
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Vafaei Mastanabad M, Nooraei A, Hassan Zadeh Tabatabaei MS, Akbari Fakhrabadi A, Jafarzadeh F. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF): an emerging therapeutic approach for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Acta Neurol Belg 2022:10.1007/s13760-022-01996-z. [PMID: 35737276 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-022-01996-z] [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: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by neuronal degeneration and inflammation in the nerves. G-CSF is a 19.6-kDa hematopoietic growth factor which is essential for the proliferation and differentiation of granulocyte hematopoietic progenitors. G-CSF exerts neuroprotective activities by induction of neuronal regeneration, inhibition of neuronal apoptosis, mobilization of Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), regulation of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and activation of angiogenesis. Pre-clinical studies have shown significant efficacy of G-CSF therapy in mSOD1G93A mice models. G-CSF treatments were able to increase the survival of mice. However, clinical studies on ALS patients failed to clone pre-clinical results. Considering the potential role of G-CSF in nervous system regeneration, this study aimed to comprehensively review the clinical and pre-clinical studies addressing G-CSF in ALS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aref Nooraei
- Comparative Anatomy and Embryology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | | | | | - Faria Jafarzadeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnourd, Iran.
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24
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A strong association between VEGF-A rs28357093 and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a brazilian genetic study. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:9129-9133. [PMID: 35733060 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07647-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons and promotes progressive muscle atrophy. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGF-A) plays multiple roles in the central nervous systems (CNS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) VEGF-A rs28357093 and ALS. METHODS AND RESULTS This case-control study was conducted in 101 ALS patients and 119 healthy individuals. Genotyping was performed by Polymerase Chain Reaction - Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The statistical analysis was carried out using the RStudio® and SNPStats© software's. Analysis of genetic inheritance models was performed by logistic regression. Our findings demonstrated a strong association between VEGF- A rs28357093 and ALS in all genetic inheritance models, with a 9-fold increased risk for A/C - C/C genotypes (95%CI = 3.70-21.88; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The mutant allele was more frequent in ALS patients (p < 0.001) and this finding could be associated with ALS risk. This first study from the Brazilian central population was conducted to provide new insight into the pathogenesis of ALS.
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25
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Ribbans WJ, September AV, Collins M. Tendon and Ligament Genetics: How Do They Contribute to Disease and Injury? A Narrative Review. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12050663. [PMID: 35629331 PMCID: PMC9147569 DOI: 10.3390/life12050663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A significant proportion of patients requiring musculoskeletal management present with tendon and ligament pathology. Our understanding of the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms that lead to such disabilities is increasing. However, the complexity underpinning these interactive multifactorial elements is still not fully characterised. Evidence highlighting the genetic components, either reducing or increasing susceptibility to injury, is increasing. This review examines the present understanding of the role genetic variations contribute to tendon and ligament injury risk. It examines the different elements of tendon and ligament structure and considers our knowledge of genetic influence on form, function, ability to withstand load, and undertake repair or regeneration. The role of epigenetic factors in modifying gene expression in these structures is also explored. It considers the challenges to interpreting present knowledge, the requirements, and likely pathways for future research, and whether such information has reached the point of clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J. Ribbans
- School of Health, The University of Northampton, Northampton NN1 5PH, UK
- The County Clinic, Northampton NN1 5DB, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-1604-795414
| | - Alison V. September
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; (A.V.S.); (M.C.)
- Health Through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Collaborative Centre of Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
| | - Malcolm Collins
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; (A.V.S.); (M.C.)
- Health Through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Collaborative Centre of Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
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26
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Eitan C, Siany A, Barkan E, Olender T, van Eijk KR, Moisse M, Farhan SMK, Danino YM, Yanowski E, Marmor-Kollet H, Rivkin N, Yacovzada NS, Hung ST, Cooper-Knock J, Yu CH, Louis C, Masters SL, Kenna KP, van der Spek RAA, Sproviero W, Al Khleifat A, Iacoangeli A, Shatunov A, Jones AR, Elbaz-Alon Y, Cohen Y, Chapnik E, Rothschild D, Weissbrod O, Beck G, Ainbinder E, Ben-Dor S, Werneburg S, Schafer DP, Brown RH, Shaw PJ, Van Damme P, van den Berg LH, Phatnani H, Segal E, Ichida JK, Al-Chalabi A, Veldink JH, Hornstein E. Whole-genome sequencing reveals that variants in the Interleukin 18 Receptor Accessory Protein 3'UTR protect against ALS. Nat Neurosci 2022; 25:433-445. [PMID: 35361972 PMCID: PMC7614916 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-022-01040-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The noncoding genome is substantially larger than the protein-coding genome but has been largely unexplored by genetic association studies. Here, we performed region-based rare variant association analysis of >25,000 variants in untranslated regions of 6,139 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) whole genomes and the whole genomes of 70,403 non-ALS controls. We identified interleukin-18 receptor accessory protein (IL18RAP) 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) variants as significantly enriched in non-ALS genomes and associated with a fivefold reduced risk of developing ALS, and this was replicated in an independent cohort. These variants in the IL18RAP 3'UTR reduce mRNA stability and the binding of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-binding proteins. Finally, the variants of the IL18RAP 3'UTR confer a survival advantage for motor neurons because they dampen neurotoxicity of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived microglia bearing an ALS-associated expansion in C9orf72, and this depends on NF-κB signaling. This study reveals genetic variants that protect against ALS by reducing neuroinflammation and emphasizes the importance of noncoding genetic association studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Eitan
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Aviad Siany
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Elad Barkan
- Department of Computer Science And Applied Math, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tsviya Olender
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Kristel R van Eijk
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Matthieu Moisse
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sali M K Farhan
- Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yehuda M Danino
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Eran Yanowski
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Hagai Marmor-Kollet
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Natalia Rivkin
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nancy Sarah Yacovzada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Computer Science And Applied Math, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shu-Ting Hung
