1
|
Goldschmidt-Clermont PJ, Khan A, Jimsheleishvili G, Graham P, Brooks A, Silvera R, Goldschmidt AJP, Pearse DD, Dietrich WD, Levi AD, Guest JD. Treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with allogeneic Schwann cell-derived exosomal vesicles: a case report. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:1207-1216. [PMID: 38922880 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Schwann cells are essential for the maintenance and function of motor neurons, axonal networks, and the neuromuscular junction. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, where motor neuron function is progressively lost, Schwann cell function may also be impaired. Recently, important signaling and potential trophic activities of Schwann cell-derived exosomal vesicles have been reported. This case report describes the treatment of a patient with advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using serial intravenous infusions of allogeneic Schwann cell-derived exosomal vesicles, marking, to our knowledge, the first instance of such treatment. An 81-year-old male patient presented with a 1.5-year history of rapidly progressive amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. After initial diagnosis, the patient underwent a combination of generic riluzole, sodium phenylbutyrate for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and taurursodiol. The patient volunteered to participate in an FDA-approved single-patient expanded access treatment and received weekly intravenous infusions of allogeneic Schwann cell-derived exosomal vesicles to potentially restore impaired Schwann cell and motor neuron function. We confirmed that cultured Schwann cells obtained from the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patient via sural nerve biopsy appeared impaired (senescent) and that exposure of the patient's Schwann cells to allogeneic Schwann cell-derived exosomal vesicles, cultured expanded from a cadaver donor improved their growth capacity in vitro. After a period of observation lasting 10 weeks, during which amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised and pulmonary function were regularly monitored, the patient received weekly consecutive infusions of 1.54 × 10 12 (×2), and then consecutive infusions of 7.5 × 10 12 (×6) allogeneic Schwann cell-derived exosomal vesicles diluted in 40 mL of Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline. None of the infusions were associated with adverse events such as infusion reactions (allergic or otherwise) or changes in vital signs. Clinical lab serum neurofilament and cytokine levels measured prior to each infusion varied somewhat without a clear trend. A more sensitive in-house assay suggested possible inflammasome activation during the disease course. A trend for clinical stabilization was observed during the infusion period. Our study provides a novel approach to address impaired Schwann cells and possibly motor neuron function in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using allogeneic Schwann cell-derived exosomal vesicles. Initial findings suggest that this approach is safe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Aisha Khan
- Stem Cell Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - George Jimsheleishvili
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Patricia Graham
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Adriana Brooks
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Risset Silvera
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Damien D Pearse
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Neurological Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - W Dalton Dietrich
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Neurological Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Allan D Levi
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Neurological Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - James D Guest
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Neurological Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Milella G, Zoccolella S, Giugno A, Filardi M, D'Errico E, Piccirilli G, Nanni AG, Urso D, Nigro S, Tafuri B, Tamburrino L, Gnoni V, Logroscino G. Mapping lower-limbs muscle vulnerability in patients with ALS: The role of upper and lower motor neurons. J Neurol Sci 2024; 462:123098. [PMID: 38879961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2024.123098] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have reported disproportionate wasting of the flexor muscles of the lower limbs (LL) compared to the extensors in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, these studies have involved small sample sizes (n 〈100), and their findings have been inconsistent. Thus, it remains uncertain whether a distinct pattern of LL muscle weakness is specific to ALS. AIMS To investigate the muscle weakness pattern in the LL at the knee, ankle, and toes in a large cohort of ALS patients and evaluate the relationship between the pattern of muscle strength and the extent of upper (UMN) and lower (LMN) motoneuron impairment. MATERIAL AND METHODS The strength of flexor and extensor muscle was evaluated in 1250 legs of newly diagnosed ALS patients at the knee, ankle, and foot toes. UMN and LMN burden were assessed using validated scores. Within-subjects ANOVA considering the type of muscle (flexor/extensor) and anatomical sites (knee/ankle/toes) and mixed-factorial ANOVA were conducted to explore the impact of UMN and LMN impairments on the muscle weakness pattern. RESULTS Muscle strength showed a significant decline from proximal to distal regions. Indeed both flexor and extensor muscles at the knee outperformed those at the ankle and toes. Within each site, extensor muscles exhibited less strength than flexor, except at the knee. Patients with heightened UMN impairment showed a more marked difference between flexors and extensors within each site, with extensor muscles being more compromised at the ankle and toes. Higher LMN impairment corresponded to a more pronounced weakness in flexor muscles at the ankle and toes compared to those at the knee. CONCLUSIONS The extensor muscle at the knee and the flexors at the foot and toes displayed relative resistance to ALS disease. UMN impairment amplified the differences between flexor and extensor muscles within each site, while LMN impairment demonstrated a clear distal-to-proximal vulnerability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giammarco Milella
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Stefano Zoccolella
- ASL Bari, San Paolo Hospital, Neurology Unit, Bari, Italy; Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and the Aging Brain at the Hospital "C. Panico" Tricase (Lecce) (University of Bari), Italy.
