Alterations in the carnitine cycle in a mouse model of Rett syndrome

Cardiac Functional and Structural Abnormalities in a Mouse Model of CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder

CDKL5 (cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5) deficiency disorder (CDD) is a severe neurodevelopmental disease that mostly affects girls, who are heterozygous for mutations in the X-linked CDKL5 gene. Mutations in the CDKL5 gene lead to a lack of CDKL5 protein expression or function and cause numerous clinical features, including early-onset seizures, marked hypotonia, autistic features, gastrointestinal problems, and severe neurodevelopmental impairment. Mouse models of CDD recapitulate several aspects of CDD symptomology, including cognitive impairments, motor deficits, and autistic-like features, and have been useful to dissect the role of CDKL5 in brain development and function. However, our current knowledge of the function of CDKL5 in other organs/tissues besides the brain is still quite limited, reducing the possibility of broad-spectrum interventions. Here, for the first time, we report the presence of cardiac function/structure alterations in heterozygous Cdkl5 +/− female mice. We found a prolonged QT interval (corrected for the heart rate, QTc) and increased heart rate in Cdkl5 +/− mice. These changes correlate with a marked decrease in parasympathetic activity to the heart and in the expression of the Scn5a and Hcn4 voltage-gated channels. Interestingly, Cdkl5 +/− hearts showed increased fibrosis, altered gap junction organization and connexin-43 expression, mitochondrial dysfunction, and increased ROS production. Together, these findings not only contribute to our understanding of the role of CDKL5 in heart structure/function but also document a novel preclinical phenotype for future therapeutic investigation.

QTc interval and ventricular action potential prolongation in the Mecp2Null/+ murine model of Rett syndrome

Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a congenital, X-chromosome-linked developmental disorder characterized by developmental delay, dysautonomia, and breathing irregularities. RTT is also associated with sudden death and QT intervals are prolonged in some RTT patients. Most individuals with RTT have mutations in the MECP2 gene. Whilst there is some evidence for QT prolongation in mouse models of RTT, there is comparatively little information on how loss of Mecp2 function affects ventricular action potentials (APs) and, to-date, none on ventricular APs from female RTT mice. Accordingly, the present study was conducted to determine ECG and ventricular AP characteristics of Mecp2Null/+ female mice. ECG recordings from 12-13 month old female Mecp2Null/+ mice showed prolonged rate corrected QT (QTc) intervals compared to wild-type (WT) controls. Although Mecp2Null/+ animals exhibited longer periods of apnoea than did controls, no correlation between apnoea length and QTc interval was observed. Action potentials (APs) from Mecp2Null/+ myocytes had longer APD90 values than those from WT myocytes and showed augmented triangulation. Application of the investigational INa,Late inhibitor GS-6615 (eleclazine; 10 μM) reduced both APD90 and AP triangulation in Mecp2Null/+ and WT myocytes. These results constitute the first direct demonstration of delayed repolarization in Mecp2Null/+ myocytes and provide further evidence that GS-6615 may have potential as an intervention against QT prolongation in RTT.

Delayed Ventricular Repolarization and Sodium Channel Current Modification in a Mouse Model of Rett Syndrome

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe developmental disorder that is strongly linked to mutations in the MECP2 gene. RTT has been associated with sudden unexplained death and ECG QT interval prolongation. There are mixed reports regarding QT prolongation in mouse models of RTT, with some evidence that loss of Mecp2 function enhances cardiac late Na current, I_Na,Late. The present study was undertaken in order to investigate both ECG and ventricular AP characteristics in the Mecp2^Null/Y male murine RTT model and to interrogate both fast I_Na and I_Na,Late in myocytes from the model. ECG recordings from 8-10-week-old Mecp2^Null/Y male mice revealed prolongation of the QT and rate corrected QT (QTc) intervals and QRS widening compared to wild-type (WT) controls. Action potentials (APs) from Mecp2^Null/Y myocytes exhibited longer APD₇₅ and APD₉₀ values, increased triangulation and instability. I_Na,Late was also significantly larger in Mecp2^Null/Y than WT myocytes and was insensitive to the Nav1.8 inhibitor A-803467. Selective recordings of fast I_Na revealed a decrease in peak current amplitude without significant voltage shifts in activation or inactivation V_0.5. Fast I_Na 'window current' was reduced in RTT myocytes; small but significant alterations of inactivation and reactivation time-courses were detected. Effects of two I_Na,Late inhibitors, ranolazine and GS-6615 (eleclazine), were investigated. Treatment with 30 µM ranolazine produced similar levels of inhibition of I_Na,Late in WT and Mecp2^Null/Y myocytes, but produced ventricular AP prolongation not abbreviation. In contrast, 10 µM GS-6615 both inhibited I_Na,Late and shortened ventricular AP duration. The observed changes in I_Na and I_Na,Late can account for the corresponding ECG changes in this RTT model. GS-6615 merits further investigation as a potential treatment for QT prolongation in RTT.