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Johnathan Cooper-Knock
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Chien-Hsiung Yu
- Inflammation Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Cynthia Louis
- Inflammation Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Seth L Masters
- Inflammation Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Kevin P Kenna
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rick A A van der Spek
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - William Sproviero
- King's College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmad Al Khleifat
- King's College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alfredo Iacoangeli
- King's College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London, United Kingdom
| | - Aleksey Shatunov
- King's College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ashley R Jones
- King's College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yael Elbaz-Alon
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yahel Cohen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Elik Chapnik
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Daphna Rothschild
- Department of Computer Science And Applied Math, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Omer Weissbrod
- Department of Computer Science And Applied Math, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Gilad Beck
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Elena Ainbinder
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shifra Ben-Dor
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sebastian Werneburg
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Dorothy P Schafer
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Robert H Brown
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Philip Van Damme
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
- University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Neurology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hemali Phatnani
- Center for Genomics of Neurodegenerative Disease, New York Genome Center, New York, USA
| | - Eran Segal
- Department of Computer Science And Applied Math, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Justin K Ichida
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ammar Al-Chalabi
- King's College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London, United Kingdom
- King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jan H Veldink
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Eran Hornstein
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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27
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Saoud H, Aflouk Y, Ben Afia A, Gaha L, Bel Hadj Jrad B. Association of VEGF-A and KDR polymorphisms with the development of schizophrenia. Hum Immunol 2022; 83:528-537. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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28
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Genetic architecture of motor neuron diseases. J Neurol Sci 2021; 434:120099. [PMID: 34965490 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.120099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are rare and frequently fatal neurological disorders in which motor neurons within the brainstem and spinal cord regions slowly die. MNDs are primarily caused by genetic mutations, and > 100 different mutant genes in humans have been discovered thus far. Given the fact that many more MND-related genes have yet to be discovered, the growing body of genetic evidence has offered new insights into the diverse cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the aetiology and pathogenesis of MNDs. This search may aid in the selection of potential candidate genes for future investigation and, eventually, may open the door to novel interventions to slow down disease progression. In this review paper, we have summarized detailed existing research findings of different MNDs, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), spinal bulbar muscle atrophy (SBMA) and hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) in relation to their complex genetic architecture.
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29
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Jiménez-Villegas J, Ferraiuolo L, Mead RJ, Shaw PJ, Cuadrado A, Rojo AI. NRF2 as a therapeutic opportunity to impact in the molecular roadmap of ALS. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 173:125-141. [PMID: 34314817 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating heterogeneous disease with still no convincing therapy. To identify the most strategically significant hallmarks for therapeutic intervention, we have performed a comprehensive transcriptomics analysis of dysregulated pathways, comparing datasets from ALS patients and healthy donors. We have identified crucial alterations in RNA metabolism, intracellular transport, vascular system, redox homeostasis, proteostasis and inflammatory responses. Interestingly, the transcription factor NRF2 (nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2) has significant effects in modulating these pathways. NRF2 has been classically considered as the master regulator of the antioxidant cellular response, although it is currently considered as a key component of the transduction machinery to maintain coordinated control of protein quality, inflammation, and redox homeostasis. Herein, we will summarize the data from NRF2 activators in ALS pre-clinical models as well as those that are being studied in clinical trials. As we will discuss, NRF2 is a promising target to build a coordinated transcriptional response to motor neuron injury, highlighting its therapeutic potential to combat ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Jiménez-Villegas
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College, Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols" (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Paz (IdiPaz), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - L Ferraiuolo
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - R J Mead
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - P J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - A Cuadrado
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College, Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols" (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Paz (IdiPaz), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - A I Rojo
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College, Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols" (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Paz (IdiPaz), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.
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Cornelius VA, Fulton JR, Margariti A. Alternative Splicing: A Key Mediator of Diabetic Vasculopathy. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1332. [PMID: 34573314 PMCID: PMC8469645 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death amongst diabetic individuals. Atherosclerosis is the prominent driver of diabetic vascular complications, which is triggered by the detrimental effects of hyperglycemia and oxidative stress on the vasculature. Research has extensively shown diabetes to result in the malfunction of the endothelium, the main component of blood vessels, causing severe vascular complications. The pathogenic mechanism in which diabetes induces vascular dysfunction, however, remains largely unclear. Alternative splicing of protein coding pre-mRNAs is an essential regulatory mechanism of gene expression and is accepted to be intertwined with cellular physiology. Recently, a role for alternative splicing has arisen within vascular health, with aberrant mis-splicing having a critical role in disease development, including in atherosclerosis. This review focuses on the current knowledge of alternative splicing and the roles of alternatively spliced isoforms within the vasculature, with a particular focus on disease states. Furthermore, we explore the recent elucidation of the alternatively spliced QKI gene within vascular cell physiology and the onset of diabetic vasculopathy. Potential therapeutic strategies to restore aberrant splicing are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andriana Margariti
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute of Experimental Medicine, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (V.A.C.); (J.R.F.)