| | - Alessia Giugno
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and the Aging Brain at the Hospital "C. Panico" Tricase (Lecce) (University of Bari), Italy
| | - Marco Filardi
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy; Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and the Aging Brain at the Hospital "C. Panico" Tricase (Lecce) (University of Bari), Italy
| | - Eustachio D'Errico
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Glauco Piccirilli
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Alfredo Gabriele Nanni
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Daniele Urso
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and the Aging Brain at the Hospital "C. Panico" Tricase (Lecce) (University of Bari), Italy
| | - Salvatore Nigro
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and the Aging Brain at the Hospital "C. Panico" Tricase (Lecce) (University of Bari), Italy
| | - Benedetta Tafuri
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy; Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and the Aging Brain at the Hospital "C. Panico" Tricase (Lecce) (University of Bari), Italy
| | - Ludovica Tamburrino
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy; Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and the Aging Brain at the Hospital "C. Panico" Tricase (Lecce) (University of Bari), Italy
| | - Valentina Gnoni
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and the Aging Brain at the Hospital "C. Panico" Tricase (Lecce) (University of Bari), Italy
| | - Giancarlo Logroscino
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy; Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and the Aging Brain at the Hospital "C. Panico" Tricase (Lecce) (University of Bari), Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Salzinger A, Ramesh V, Das Sharma S, Chandran S, Thangaraj Selvaraj B. Neuronal Circuit Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2024; 13:792. [PMID: 38786016 PMCID: PMC11120636 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100792] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The primary neural circuit affected in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients is the corticospinal motor circuit, originating in upper motor neurons (UMNs) in the cerebral motor cortex which descend to synapse with the lower motor neurons (LMNs) in the spinal cord to ultimately innervate the skeletal muscle. Perturbation of these neural circuits and consequent loss of both UMNs and LMNs, leading to muscle wastage and impaired movement, is the key pathophysiology observed. Despite decades of research, we are still lacking in ALS disease-modifying treatments. In this review, we document the current research from patient studies, rodent models, and human stem cell models in understanding the mechanisms of corticomotor circuit dysfunction and its implication in ALS. We summarize the current knowledge about cortical UMN dysfunction and degeneration, altered excitability in LMNs, neuromuscular junction degeneration, and the non-cell autonomous role of glial cells in motor circuit dysfunction in relation to ALS. We further highlight the advances in human stem cell technology to model the complex neural circuitry and how these can aid in future studies to better understand the mechanisms of neural circuit dysfunction underpinning ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Salzinger
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; (A.S.); (V.R.); (S.D.S.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Vidya Ramesh
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; (A.S.); (V.R.); (S.D.S.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Shreya Das Sharma
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; (A.S.); (V.R.); (S.D.S.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; (A.S.); (V.R.); (S.D.S.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic (ARRNC), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Bhuvaneish Thangaraj Selvaraj
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; (A.S.); (V.R.); (S.D.S.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic (ARRNC), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Eisen A, Vucic S, Mitsumoto H. History of ALS and the competing theories on pathogenesis: IFCN handbook chapter. Clin Neurophysiol Pract 2023; 9:1-12. [PMID: 38213309 PMCID: PMC10776891 DOI: 10.1016/j.cnp.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the human motor system, first described in the 19th Century. The etiology of ALS appears to be multifactorial, with a complex interaction of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors underlying the onset of disease. Importantly, there are no known naturally occurring animal models, and transgenic mouse models fail to faithfully reproduce ALS as it manifests in patients. Debate as to the site of onset of ALS remain, with three competing theories proposed, including (i) the dying-forward hypothesis, whereby motor neuron degeneration is mediated by hyperexcitable corticomotoneurons via an anterograde transsynaptic excitotoxic mechanism, (ii) dying-back hypothesis, proposing the ALS begins in the peripheral nervous system with a toxic factor(s) retrogradely transported into the central nervous system and mediating upper motor neuron dysfunction, and (iii) independent hypothesis, suggesting that upper and lower motor neuron degenerated independently. Transcranial magnetic stimulation studies, along with pathological and genetic findings have supported the dying forward hypothesis theory, although the science is yet to be settled. The review provides a historical overview of ALS, discusses phenotypes and likely pathogenic mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Eisen
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Steve Vucic
- Director Brain and Nerve Research Center, Clinical School, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Hiroshi Mitsumoto
- Wesley J. Howe Professor of Neurology, Columbia University, The Neurological Institute of New York, and New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Xie M, Pallegar PN, Parusel S, Nguyen AT, Wu LJ. Regulation of cortical hyperexcitability in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: focusing on glial mechanisms. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:75. [PMID: 37858176 PMCID: PMC10585818 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00665-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of both upper and lower motor neurons, resulting in muscle weakness, atrophy, paralysis, and eventually death. Motor cortical hyperexcitability is a common phenomenon observed at the presymptomatic stage of ALS. Both cell-autonomous (the intrinsic properties of motor neurons) and non-cell-autonomous mechanisms (cells other than motor neurons) are believed to contribute to cortical hyperexcitability. Decoding the pathological relevance of these dynamic changes in motor neurons and glial cells has remained a major challenge. This review summarizes the evidence of cortical hyperexcitability from both clinical and preclinical research, as well as the underlying mechanisms. We discuss the potential role of glial cells, particularly microglia, in regulating abnormal neuronal activity during the disease progression. Identifying early changes such as neuronal hyperexcitability in the motor system may provide new insights for earlier diagnosis of ALS and reveal novel targets to halt the disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manling Xie
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Praveen N Pallegar
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Sebastian Parusel
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Aivi T Nguyen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Long-Jun Wu
