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Wasielewska JM, Chaves JCS, Cabral-da-Silva MC, Pecoraro M, Viljoen SJ, Nguyen TH, Bella VL, Oikari LE, Ooi L, White AR. A patient-derived amyotrophic lateral sclerosis blood-brain barrier model for focused ultrasound-mediated anti-TDP-43 antibody delivery. Fluids Barriers CNS 2024; 21:65. [PMID: 39138578 PMCID: PMC11323367 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-024-00565-1] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disorder with minimally effective treatment options. An important hurdle in ALS drug development is the non-invasive therapeutic access to the motor cortex currently limited by the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Focused ultrasound and microbubble (FUS+ MB) treatment is an emerging technology that was successfully used in ALS patients to temporarily open the cortical BBB. However, FUS+ MB-mediated drug delivery across ALS patients' BBB has not yet been reported. Similarly, the effects of FUS+ MB on human ALS BBB cells remain unexplored. METHODS Here we established the first FUS+ MB-compatible, fully-human ALS patient-cell-derived BBB model based on induced brain endothelial-like cells (iBECs) to study anti-TDP-43 antibody delivery and FUS+ MB bioeffects in vitro. RESULTS Generated ALS iBECs recapitulated disease-specific hallmarks of BBB pathology, including reduced BBB integrity and permeability, and TDP-43 proteinopathy. The results also identified differences between sporadic ALS and familial (C9orf72 expansion carrying) ALS iBECs reflecting patient heterogeneity associated with disease subgroups. Studies in these models revealed successful ALS iBEC monolayer opening in vitro with no adverse cellular effects of FUS+ MB as reflected by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release viability assay and the lack of visible monolayer damage or morphology change in FUS+ MB treated cells. This was accompanied by the molecular bioeffects of FUS+ MB in ALS iBECs including changes in expression of tight and adherens junction markers, and drug transporter and inflammatory mediators, with sporadic and C9orf72 ALS iBECs generating transient specific responses. Additionally, we demonstrated an effective increase in the delivery of anti-TDP-43 antibody with FUS+ MB in C9orf72 (2.7-fold) and sporadic (1.9-fold) ALS iBECs providing the first proof-of-concept evidence that FUS+ MB can be used to enhance the permeability of large molecule therapeutics across the BBB in a human ALS in vitro model. CONCLUSIONS Together, this study describes the first characterisation of cellular and molecular responses of ALS iBECs to FUS+ MB and provides a fully-human platform for FUS+ MB-mediated drug delivery screening on an ALS BBB in vitro model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna M Wasielewska
- Brain and Mental Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Juliana C S Chaves
- Brain and Mental Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Mauricio Castro Cabral-da-Silva
- Molecular Horizons, School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI), Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Martina Pecoraro
- ALS Clinical Research Centre and Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnosis, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Stephani J Viljoen
- Brain and Mental Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Biomedical Science, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Tam Hong Nguyen
- Flow Cytometry and Imaging Facility, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Vincenzo La Bella
- ALS Clinical Research Centre and Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnosis, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Lotta E Oikari
- Brain and Mental Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Lezanne Ooi
- Molecular Horizons, School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Anthony R White
- Brain and Mental Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
- School of Biomedical Science, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia.
