1
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Sierra-Delgado JA, Sinha-Ray S, Kaleem A, Ganjibakhsh M, Parvate M, Powers S, Zhang X, Likhite S, Meyer K. In Vitro Modeling as a Tool for Testing Therapeutics for Spinal Muscular Atrophy and IGHMBP2-Related Disorders. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:867. [PMID: 37372153 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is the leading genetic cause of infant mortality. The most common form of SMA is caused by mutations in the SMN1 gene, located on 5q (SMA). On the other hand, mutations in IGHMBP2 lead to a large disease spectrum with no clear genotype-phenotype correlation, which includes Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Muscular Distress type 1 (SMARD1), an extremely rare form of SMA, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth 2S (CMT2S). We optimized a patient-derived in vitro model system that allows us to expand research on disease pathogenesis and gene function, as well as test the response to the AAV gene therapies we have translated to the clinic. We generated and characterized induced neurons (iN) from SMA and SMARD1/CMT2S patient cell lines. After establishing the lines, we treated the generated neurons with AAV9-mediated gene therapy (AAV9.SMN (Zolgensma) for SMA and AAV9.IGHMBP2 for IGHMBP2 disorders (NCT05152823)) to evaluate the response to treatment. The iNs of both diseases show a characteristic short neurite length and defects in neuronal conversion, which have been reported in the literature before with iPSC modeling. SMA iNs respond to treatment with AAV9.SMN in vitro, showing a partial rescue of the morphology phenotype. For SMARD1/CMT2S iNs, we were able to observe an improvement in the neurite length of neurons after the restoration of IGHMBP2 in all disease cell lines, albeit to a variable extent, with some lines showing better responses to treatment than others. Moreover, this protocol allowed us to classify a variant of uncertain significance on IGHMBP2 on a suspected SMARD1/CMT2S patient. This study will further the understanding of SMA, and SMARD1/CMT2S disease in particular, in the context of variable patient mutations, and might further the development of new treatments, which are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shrestha Sinha-Ray
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Abuzar Kaleem
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Meysam Ganjibakhsh
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Mohini Parvate
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Samantha Powers
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Xiaojin Zhang
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Shibi Likhite
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Kathrin Meyer
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
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2
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Sharma A, Sari E, Lee Y, Patel S, Brenner M, Marambaud P, Wang P. Extracellular CIRP Induces Calpain Activation in Neurons via PLC-IP 3-Dependent Calcium Pathway. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:3311-3328. [PMID: 36853429 PMCID: PMC10506840 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03273-3] [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: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal calcium homeostasis, activation of protease calpain, generation of p25 and hyperactivation of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) have all been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurogenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease. We have recently shown that extracellular cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (eCIRP) induces Cdk5 activation via p25. However, the precise molecular mechanism by which eCIRP regulates calcium signaling and calpain remains to be addressed. We hypothesized that eCIRP regulates p25 via Ca2+-dependent calpain activation. eCIRP increased calpain activity and decreased the endogenous calpain inhibitor calpastatin in Neuro 2a (N2a) cells. Calpain inhibition with calpeptin attenuated eCIRP-induced calpain activity and p25. eCIRP specifically upregulated cytosolic calpain 1, and calpain 1 silencing attenuated the eCIRP-induced increase in p25. eCIRP stimulation increased cytosolic free Ca2+, especially in hippocampal neuronal HT22 cells, which was attenuated by the eCIRP inhibitor Compound 23 (C23). Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) inhibition using 2-aminoethoxy-diphenyl-borate or xestospongin-C (X-C), interleukin-6 receptor alpha (IL-6Rα)-neutralization, and phospholipase C (PLC) inhibition with U73122 attenuated eCIRP-induced Ca2+ increase, while Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane remained unaffected by eCIRP. Finally, C23, IL-6Rα antibody, U73122 and X-C attenuated eCIRP-induced p25 in HT-22 cells. In conclusion, the current study uncovers eCIRP-triggered Ca2+ release from ER stores in an IL-6Rα/PLC/IP3-dependent manner as a novel molecular mechanism underlying eCIRP's induction of Cdk5 activity and potential involvement in neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archna Sharma
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Dr, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Ezgi Sari
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Dr, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Yongchan Lee