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Suzuki N, Nishiyama A, Warita H, Aoki M. Genetics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: seeking therapeutic targets in the era of gene therapy. J Hum Genet 2023; 68:131-152. [PMID: 35691950 PMCID: PMC9968660 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-022-01055-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an intractable disease that causes respiratory failure leading to mortality. The main locus of ALS is motor neurons. The success of antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapy in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a motor neuron disease, has triggered a paradigm shift in developing ALS therapies. The causative genes of ALS and disease-modifying genes, including those of sporadic ALS, have been identified one after another. Thus, the freedom of target choice for gene therapy has expanded by ASO strategy, leading to new avenues for therapeutic development. Tofersen for superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) was a pioneer in developing ASO for ALS. Improving protocols and devising early interventions for the disease are vital. In this review, we updated the knowledge of causative genes in ALS. We summarized the genetic mutations identified in familial ALS and their clinical features, focusing on SOD1, fused in sarcoma (FUS), and transacting response DNA-binding protein. The frequency of the C9ORF72 mutation is low in Japan, unlike in Europe and the United States, while SOD1 and FUS are more common, indicating that the target mutations for gene therapy vary by ethnicity. A genome-wide association study has revealed disease-modifying genes, which could be the novel target of gene therapy. The current status and prospects of gene therapy development were discussed, including ethical issues. Furthermore, we discussed the potential of axonal pathology as new therapeutic targets of ALS from the perspective of early intervention, including intra-axonal transcription factors, neuromuscular junction disconnection, dysregulated local translation, abnormal protein degradation, mitochondrial pathology, impaired axonal transport, aberrant cytoskeleton, and axon branching. We simultaneously discuss important pathological states of cell bodies: persistent stress granules, disrupted nucleocytoplasmic transport, and cryptic splicing. The development of gene therapy based on the elucidation of disease-modifying genes and early intervention in molecular pathology is expected to become an important therapeutic strategy in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Suzuki
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Ayumi Nishiyama
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Warita
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masashi Aoki
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ojaimi YA, Dangoumau A, Alarcan H, Hergesheimer R, Vourc'h P, Corcia P, Lanznaster D, Blasco H. TAR DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): a promising therapeutic target. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:575-592. [PMID: 35652285 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2083958] [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] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that lacks an effective treatment. Aggregates of the TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43) are observed in 97% of all ALS cases, thus making this protein a major therapeutic target in ALS. . AREAS COVERED The authors describe the major cellular functions of TDP-43 and the features and consequences of TDP-43 proteinopathy. Drawing from fundamental and preclinical studies on cellular and animal TDP-43 models of ALS and selected clinical trials, the major pathways that have been targeted for the mitigation of TDP-43 pathology in ALS are discussed. The authors provide insights on the approaches targeting the tendency of TDP-43 for aggregation, defective nucleocytoplasmic transport, dysfunctional proteostasis, abnormal stress granule dynamics, and pathological post-translational modifications of TDP-43. EXPERT OPINION The complexity of ALS and TDP-43 proteinopathy generates challenges for the development of novel therapeutic approaches. However, the critical involvement of TDP-43 in the initiation and progression of ALS, makes it a promising therapeutic target. Further research should be centered on the development of precision strategies, consideration of patient subgroups, the prevention of the mislocalization of TDP-43 and restoration of the lost functions of TPD-43. .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hugo Alarcan
- UMR 1253 iBrain, Université de Tours, Tours, France.,Laboratoire de biochimie et biologie moléculaire, CHRU Bretonneau, Tours, France
| | | | - Patrick Vourc'h
- UMR 1253 iBrain, Université de Tours, Tours, France.,Laboratoire de biochimie et biologie moléculaire, CHRU Bretonneau, Tours, France
| | - Philippe Corcia
- Laboratoire de biochimie et biologie moléculaire, CHRU Bretonneau, Tours, France.,Service de neurologie, CHRU Bretonneau, Tours, France
| | | | - Hélène Blasco
- UMR 1253 iBrain, Université de Tours, Tours, France.,Laboratoire de biochimie et biologie moléculaire, CHRU Bretonneau, Tours, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bauer US, Fiskum V, Nair RR, van de Wijdeven R, Kentros C, Sandvig I, Sandvig A. Validation of Functional Connectivity of Engineered Neuromuscular Junction With Recombinant Monosynaptic Pseudotyped ΔG-Rabies Virus Tracing. Front Integr Neurosci 2022; 16:855071. [PMID: 35669734 PMCID: PMC9163662 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2022.855071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Current preclinical models of neurodegenerative disease, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), can significantly benefit from in vitro neuroengineering approaches that enable the selective study and manipulation of neurons, networks, and functional units of interest. Custom-designed compartmentalized microfluidic culture systems enable the co-culture of different relevant cell types in interconnected but fluidically isolated microenvironments. Such systems can thus be applied for ALS disease modeling, as they enable the recapitulation and study of neuromuscular junctions (NMJ) through co-culturing of motor neurons and muscle cells in separate, but interconnected compartments. These in vitro systems are particularly relevant for investigations of mechanistic aspects of the ALS pathological cascade in engineered NMJ, as progressive loss of NMJ functionality may constitute one of the hallmarks of disease related pathology at early onset, in line with the dying back hypothesis. In such models, ability to test whether motor neuron degeneration in ALS starts at the nerve terminal or at the NMJ and retrogradely progresses to the motor neuron cell body largely relies on robust methods for verification of engineered NMJ functionality. In this study, we demonstrate the functionality of engineered NMJs within a microfluidic chip with a differentially perturbable microenvironment using a designer pseudotyped ΔG-rabies virus for retrograde monosynaptic tracing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Stefan Bauer
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Vegard Fiskum
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Rajeevkumar Raveendran Nair
- Centre for Neural Computation, Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Rosanne van de Wijdeven
- Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Clifford Kentros
- Centre for Neural Computation, Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
| | - Ioanna Sandvig
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Axel Sandvig
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Axel Sandvig,
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kirby AJ, Palmer T, Mead RJ, Ichiyama RM, Chakrabarty S. Caudal-Rostral Progression of Alpha Motoneuron Degeneration in the SOD1 G93A Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:983. [PMID: 35624847 PMCID: PMC9137889 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11050983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mice with transgenic expression of human SOD1G93A are a widely used model of ALS, with a caudal-rostral progression of motor impairment. Previous studies have quantified the progression of motoneuron (MN) degeneration based on size, even though alpha (α-) and gamma (γ-) MNs overlap in size. Therefore, using molecular markers and synaptic inputs, we quantified the survival of α-MNs and γ-MNs at the lumbar and cervical spinal segments of 3- and 4-month SOD1G93A mice, to investigate whether there is a caudal-rostral progression of MN death. By 3 months, in the cervical and lumbar spinal cord, there was α-MN degeneration with complete γ-MN sparing. At 3 months, the cervical spinal cord had more α-MNs per ventral horn than the lumbar spinal cord in SOD1G93A mice. A similar spatial trend of degeneration was observed in the corticospinal tract, which remained intact in the cervical spinal cord at 3- and 4- months of age. These findings agree with the corticofugal synaptopathy model that α-MNs and CST of the lumbar spinal cord are more susceptible to degeneration in SOD1G93A mice. Hence, there is a spatial and temporal caudal-rostral progression of α-MN and CST degeneration in SOD1G93A mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alastair J. Kirby
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (A.J.K.); (T.P.); (R.M.I.)