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
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Vaikakkara Chithran A, Allan DW, O'Connor TP. Adult expression of Semaphorins and Plexins is essential for motor neuron survival. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5894. [PMID: 37041188 PMCID: PMC10090137 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32943-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Axon guidance cues direct the growth and steering of neuronal growth cones, thus guiding the axons to their targets during development. Nonetheless, after axons have reached their targets and established functional circuits, many mature neurons continue to express these developmental cues. The role of axon guidance cues in the adult nervous system has not been fully elucidated. Using the expression pattern data available on FlyBase, we found that more than 96% of the guidance genes that are expressed in the Drosophila melanogaster embryo continue to be expressed in adults. We utilized the GeneSwitch and TARGET systems to spatiotemporally knockdown the expression of these guidance genes selectively in the adult neurons, once the development was completed. We performed an RNA interference (RNAi) screen against 44 guidance genes in the adult Drosophila nervous system and identified 14 genes that are required for adult survival and normal motility. Additionally, we show that adult expression of Semaphorins and Plexins in motor neurons is necessary for neuronal survival, indicating that guidance genes have critical functions in the mature nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarya Vaikakkara Chithran
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, 3402-2215 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Douglas W Allan
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, 2215 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Timothy P O'Connor
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, 2215 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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3
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Rey F, Maghraby E, Messa L, Esposito L, Barzaghini B, Pandini C, Bordoni M, Gagliardi S, Diamanti L, Raimondi MT, Mazza M, Zuccotti G, Carelli S, Cereda C. Identification of a novel pathway in sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis mediated by the long non-coding RNA ZEB1-AS1. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 178:106030. [PMID: 36736597 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106030] [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: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deregulation of transcription in the pathogenesis of sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (sALS) is taking central stage with RNA-sequencing analyses from sALS patients tissues highlighting numerous deregulated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). The oncogenic lncRNA ZEB1-AS1 is strongly downregulated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of sALS patients. In addition, in cancer-derived cell lines, ZEB1-AS1 belongs to a negative feedback loop regulation with hsa-miR-200c, acting as a molecular sponge for this miRNA. The role of the lncRNA ZEB1-AS1 in sALS pathogenesis has not been characterized yet, and its study could help identifying a possible disease-modifying target. METHODS the implication of the ZEB1-AS1/ZEB1/hsa-miR-200c/BMI1 pathway was investigated in multiple patients-derived cellular models (patients-derived peripheral blood mononuclear cells and induced pluripotent stem cells-derived neural stem cells) and in the neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y, where its function was inhibited via RNA interference. Molecular techniques such as Real Time PCR, Western Blot and Immunofluorescence were used to assess the pathway dysregulation. RESULTS Our results show a dysregulation of a signaling pathway involving ZEB1-AS1/hsa-miR-200c/β-Catenin in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and in induced pluripotent stem cells-derived neural stem cells from sALS patients. These results were validated in vitro on the cell line SH-SY5Y with silenced expression of ZEB1-AS1. Moreover, we found an increase for ZEB1-AS1 during neural differentiation with an aberrant expression of β-Catenin, highlighting also its aggregation and possible impact on neurite length. CONCLUSIONS Our results support and describe the role of ZEB1-AS1 pathway in sALS and specifically in neuronal differentiation, suggesting that an impairment of β-Catenin signaling and an alteration of the neuronal phenotype are taking place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Rey
- Pediatric Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Erika Maghraby
- Pediatric Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Letizia Messa
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy; Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering (DEIB), Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Letizia Esposito
- Pediatric Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Bianca Barzaghini
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Pandini
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Bordoni
- Cellular Models and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stella Gagliardi
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Luca Diamanti
- Neuroncology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Manuela Teresa Raimondi
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Mazza
- Immunotherapy, Cell Therapy and Biobank (ITCB), IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Pediatric Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Stephana Carelli
- Pediatric Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Cristina Cereda
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy
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4