Metabolomic Fingerprint of Mecp2-Deficient Mouse Cortex: Evidence for a Pronounced Multi-Facetted Metabolic Component in Rett Syndrome

Using unsupervised metabolomics, we defined the complex metabolic conditions in the cortex of a mouse model of Rett syndrome (RTT). RTT, which represents a cause of mental and cognitive disabilities in females, results in profound cognitive impairment with autistic features, motor disabilities, seizures, gastrointestinal problems, and cardiorespiratory irregularities. Typical RTT originates from mutations in the X-chromosomal methyl-CpG-binding-protein-2 (Mecp2) gene, which encodes a transcriptional modulator. It then causes a deregulation of several target genes and metabolic alterations in the nervous system and peripheral organs. We identified 101 significantly deregulated metabolites in the Mecp2-deficient cortex of adult male mice; 68 were increased and 33 were decreased compared to wildtypes. Pathway analysis identified 31 mostly upregulated metabolic pathways, in particular carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, key metabolic mitochondrial/extramitochondrial pathways, and lipid metabolism. In contrast, neurotransmitter-signaling is dampened. This metabolic fingerprint of the Mecp2-deficient cortex of severely symptomatic mice provides further mechanistic insights into the complex RTT pathogenesis. The deregulated pathways that were identified—in particular the markedly affected amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism—confirm a complex and multifaceted metabolic component in RTT, which in turn signifies putative therapeutic targets. Furthermore, the deregulated key metabolites provide a choice of potential biomarkers for a more detailed rating of disease severity and disease progression.

High-resolution metabolomics study revealing l-homocysteine sulfinic acid, cysteic acid, and carnitine as novel biomarkers for high acute myocardial infarction risk

BACKGROUND

Identifying changes in serum metabolites before the occurrence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is an important approach for finding novel biomarkers of AMI.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, serum samples obtained from patients at risk of AMI (n = 112) and non-risk controls (n = 89) were tested using high-resolution metabolomics (HRM). Partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), along with univariate analysis using a false discovery rate (FDR) of q = 0.05 were performed to discriminate metabolic profiles and to determine significantly different metabolites between healthy control and AMI risk groups.

RESULTS

PLS-DA significantly separated the AMI risk sera from control sera. The metabolites associated with amino acid biosynthesis, 2-oxocarboxylic acid, tryptophan, and amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism pathways were mainly elevated in patients at risk of AMI. Further validation and quantification by MS/MS showed that tryptophan, carnitine, L-homocysteine sulfinic acid (L-HCSA), and cysteic acid (CA) were upregulated, while L-cysteine and L-cysteine sulfinic acid (L-CSA) were downregulated, specifically among AMI risk sera. Additionally, these discriminant metabolic profiles were not related to hypertension, smoking or alcoholism.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, detecting upregulated L-HCSA and CA along with carnitine among patients at risk for AMI could serve as promising non-invasive biomarkers for early AMI detection.

Metabolic Signatures Differentiate Rett Syndrome From Unaffected Siblings

Rett syndrome (RTT, OMIM 312750), a severe neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by regression with loss of spoken language and hand skills, development of characteristic hand stereotypies, and gait dysfunction, is primarily caused by de novo mutations in the X-linked gene Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2). Currently, treatment options are limited to symptomatic management, however, reversal of disease phenotype is possible in mouse models by restoration of normal MECP2 gene expression. A significant challenge is the lack of biomarkers of disease state, disease severity, or treatment response. Using a non-targeted metabolomic approach we evaluated metabolite profiles in plasma from thirty-four people with RTT compared to thirty-seven unaffected age- and gender-matched siblings. We identified sixty-six significantly altered metabolites that cluster broadly into amino acid, nitrogen handling, and exogenous substance pathways. RTT disease metabolite and metabolic pathways abnormalities point to evidence of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and alterations in gut microflora. These observed changes provide insight into underlying pathological mechanisms and the foundation for biomarker discovery of disease severity biomarkers.