| | - Thomas Palmer
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (A.J.K.); (T.P.); (R.M.I.)
| | - Richard J. Mead
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385a Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK;
| | - Ronaldo M. Ichiyama
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (A.J.K.); (T.P.); (R.M.I.)
| | - Samit Chakrabarty
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (A.J.K.); (T.P.); (R.M.I.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Genç B, Jara JH, Sanchez SS, Lagrimas AKB, Gözütok Ö, Koçak N, Zhu Y, Hande Özdinler P. Upper motor neurons are a target for gene therapy and UCHL1 is necessary and sufficient to improve cellular integrity of diseased upper motor neurons. Gene Ther 2022; 29:178-192. [PMID: 34853443 PMCID: PMC9018479 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-021-00303-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
There are no effective cures for upper motor neuron (UMN) diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), primary lateral sclerosis, and hereditary spastic paraplegia. Here, we show UMN loss occurs independent of spinal motor neuron degeneration and that UMNs are indeed effective cellular targets for gene therapy, which offers a potential solution especially for UMN disease patients. UCHL1 (ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1) is a deubiquitinating enzyme crucial for maintaining free ubiquitin levels. Corticospinal motor neurons (CSMN, a.k.a UMNs in mice) show early, selective, and profound degeneration in Uchl1nm3419 (UCHL1-/-) mice, which lack all UCHL1 function. When UCHL1 activity is ablated only from spinal motor neurons, CSMN remained intact. However, restoring UCHL1 specifically in CSMN of UCHL1-/- mice via directed gene delivery was sufficient to improve CSMN integrity to the healthy control levels. In addition, when UCHL1 gene was delivered selectively to CSMN that are diseased due to misfolded SOD1 toxicity and TDP-43 pathology via AAV-mediated retrograde transduction, the disease causing misfolded SOD1 and mutant human TDP-43 were reduced in hSOD1G93A and prpTDP-43A315T models, respectively. Diseased CSMN retained their neuronal integrity and cytoarchitectural stability in two different mouse models that represent two distinct causes of neurodegeneration in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barış Genç
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Javier H Jara
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Santana S Sanchez
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Amiko K B Lagrimas
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Öge Gözütok
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Nuran Koçak
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Yongling Zhu
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - P Hande Özdinler
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cortical Hyperexcitability in the Driver’s Seat in ALS. CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/ctn6010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease characterized by the degeneration of cortical and spinal motor neurons. With no effective treatment available to date, patients face progressive paralysis and eventually succumb to the disease due to respiratory failure within only a few years. Recent research has revealed the multifaceted nature of the mechanisms and cell types involved in motor neuron degeneration, thereby opening up new therapeutic avenues. Intriguingly, two key features present in both ALS patients and rodent models of the disease are cortical hyperexcitability and hyperconnectivity, the mechanisms of which are still not fully understood. We here recapitulate current findings arguing for cell autonomous and non-cell autonomous mechanisms causing cortical excitation and inhibition imbalance, which is involved in the degeneration of motor neurons in ALS. Moreover, we will highlight recent evidence that strongly indicates a cardinal role for the motor cortex as a main driver and source of the disease, thus arguing for a corticofugal trajectory of the pathology.
Collapse
|
12
|
How Are Adenosine and Adenosine A 2A Receptors Involved in the Pathophysiology of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis? Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9081027. [PMID: 34440231 PMCID: PMC8392384 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9081027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosine is extensively distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems, where it plays a key role as a neuromodulator. It has long been implicated in the pathogenesis of progressive neurogenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, and there is now growing interest in its role in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The motor neurons affected in ALS are responsive to adenosine receptor function, and there is accumulating evidence for beneficial effects of adenosine A2A receptor antagonism. In this article, we focus on recent evidence from ALS clinical pathology and animal models that support dynamism of the adenosinergic system (including changes in adenosine levels and receptor changes) in ALS. We review the possible mechanisms of chronic neurodegeneration via the adenosinergic system, potential biomarkers and the acute symptomatic pharmacology, including respiratory motor neuron control, of A2A receptor antagonism to explore the potential of the A2A receptor as target for ALS therapy.