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Li S, Cai TT, Li H. Transfer Learning in Large-scale Gaussian Graphical Models with False Discovery Rate Control. J Am Stat Assoc 2022; 118:2171-2183. [PMID: 38143788 PMCID: PMC10746133 DOI: 10.1080/01621459.2022.2044333] [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: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Transfer learning for high-dimensional Gaussian graphical models (GGMs) is studied. The target GGM is estimated by incorporating the data from similar and related auxiliary studies, where the similarity between the target graph and each auxiliary graph is characterized by the sparsity of a divergence matrix. An estimation algorithm, Trans-CLIME, is proposed and shown to attain a faster convergence rate than the minimax rate in the single-task setting. Furthermore, we introduce a universal debiasing method that can be coupled with a range of initial graph estimators and can be analytically computed in one step. A debiased Trans-CLIME estimator is then constructed and is shown to be element-wise asymptotically normal. This fact is used to construct a multiple testing procedure for edge detection with false discovery rate control. The proposed estimation and multiple testing procedures demonstrate superior numerical performance in simulations and are applied to infer the gene networks in a target brain tissue by leveraging the gene expressions from multiple other brain tissues. A significant decrease in prediction errors and a significant increase in power for link detection are observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Li
- Institute of Statistics and Big Data, Renmin University of China, China. Most of her work was done during her postdoc at Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
| | - T Tony Cai
- Department of Statistics, the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Hongzhe Li
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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5
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Johns AE, Maragakis NJ. Exploring Motor Neuron Diseases Using iPSC Platforms. Stem Cells 2022; 40:2-13. [PMID: 35511862 PMCID: PMC9199844 DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxab006] [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: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The degeneration of motor neurons is a pathological hallmark of motor neuron diseases (MNDs), but emerging evidence suggests that neuronal vulnerability extends well beyond this cell subtype. The ability to assess motor function in the clinic is limited to physical examination, electrophysiological measures, and tissue-based or neuroimaging techniques which lack the resolution to accurately assess neuronal dysfunction as the disease progresses. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are all MNDs with devastating clinical outcomes that contribute significantly to disease burden as patients are no longer able to carry out normal activities of daily living. The critical need to accurately assess the cause and progression of motor neuron dysfunction, especially in the early stages of those diseases, has motivated the use of human iPSC-derived motor neurons (hiPSC-MN) to study the neurobiological mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis and to generate platforms for therapeutic discovery and testing. As our understanding of MNDs has grown, so too has our need to develop more complex in vitro models which include hiPSC-MN co-cultured with relevant non-neuronal cells in 2D as well as in 3D organoid and spheroid systems. These more complex hiPSC-derived culture systems have led to the implementation of new technologies, including microfluidics, multielectrode array, and machine learning which offer novel insights into the functional correlates of these emerging model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra E Johns
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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6
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Anakor E, Le Gall L, Dumonceaux J, Duddy WJ, Duguez S. Exosomes in Ageing and Motor Neurone Disease: Biogenesis, Uptake Mechanisms, Modifications in Disease and Uses in the Development of Biomarkers and Therapeutics. Cells 2021; 10:2930. [PMID: 34831153 PMCID: PMC8616058 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intercellular communication between neurons and their surrounding cells occurs through the secretion of soluble molecules or release of vesicles such as exosomes into the extracellular space, participating in brain homeostasis. Under neuro-degenerative conditions associated with ageing, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, exosomes are suspected to propagate toxic proteins. The topic of this review is the role of exosomes in ageing conditions and more specifically in ALS. Our current understanding of exosomes and exosome-related mechanisms is first summarized in a general sense, including their biogenesis and secretion, heterogeneity, cellular interaction and intracellular fate. Their role in the Central Nervous System (CNS) and ageing of the neuromotor system is then considered in the context of exosome-induced signaling. The review then focuses on exosomes in age-associated neurodegenerative disease. The role of exosomes in ALS is highlighted, and their use as potential biomarkers to diagnose and prognose ALS is presented. The therapeutic implications of exosomes for ALS are considered, whether as delivery vehicles, neurotoxic targets or as corrective drugs in and of themselves. A diverse set of mechanisms underpin the functional roles, both confirmed and potential, of exosomes, generally in ageing and specifically in motor neurone disease. Aspects of their contents, biogenesis, uptake and modifications offer many plausible routes towards the development of novel biomarkers and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekene Anakor
- Northern Ireland Center for Stratified/Personalised Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Derry-Londonderry BT47 6SB, UK; (E.A.); (L.L.G.); (J.D.); (W.J.D.)
| | - Laura Le Gall
- Northern Ireland Center for Stratified/Personalised Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Derry-Londonderry BT47 6SB, UK; (E.A.); (L.L.G.); (J.D.); (W.J.D.)
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Trust, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Julie Dumonceaux
- Northern Ireland Center for Stratified/Personalised Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Derry-Londonderry BT47 6SB, UK; (E.A.); (L.L.G.); (J.D.); (W.J.D.)
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Trust, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - William John Duddy
- Northern Ireland Center for Stratified/Personalised Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Derry-Londonderry BT47 6SB, UK; (E.A.); (L.L.G.); (J.D.); (W.J.D.)
| | - Stephanie Duguez
- Northern Ireland Center for Stratified/Personalised Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Derry-Londonderry BT47 6SB, UK; (E.A.); (L.L.G.); (J.D.); (W.J.D.)
