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Phipps AJ, Dwyer S, Collins JM, Kabir F, Atkinson RAK, Chowdhury MA, Matthews L, Dixit D, Terry RS, Smith J, Gueven N, Bennett W, Cook AL, King AE, Perry S. HDAC6 inhibition as a mechanism to prevent neurodegeneration in the mSOD1 G93A mouse model of ALS. Heliyon 2024; 10:e34587. [PMID: 39130445 PMCID: PMC11315133 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The loss of upper and lower motor neurons, and their axons is central to the loss of motor function and death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Due to the diverse range of genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of ALS, there have been difficulties in developing effective therapies for ALS. One emerging dichotomy is that protection of the neuronal cell soma does not prevent axonal vulnerability and degeneration, suggesting the need for targeted therapeutics to prevent axon degeneration. Post-translational modifications of protein acetylation can alter the function, stability and half-life of individual proteins, and can be enzymatically modified by histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetyltransferases (HDACs), which add, or remove acetyl groups, respectively. Maintenance of post-translational microtubule acetylation has been suggested as a mechanism to stabilize axons, prevent axonal loss and neurodegeneration in ALS. This study used an orally dosed potent HDAC6 inhibitor, ACY-738, prevent deacetylation and stabilize microtubules in the mSOD1G93A mouse model of ALS. Co-treatment with riluzole was performed to determine any effects or drug interactions and potentially enhance preclinical research translation. This study shows ACY-738 treatment increased acetylation of microtubules in the spinal cord of mSOD1G93A mice, reduced lower motor neuron degeneration in female mice, ameliorated reduction in peripheral nerve axon puncta size, but did not prevent overt motor function decline. The current study also shows peripheral nerve axon puncta size to be partially restored after treatment with riluzole and highlights the importance of co-treatment to measure the potential effects of therapeutics in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. Phipps
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Australia
| | - Samuel Dwyer
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Australia
| | - Jessica M. Collins
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Australia
| | - Fariha Kabir
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Australia
| | - Rachel AK. Atkinson
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Australia
| | - Md Anisuzzaman Chowdhury
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Australia
| | - Lyzette Matthews
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Australia
| | - Deepika Dixit
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Australia
| | - Rhiannon S. Terry
- School of Natural Sciences (Chemistry), College of Sciences and Engineering, University of Tasmania, Australia
| | - Jason Smith
- School of Natural Sciences (Chemistry), College of Sciences and Engineering, University of Tasmania, Australia
| | - Nuri Gueven
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Australia
| | - William Bennett
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Australia
| | - Anthony L. Cook
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Australia
| | - Anna E. King
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Australia
| | - Sharn Perry
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Australia
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Kim A, Lee DY, Sung JJ. Cdk5 inhibition in the SOD1 G93A transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis suppresses neurodegeneration and extends survival. J Neurochem 2024. [PMID: 38934222 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Deregulated cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) activity closely correlates with hyperphosphorylated tau, a common pathology found in neurodegenerative diseases. Previous postmortem studies had revealed increased Cdk5 immunoreactivity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); hence, we investigated the effects of Cdk5 inhibition on ALS model mice and neurons in this study. For the in vitro study, motor neuron cell lines with wild-type superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) or SOD1G93A and primary neuronal cultures from SOD1G93A transgenic (TG) mice or non-TG mice were compared for the expression of proteins involved in tau pathology, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, and neuritic outgrowth by applying Cdk5-small interfering RNA or Cdk5-short hairpin RNA (shRNA). For the in vivo study, SOD1G93A mice and non-TG mice were intrathecally injected with adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9)-scramble (SCR)-shRNA or AAV9-Cdk5-shRNA at the age of 5 weeks. Weight and motor function were measured three times per week from 60 days of age, longevity was evaluated, and the tissues were collected from 90-day-old or 120-day-old mice. Neurons with SOD1G93A showed increased phosphorylated tau, attenuated neuritic growth, mislocalization of SOD1, and enhanced neuroinflammation and apoptosis, all of which were reversed by Cdk5 inhibition. Weights did not show significant differences among non-TG and SOD1G93A mice with or without Cdk5 silencing. SOD1G93A mice treated with AAV9-Cdk5-shRNA showed significantly delayed disease onset, delayed rotarod failure, and prolonged survival compared with those treated with AAV9-SCR-shRNA. The brain and spinal cord of SOD1G93A mice intrathecally injected with AAV9-Cdk5-shRNA exhibited suppressed tau pathology, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, and an increased number of motor neurons compared to those of SOD1G93A mice injected with AAV9-SCR-shRNA. Cdk5 inhibition could be an important mechanism in the development of a new therapeutic strategy for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahwon Kim
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Neurology, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Yeon Lee