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Amin I, Pandith AA, Manzoor U, Mir SH, Afroze D, Koul AM, Wani S, Ahmad A, Qasim I, Rashid M, Wani UM, Anwar I, Aein QU, Mansoor S. Implications of VEGF gene sequence variations and its expression in recurrent pregnancy loss. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 43:1035-1044. [PMID: 34716101 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What is the association between VEGF gene sequence variants and its mRNA expression in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL)? Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has a prominent role in pregnancy and affects pregnancy outcome. The association of VEGF gene 1154G>A, 634G>C and 583C>T polymorphic variations with cases of RPL and full-term fertile women as controls was investigated. DESIGN Two hundred women with RPL and 240 women healthy controls were included. The restriction fragment length polymorphism method was used for genotyping and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used for analysis of mRNA expression. RESULTS In VEGF 1154G>A, significant differences were found in homozygous AA genotype between case and control participants. The variant allele A frequency was significantly more abundant in RPL cases (0.41) than controls (0.19) (P < 0.0001). Only RPL cases with the multi-generation family history of miscarriages and those without any history showed significant differences of combined genotype GA+AA (P < 0.0001). In VEGF 634 G>C, CC genotype and allele C showed significantly increased frequency in RPL cases compared with healthy controls (P < 0.0001). The association between VEGF-1154 G>A SNP and VEGF-A mRNA expression levels was significant in RPL cases (P = 0.004). The heterozygous genotype GA was significantly (P = 0.03) associated with upregulation and downregulation of VEGF mRNA, whereas the homozygous variant genotype AA only leads to low expression levels of VEGF mRNA in patients with RPL. CONCLUSIONS All the variants of VEGF play a vital role in an increased susceptibility to RPL. Also, VEGF-1154, AA genotypes are associated with its altered low mRNA expression in women with RPL and seem to affect pregnancy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ina Amin
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), J&K-India
| | - Arshad A Pandith
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), J&K-India.
| | - Usma Manzoor
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), J&K-India
| | - Syed Hussain Mir
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Kashmir Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Dil Afroze
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), J&K-India.
| | - Aabid Mustafa Koul
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), J&K-India
| | - Saima Wani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology SKIMS, Srinagar Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Aabida Ahmad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology SKIMS, Srinagar Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Iqbal Qasim
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), J&K-India
| | - Masarat Rashid
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology SKIMS, Srinagar Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Umer M Wani
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Iqra Anwar
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), J&K-India
| | - Qurat Ul Aein
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), J&K-India
| | - Sheikh Mansoor
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), J&K-India
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Niccolai E, Di Pilato V, Nannini G, Baldi S, Russo E, Zucchi E, Martinelli I, Menicatti M, Bartolucci G, Mandrioli J, Amedei A. The Gut Microbiota-Immunity Axis in ALS: A Role in Deciphering Disease Heterogeneity? Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9070753. [PMID: 34209688 PMCID: PMC8301418 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9070753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder with an unknown etiology and no effective treatment, and is characterized by large phenotypic heterogeneity, including variable sites, ages of symptom onset and rates of disease progression. Increasing data support the role of the microbiota-immunity axis in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. In the present study, we compared the inflammatory and microbiota profile of ALS patients with different clinical characteristics, with healthy family caregivers. Measuring a panel of 30 inflammatory cytokines in serum and fecal samples, we observed a distinct cytokine profile both at the systemic and intestinal level in patients compared to controls and even in patients with different clinical phenotypes and progression rates. The 16S targeted metagenome analysis revealed slight differences in patients compared to controls as well as in patients with slow progression, marked by the reduction of butyrate-producing bacteria and a decrease of the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in ALS. Finally, the short chain fatty acid analysis did not show a different distribution among the groups. If confirmed in a larger number of patients, the inflammatory cytokine profile and the microbial composition could be appropriate biomarker candidates for deciphering ALS heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Niccolai
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.N.); (G.N.); (S.B.); (E.R.)
| | - Vincenzo Di Pilato
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Giulia Nannini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.N.); (G.N.); (S.B.); (E.R.)
| | - Simone Baldi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.N.); (G.N.); (S.B.); (E.R.)
| | - Edda Russo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.N.); (G.N.); (S.B.); (E.R.)
| | - Elisabetta Zucchi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Ilaria Martinelli
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Marta Menicatti
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (M.M.); (G.B.)
| | - Gianluca Bartolucci
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (M.M.); (G.B.)
| | - Jessica Mandrioli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy;
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy;
- Correspondence: (J.M.); (A.A.); Tel.: +39-0593961700 (J.M.); +39-0552758330 (A.A.)
| | - Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.N.); (G.N.); (S.B.); (E.R.)
- Correspondence: (J.M.); (A.A.); Tel.: +39-0593961700 (J.M.); +39-0552758330 (A.A.)
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Zeng H, Hu L, Xie H, Ma W, Quan S. Polymorphisms of vascular endothelial growth factor and recurrent implantation failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2021; 304:297-307. [PMID: 33891207 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-021-06072-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the associations between polymorphisms of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with recurrent implantation failure (RIF). METHODS We performed the systematic review and meta-analysis by searching databases of PubMed, EMBASE, OVID, and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) for studies that evaluated the associations between VEGF polymorphisms with RIF. Meta-analysis was performed if the polymorphism was studied by more than two case-control studies. Data were analyzed using R software. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported to assess the associations. RESULTS Nine VEGF polymorphisms (-1154G > A, -460T > C, +405G > C, -7C > T, -634C > G, -2578C > A, +936C > T, 5C > T, -583C > T) were systematically reviewed. Meta-analysis was performed on VEGF -1154 G > A polymorphism. Three case-control studies consisted of 683 women were included in the quantitative meta-analysis (305 RIF patients and 378 controls). Results showed that VEGF -1154A allele was significantly associated with RIF (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.08-1.78, P-value = 0.01). The dominant genetic model showed that VEGF 1154AA plus VEGF 1154AG genotypes were more frequent in RIF patients than VEGF 1154GG genotype (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.10-2.20, P-value = 0.01). However, the result under the recessive genetic model showed no significant difference (OR 1.67, 95% CI 0.92-3.03, P-value = 0.09). CONCLUSION VEGF -1154A allele may serve as one of the predisposing factors of RIF. Women with VEGF 1154 AA/GA genotypes were at higher risk of RIF. However, we should consider the haplotype effect of VEGF polymorphisms in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Zeng
- Foshan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China.,Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, NanFang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China
| | - Lian Hu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Changsha Fourth Hospital, Changsha, 410006, China
| | - Hebin Xie
- Changsha Central Hospital of Nanhua University, Changsha, 410004, Hunan, China
| | - Wenmin Ma
- Foshan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China.