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7
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Modelling and Refining Neuronal Circuits with Guidance Cues: Involvement of Semaphorins. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116111. [PMID: 34204060 PMCID: PMC8201269 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The establishment of neuronal circuits requires neurons to develop and maintain appropriate connections with cellular partners in and out the central nervous system. These phenomena include elaboration of dendritic arborization and formation of synaptic contacts, initially made in excess. Subsequently, refinement occurs, and pruning takes places both at axonal and synaptic level, defining a homeostatic balance maintained throughout the lifespan. All these events require genetic regulations which happens cell-autonomously and are strongly influenced by environmental factors. This review aims to discuss the involvement of guidance cues from the Semaphorin family.
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8
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Shi T, Cheung M. Urine-derived induced pluripotent/neural stem cells for modeling neurological diseases. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:85. [PMID: 33985584 PMCID: PMC8117626 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00594-5] [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: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurological diseases are mainly modeled using rodents through gene editing, surgery or injury approaches. However, differences between humans and rodents in terms of genetics, neural development, and physiology pose limitations on studying disease pathogenesis in rodent models for neuroscience research. In the past decade, the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and induced neural stem cells (iNSCs) by reprogramming somatic cells offers a powerful alternative for modeling neurological diseases and for testing regenerative medicines. Among the different somatic cell types, urine-derived stem cells (USCs) are an ideal cell source for iPSC and iNSC reprogramming, as USCs are highly proliferative, multipotent, epithelial in nature, and easier to reprogram than skin fibroblasts. In addition, the use of USCs represents a simple, low-cost and non-invasive procedure for generating iPSCs/iNSCs. This review describes the cellular and molecular properties of USCs, their differentiation potency, different reprogramming methods for the generation of iPSCs/iNSCs, and their potential applications in modeling neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyuan Shi
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Martin Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Carulli D, de Winter F, Verhaagen J. Semaphorins in Adult Nervous System Plasticity and Disease. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2021; 13:672891. [PMID: 34045951 PMCID: PMC8148045 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2021.672891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Semaphorins, originally discovered as guidance cues for developing axons, are involved in many processes that shape the nervous system during development, from neuronal proliferation and migration to neuritogenesis and synapse formation. Interestingly, the expression of many Semaphorins persists after development. For instance, Semaphorin 3A is a component of perineuronal nets, the extracellular matrix structures enwrapping certain types of neurons in the adult CNS, which contribute to the closure of the critical period for plasticity. Semaphorin 3G and 4C play a crucial role in the control of adult hippocampal connectivity and memory processes, and Semaphorin 5A and 7A regulate adult neurogenesis. This evidence points to a role of Semaphorins in the regulation of adult neuronal plasticity. In this review, we address the distribution of Semaphorins in the adult nervous system and we discuss their function in physiological and pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Carulli
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini and Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Fred de Winter
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Joost Verhaagen
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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10
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Mini-Review: Induced pluripotent stem cells and the search for new cell-specific ALS therapeutic targets. Neurosci Lett 2021; 755:135911. [PMID: 33892003 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Amongst the most important discoveries in ALS pathobiology are the works demonstrating that multiple cell types contribute to disease onset and progression. However, a significant limitation in ALS research is the inability to obtain tissues from ALS patient brain and spinal cord during the course of the disease. In vivo modeling has provided insights into the role of these cell subtypes in disease onset and progression. However, in vivo models also have shortcomings, including the reliance on a limited number of models based upon hereditary forms of the disease. Therefore, using human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) reprogrammed from somatic cells of ALS patients, with both hereditary and sporadic forms of the disease, and differentiated into cell subtypes of both the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), have become powerful complementary tools for investigating basic mechanisms of disease as well as a platform for drug discovery. Motor neuron and other neuron subtypes, as well as non-neuronal cells have been differentiated from human iPSC and studied for their potential contributions to ALS pathobiology. As iPSC technologies have advanced, 3D modeling with multicellular systems organised in microfluidic chambers or organoids are the next step in validating the pathways and therapeutic targets already identified. Precision medicine approaches with iPSC using either traditional strategies of screening drugs that target a known pathogenic mechanism as well as "blind-to-target" drug screenings that allow for patient stratification based on drug response rather than clinical characteristics are now being employed.
