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La Cognata V, Morello G, Guarnaccia M, Cavallaro S. The multifaceted role of the CXC chemokines and receptors signaling axes in ALS pathophysiology. Prog Neurobiol 2024; 235:102587. [PMID: 38367748 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2024.102587] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a late-onset motor neuron disease with complex genetic basis and still no clear etiology. Multiple intertwined layers of immune system-related dysfunctions and neuroinflammatory mechanisms are emerging as substantial determinants in ALS onset and progression. In this review, we collect the increasingly arising evidence implicating four main CXC chemokines/cognate receptors signaling axes (CXCR1/2-CXCL1/2/8; CXCR3-CXCL9/10/11; CXCR4/7-CXCL12; CXCR5-CXCL13) in the pathophysiology of ALS. Findings in preclinical models implicate these signaling pathways in motor neuron toxicity and neuroprotection, while in ALS patients dysregulation of CXCLs/CXCRs has been shown at both central and peripheral levels. Immunological monitoring of CXC-ligands in ALS may allow tracking of disease progression, while pharmacological modulation of CXC-receptors provides a novel therapeutic strategy. A deeper understanding of the interplay between CXC-mediated neuroinflammation and ALS is crucial to advance research into treatments for this debilitating uncurable disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina La Cognata
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Via P. Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
| | - Giovanna Morello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Via P. Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
| | - Maria Guarnaccia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Via P. Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Cavallaro
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Via P. Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy.
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2
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Zamani A, Thomas E, Wright DK. Sex biology in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 95:102228. [PMID: 38354985 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102228] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Although sex differences in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have not been studied systematically, numerous clinical and preclinical studies have shown sex to be influential in disease prognosis. Moreover, with the development of advanced imaging tools, the difference between male and female brain in structure and function and their response to neurodegeneration are more definitive. As discussed in this review, ALS patients exhibit a sex bias pertaining to the features of the disease, and their clinical, pathological, (and pathophysiological) phenotypes. Several epidemiological studies have indicated that this sex disparity stems from various aetiologies, including sex-specific brain structure and neural functioning, genetic predisposition, age, gonadal hormones, susceptibility to traumatic brain injury (TBI)/head trauma and lifestyle factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akram Zamani
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
| | - Emma Thomas
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - David K Wright
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
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3
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Matveeva A, Watters O, Rukhadze A, Khemka N, Gentile D, Perez IF, Llorente-Folch I, Farrell C, Lo Cacciato E, Jackson J, Piazzesi A, Wischhof L, Woods I, Halang L, Hogg M, Muñoz AG, Dillon ET, Matallanas D, Arijs I, Lambrechts D, Bano D, Connolly NMC, Prehn JHM. Integrated analysis of transcriptomic and proteomic alterations in mouse models of ALS/FTD identify early metabolic adaptions with similarities to mitochondrial dysfunction disorders. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024; 25:135-149. [PMID: 37779364 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2023.2261979] [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: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sporadic and familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal progressive neurodegenerative disease that results in loss of motor neurons and, in some patients, associates with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Apart from the accumulation of proteinaceous deposits, emerging literature indicates that aberrant mitochondrial bioenergetics may contribute to the onset and progression of ALS/FTD. Here we sought to investigate the pathophysiological signatures of mitochondrial dysfunction associated with ALS/FTD. METHODS By means of label-free mass spectrometry (MS) and mRNA sequencing (mRNA-seq), we report pre-symptomatic changes in the cortices of TDP-43 and FUS mutant mouse models. Using tissues from transgenic mouse models of mitochondrial diseases as a reference, we performed comparative analyses and extracted unique and common mitochondrial signatures that revealed neuroprotective compensatory mechanisms in response to early damage. RESULTS In this regard, upregulation of both Acyl-CoA Synthetase Long-Chain Family Member 3 (ACSL3) and mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase 2 (YARS2) were the most representative change in pre-symptomatic ALS/FTD tissues, suggesting that fatty acid beta-oxidation and mitochondrial protein translation are mechanisms of adaptation in response to ALS/FTD pathology. CONCLUSIONS Together, our unbiased integrative analyses unveil novel molecular components that may influence mitochondrial homeostasis in the earliest phase of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Matveeva
- Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Orla Watters
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- SFI FutureNeuro Research Centre, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Ani Rukhadze
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Niraj Khemka
- Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Debora Gentile
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Ivan Fernandez Perez
- Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Irene Llorente-Folch
- Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Cliona Farrell
- Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | | | - Joshua Jackson
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Antonia Piazzesi
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Lena Wischhof