| | - Song Quan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, NanFang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China.
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Krull AA, Setter DO, Gendron TF, Hrstka SCL, Polzin MJ, Hart J, Dudakovic A, Madigan NN, Dietz AB, Windebank AJ, van Wijnen AJ, Staff NP. Alterations of mesenchymal stromal cells in cerebrospinal fluid: insights from transcriptomics and an ALS clinical trial. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:187. [PMID: 33736701 PMCID: PMC7977179 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02241-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been studied with increasing intensity as clinicians and researchers strive to understand the ability of MSCs to modulate disease progression and promote tissue regeneration. As MSCs are used for diverse applications, it is important to appreciate how specific physiological environments may stimulate changes that alter the phenotype of the cells. One need for neuroregenerative applications is to characterize the spectrum of MSC responses to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) environment after their injection into the intrathecal space. Mechanistic understanding of cellular biology in response to the CSF environment may predict the ability of MSCs to promote injury repair or provide neuroprotection in neurodegenerative diseases. Methods In this study, we characterized changes in morphology, metabolism, and gene expression occurring in human adipose-derived MSCs cultured in human (hCSF) or artificial CSF (aCSF) as well as examined relevant protein levels in the CSF of subjects treated with MSCs for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Results Our results demonstrated that, under intrathecal-like conditions, MSCs retained their morphology, though they became quiescent. Large-scale transcriptomic analysis of MSCs revealed a distinct gene expression profile for cells cultured in aCSF. The aCSF culture environment induced expression of genes related to angiogenesis and immunomodulation. In addition, MSCs in aCSF expressed genes encoding nutritional growth factors to expression levels at or above those of control cells. Furthermore, we observed a dose-dependent increase in growth factors and immunomodulatory cytokines in CSF from subjects with ALS treated intrathecally with autologous MSCs. Conclusions Overall, our results suggest that MSCs injected into the intrathecal space in ongoing clinical trials remain viable and may provide a therapeutic benefit to patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-021-02241-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley A Krull
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Deborah O Setter
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Tania F Gendron
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Sybil C L Hrstka
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Michael J Polzin
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Joseph Hart
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Amel Dudakovic
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Nicolas N Madigan
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Allan B Dietz
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Anthony J Windebank
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Andre J van Wijnen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Nathan P Staff
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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Ng Kee Kwong KC, Harbham PK, Selvaraj BT, Gregory JM, Pal S, Hardingham GE, Chandran S, Mehta AR. 40 Years of CSF Toxicity Studies in ALS: What Have We Learnt About ALS Pathophysiology? Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:647895. [PMID: 33815058 PMCID: PMC8012723 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.647895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on early evidence of in vitro neurotoxicity following exposure to serum derived from patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), several studies have attempted to explore whether cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained from people with ALS could possess similar properties. Although initial findings proved inconclusive, it is now increasingly recognized that ALS-CSF may exert toxicity both in vitro and in vivo. Nevertheless, the mechanism underlying CSF-induced neurodegeneration remains unclear. This review aims to summarize the 40-year long history of CSF toxicity studies in ALS, while discussing the various mechanisms that have been proposed, including glutamate excitotoxicity, proteotoxicity and oxidative stress. Furthermore, we consider the potential implications of a toxic CSF circulatory system in the pathophysiology of ALS, and also assess its significance in the context of current ALS research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pratap K. Harbham
- West Midlands Academic Foundation Programme, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Bhuvaneish T. Selvaraj
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jenna M. Gregory
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- MRC Edinburgh Brain Bank, Academic Department of Neuropathology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Edinburgh Pathology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Suvankar Pal
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Giles E. Hardingham
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Brain Development and Repair, InStem, Bengaluru, India
| | - Arpan R. Mehta
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) prediction model derived from plasma and CSF biomarkers. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247025. [PMID: 33606761 PMCID: PMC7894922 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative disorder of motor neurons which leads to complete loss of movement in patients. The only FDA approved drug Riluzole provides only symptomatic relief to patients. Early Diagnosis of the disease warrants the importance of diagnostic and prognostic models for predicting disease and disease progression respectively. In the present study we represent the predictive statistical model for ALS using plasma and CSF biomarkers. Forward stepwise (Binary likelihood) Logistic regression model is developed for prediction of ALS. The model has been shown to have excellent validity (94%) with good sensitivity (98%) and specificity (93%). The area under the ROC curve is 99.3%. Along with age and BMI, VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor), VEGFR2 (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2) and TDP43 (TAR DNA Binding Protein 43) in CSF and VEGFR2 and OPTN (Optineurin) in plasma are good predictors of ALS.