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11
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Genç B, Gautam M, Gözütok Ö, Dervishi I, Sanchez S, Goshu GM, Koçak N, Xie E, Silverman RB, Özdinler PH. Improving mitochondria and ER stability helps eliminate upper motor neuron degeneration that occurs due to mSOD1 toxicity and TDP-43 pathology. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e336. [PMID: 33634973 PMCID: PMC7898037 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Upper motor neurons (UMNs) are a key component of motor neuron circuitry. Their degeneration is a hallmark for diseases, such as hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Currently there are no preclinical assays investigating cellular responses of UMNs to compound treatment, even for diseases of the UMNs. The basis of UMN vulnerability is not fully understood, and no compound has yet been identified to improve the health of diseased UMNs: two major roadblocks for building effective treatment strategies. METHODS Novel UMN reporter models, in which UMNs that are diseased because of misfolded superoxide dismutase protein (mSOD1) toxicity and TDP-43 pathology are labeled with eGFP expression, allow direct assessment of UMN response to compound treatment. Electron microscopy reveals very precise aspects of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondrial damage. Administration of NU-9, a compound initially identified based on its ability to reduce mSOD1 toxicity, has profound impact on improving the health and stability of UMNs, as identified by detailed cellular and ultrastructural analyses. RESULTS Problems with mitochondria and ER are conserved in diseased UMNs among different species. NU-9 has drug-like pharmacokinetic properties. It lacks toxicity and crosses the blood brain barrier. NU-9 improves the structural integrity of mitochondria and ER, reduces levels of mSOD1, stabilizes degenerating UMN apical dendrites, improves motor behavior measured by the hanging wire test, and eliminates ongoing degeneration of UMNs that become diseased both because of mSOD1 toxicity and TDP-43 pathology, two distinct and important overarching causes of motor neuron degeneration. CONCLUSIONS Mechanism-focused and cell-based drug discovery approaches not only addressed key cellular defects responsible for UMN loss, but also identified NU-9, the first compound to improve the health of diseased UMNs, neurons that degenerate in ALS, HSP, PLS, and ALS/FTLD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barış Genç
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Mukesh Gautam
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Öge Gözütok
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Ina Dervishi
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Santana Sanchez
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Gashaw M. Goshu
- Department of ChemistryNorthwestern UniversityEvanstonIllinoisUSA
| | - Nuran Koçak
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Edward Xie
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Richard B. Silverman
- Department of ChemistryNorthwestern UniversityEvanstonIllinoisUSA
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery, Center for Developmental TherapeuticsNorthwestern UniversityEvanstonIllinoisUSA
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
- Chemistry of Life Processes InstituteNorthwestern UniversityEvanstonIL60208
| | - P. Hande Özdinler
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery, Center for Developmental TherapeuticsNorthwestern UniversityEvanstonIllinoisUSA
- Chemistry of Life Processes InstituteNorthwestern UniversityEvanstonIL60208
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's DiseaseNorthwestern University, Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIL60611
- Les Turner ALS CenterNorthwestern University, Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIL60611
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12
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Gomes C, Sequeira C, Barbosa M, Cunha C, Vaz AR, Brites D. Astrocyte regional diversity in ALS includes distinct aberrant phenotypes with common and causal pathological processes. Exp Cell Res 2020; 395:112209. [PMID: 32739211 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.112209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are major contributors of motor neuron (MN) degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We investigated whether regional and cell maturation differences influence ALS astrocyte malfunction. Spinal and cortical astrocytes from SOD1G93A (mSOD1) 7-day-old mice were cultured for 5 and 13 days in vitro (DIV). Astrocyte aberrancies predominated in 13DIV cells with region specificity. 13DIV cortical mSOD1 astrocytes showed early morphological changes and a predominant reactive and inflammatory phenotype, while repressed proteins and genes were found in spinal cells. Inflammatory-associated miRNAs, e.g. miR-155/miR-21/miR-146a, were downregulated in the first and upregulated in the later ones. Interestingly, depleted miR-155/miR-21/miR-146a in small extracellular vesicles (sEVs/exosomes) was a common pathological feature. Cortical mSOD1 astrocytes induced late apoptosis and kinesin-1 downregulation in mSOD1 NSC-34 MNs, whereas spinal cells upregulated dynein, while decreased nNOS and synaptic-related genes. Both regional-distinct mSOD1 astrocytes enhanced iNOS gene expression in mSOD1 MNs. We provide information on the potential contribution of astrocytes to ALS bulbar-vs. spinal-onset pathology, local influence on neuronal dysfunction and their shared miRNA-depleted exosome trafficking. These causal and common features may have potential therapeutic implications in ALS. Future studies should clarify if astrocyte-derived sEVs are active players in ALS-related neuroinflammation and glial activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Gomes