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Translational Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Joon Sung
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Translational Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Firdaus Z, Li X. Unraveling the Genetic Landscape of Neurological Disorders: Insights into Pathogenesis, Techniques for Variant Identification, and Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2320. [PMID: 38396996 PMCID: PMC10889342 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042320] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic abnormalities play a crucial role in the development of neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs). Genetic exploration has indeed contributed to unraveling the molecular complexities responsible for the etiology and progression of various NDDs. The intricate nature of rare and common variants in NDDs contributes to a limited understanding of the genetic risk factors associated with them. Advancements in next-generation sequencing have made whole-genome sequencing and whole-exome sequencing possible, allowing the identification of rare variants with substantial effects, and improving the understanding of both Mendelian and complex neurological conditions. The resurgence of gene therapy holds the promise of targeting the etiology of diseases and ensuring a sustained correction. This approach is particularly enticing for neurodegenerative diseases, where traditional pharmacological methods have fallen short. In the context of our exploration of the genetic epidemiology of the three most prevalent NDDs-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease, our primary goal is to underscore the progress made in the development of next-generation sequencing. This progress aims to enhance our understanding of the disease mechanisms and explore gene-based therapies for NDDs. Throughout this review, we focus on genetic variations, methodologies for their identification, the associated pathophysiology, and the promising potential of gene therapy. Ultimately, our objective is to provide a comprehensive and forward-looking perspective on the emerging research arena of NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeba Firdaus
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Xiaogang Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Elmansy MF, Reidl CT, Rahaman M, Özdinler PH, Silverman RB. Small molecules targeting different cellular pathologies for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Med Res Rev 2023; 43:2260-2302. [PMID: 37243319 PMCID: PMC10592673 DOI: 10.1002/med.21974] [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: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease in which the motor neuron circuitry displays progressive degeneration, affecting mostly the motor neurons in the brain and in the spinal cord. There are no effective cures, albeit three drugs, riluzole, edaravone, and AMX0035 (a combination of sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol), have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, with limited improvement in patients. There is an urgent need to build better and more effective treatment strategies for ALS. Since the disease is very heterogenous, numerous approaches have been explored, such as targeting genetic mutations, decreasing oxidative stress and excitotoxicity, enhancing mitochondrial function and protein degradation mechanisms, and inhibiting neuroinflammation. In addition, various chemical libraries or previously identified drugs have been screened for potential repurposing in the treatment of ALS. Here, we review previous drug discovery efforts targeting a variety of cellular pathologies that occur from genetic mutations that cause ALS, such as mutations in SOD1, C9orf72, FUS, and TARDP-43 genes. These mutations result in protein aggregation, which causes neuronal degeneration. Compounds used to target cellular pathologies that stem from these mutations are discussed and comparisons among different preclinical models are presented. Because the drug discovery landscape for ALS and other motor neuron diseases is changing rapidly, we also offer recommendations for a novel, more effective, direction in ALS drug discovery that could accelerate translation of effective compounds from animals to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed F. Elmansy
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Department of Organometallic and Organometalloid Chemistry, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Cory T. Reidl
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Mizzanoor Rahaman
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - P. Hande Özdinler
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Richard B. Silverman
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Gautam M, Genç B, Helmold B, Ahrens A, Kuka J, Makrecka-Kuka M, Günay A, Koçak N, Aguilar-Wickings IR, Keefe D, Zheng G, Swaminathan S, Redmon M, Zariwala HA, Özdinler PH. SBT-272 improves TDP-43 pathology in ALS upper motor neurons by modulating mitochondrial integrity, motility, and function. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 178:106022. [PMID: 36716828 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial defects are one of the common underlying causes of neuronal vulnerability in neurodegenerative diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and TDP-43 pathology is the most commonly observed proteinopathy. Disrupted inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) reported in the upper motor neurons (UMNs) of ALS patients with TDP-43 pathology is recapitulated in the UMNs of well-characterized hTDP-43 mouse model of ALS. The construct validity, such as shared and common cellular pathology in mice and human, offers a unique opportunity to test treatment strategies that may translate to patients. SBT-272 is a well-tolerated brain-penetrant small molecule that stabilizes cardiolipin, a phospholipid found in IMM, thereby restoring mitochondrial structure and respiratory function. We investigated whether SBT-272 can improve IMM structure and health in UMNs diseased with TDP-43 pathology in our well-characterized UMN reporter line for ALS. We found that SBT-272 significantly improved mitochondrial structural integrity and restored mitochondrial motility and function. This led to improved health of diseased UMNs in vitro. In comparison to edaravone and AMX0035, SBT-272 appeared more effective in restoring health of diseased UMNs. Chronic treatment of SBT-272 for sixty days starting at an early symptomatic stage of the disease in vivo led to a significant reduction in astrogliosis, microgliosis, and TDP-43 pathology in the ALS motor cortex. Our results underscore the therapeutic potential of SBT-272, especially within the context of TDP-43 pathology and mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukesh Gautam