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Neuroprotective Effect of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor on Motoneurons of the Oculomotor System. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020814. [PMID: 33467517 PMCID: PMC7830098 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was initially characterized as a potent angiogenic factor based on its activity on the vascular system. However, it is now well established that VEGF also plays a crucial role as a neuroprotective factor in the nervous system. A deficit of VEGF has been related to motoneuronal degeneration, such as that occurring in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Strikingly, motoneurons of the oculomotor system show lesser vulnerability to neurodegeneration in ALS compared to other motoneurons. These motoneurons presented higher amounts of VEGF and its receptor Flk-1 than other brainstem pools. That higher VEGF level could be due to an enhanced retrograde input from their target muscles, but it can also be produced by the motoneurons themselves and act in an autocrine way. By contrast, VEGF’s paracrine supply from the vicinity cells, such as glial cells, seems to represent a minor source of VEGF for brainstem motoneurons. In addition, ocular motoneurons experiment an increase in VEGF and Flk-1 level in response to axotomy, not observed in facial or hypoglossal motoneurons. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the differences in VEGF availability that could contribute to the higher resistance of extraocular motoneurons to injury and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Péladeau C, Jasmin BJ. Targeting IRES-dependent translation as a novel approach for treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy. RNA Biol 2020; 18:1238-1251. [PMID: 33164678 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2020.1847894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Internal-ribosomal entry sites (IRES) are translational elements that allow the initiation machinery to start protein synthesis via internal initiation. IRESs promote tissue-specific translation in stress conditions when conventional cap-dependent translation is inhibited. Since many IRES-containing mRNAs are relevant to diseases, this cellular mechanism is emerging as an attractive therapeutic target for pharmacological and genetic modulations. Indeed, there has been growing interest over the past years in determining the therapeutic potential of IRESs for several disease conditions such as cancer, neurodegeneration and neuromuscular diseases including Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). IRESs relevant for DMD have been identified in several transcripts whose protein product results in functional improvements in dystrophic muscles. Together, these converging lines of evidence indicate that activation of IRES-mediated translation of relevant transcripts in DMD muscle represents a novel and appropriate therapeutic strategy for DMD that warrants further investigation, particularly to identify agents that can modulate their activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Péladeau
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, and the Eric Poulin Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bernard J Jasmin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, and the Eric Poulin Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Van Damme P, Tilkin P, Mercer KJ, Terryn J, D'Hondt A, Herne N, Tousseyn T, Claeys KG, Thal DR, Zachrisson O, Almqvist P, Nuttin B, Jerling M, Bernadotte F, Haegerstrand A, Robberecht W. Intracerebroventricular delivery of vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a phase I study. Brain Commun 2020; 2:fcaa160. [PMID: 33977260 PMCID: PMC8099230 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcaa160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied the feasibility, safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of intracerebroventricular delivery of recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In this phase I study in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the study drug was delivered using an implantable programmable pump connected to a catheter inserted in the frontal horn of the lateral cerebral ventricle. A first cohort received open label vascular endothelial growth factor (0.2, 0.8 and 2 µg/day), a second cohort received placebo, 0.8 or 2 µg/day of study dug. After the 3-month study period, all patients could participate in an open label extension study. In total, 18 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, seen at the University Hospitals in Leuven were included. The surgical procedure was well tolerated in most patients. One patient had transient postoperative seizures, due to an ischemic lesion along the catheter tract. The first 3-month study period was completed by 15/18 patients. Administration of 2 µg/day vascular endothelial growth factor resulted in sustained detectable levels in cerebrospinal fluid. A pulmonary embolus occurred in 3 patients, in 1 patient in the first 3-month study, and in 2 patients during the open label extension study. The study drug was well tolerated in the other patients, for up to 6 years in the open label extension study. Our study shows that intracerebroventricular administration of 2 µg/day of vascular endothelial growth factor to patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is feasible, results in detectable cerebrospinal fluid levels and is well tolerated in most patients. The most common serious adverse event was a pulmonary embolus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Van Damme
- Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Petra Tilkin
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Joke Terryn
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ann D'Hondt
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Thomas Tousseyn
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kristl G Claeys
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dietmar R Thal
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | - Bart Nuttin
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Wim Robberecht
- Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Decimo I, Dolci S, Panuccio G, Riva M, Fumagalli G, Bifari F. Meninges: A Widespread Niche of Neural Progenitors for the Brain. Neuroscientist 2020; 27:506-528. [PMID: 32935634 PMCID: PMC8442137 DOI: 10.1177/1073858420954826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence highlights the several roles that meninges play in
relevant brain functions as they are a protective membrane for the
brain, produce and release several trophic factors important for
neural cell migration and survival, control cerebrospinal fluid
dynamics, and embrace numerous immune interactions affecting neural
parenchymal functions. Furthermore, different groups have identified
subsets of neural progenitors residing in the meninges during
development and in the adulthood in different mammalian species,
including humans. Interestingly, these immature neural cells are able
to migrate from the meninges to the neural parenchyma and
differentiate into functional cortical neurons or oligodendrocytes.