Potent hERG channel inhibition by sarizotan, an investigative treatment for Rett Syndrome

Rett Syndrome (RTT) is an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder associated with respiratory abnormalities and, in up to ~40% of patients, with prolongation of the cardiac QT_c interval. QT_c prolongation calls for cautious use of drugs with a propensity to inhibit hERG channels. The STARS trial has been undertaken to investigate the efficacy of sarizotan, a 5-HT_1A receptor agonist, at correcting RTT respiratory abnormalities. The present study investigated whether sarizotan inhibits hERG potassium channels and prolongs ventricular repolarization. Whole-cell patch-clamp measurements were made at 37 °C from hERG-expressing HEK293 cells. Docking analysis was conducted using a recent cryo-EM structure of hERG. Sarizotan was a potent inhibitor of hERG current (I_hERG; IC₅₀ of 183 nM) and of native ventricular I_Kr from guinea-pig ventricular myocytes. 100 nM and 1 μM sarizotan prolonged ventricular action potential (AP) duration (APD₉₀) by 14.1 ± 3.3% (n = 6) and 29.8 ± 3.1% (n = 5) respectively and promoted AP triangulation. High affinity I_hERG inhibition by sarizotan was contingent upon channel gating and intact inactivation. Mutagenesis experiments and docking analysis implicated F557, S624 and Y652 residues in sarizotan binding, with weaker contribution from F656. In conclusion, sarizotan inhibits I_Kr/I_hERG, accessing key binding residues on channel gating. This action and consequent ventricular AP prolongation occur at concentrations relevant to those proposed to treat breathing dysrhythmia in RTT. Sarizotan should only be used in RTT patients with careful evaluation of risk factors for QT_c prolongation.

Senescence Phenomena and Metabolic Alteration in Mesenchymal Stromal Cells from a Mouse Model of Rett Syndrome

Chromatin modifiers play a crucial role in maintaining cell identity through modulation of gene expression patterns. Their deregulation can have profound effects on cell fate and functions. Among epigenetic regulators, the MECP2 protein is particularly attractive. Mutations in the Mecp2 gene are responsible for more than 90% of cases of Rett syndrome (RTT), a progressive neurodevelopmental disorder. As a chromatin modulator, MECP2 can have a key role in the government of stem cell biology. Previously, we showed that deregulated MECP2 expression triggers senescence in mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from (RTT) patients. Over the last few decades, it has emerged that senescent cells show alterations in the metabolic state. Metabolic changes related to stem cell senescence are particularly detrimental, since they contribute to the exhaustion of stem cell compartments, which in turn determine the falling in tissue renewal and functionality. Herein, we dissect the role of impaired MECP2 function in triggering senescence along with other senescence-related aspects, such as metabolism, in MSCs from a mouse model of RTT. We found that MECP2 deficiencies lead to senescence and impaired mitochondrial energy production. Our results support the idea that an alteration in mitochondria metabolic functions could play an important role in the pathogenesis of RTT.

Meldonium improves Huntington's disease mitochondrial dysfunction by restoring peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α expression

Mitochondrial dysfunction seems to play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration in Huntington's disease (HD). We assessed possible neuroprotective actions of meldonium, a small molecule affecting mitochondrial fuel metabolism, in in vitro and in vivo HD models. We found that meldonium was able to prevent cytotoxicity induced by serum deprivation, to reduce the accumulation of mutated huntingtin (mHtt) aggregates, and to upregulate the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) in mHTT-expressing cells. The PGC-1α increase was accompanied by the increment of mitochondrial mass and by the rebalancing of mitochondrial dynamics with a promotion of the mitochondrial fusion. Meldonium-induced PGC-1α significantly alleviated motor dysfunction and prolonged the survival of a transgenic HD Drosophila model in which mHtt expression in the nervous system led to progressive motor performance deficits. Our study strongly suggests that PGC-1α, as a master coregulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, energy homeostasis, and antioxidant defense, is a potential therapeutic target in HD.

Metabolic syndrome, Mediterranean diet, and polyphenols: Evidence and perspectives

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined as the co-occurrence of metabolic risk factors that includes insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, impaired glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and visceral obesity. The clinical significance of MetS consists of identifying a subgroup of patients sharing a common physiopathological state predisposing to chronic diseases. Clinical and scientific studies pinpoint lifestyle modification as an effective strategy aiming to reduce several features accountable for the risk of MetS onset. Among the healthy dietary patterns, the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) emerges in terms of beneficial properties associated with longevity. Current evidence highlights the protective effect exerted by MedDiet on the different components of MetS. Interestingly, the effect exerted by polyphenols contained within the representative MedDiet components (i.e., olive oil, red wine, and nuts) seems to be accountable for the beneficial properties associated to this dietary pattern. In this review, we aim to summarize the principal evidence regarding the effectiveness of MedDiet-polyphenols in preventing or delaying the physiopathological components accountable for MetS onset. These findings may provide useful insights concerning the health properties of MedDiet-polyphenols as well as the novel targets destined to a tailored approach to MetS.