Collapse
|
13
|
Giacobbo BL, Mediavilla T, Marcellino DJ, Sultan F. Metabolic changes in an animal model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis evaluated by [ 18F]-FDG positron emission tomography. Transl Neurodegener 2021; 10:21. [PMID: 34162436 PMCID: PMC8220836 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-021-00246-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tomás Mediavilla
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Fahad Sultan
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cicardi ME, Marrone L, Azzouz M, Trotti D. Proteostatic imbalance and protein spreading in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. EMBO J 2021; 40:e106389. [PMID: 33792056 PMCID: PMC8126909 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020106389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder whose exact causative mechanisms are still under intense investigation. Several lines of evidence suggest that the anatomical and temporal propagation of pathological protein species along the neural axis could be among the main driving mechanisms for the fast and irreversible progression of ALS pathology. Many ALS-associated proteins form intracellular aggregates as a result of their intrinsic prion-like properties and/or following impairment of the protein quality control systems. During the disease course, these mutated proteins and aberrant peptides are released in the extracellular milieu as soluble or aggregated forms through a variety of mechanisms. Internalization by recipient cells may seed further aggregation and amplify existing proteostatic imbalances, thus triggering a vicious cycle that propagates pathology in vulnerable cells, such as motor neurons and other susceptible neuronal subtypes. Here, we provide an in-depth review of ALS pathology with a particular focus on the disease mechanisms of seeding and transmission of the most common ALS-associated proteins, including SOD1, FUS, TDP-43, and C9orf72-linked dipeptide repeats. For each of these proteins, we report historical, biochemical, and pathological evidence of their behaviors in ALS. We further discuss the possibility to harness pathological proteins as biomarkers and reflect on the implications of these findings for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elena Cicardi
- Department of NeuroscienceWeinberg ALS CenterVickie and Jack Farber Institute for NeuroscienceThomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - Lara Marrone
- Department of NeuroscienceSheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN)University of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Mimoun Azzouz
- Department of NeuroscienceSheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN)University of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Davide Trotti
- Department of NeuroscienceWeinberg ALS CenterVickie and Jack Farber Institute for NeuroscienceThomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lemon RN. The Cortical "Upper Motoneuron" in Health and Disease. Brain Sci 2021; 11:619. [PMID: 34066053 PMCID: PMC8151778 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11050619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Upper motoneurons (UMNs) in motor areas of the cerebral cortex influence spinal and cranial motor mechanisms through the corticospinal tract (CST) and through projections to brainstem motor pathways. The primate corticospinal system has a diverse cortical origin and a wide spectrum of fibre diameters, including large diameter fibres which are unique to humans and other large primates. Direct cortico-motoneuronal (CM) projections from the motor cortex to arm and hand motoneurons are a late evolutionary feature only present in dexterous primates and best developed in humans. CM projections are derived from a more restricted cortical territory ('new' M1, area 3a) and arise not only from corticospinal neurons with large, fast axons but also from those with relatively slow-conducting axons. During movement, corticospinal neurons are organised and recruited quite differently from 'lower' motoneurons. Accumulating evidence strongly implicates the corticospinal system in the early stages of ALS, with particular involvement of CM projections to distal limb muscles, but also to other muscle groups influenced by the CM system. There are important species differences in the organisation and function of the corticospinal system, and appropriate animal models are needed to understand disorders involving the human corticospinal system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roger N Lemon
- Department of Clinical and Movement Sciences, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Eisen A. The Dying Forward Hypothesis of ALS: Tracing Its History. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11030300. [PMID: 33673524 PMCID: PMC7997258 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11030300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The site of origin of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), although unsettled, is increasingly recognized as being cortico-fugal, which is a dying-forward process primarily starting in the corticomotoneuronal system. A variety of iterations of this concept date back to over 150 years. Recently, the hallmark TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) pathology, seen in >95% of patients with ALS, has been shown to be largely restricted to corticofugal projecting neurons (“dying forward”). Possibly, soluble but toxic cytoplasmic TDP-43 could enter the axoplasm of Betz cells, subsequently causing dysregulation of nuclear protein in the lower brainstem and spinal cord anterior horn cells. As the disease progresses, cortical involvement in ALS becomes widespread, including or starting with frontotemporal dementia, implying a broader view of ALS as a brain disease. The onset at the motor and premotor cortices should be considered a nidus at the edge of multiple cortical networks which eventually become disrupted, causing failure of a widespread cortical connectome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Eisen
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ranieri F, Mariotto S, Dubbioso R, Di Lazzaro V. Brain Stimulation as a Therapeutic Tool in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Current Status and Interaction With Mechanisms of Altered Cortical Excitability. Front Neurol 2021; 11:605335. [PMID: 33613416 PMCID: PMC7892772 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.605335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last 20 years, several modalities of neuromodulation, mainly based on non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques, have been tested as a non-pharmacological therapeutic approach to slow disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In both sporadic and familial ALS cases, neurophysiological studies point to motor cortical hyperexcitability as a possible priming factor in neurodegeneration, likely related to dysfunction of both excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms. A trans-synaptic anterograde mechanism of excitotoxicity is thus postulated, causing upper and lower motor neuron degeneration. Specifically, motor neuron hyperexcitability and hyperactivity are attributed to intrinsic cell abnormalities related to altered ion homeostasis and to impaired glutamate and gamma aminobutyric acid gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling. Several neuropathological mechanisms support excitatory and synaptic dysfunction in ALS; additionally, hyperexcitability seems to drive DNA-binding protein 43-kDA (TDP-43) pathology, through the upregulation of unusual isoforms directly contributing to ASL pathophysiology. Corticospinal excitability can be suppressed or enhanced using NIBS techniques, namely, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), as well as invasive brain and spinal stimulation. Experimental evidence supports the hypothesis that