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Catarina Sequeira
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta Barbosa
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carolina Cunha
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Vaz
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Dora Brites
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
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13
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McCombe PA, Garton FC, Katz M, Wray NR, Henderson RD. What do we know about the variability in survival of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis? Expert Rev Neurother 2020; 20:921-941. [PMID: 32569484 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2020.1785873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION ALS is a fatal neurodegenerative disease. However, patients show variability in the length of survival after symptom onset. Understanding the mechanisms of long survival could lead to possible avenues for therapy. AREAS COVERED This review surveys the reported length of survival in ALS, the clinical features that predict survival in individual patients, and possible factors, particularly genetic factors, that could cause short or long survival. The authors also speculate on possible mechanisms. EXPERT OPINION a small number of known factors can explain some variability in ALS survival. However, other disease-modifying factors likely exist. Factors that alter motor neurone vulnerability and immune, metabolic, and muscle function could affect survival by modulating the disease process. Knowing these factors could lead to interventions to change the course of the disease. The authors suggest a broad approach is needed to quantify the proportion of variation survival attributable to genetic and non-genetic factors and to identify and estimate the effect size of specific factors. Studies of this nature could not only identify novel avenues for therapeutic research but also play an important role in clinical trial design and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela A McCombe
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital , Brisbane, Australia
| | - Fleur C Garton
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Australia
| | - Matthew Katz
- Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital , Brisbane, Australia
| | - Naomi R Wray
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Australia.,Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Australia
| | - Robert D Henderson
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Australia
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14
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Stevens CH, Guthrie NJ, van Roijen M, Halliday GM, Ooi L. Increased Tau Phosphorylation in Motor Neurons From Clinically Pure Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2020; 78:605-614. [PMID: 31131395 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlz041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by the progressive degeneration of motor neurons. There is a pathological and genetic link between ALS and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Although FTLD is characterized by abnormal phosphorylated tau deposition, it is unknown whether tau is phosphorylated in ALS motor neurons. Therefore, this study assessed tau epitopes that are commonly phosphorylated in FTLD, including serine 396 (pS396), 214 (pS214), and 404 (pS404) in motor neurons from clinically pure sporadic ALS cases compared with controls. In ALS lower motor neurons, tau pS396 was observed in the nucleus or the nucleus and cytoplasm. In ALS upper motor neurons, tau pS396 was observed in the nucleus, cytoplasm, or both the nucleus and cytoplasm. Tau pS214 and pS404 was observed only in the cytoplasm of upper and lower motor neurons in ALS. The number of motor neurons (per mm2) positive for tau pS396 and pS214, but not pS404, was significantly increased in ALS. Furthermore, there was a significant loss of phosphorylated tau-negative motor neurons in ALS compared with controls. Together, our data identified a complex relationship between motor neurons positive for tau phosphorylated at specific residues and disease duration, suggesting that tau phosphorylation plays a role in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire H Stevens
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natalie J Guthrie
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Glenda M Halliday
- Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lezanne Ooi
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
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15