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Dr, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Shivani Patel
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Dr, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Max Brenner
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Dr, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- Department of Surgery, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Philippe Marambaud
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- The Litwin-Zucker Center for Alzheimer's Disease Research, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Ping Wang
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Dr, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
- Department of Surgery, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
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3
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Sansa A, Miralles MP, Beltran M, Celma-Nos F, Calderó J, Garcera A, Soler RM. ERK MAPK signaling pathway inhibition as a potential target to prevent autophagy alterations in Spinal Muscular Atrophy motoneurons. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:113. [PMID: 37019880 PMCID: PMC10076363 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01409-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a severe genetic neuromuscular disorder that occurs in childhood and is caused by misexpression of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. SMN reduction induces spinal cord motoneuron (MN) degeneration, which leads to progressive muscular atrophy and weakness. The link between SMN deficiency and the molecular mechanisms altered in SMA cells remains unclear. Autophagy, deregulation of intracellular survival pathways and ERK hyperphosphorylation may contribute to SMN-reduced MNs collapse, offering a useful strategy to develop new therapies to prevent neurodegeneration in SMA. Using SMA MN in vitro models, the effect of pharmacological inhibition of PI3K/Akt and ERK MAPK pathways on SMN and autophagy markers modulation was studied by western blot analysis and RT-qPCR. Experiments involved primary cultures of mouse SMA spinal cord MNs and differentiated SMA human MNs derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Inhibition of the PI3K/Akt and the ERK MAPK pathways reduced SMN protein and mRNA levels. Importantly, mTOR phosphorylation, p62, and LC3-II autophagy markers protein level were decreased after ERK MAPK pharmacological inhibition. Furthermore, the intracellular calcium chelator BAPTA prevented ERK hyperphosphorylation in SMA cells. Our results propose a link between intracellular calcium, signaling pathways, and autophagy in SMA MNs, suggesting that ERK hyperphosphorylation may contribute to autophagy deregulation in SMN-reduced MNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Sansa
- Neuronal Signaling Unit, Experimental Medicine Department, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Maria P Miralles
- Neuronal Signaling Unit, Experimental Medicine Department, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Maria Beltran
- Neuronal Signaling Unit, Experimental Medicine Department, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Ferran Celma-Nos
- Neuronal Signaling Unit, Experimental Medicine Department, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Jordi Calderó
- Patologia Neuromuscular Experimental, Experimental Medicine Department, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Ana Garcera
- Neuronal Signaling Unit, Experimental Medicine Department, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Rosa M Soler
- Neuronal Signaling Unit, Experimental Medicine Department, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain.
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Miralles MP, Sansa A, Beltran M, Soler RM, Garcera A. Survival motor neuron protein and neurite degeneration are regulated by Gemin3 in spinal muscular atrophy motoneurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:1054270. [PMID: 36619669 PMCID: PMC9813745 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.1054270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a genetic neuromuscular disorder caused by reduction of the ubiquitously expressed protein Survival Motor Neuron (SMN). Low levels of SMN impact on spinal cord motoneurons (MNs) causing their degeneration and progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. To study the molecular mechanisms leading to cell loss in SMN-reduced MNs, we analyzed the NF-κB intracellular pathway in SMA models. NF-κB pathway activation is required for survival and regulates SMN levels in cultured MNs. Here we describe that NF-κB members, inhibitor of kappa B kinase beta (IKKβ), and RelA, were reduced in SMA mouse and human MNs. In addition, we observed that Gemin3 protein level was decreased in SMA MNs, but not in non-neuronal SMA cells. Gemin3 is a core member of the SMN complex responsible for small nuclear ribonucleoprotein biogenesis, and it regulates NF-κB activation through the mitogen-activated protein kinase TAK1. Our experiments showed that Gemin3 knockdown reduced SMN, IKKβ, and RelA protein levels, and caused significant neurite degeneration. Overexpression of SMN increased Gemin3 protein in SMA MNs, but did not prevent neurite degeneration in Gemin3 knockdown cells. These data indicated that Gemin3 reduction may contribute to cell degeneration in SMA MNs.