the after-effects of NIBS are mediated by long-term potentiation (LTP)-/long-term depression (LTD)-like mechanisms of modulation of synaptic activity, with different biological and physiological mechanisms underlying the effects of tDCS and rTMS and, possibly, of different rTMS protocols. This potential has led to several small trials testing different stimulation interventions to antagonize excitotoxicity in ALS. Overall, these studies suggest a possible efficacy of neuromodulation in determining a slight reduction of disease progression, related to the type, duration, and frequency of treatment, but current evidence remains preliminary. Main limitations are the small number and heterogeneity of recruited patients, the limited "dosage" of brain stimulation that can be delivered in the hospital setting, the lack of a sufficient knowledge on the excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms targeted by specific stimulation interventions, and the persistent uncertainty on the key pathophysiological processes leading to motor neuron loss. The present review article provides an update on the state of the art of neuromodulation in ALS and a critical appraisal of the rationale for the application/optimization of brain stimulation interventions, in the light of their interaction with ALS pathophysiological mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Ranieri
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Sara Mariotto
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Raffaele Dubbioso
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Lazzaro
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Mehta AR, Gregory JM, Dando O, Carter RN, Burr K, Nanda J, Story D, McDade K, Smith C, Morton NM, Mahad DJ, Hardingham GE, Chandran S, Selvaraj BT. Mitochondrial bioenergetic deficits in C9orf72 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis motor neurons cause dysfunctional axonal homeostasis. Acta Neuropathol 2021; 141:257-279. [PMID: 33398403 PMCID: PMC7847443 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-020-02252-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Axonal dysfunction is a common phenotype in neurodegenerative disorders, including in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), where the key pathological cell-type, the motor neuron (MN), has an axon extending up to a metre long. The maintenance of axonal function is a highly energy-demanding process, raising the question of whether MN cellular energetics is perturbed in ALS, and whether its recovery promotes axonal rescue. To address this, we undertook cellular and molecular interrogation of multiple patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell lines and patient autopsy samples harbouring the most common ALS causing mutation, C9orf72. Using paired mutant and isogenic expansion-corrected controls, we show that C9orf72 MNs have shorter axons, impaired fast axonal transport of mitochondrial cargo, and altered mitochondrial bioenergetic function. RNAseq revealed reduced gene expression of mitochondrially encoded electron transport chain transcripts, with neuropathological analysis of C9orf72-ALS post-mortem tissue importantly confirming selective dysregulation of the mitochondrially encoded transcripts in ventral horn spinal MNs, but not in corresponding dorsal horn sensory neurons, with findings reflected at the protein level. Mitochondrial DNA copy number was unaltered, both in vitro and in human post-mortem tissue. Genetic manipulation of mitochondrial biogenesis in C9orf72 MNs corrected the bioenergetic deficit and also rescued the axonal length and transport phenotypes. Collectively, our data show that loss of mitochondrial function is a key mediator of axonal dysfunction in C9orf72-ALS, and that boosting MN bioenergetics is sufficient to restore axonal homeostasis, opening new potential therapeutic strategies for ALS that target mitochondrial function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arpan R Mehta
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jenna M Gregory
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- MRC Edinburgh Brain Bank, Academic Department of Neuropathology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Edinburgh Pathology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Owen Dando
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Roderick N Carter
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Karen Burr
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jyoti Nanda
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David Story
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Karina McDade
- MRC Edinburgh Brain Bank, Academic Department of Neuropathology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Colin Smith
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- MRC Edinburgh Brain Bank, Academic Department of Neuropathology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Edinburgh Pathology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Nicholas M Morton
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Don J Mahad
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Giles E Hardingham
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, 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
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK.
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- Centre for Brain Development and Repair, inStem, Bangalore, India.
| | - Bhuvaneish T Selvaraj
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK.
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Guo W, Vandoorne T, Steyaert J, Staats KA, Van Den Bosch L. The multifaceted role of kinases in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: genetic, pathological and therapeutic implications. Brain 2021; 143:1651-1673. [PMID: 32206784 PMCID: PMC7296858 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is the most common degenerative disorder of motor neurons in adults. As there is no cure, thousands of individuals who are alive at present will succumb to the disease. In recent years, numerous causative genes and risk factors for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis have been identified. Several of the recently identified genes encode kinases. In addition, the hypothesis that (de)phosphorylation processes drive the disease process resulting in selective motor neuron degeneration in different disease variants has been postulated. We re-evaluate the evidence for this hypothesis based on recent findings and discuss the multiple roles of kinases in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pathogenesis. We propose that kinases could represent promising therapeutic targets. Mainly due to the comprehensive regulation of kinases, however, a better understanding of the disturbances in the kinome network in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is needed to properly target specific kinases in the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Guo
- KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium.,VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium.,KU Leuven-Stem Cell Institute (SCIL), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tijs Vandoorne
- KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium.,VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jolien Steyaert
- KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium.,VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kim A Staats