Immature neural cells residing in the meninges promptly react to brain
disease. Injury-induced expansion and migration of meningeal neural
progenitors have been observed following experimental demyelination,
traumatic spinal cord and brain injury, amygdala lesion, stroke, and
progressive ataxia. In this review, we summarize data on the function
of meninges as stem cell niche and on the presence of immature neural
cells in the meninges, and discuss their roles in brain health and
disease. Furthermore, we consider the potential exploitation of
meningeal neural progenitors for the regenerative medicine to treat
neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Decimo
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Sissi Dolci
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Gabriella Panuccio
- Enhanced Regenerative Medicine, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Marco Riva
- Unit of Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS Ca'Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Guido Fumagalli
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesco Bifari
- Laboratory of Cell Metabolism and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Rezaei ZS, Shahangian SS, Hasannia S, Sajedi RH. Development of a phage display-mediated immunoassay for the detection of vascular endothelial growth factor. Anal Bioanal Chem 2020; 412:7639-7648. [PMID: 32876721 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-020-02901-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Because of the critical role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in angiogenesis and its significantly increased serum levels in early stages of cancer, VEGF is considered an important prognostic biomarker in different cancers. Herein, the amplification power of PCR combined with phage displaying anti-VEGF VHH, a sensitive real-time immunoassay, was precisely designed based on phage display-mediated immuno-PCR (PD-IPCR) for the detection of VEGF. This system benefits from strong and specific binding of antigen and antibody in a sandwich immunosorbent assay platform using avastin (anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody) as the capture antibody. The anti-VEGF phage particles were used as both anti-VEGF agent and DNA template in the PD-IPCR. Anti-VEGF phage ELISA showed a linear range of 3-250 ng/ml and a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.1 ng/ml. Using the PD-IPCR method, the linear range of VEGF detection was found to be 0.06-700 ng/ml, with a detection limit of 3 pg/ml. The recovery rate in serum ranged from 83% to 99%, with a relative standard deviation of 1.2-4.9%. These values indicate that the method has good sensitivity for use in clinical analysis. The proposed method was successfully applied to the clinical determination of VEGF in human serum samples, and the results showed excellent correlation with conventional ELISA (R2 = 0.995). The novel immunoassay provides a specific and sensitive immunoassay protocol for VEGF detection at very low levels. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra S Rezaei
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal Ale Ahmad Highway, Tehran, 14115-154, Iran
| | - S Shirin Shahangian
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Guilan, 4199613776, Iran
| | - Sadegh Hasannia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal Ale Ahmad Highway, Tehran, 14115-154, Iran
| | - Reza H Sajedi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal Ale Ahmad Highway, Tehran, 14115-154, Iran.
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Ng Kee Kwong KC, Mehta AR, Nedergaard M, Chandran S. Defining novel functions for cerebrospinal fluid in ALS pathophysiology. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2020; 8:140. [PMID: 32819425 PMCID: PMC7439665 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-020-01018-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the considerable progress made towards understanding ALS pathophysiology, several key features of ALS remain unexplained, from its aetiology to its epidemiological aspects. The glymphatic system, which has recently been recognised as a major clearance pathway for the brain, has received considerable attention in several neurological conditions, particularly Alzheimer's disease. Its significance in ALS has, however, been little addressed. This perspective article therefore aims to assess the possibility of CSF contribution in ALS by considering various lines of evidence, including the abnormal composition of ALS-CSF, its toxicity and the evidence for impaired CSF dynamics in ALS patients. We also describe a potential role for CSF circulation in determining disease spread as well as the importance of CSF dynamics in ALS neurotherapeutics. We propose that a CSF model could potentially offer additional avenues to explore currently unexplained features of ALS, ultimately leading to new treatment options for people with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koy Chong Ng Kee Kwong
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Arpan R Mehta
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Maiken Nedergaard
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK.
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- Centre for Brain Development and Repair, inStem, Bangalore, India.
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Modgil S, Khosla R, Tiwari A, Sharma K, Anand A. Association of Plasma Biomarkers for Angiogenesis and Proteinopathy in Indian Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients. J Neurosci Rural Pract 2020; 11:573-580. [PMID: 33144793 PMCID: PMC7595776 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1714314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare motor neuron disease with progressive degeneration of motor neurons. Various molecules have been explored to provide the early diagnostic/prognostic tool for ALS without getting much success in the field and miscellaneous reports studied in various population. Objective The study was aimed to see the differential expression of proteins involved in angiogenesis (angiogenin [ANG], vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 [VEGFR2], etc), proteinopathy (transactive response DNA binding protein-43 [TDP-43] and optineurin [OPTN]), and neuroinflammation (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1[MCP-1]) based on the characteristics of ALS pathology. Though, suitable panel based on protein expression profile can be designed to robust the ALS identification by enhancing the prognostic and diagnostic efficacy for ALS. Methods A total of 89 ALS patients and 98 nonneurological controls were analyzed for the protein expression. Expression of angiogenic (VEGF, VEGFR2, and ANG), neuroinflammation (MCP-1), and proteinopathy (TDP-43 and OPTN) markers were estimated in plasma of the participants. Proteins were normalized with respective value of total protein before employing statistical analysis. Results Analysis has exhibited significantly reduced expression of angiogenic, proteinopathy, and neuroinflammation biomarkers in ALS patients in comparison to controls. Spearman's correlation analysis has showed the positive correlation to each protein. Conclusion Altered expression of these proteins is indicating the prominent function in ALS pathology which may be interdependent and may have a synergistic role. Hence, a panel of expression can be proposed to diagnose ALS patient which may also suggest the modulation of therapeutic strategy according to expression profile of patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Modgil
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Research Lab, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Radhika Khosla
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Research Lab, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Abha Tiwari
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Research Lab, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Kaushal Sharma
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Research Lab, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Akshay Anand
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Research Lab, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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44