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5
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Li M, Zhou S, Wang G, Qiao L, Yi S, Li T, Pan X, Liu X, Tang Z. Calpain Inhibitor Calpeptin Improves Alzheimer's Disease-Like Cognitive Impairments and Pathologies in a Diabetes Mellitus Rat Model. Neurotox Res 2022; 40:1248-1260. [PMID: 36018506 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-022-00561-z] [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: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been considered an accelerator of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this effect are not fully understood. Here, we attempted to determine the role and regulatory mechanism of calpain in the AD-like cognitive decline and pathological changes in rats caused by DM. In the initial stages, our results verified that DM model rats showed cognitive impairment, as well as a loss of neurons, decreased pericyte marker (PDGFR-β and α-SMA), and calpain-2 expression and amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition in the hippocampal tissues. In high glucose-induced primary pericytes, the cell apoptotic rate was increased, and cell proliferation was inhibited in a time-dependent manner. The protein level of calpain-2 was also upregulated by HG induction, but the level of calpain-1 did not change with HG treatment, which was also observed in DM model rats. Subsequently, some DM model rats were administered calpeptin, an inhibitor of calpain. Our data revealed that calpeptin treatment significantly suppressed calpain-1 and calpain-2 expression in the hippocampal tissues and effectively improved the cognitive impairments of DM model rats. Neuronal loss, Aβ accumulation, pericyte loss, inflammation, and oxidative stress injury in the hippocampal tissues of DM model rats were also partly rescued by calpeptin administration. Our work demonstrated that the calpain inhibitor calpeptin could alleviate DM-induced AD-like cognitive impairments and pathological changes in rats, and this effect may be associated with pericytes. Calpeptin may become a promising drug to treat the AD-like complications of DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Siqi Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Gege Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Luyao Qiao
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Shouqin Yi
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Tianpei Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Xin Pan
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Zhenyu Tang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
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6
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Sarić N, Hashimoto-Torii K, Jevtović-Todorović V, Ishibashi N. Nonapoptotic caspases in neural development and in anesthesia-induced neurotoxicity. Trends Neurosci 2022; 45:446-458. [PMID: 35491256 PMCID: PMC9117442 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2022.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Apoptosis, classically initiated by caspase pathway activation, plays a prominent role during normal brain development as well as in neurodegeneration. The noncanonical, nonlethal arm of the caspase pathway is evolutionarily conserved and has also been implicated in both processes, yet is relatively understudied. Dysregulated pathway activation during critical periods of neurodevelopment due to environmental neurotoxins or exposure to compounds such as anesthetics can have detrimental consequences for brain maturation and long-term effects on behavior. In this review, we discuss key molecular characteristics and roles of the noncanonical caspase pathway and how its dysregulation may adversely affect brain development. We highlight both genetic and environmental factors that regulate apoptotic and sublethal caspase responses and discuss potential interventions that target the noncanonical caspase pathway for developmental brain injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nemanja Sarić
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kazue Hashimoto-Torii
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Pharmacology and Physiology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Nobuyuki Ishibashi
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Pharmacology and Physiology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA; Children's National Heart Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
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7