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium.,VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Gunes ZI, Kan VWY, Ye X, Liebscher S. Exciting Complexity: The Role of Motor Circuit Elements in ALS Pathophysiology. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:573. [PMID: 32625051 PMCID: PMC7311855 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease, characterized by the degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons. Despite decades of research, we still to date lack a cure or disease modifying treatment, emphasizing the need for a much-improved insight into disease mechanisms and cell type vulnerability. Altered neuronal excitability is a common phenomenon reported in ALS patients, as well as in animal models of the disease, but the cellular and circuit processes involved, as well as the causal relevance of those observations to molecular alterations and final cell death, remain poorly understood. Here, we review evidence from clinical studies, cell type-specific electrophysiology, genetic manipulations and molecular characterizations in animal models and culture experiments, which argue for a causal involvement of complex alterations of structure, function and connectivity of different neuronal subtypes within the cortical and spinal cord motor circuitries. We also summarize the current knowledge regarding the detrimental role of astrocytes and reassess the frequently proposed hypothesis of glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity with respect to changes in neuronal excitability. Together, these findings suggest multifaceted cell type-, brain area- and disease stage- specific disturbances of the excitation/inhibition balance as a cardinal aspect of ALS pathophysiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zeynep I Gunes
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Biomedical Center, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Vanessa W Y Kan
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Biomedical Center, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - XiaoQian Ye
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Biomedical Center, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sabine Liebscher
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Biomedical Center, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Swash M, Burke D, Turner MR, Grosskreutz J, Leigh PN, deCarvalho M, Kiernan MC. Occasional essay: Upper motor neuron syndrome in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2020; 91:227-234. [PMID: 32054724 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2019-321938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Swash
- Barts and the London School of Medicine, QMUL, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Univeridade de Lisboa, London, UK
| | - David Burke
- University of Sydney and Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Martin R Turner
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Julian Grosskreutz
- Universitätsklinikum Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - P Nigel Leigh
- Trafford Centre for Biomedical Research, Department of Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Mamede deCarvalho
- Instituto de Fisiologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Univeridade de Lisboa, and Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Matthew C Kiernan
- University of Sydney and Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Complexity of Generating Mouse Models to Study the Upper Motor Neurons: Let Us Shift Focus from Mice to Neurons. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20163848. [PMID: 31394733 PMCID: PMC6720674 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20163848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor neuron circuitry is one of the most elaborate circuitries in our body, which ensures voluntary and skilled movement that requires cognitive input. Therefore, both the cortex and the spinal cord are involved. The cortex has special importance for motor neuron diseases, in which initiation and modulation of voluntary movement is affected. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is defined by the progressive degeneration of both the upper and lower motor neurons, whereas hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) and primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) are characterized mainly by the loss of upper motor neurons. In an effort to reveal the cellular and molecular basis of neuronal degeneration, numerous model systems are generated, and mouse models are no exception. However, there are many different levels of complexities that need to be considered when developing mouse models. Here, we focus our attention to the upper motor neurons, which are one of the most challenging neuron populations to study. Since mice and human differ greatly at a species level, but the cells/neurons in mice and human share many common aspects of cell biology, we offer a solution by focusing our attention to the affected neurons to reveal the complexities of diseases at a cellular level and to improve translational efforts.
Collapse
|
23
|
Sala A, Iaccarino L, Fania P, Vanoli EG, Fallanca F, Pagnini C, Cerami C, Calvo A, Canosa A, Pagani M, Chiò A, Cistaro A, Perani D. Testing the diagnostic accuracy of [18F]FDG-PET in discriminating spinal- and bulbar-onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2019; 46:1117-1131. [PMID: 30617963 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-018-4246-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The role for [18F]FDG-PET in supporting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis is not fully established. In this study, we aim at evaluating [18F]FDG-PET hypo- and hyper-metabolism patterns in spinal- and bulbar-onset ALS cases, at the single-subject level, testing the diagnostic value in discriminating the two conditions, and the correlations with core clinical symptoms severity. METHODS We included 95 probable-ALS patients with [18F]FDG-PET scan and clinical follow-up. [18F]FDG-PET images were analyzed with an optimized voxel-based-SPM method. The resulting single-subject SPM-t maps were used to: (a) assess brain regional hypo- and hyper-metabolism; (b) evaluate the accuracy of regional hypo- and hyper metabolism in discriminating spinal vs. bulbar-onset ALS; (c) perform correlation analysis with motor symptoms severity, as measured by ALS-FRS-R. RESULTS Primary motor cortex showed the most frequent hypo-metabolism in both spinal-onset (∼57%) and bulbar-onset (∼64%) ALS; hyper-metabolism was prevalent in the cerebellum in both spinal-onset (∼56.5%) and bulbar-onset (∼55.7%) ALS, and in the occipital cortex in bulbar-onset (∼62.5%) ALS. Regional hypo- and hyper-metabolism yielded a very low accuracy (AUC < 0.63) in discriminating spinal- vs. bulbar-onset ALS, as obtained from single-subject SPM-t-maps. Severity of motor symptoms correlated with hypo-metabolism in sensorimotor cortex in spinal-onset ALS, and with cerebellar hyper-metabolism in bulbar-onset ALS. CONCLUSIONS The high variability in regional hypo- and hyper-metabolism patterns, likely reflecting the heterogeneous pathology and clinical phenotypes, limits the diagnostic potential of [18F]FDG-PET in discriminating spinal and bulbar onset patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Sala
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- In Vivo Human Molecular and Structural Neuroimaging Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Leonardo Iaccarino
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- In Vivo Human Molecular and Structural Neuroimaging Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Piercarlo Fania
- Positron Emission Tomography Centre IRMET, Affidea, Turin, Italy
| | - Emilia G Vanoli
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Via Olgettina, 60, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Fallanca
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Via Olgettina, 60, Milan, Italy
| | - Caterina Pagnini
- In Vivo Human Molecular and Structural Neuroimaging Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Cerami
- In Vivo Human Molecular and Structural Neuroimaging Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Clinical Neuroscience Department, San Raffaele Turro Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Calvo
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonio Canosa
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Pagani