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Li Q, Haney MS. The role of glia in protein aggregation. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 143:105015. [PMID: 32663608 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein aggregation diseases involve intracellular accumulation or extracellular deposition of certain protein species in neuronal or glial cells, leading to neurodegeneration and shortened lifespan. Prime examples include Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington's disease (HD), which are affected by overlapping or specific aggregation-prone proteins. Mounting evidence suggests that dysfunctional glial cells may be major drivers for some diseases, and when they are not causal factors, they could still significantly exacerbate or alleviate disease progression by playing a plethora of detrimental or beneficial roles. Here we review the diverse functions performed by glial cells in a variety of protein aggregation diseases, highlighting the complexity of the issue and the interconnected relationships between these multifaceted effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyun Li
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| | - Michael S Haney
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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45
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Zhou S, Gao B, Sun C, Bai Y, Cheng D, Zhang Y, Li X, Zhao J, Xu D. Vascular Endothelial Cell-derived Exosomes Protect Neural Stem Cells Against Ischemia/reperfusion Injury. Neuroscience 2020; 441:184-196. [PMID: 32502570 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.05.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial cells were activated during acute ischemic brain injury, which could induce neural progenitor cell proliferation and migration. However, the mechanism was still unknown. In the current study, we explored whether vascular endothelial cells promoted neural progenitor cell proliferation and whether migration occurs via exosome communication. The acute middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was prepared, and exosomes were isolated from bEnd.3 cells by ultracentrifugation. In the exosome injection (Exos) group and PBS injection (control) group, exosomes or PBS were injected intraventricularly into rats' brains 2 h after MCAO surgery, respectively. Sham group rats received the same surgical but did not cause middle cerebral artery occlusion. The infarct volume was reduced on day 21 after ischemic brain injury by MRI, and neurobehavioral outcomes were improved on day 7, 14, and 21 by exosome injection compared with the control (p < 0.05). On the 21st day after MCAO, the animals were euthanized, and the number of BrdU/nestin-positive cells was measured by immunofluorescence. BrdU/nestin-positive cells in Exos group rats were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the peri infarct area, the ipsilateral DG zone of the hippocampus, and the ventral sub-regions of SVZ when compared with the rats in the control group. Further, in vitro study demonstrated that neural progenitor cell proliferation and migration were activated after exosomes treatment, and cell apoptosis was attenuated compared to the control (p < 0.05). Our study suggested that exosomes should be essential for the reconstruction of neuronal vascular units and brain protection in an acute ischemic injured brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoting Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Minhang Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Beiyao Gao
- Department of Rehabilitation, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200041, China
| | - Chengcheng Sun
- Rehabilitation Center, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Yulong Bai
- Department of Rehabilitation, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200041, China
| | - Dandan Cheng
- Department of Rehabilitation, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200041, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Rehabilitation Center, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Xutong Li
- Department of Neurology, Minhang Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Minhang Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China.
| | - Dongsheng Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai, China; School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China; Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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46
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Silva-Hucha S, Carrero-Rojas G, Fernández de Sevilla ME, Benítez-Temiño B, Davis-López de Carrizosa MA, Pastor AM, Morcuende S. Sources and lesion-induced changes of VEGF expression in brainstem motoneurons. Brain Struct Funct 2020; 225:1033-1053. [PMID: 32189115 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-020-02057-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Motoneurons of the oculomotor system show lesser vulnerability to neurodegeneration compared to other cranial motoneurons, as seen in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is involved in motoneuronal protection. As previously shown, motoneurons innervating extraocular muscles present a higher amount of VEGF and its receptor Flk-1 compared to facial or hypoglossal motoneurons. Therefore, we aimed to study the possible sources of VEGF to brainstem motoneurons, such as glial cells and target muscles. We also studied the regulation of VEGF in response to axotomy in ocular, facial, and hypoglossal motor nuclei. Basal VEGF expression in astrocytes and microglial cells of the cranial motor nuclei was low. Although the presence of VEGF in the different target muscles for brainstem motoneurons was similar, the presynaptic element of the ocular neuromuscular junction showed higher amounts of Flk-1, which could result in greater efficiency in the capture of the factor by oculomotor neurons. Seven days after axotomy, a clear glial reaction was observed in all the brainstem nuclei, but the levels of the neurotrophic factor remained low in glial cells. Only the injured motoneurons of the oculomotor system showed an increase in VEGF and Flk-1, but such an increase was not detected in axotomized facial or hypoglossal motoneurons. Taken together, our findings suggest that the ocular motoneurons themselves upregulate VEGF expression in response to lesion. In conclusion, the low VEGF expression observed in glial cells suggests that these cells are not the main source of VEGF for brainstem motoneurons. Therefore, the higher VEGF expression observed in motoneurons innervating extraocular muscles is likely due either to the fact that this factor is more avidly taken up from the target muscles, in basal conditions, or is produced by these motoneurons themselves, and acts in an autocrine manner after axotomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Silva-Hucha
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Génova Carrero-Rojas
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Beatriz Benítez-Temiño
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Angel M Pastor
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Sara Morcuende
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain.
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47
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Association of rs699947 (-2578 C/A) and rs2010963 (-634 G/C) Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of the VEGF Gene, VEGF-A and Leptin Serum Level, and Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Excess Body Mass: A Case-Control Study. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9020469. [PMID: 32046348 PMCID: PMC7073834 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9020469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the VEGF gene, rs699947 and rs2010963, are responsible for differentiated gene expression. A mutual dependence between VEGF and leptin serum level has been observed. This study investigated the associations between the rs699947 and rs2010963 SNPs of VEGF gene, VEGF-A, and leptin serum concentrations, and cardiometabolic risk of body mass excess. Methods: In this case–control study, 212 subjects with excess body mass and 145 normal-weight controls gave blood samples and underwent anthropometric and pulse wave analysis. Genotyping of VEGF gene was carried out to analyze the rs699947 (−2578 C/A) and rs2010963 (−634 G/C) SNPs. (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04077554). Results: This study showed a significant positive correlation between serum levels of VEGF-A and leptin in individuals with excess body mass possessing the CC genotype of the rs699947 variant of the VEGF gene. It has been registered that an increase in VEGF-A serum level correlates with an increase in arterial stiffness in excess body mass patients harboring AA genotype of the rs699947 (−2578 C/A) variant of the VEGF gene. No differences in VEGF-A and leptin serum concentrations were noted between particular genotypes. Conclusions: The CC genotype of the rs699947 variant of the VEGF gene promotes a positive interdependency between leptin and VEGF-A serum levels in subjects with excess body mass.