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Rai M, Curley M, Coleman Z, Demontis F. Contribution of proteases to the hallmarks of aging and to age-related neurodegeneration. Aging Cell 2022; 21:e13603. [PMID: 35349763 PMCID: PMC9124314 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein quality control ensures the degradation of damaged and misfolded proteins. Derangement of proteostasis is a primary cause of aging and age-associated diseases. The ubiquitin-proteasome and autophagy-lysosome play key roles in proteostasis but, in addition to these systems, the human genome encodes for ~600 proteases, also known as peptidases. Here, we examine the role of proteases in aging and age-related neurodegeneration. Proteases are present across cell compartments, including the extracellular space, and their substrates encompass cellular constituents, proteins with signaling functions, and misfolded proteins. Proteolytic processing by proteases can lead to changes in the activity and localization of substrates or to their degradation. Proteases cooperate with the autophagy-lysosome and ubiquitin-proteasome systems but also have independent proteolytic roles that impact all hallmarks of cellular aging. Specifically, proteases regulate mitochondrial function, DNA damage repair, cellular senescence, nutrient sensing, stem cell properties and regeneration, protein quality control and stress responses, and intercellular signaling. The capacity of proteases to regulate cellular functions translates into important roles in preserving tissue homeostasis during aging. Consequently, proteases influence the onset and progression of age-related pathologies and are important determinants of health span. Specifically, we examine how certain proteases promote the progression of Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and/or Parkinson's disease whereas other proteases protect from neurodegeneration. Mechanistically, cleavage by proteases can lead to the degradation of a pathogenic protein and hence impede disease pathogenesis. Alternatively, proteases can generate substrate byproducts with increased toxicity, which promote disease progression. Altogether, these studies indicate the importance of proteases in aging and age-related neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamta Rai
- Department of Developmental NeurobiologySt. Jude Children’s Research HospitalMemphisTennesseeUSA
| | - Michelle Curley
- Department of Developmental NeurobiologySt. Jude Children’s Research HospitalMemphisTennesseeUSA
| | - Zane Coleman
- Department of Developmental NeurobiologySt. Jude Children’s Research HospitalMemphisTennesseeUSA
| | - Fabio Demontis
- Department of Developmental NeurobiologySt. Jude Children’s Research HospitalMemphisTennesseeUSA
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8
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Weber JJ, Anger SC, Pereira Sena P, Incebacak Eltemur RD, Huridou C, Fath F, Gross C, Casadei N, Riess O, Nguyen HP. Calpains as novel players in the molecular pathogenesis of spinocerebellar ataxia type 17. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:262. [PMID: 35482253 PMCID: PMC9050766 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04274-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 17 (SCA17) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by a polyglutamine-encoding trinucleotide repeat expansion in the gene of transcription factor TATA box-binding protein (TBP). While its underlying pathomechanism is elusive, polyglutamine-expanded TBP fragments of unknown origin mediate the mutant protein’s toxicity. Calcium-dependent calpain proteases are protagonists in neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we demonstrate that calpains cleave TBP, and emerging C-terminal fragments mislocalize to the cytoplasm. SCA17 cell and rat models exhibited calpain overactivation, leading to excessive fragmentation and depletion of neuronal proteins in vivo. Transcriptome analysis of SCA17 cells revealed synaptogenesis and calcium signaling perturbations, indicating the potential cause of elevated calpain activity. Pharmacological or genetic calpain inhibition reduced TBP cleavage and aggregation, consequently improving cell viability. Our work underlines the general significance of calpains and their activating pathways in neurodegenerative disorders and presents these proteases as novel players in the molecular pathogenesis of SCA17.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonasz Jeremiasz Weber
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany.,Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Cari Anger
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Priscila Pereira Sena
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,Graduate School of Cellular Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, 72074, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rana Dilara Incebacak Eltemur
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany.,Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Chrisovalantou Huridou
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany.,Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Florian Fath
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany.,Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Caspar Gross
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,NGS Competence Center Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nicolas Casadei
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,NGS Competence Center Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Olaf Riess
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,NGS Competence Center Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Huu Phuc Nguyen
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany.