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, C.N.R, Rome, Italy
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Adriano Chiò
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, C.N.R, Rome, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Angelina Cistaro
- Department of Neuroscience, Advisor Nuclear Medicine for Amiotrophic Lateral SclerosisRegional Expert Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Daniela Perani
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
- In Vivo Human Molecular and Structural Neuroimaging Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Via Olgettina, 60, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Applying the 3Rs to neuroscience research involving nonhuman primates. Drug Discov Today 2018; 23:1574-1577. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
25
|
Driven to decay: Excitability and synaptic abnormalities in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Brain Res Bull 2018; 140:318-333. [PMID: 29870780 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2018.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 05/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common motor neuron (MN) disease and is clinically characterised by the death of corticospinal motor neurons (CSMNs), spinal and brainstem MNs and the degeneration of the corticospinal tract. Degeneration of CSMNs and MNs leads inexorably to muscle wastage and weakness, progressing to eventual death within 3-5 years of diagnosis. The CSMNs, located within layer V of the primary motor cortex, project axons constituting the corticospinal tract, forming synaptic connections with brainstem and spinal cord interneurons and MNs. Clinical ALS may be divided into familial (∼10% of cases) or sporadic (∼90% of cases), based on apparent random incidence. The emergence of transgenic murine models, expressing different ALS-associated mutations has accelerated our understanding of ALS pathogenesis, although precise mechanisms remain elusive. Multiple avenues of investigation suggest that cortical electrical abnormalities have pre-eminence in the pathophysiology of ALS. In addition, glutamate-mediated functional and structural alterations in both CSMNs and MNs are present in both sporadic and familial forms of ALS. This review aims to promulgate debate in the field with regard to the common aetiology of sporadic and familial ALS. A specific focus on a nexus point in ALS pathogenesis, namely, the synaptic and intrinsic hyperexcitability of CSMNs and MNs and alterations to their structure are comprehensively detailed. The association of extramotor dysfunction with neuronal structural/functional alterations will be discussed. Finally, the implications of the latest research on the dying-forward and dying-back controversy are considered.
Collapse
|
26
|
Turner MR, Eisen A, Kiernan MC, Ravits J, Swash M. Kinnier Wilson's puzzling features of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2018; 89:657-666. [PMID: 29122933 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2017-317217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Martin R Turner
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrew Eisen
- Department of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Matthew C Kiernan
- Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney; Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Ravits
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Baker MR, Dharmadasa T, Jaiser SR, Kiernan MC. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - Time for beta testing? Clin Neurophysiol 2018; 129:1455-1456. [PMID: 29754830 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2018.04.613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M R Baker
- Institute of Neuroscience, The Medical School, Newcastle University, NE2 4HH, UK; Department of Neurology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK; Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK.
| | - T Dharmadasa
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - S R Jaiser
- Institute of Neuroscience, The Medical School, Newcastle University, NE2 4HH, UK; Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
| | - M C Kiernan
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Sebastião AM, Rei N, Ribeiro JA. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Adenosine Receptors. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:267. [PMID: 29713276 PMCID: PMC5911503 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present review we discuss the potential involvement of adenosinergic signaling, in particular the role of adenosine receptors, in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Though the literature on this topic is not abundant, the information so far available on adenosine receptors in animal models of ALS highlights the interest to continue to explore the role of these receptors in this neurodegenerative disease. Indeed, all motor neurons affected in ALS are responsive to adenosine receptor ligands but interestingly, there are alterations in pre-symptomatic or early symptomatic stages that mirror those in advanced disease stages. Information starts to emerge pointing toward a beneficial role of A2A receptors (A2AR), most probably at early disease states, and a detrimental role of caffeine, in clear contrast with what occurs in other neurodegenerative diseases. However, some evidence also exists on a beneficial action of A2AR antagonists. It may happen that there are time windows where A2AR prove beneficial and others where their blockade is required. Furthermore, the same changes may not occur simultaneously at the different synapses. In line with this, it is not fully understood if ALS is a dying back disease or if it propagates in a centrifugal way. It thus seems crucial to understand how motor neuron dysfunction occurs, how adenosine receptors are involved in those dysfunctions and whether the early changes in purinergic signaling are compensatory or triggers for the disease. Getting this information is crucial before starting the design of purinergic based strategies to halt or delay disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Sebastião
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nádia Rei
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joaquim A Ribeiro
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Patai R, Paizs M, Tortarolo M, Bendotti C, Obál I, Engelhardt JI, Siklós L. Presymptomatically applied AMPA receptor antagonist prevents calcium increase in vulnerable type of motor axon terminals of mice modeling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017; 1863:1739-1748. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
30
|
Mathis S, Couratier P, Julian A, Vallat JM, Corcia P, Le Masson G. Management and therapeutic perspectives in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Expert Rev Neurother 2016; 17:263-276. [DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2016.1227705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Mathis
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-Muscular Unit and ALS Center, CHU de Bordeaux, groupe hospitalier Pellegrin, Bordeaux, France
| | - Philippe Couratier
- Department of Neurology, ALS center, Centre de compétence SLA-fédération Tours-Limoges, CHU de Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Adrien Julian
- Department of Neurology, CHU Poitiers, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Jean-Michel Vallat
- Department and Laboratory of Neurology, Centre de Référence ‘neuropathies périphériques rares’, University Hospital of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Philippe Corcia
- Department of Neurology, ALS center, Centre de compétence SLA-fédération Tours-Limoges, CHU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Gwendal Le Masson
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-Muscular Unit and ALS Center, CHU de Bordeaux, groupe hospitalier Pellegrin, Bordeaux, France
| |
Collapse
|