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Theunissen F, Flynn LL, Anderton RS, Mastaglia F, Pytte J, Jiang L, Hodgetts S, Burns DK, Saunders A, Fletcher S, Wilton SD, Akkari PA. Structural Variants May Be a Source of Missing Heritability in sALS. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:47. [PMID: 32082115 PMCID: PMC7005198 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The underlying genetic and molecular mechanisms that drive amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remain poorly understood. Structural variants within the genome can play a significant role in neurodegenerative disease risk, such as the repeat expansion in C9orf72 and the tri-nucleotide repeat in ATXN2, both of which are associated with familial and sporadic ALS. Many such structural variants reside in uncharacterized regions of the human genome, and have been under studied. Therefore, characterization of structural variants located in and around genes associated with ALS could provide insight into disease pathogenesis, and lead to the discovery of highly informative genetic tools for stratification in clinical trials. Such genomic variants may provide a deeper understanding of how gene expression can affect disease etiology, disease severity and trajectory, patient response to treatment, and may hold the key to understanding the genetics of sporadic ALS. This article outlines the current understanding of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis genetics and how structural variations may underpin some of the missing heritability of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Theunissen
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Loren L Flynn
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Ryan S Anderton
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,School of Health Sciences, Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia
| | - Frank Mastaglia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Julia Pytte
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Leanne Jiang
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Stuart Hodgetts
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Daniel K Burns
- Zinfandel Pharmaceuticals, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Ann Saunders
- Zinfandel Pharmaceuticals, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Sue Fletcher
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Steve D Wilton
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Patrick Anthony Akkari
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
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49
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Khosroshahi NS, Pouladi N, Shavali M, Ghafouri F, Abdolahi S, Hossinpour Feizi MA. Association of –634 G > C VEGF-A polymorphism in thyroid cancer patients in North West of Iran. Meta Gene 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mgene.2019.100611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
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50
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Dickson DW, Baker MC, Jackson JL, DeJesus-Hernandez M, Finch NA, Tian S, Heckman MG, Pottier C, Gendron TF, Murray ME, Ren Y, Reddy JS, Graff-Radford NR, Boeve BF, Petersen RC, Knopman DS, Josephs KA, Petrucelli L, Oskarsson B, Sheppard JW, Asmann YW, Rademakers R, van Blitterswijk M. Extensive transcriptomic study emphasizes importance of vesicular transport in C9orf72 expansion carriers. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2019; 7:150. [PMID: 31594549 PMCID: PMC6781370 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-019-0797-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The majority of the clinico-pathological variability observed in patients harboring a repeat expansion in the C9orf72-SMCR8 complex subunit (C9orf72) remains unexplained. This expansion, which represents the most common genetic cause of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and motor neuron disease (MND), results in a loss of C9orf72 expression and the generation of RNA foci and dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins. The C9orf72 protein itself plays a role in vesicular transport, serving as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor that regulates GTPases. To further elucidate the mechanisms underlying C9orf72-related diseases and to identify potential disease modifiers, we performed an extensive RNA sequencing study. We included individuals for whom frontal cortex tissue was available: FTLD and FTLD/MND patients with (n = 34) or without (n = 44) an expanded C9orf72 repeat as well as control subjects (n = 24). In total, 6706 genes were differentially expressed between these groups (false discovery rate [FDR] < 0.05). The top gene was C9orf72 (FDR = 1.41E-14), which was roughly two-fold lower in C9orf72 expansion carriers than in (disease) controls. Co-expression analysis revealed groups of correlated genes (modules) that were enriched for processes such as protein folding, RNA splicing, synaptic signaling, metabolism, and Golgi vesicle transport. Within our cohort of C9orf72 expansion carriers, machine learning uncovered interesting candidates associated with clinico-pathological features, including age at onset (vascular endothelial growth factor A [VEGFA]), C9orf72 expansion size (cyclin dependent kinase like 1 [CDKL1]), DPR protein levels (eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase [EEF2K]), and survival after onset (small G protein signaling modulator 3 [SGSM3]). Given the fact that we detected a module involved in vesicular transport in addition to a GTPase activator (SGSM3) as a potential modifier, our findings seem to suggest that the presence of a C9orf72 repeat expansion might hamper vesicular transport and that genes affecting this process may modify the phenotype of C9orf72-linked diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis W. Dickson
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Matthew C. Baker
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Jazmyne L. Jackson
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | | | - NiCole A. Finch
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Shulan Tian
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905 USA
| | - Michael G. Heckman
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Cyril Pottier
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Tania F. Gendron
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Melissa E. Murray
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Yingxue Ren
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Joseph S. Reddy
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | | | - Bradley F. Boeve
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905 USA
| | - Ronald C. Petersen
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905 USA
| | - David S. Knopman
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905 USA
| | - Keith A. Josephs
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905 USA
| | - Leonard Petrucelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Björn Oskarsson
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - John W. Sheppard
- Gianforte School of Computing, Montana State University, 357 Barnard Hall, Bozeman, MT 59717 USA
| | - Yan W. Asmann
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Rosa Rademakers
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Marka van Blitterswijk
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
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