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9
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Özer PZ, Koyunoğlu D, Son ÇD, Yurter HE, Bora G. SMN loss dysregulates microtubule-associated proteins in spinal muscular atrophy model. Mol Cell Neurosci 2022; 120:103725. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2022.103725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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10
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Targeting autophagy, oxidative stress, and ER stress for neurodegenerative diseases treatment. J Control Release 2022; 345:147-175. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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11
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Perez-Siles G, Ellis M, Ashe A, Grosz B, Vucic S, Kiernan MC, Morris KA, Reddel SW, Kennerson ML. A Compound Heterozygous Mutation in Calpain 1 Identifies a New Genetic Cause for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 4 (SMA4). Front Genet 2022; 12:801253. [PMID: 35126465 PMCID: PMC8807693 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.801253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a heterogeneous group of neuromuscular diseases characterized by degeneration of anterior horn cells of the spinal cord, leading to muscular atrophy and weakness. Although the major cause of SMA is autosomal recessive exon deletions or loss-of-function mutations of survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, next generation sequencing technologies are increasing the genetic heterogeneity of SMA. SMA type 4 (SMA4) is an adult onset, less severe form of SMA for which genetic and pathogenic causes remain elusive.Whole exome sequencing in a 30-year-old brother and sister with SMA4 identified a compound heterozygous mutation (p. G492R/p. F610C) in calpain-1 (CAPN1). Mutations in CAPN1 have been previously associated with cerebellar ataxia and hereditary spastic paraplegia. Using skin fibroblasts from a patient bearing the p. G492R/p. F610C mutation, we demonstrate reduced levels of CAPN1 protein and protease activity. Functional characterization of the SMA4 fibroblasts revealed no changes in SMN protein levels and subcellular distribution. Additional cellular pathways associated with SMA remain unaffected in the patient fibroblasts, highlighting the tissue specificity of CAPN1 dysfunction in SMA4 pathophysiology. This study provides genetic and functional evidence of CAPN1 as a novel gene for the SMA4 phenotype and expands the phenotype of CAPN1 mutation disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Perez-Siles
- Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: G. Perez-Siles , ; M. L. Kennerson,
| | - M. Ellis
- Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - A. Ashe
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - B. Grosz
- Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - S. Vucic
- Brain and Nerve Research Center, Concord Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - M. C. Kiernan
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - K. A. Morris
- Department of Neurology, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - S. W. Reddel
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - M. L. Kennerson
- Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: G. Perez-Siles , ; M. L. Kennerson,
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12
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Robinson KJ, Yuan K, Plenderleith SK, Watchon M, Laird AS. A Novel Calpain Inhibitor Compound Has Protective Effects on a Zebrafish Model of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102592. [PMID: 34685571 PMCID: PMC8533844 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a hereditary ataxia caused by inheritance of a mutated form of the human ATXN3 gene containing an expanded CAG repeat region, encoding a human ataxin-3 protein with a long polyglutamine (polyQ) repeat region. Previous studies have demonstrated that ataxin-3 containing a long polyQ length is highly aggregation prone. Cleavage of the ataxin-3 protein by calpain proteases has been demonstrated to be enhanced in SCA3 models, leading to an increase in the aggregation propensity of the protein. Here, we tested the therapeutic potential of a novel calpain inhibitor BLD-2736 for the treatment of SCA3 by testing its efficacy on a transgenic zebrafish model of SCA3. We found that treatment with BLD-2736 from 1 to 6 days post-fertilisation (dpf) improves the swimming of SCA3 zebrafish larvae and decreases the presence of insoluble protein aggregates. Furthermore, delaying the commencement of treatment with BLD-2736, until a timepoint when protein aggregates were already known to be present in the zebrafish larvae, was still successful at removing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) fused-ataxin-3 aggregates and improving the zebrafish swimming. Finally, we demonstrate that treatment with BLD-2736 increased the synthesis of LC3II, increasing the activity of the autophagy protein quality control pathway. Together, these findings suggest that BLD-2736 warrants further investigation as a treatment for SCA3 and related neurodegenerative diseases.
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Sansa A, Hidalgo I, Miralles MP, de la Fuente S, Perez-Garcia MJ, Munell F, Soler RM, Garcera A. Spinal Muscular Atrophy autophagy profile is tissue-dependent: differential regulation between muscle and motoneurons. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2021; 9:122. [PMID: 34217376 PMCID: PMC8254901 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-021-01223-5] [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: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular genetic disease caused by reduced survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. SMN is ubiquitous and deficient levels cause spinal cord motoneurons (MNs) degeneration and muscle atrophy. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which SMN reduction in muscle contributes to SMA disease is not fully understood. Therefore, studies evaluating atrophy mechanisms in SMA muscles will contribute to strengthening current knowledge of the pathology. Here we propose to evaluate autophagy in SMA muscle, a pathway altered in myotube atrophy. We analized autophagy proteins and mTOR in muscle biopsies, fibroblasts, and lymphoblast cell lines from SMA patients and in gastrocnemius muscles from a severe SMA mouse model. Human MNs differentiated from SMA and unaffected control iPSCs were also included in the analysis of the autophagy. Muscle biopsies, fibroblasts, and lymphoblast cell lines from SMA patients showed reduction of the autophagy marker LC3-II. In SMA mouse gastrocnemius, we observed lower levels of LC3-II, Beclin 1, and p62/SQSTM1 proteins at pre-symptomatic stage. mTOR phosphorylation at Ser2448 was decreased in SMA muscle cells. However, in mouse and human cultured SMA MNs mTOR phosphorylation and LC3-II levels were increased. These results suggest a differential regulation in SMA of the autophagy process in muscle cells and MNs. Opposite changes in autophagy proteins and mTOR phosphorylation between muscle cells and neurons were observed. These differences may reflect a specific response to SMN reduction, which could imply diverse tissue-dependent reactions to therapies that should be taken into account when treating SMA patients.