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Barış Genç
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Benjamin Helmold
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Angela Ahrens
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Janis Kuka
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis (LIOS), Aizkraukles Street 21, LV-2006 Riga, Latvia
| | - Marina Makrecka-Kuka
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis (LIOS), Aizkraukles Street 21, LV-2006 Riga, Latvia
| | - Aksu Günay
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Nuran Koçak
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Izaak R Aguilar-Wickings
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Dennis Keefe
- Stealth BioTherapeutics, 140 Kendrick St Building C, Needham, MA 02494, USA
| | - Guozhu Zheng
- Stealth BioTherapeutics, 140 Kendrick St Building C, Needham, MA 02494, USA
| | - Suchitra Swaminathan
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 420 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Research Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 675 N St Clair Fl 21 Ste 100, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Martin Redmon
- Stealth BioTherapeutics, 140 Kendrick St Building C, Needham, MA 02494, USA
| | - Hatim A Zariwala
- Stealth BioTherapeutics, 140 Kendrick St Building C, Needham, MA 02494, USA
| | - P Hande Özdinler
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Research Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 675 N St Clair Fl 21 Ste 100, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Department of Molecular Biosciences, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery, Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Northwestern University, 2205 Tech Dr, Evanston, IL 60208, USA..
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Lee AJB, Kittel TE, Kim RB, Bach TN, Zhang T, Mitchell CS. Comparing therapeutic modulators of the SOD1 G93A Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis mouse pathophysiology. Front Neurosci 2023; 16:1111763. [PMID: 36741054 PMCID: PMC9893287 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1111763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a paralyzing, multifactorial neurodegenerative disease with limited therapeutics and no known cure. The study goal was to determine which pathophysiological treatment targets appear most beneficial. Methods A big data approach was used to analyze high copy SOD1 G93A experimental data. The secondary data set comprised 227 published studies and 4,296 data points. Treatments were classified by pathophysiological target: apoptosis, axonal transport, cellular chemistry, energetics, neuron excitability, inflammation, oxidative stress, proteomics, or systemic function. Outcome assessment modalities included onset delay, health status (rotarod performance, body weight, grip strength), and survival duration. Pairwise statistical analysis (two-tailed t-test with Bonferroni correction) of normalized fold change (treatment/control) assessed significant differences in treatment efficacy. Cohen's d quantified pathophysiological treatment category effect size compared to "all" (e.g., all pathophysiological treatment categories combined). Results Inflammation treatments were best at delaying onset (d = 0.42, p > 0.05). Oxidative stress treatments were significantly better for prolonging survival duration (d = 0.18, p < 0.05). Excitability treatments were significantly better for prolonging overall health status (d = 0.22, p < 0.05). However, the absolute best pathophysiological treatment category for prolonging health status varied with disease progression: oxidative stress was best for pre-onset health (d = 0.18, p > 0.05); excitability was best for prolonging function near onset (d = 0.34, p < 0.05); inflammation was best for prolonging post-onset function (d = 0.24, p > 0.05); and apoptosis was best for prolonging end-stage function (d = 0.49, p > 0.05). Finally, combination treatments simultaneously targeting multiple pathophysiological categories (e.g., polytherapy) performed significantly (p < 0.05) better than monotherapies at end-stage. Discussion In summary, the most effective pathophysiological treatments change as function of assessment modality and disease progression. Shifting pathophysiological treatment category efficacy with disease progression supports the homeostatic instability theory of ALS disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J. B. Lee
- Laboratory for Pathology Dynamics, Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for Machine Learning, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Tyler E. Kittel
- Laboratory for Pathology Dynamics, Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Renaid B. Kim
- Laboratory for Pathology Dynamics, Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Thao-Nguyen Bach
- Laboratory for Pathology Dynamics, Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Tian Zhang
- Laboratory for Pathology Dynamics, Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Cassie S. Mitchell
- Laboratory for Pathology Dynamics, Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for Machine Learning, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
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