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Yousefi N, Abdollahii S, Kouhbanani MAJ, Hassanzadeh A. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as game-changing tools in the treatment of neurodegenerative disease: Mirage or reality? J Cell Physiol 2020; 235:9166-9184. [PMID: 32437029 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Based on investigations, there exist tight correlations between neurodegenerative diseases' incidence and progression and aberrant protein aggregreferates in nervous tissue. However, the pathology of these diseases is not well known, leading to an inability to find an appropriate therapeutic approach to delay occurrence or slow many neurodegenerative diseases' development. The accessibility of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in mimicking the phenotypes of various late-onset neurodegenerative diseases presents a novel strategy for in vitro disease modeling. The iPSCs provide a valuable and well-identified resource to clarify neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, as well as prepare a promising human stem cell platform for drug screening. Undoubtedly, neurodegenerative disease modeling using iPSCs has established innovative opportunities for both mechanistic types of research and recognition of novel disease treatments. Most important, the iPSCs have been considered as a novel autologous cell origin for cell-based therapy of neurodegenerative diseases following differentiation to varied types of neural lineage cells (e.g. GABAergic neurons, dopamine neurons, cortical neurons, and motor neurons). In this review, we summarize iPSC-based disease modeling in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. Moreover, we discuss the efficacy of cell-replacement therapies for neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niloufar Yousefi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Pasteur Instittableute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.,Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahla Abdollahii
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Jadidi Kouhbanani
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Hassanzadeh
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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16
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Hadassah, provider of "Regulatory-Ready" pluripotent clinical-grade stem cell banks. Stem Cell Res 2019; 42:101670. [PMID: 31838378 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2019.101670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hadassah hESC Research Center's aim is to be a supplier of clinical and research-grade human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines. In 2012, we derived the first three entirely GMP-compliant and xeno-free, fully-characterised, feeder-dependent (human umbilical cord) hESC lines developed under cleanroom conditions. In 2018, we established four new GMP and xeno-free, feeder-independent MCB hESCs under GMP conditions using commercially available reagents, media and matrix. All cell lines were derived under Israeli Ministry of Health's National Ethics Committee for Genetic Research in Humans and the ethical considerations that guided the development of the hESCs strictly followed Israeli law. Hadassah has provided its clinical-grade hESC lines to commercial entities of which two are already in clinical trials, establishing Hadassah as a key provider of clinical-grade hESC lines.
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17
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Ragagnin AMG, Shadfar S, Vidal M, Jamali MS, Atkin JD. Motor Neuron Susceptibility in ALS/FTD. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:532. [PMID: 31316328 PMCID: PMC6610326 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the death of both upper and lower motor neurons (MNs) in the brain, brainstem and spinal cord. The neurodegenerative mechanisms leading to MN loss in ALS are not fully understood. Importantly, the reasons why MNs are specifically targeted in this disorder are unclear, when the proteins associated genetically or pathologically with ALS are expressed ubiquitously. Furthermore, MNs themselves are not affected equally; specific MNs subpopulations are more susceptible than others in both animal models and human patients. Corticospinal MNs and lower somatic MNs, which innervate voluntary muscles, degenerate more readily than specific subgroups of lower MNs, which remain resistant to degeneration, reflecting the clinical manifestations of ALS. In this review, we discuss the possible factors intrinsic to MNs that render them uniquely susceptible to neurodegeneration in ALS. We also speculate why some MN subpopulations are more vulnerable than others, focusing on both their molecular and physiological properties. Finally, we review the anatomical network and neuronal microenvironment as determinants of MN subtype vulnerability and hence the progression of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey M G Ragagnin
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sina Shadfar
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Marta Vidal
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Md Shafi Jamali
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Julie D Atkin
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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18
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Gil V, Del Río JA. Functions of Plexins/Neuropilins and Their Ligands during Hippocampal Development and Neurodegeneration. Cells 2019; 8:E206. [PMID: 30823454 PMCID: PMC6468495 DOI: 10.3390/cells8030206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
There is emerging evidence that molecules, receptors, and signaling mechanisms involved in vascular development also play crucial roles during the development of the nervous system. Among others, specific semaphorins and their receptors (neuropilins and plexins) have, in recent years, attracted the attention of researchers due to their pleiotropy of functions. Their functions, mainly associated with control of the cellular cytoskeleton, include control of cell migration, cell morphology, and synapse remodeling. Here, we will focus on their roles in the hippocampal formation that plays a crucial role in memory and learning as it is a prime target during neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Gil