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Sansa A, de la Fuente S, Comella JX, Garcera A, Soler RM. Intracellular pathways involved in cell survival are deregulated in mouse and human spinal muscular atrophy motoneurons. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 155:105366. [PMID: 33845129 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a severe neuromuscular disorder caused by loss of the Survival Motor Neuron 1 gene (SMN1). Due to this depletion of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein, the disease is characterized by the degeneration of spinal cord motoneurons (MNs), progressive muscular atrophy, and weakness. Nevertheless, the ultimate cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to cell loss in SMN-reduced MNs are only partially known. We have investigated the activation of apoptotic and neuronal survival pathways in several models of SMA cells. Even though the antiapoptotic proteins FAIM-L and XIAP were increased in SMA MNs, the apoptosis executioner cleaved-caspase-3 was also elevated in these cells, suggesting the activation of the apoptosis process. Analysis of the survival pathway PI3K/Akt showed that Akt phosphorylation was reduced in SMA MNs and pharmacological inhibition of PI3K diminished SMN and Gemin2 at transcriptional level in control MNs. In contrast, ERK phosphorylation was increased in cultured mouse and human SMA MNs. Our observations suggest that apoptosis is activated in SMA MNs and that Akt phosphorylation reduction may control cell degeneration, thereby regulating the transcription of Smn and other genes related to SMN function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Sansa
- Neuronal Signaling Unit, Experimental Medicine Department, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Sandra de la Fuente
- Neuronal Signaling Unit, Experimental Medicine Department, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Joan X Comella
- CIBERNED & Cell Signaling and Apoptosis Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Garcera
- Neuronal Signaling Unit, Experimental Medicine Department, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Rosa M Soler
- Neuronal Signaling Unit, Experimental Medicine Department, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain..
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Menduti G, Rasà DM, Stanga S, Boido M. Drug Screening and Drug Repositioning as Promising Therapeutic Approaches for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Treatment. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:592234. [PMID: 33281605 PMCID: PMC7689316 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.592234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is the most common genetic disease affecting infants and young adults. Due to mutation/deletion of the survival motor neuron (SMN) gene, SMA is characterized by the SMN protein lack, resulting in motor neuron impairment, skeletal muscle atrophy and premature death. Even if the genetic causes of SMA are well known, many aspects of its pathogenesis remain unclear and only three drugs have been recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (Nusinersen-Spinraza; Onasemnogene abeparvovec or AVXS-101-Zolgensma; Risdiplam-Evrysdi): although assuring remarkable results, the therapies show some important limits including high costs, still unknown long-term effects, side effects and disregarding of SMN-independent targets. Therefore, the research of new therapeutic strategies is still a hot topic in the SMA field and many efforts are spent in drug discovery. In this review, we describe two promising strategies to select effective molecules: drug screening (DS) and drug repositioning (DR). By using compounds libraries of chemical/natural compounds and/or Food and Drug Administration-approved substances, DS aims at identifying new potentially effective compounds, whereas DR at testing drugs originally designed for the treatment of other pathologies. The drastic reduction in risks, costs and time expenditure assured by these strategies make them particularly interesting, especially for those diseases for which the canonical drug discovery process would be long and expensive. Interestingly, among the identified molecules by DS/DR in the context of SMA, besides the modulators of SMN2 transcription, we highlighted a convergence of some targeted molecular cascades contributing to SMA pathology, including cell death related-pathways, mitochondria and cytoskeleton dynamics, neurotransmitter and hormone modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Marina Boido
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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