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Parc Científic de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - José Antonio Del Río
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Parc Científic de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
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19
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Varcianna A, Myszczynska MA, Castelli LM, O'Neill B, Kim Y, Talbot J, Nyberg S, Nyamali I, Heath PR, Stopford MJ, Hautbergue GM, Ferraiuolo L. Micro-RNAs secreted through astrocyte-derived extracellular vesicles cause neuronal network degeneration in C9orf72 ALS. EBioMedicine 2019; 40:626-635. [PMID: 30711519 PMCID: PMC6413467 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.11.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Astrocytes regulate neuronal function, synaptic formation and maintenance partly through secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs). In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) astrocytes display a toxic phenotype that contributes to motor neuron (MN) degeneration. Methods We used human induced astrocytes (iAstrocytes) from 3 ALS patients carrying C9orf72 mutations and 3 non-affected donors to investigate the role of astrocyte-derived EVs (ADEVs) in ALS astrocyte toxicity. ADEVs were isolated from iAstrocyte conditioned medium via ultracentrifugation and resuspended in fresh astrocyte medium before testing ADEV impact on HB9-GFP+ mouse motor neurons (Hb9-GFP+ MN). We used post-mortem brain and spinal cord tissue from 3 sporadic ALS and 3 non-ALS cases for PCR analysis. Findings We report that EV formation and miRNA cargo are dysregulated in C9ORF72-ALS iAstrocytes and this affects neurite network maintenance and MN survival in vitro. In particular, we have identified downregulation of miR-494-3p, a negative regulator of semaphorin 3A (SEMA3A) and other targets involved in axonal maintenance. We show here that by restoring miR-494-3p levels through expression of an engineered miRNA mimic we can downregulate Sema3A levels in MNs and increases MN survival in vitro. Consistently, we also report lower levels of mir-494-3p in cortico-spinal tract tissue isolated from sporadic ALS donors, thus supporting the pathological importance of this pathway in MNs and its therapeutic potential. Interpretation ALS ADEVs and their miRNA cargo are involved in MN death in ALS and we have identified miR-494-3p as a potential therapeutic target. Funding: Thierry Latran Fondation and Academy of Medical Sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Varcianna
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Monika A Myszczynska
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Lydia M Castelli
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Brendan O'Neill
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Yeseul Kim
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Jordan Talbot
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Sophie Nyberg
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Immanuelle Nyamali
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Paul R Heath
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Matthew J Stopford
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Guillaume M Hautbergue
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Laura Ferraiuolo
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK.
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20
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miR126-5p Downregulation Facilitates Axon Degeneration and NMJ Disruption via a Non-Cell-Autonomous Mechanism in ALS. J Neurosci 2018; 38:5478-5494. [PMID: 29773756 PMCID: PMC6001038 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3037-17.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2017] [Revised: 04/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Axon degeneration and disruption of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are key events in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathology. Although the disease's etiology is not fully understood, it is thought to involve a non-cell-autonomous mechanism and alterations in RNA metabolism. Here, we identified reduced levels of miR126-5p in presymptomatic ALS male mice models, and an increase in its targets: axon destabilizing Type 3 Semaphorins and their coreceptor Neuropilins. Using compartmentalized in vitro cocultures, we demonstrated that myocytes expressing diverse ALS-causing mutations promote axon degeneration and NMJ dysfunction, which were inhibited by applying Neuropilin1 blocking antibody. Finally, overexpressing miR126-5p is sufficient to transiently rescue axon degeneration and NMJ disruption both in vitro and in vivo Thus, we demonstrate a novel mechanism underlying ALS pathology, in which alterations in miR126-5p facilitate a non-cell-autonomous mechanism of motor neuron degeneration in ALS.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Despite some progress, currently no effective treatment is available for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We suggest a novel regulatory role for miR126-5p in ALS and demonstrate, for the first time, a mechanism by which alterations in miR126-5p contribute to axon degeneration and NMJ disruption observed in ALS. We show that miR126-5p is altered in ALS models and that it can modulate Sema3 and NRP protein expression. Furthermore, NRP1 elevations in motor neurons and muscle secretion of Sema3A contribute to axon degeneration and NMJ disruption in ALS. Finally, overexpressing miR126-5p is sufficient to transiently rescue NMJ disruption and axon degeneration both in vitro and in vivo.
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