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Ina Woods
- Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Luise Halang
- Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Marion Hogg
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- SFI FutureNeuro Research Centre, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Department of Biosciences, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Campus, Nottingham, UK
| | - Amaya Garcia Muñoz
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Eugène T Dillon
- Mass Spectrometry Resource, Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - David Matallanas
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Ingrid Arijs
- Laboratory for Translational Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, and
- VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Diether Lambrechts
- Laboratory for Translational Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, and
- VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Daniele Bano
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Niamh M C Connolly
- Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Jochen H M Prehn
- Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- SFI FutureNeuro Research Centre, Dublin 2, Ireland
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4
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Maragakis NJ, de Carvalho M, Weiss MD. Therapeutic targeting of ALS pathways: Refocusing an incomplete picture. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2023; 10:1948-1971. [PMID: 37641443 PMCID: PMC10647018 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous potential amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-relevant pathways have been hypothesized and studied preclinically, with subsequent translation to clinical trial. However, few successes have been observed with only modest effects. Along with an improved but incomplete understanding of ALS as a neurodegenerative disease is the evolution of more sophisticated and diverse in vitro and in vivo preclinical modeling platforms, as well as clinical trial designs. We highlight proposed pathological pathways that have been major therapeutic targets for investigational compounds. It is likely that the failures of so many of these therapeutic compounds may not have occurred because of lack of efficacy but rather because of a lack of preclinical modeling that would help define an appropriate disease pathway, as well as a failure to establish target engagement. These challenges are compounded by shortcomings in clinical trial design, including lack of biomarkers that could predict clinical success and studies that are underpowered. Although research investments have provided abundant insights into new ALS-relevant pathways, most have not yet been developed more fully to result in clinical study. In this review, we detail some of the important, well-established pathways, the therapeutics targeting them, and the subsequent clinical design. With an understanding of some of the shortcomings in translational efforts over the last three decades of ALS investigation, we propose that scientists and clinicians may choose to revisit some of these therapeutic pathways reviewed here with an eye toward improving preclinical modeling, biomarker development, and the investment in more sophisticated clinical trial designs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mamede de Carvalho
- Faculdade de MedicinaInsqatituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Centro Académico de Medicina de Lisboa, Universidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Michael D. Weiss
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
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5
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Bornstein R, Mulholland MT, Sedensky M, Morgan P, Johnson SC. Glutamine metabolism in diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Mol Cell Neurosci 2023; 126:103887. [PMID: 37586651 PMCID: PMC10773532 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2023.103887] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction can arise from genetic defects or environmental exposures and impact a wide range of biological processes. Among these are metabolic pathways involved in glutamine catabolism, anabolism, and glutamine-glutamate cycling. In recent years, altered glutamine metabolism has been found to play important roles in the pathologic consequences of mitochondrial dysfunction. Glutamine is a pleiotropic molecule, not only providing an alternate carbon source to glucose in certain conditions, but also playing unique roles in cellular communication in neurons and astrocytes. Glutamine consumption and catabolic flux can be significantly altered in settings of genetic mitochondrial defects or exposure to mitochondrial toxins, and alterations to glutamine metabolism appears to play a particularly significant role in neurodegenerative diseases. These include primary mitochondrial diseases like Leigh syndrome (subacute necrotizing encephalopathy) and MELAS (mitochondrial myopathy with encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes), as well as complex age-related neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Pharmacologic interventions targeting glutamine metabolizing and catabolizing pathways appear to provide some benefits in cell and animal models of these diseases, indicating glutamine metabolism may be a clinically relevant target. In this review, we discuss glutamine metabolism, mitochondrial disease, the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on glutamine metabolic processes, glutamine in neurodegeneration, and candidate targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Bornstein
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, USA
| | - Michael T Mulholland
- Department of Applied Sciences, Translational Bioscience, Northumbria University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Margaret Sedensky
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, USA; Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Phil Morgan
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, USA; Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Simon C Johnson
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, USA; Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA; Department of Applied Sciences, Translational Bioscience, Northumbria University, Newcastle, UK.
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6
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Mukhamedyarov MA, Khabibrakhmanov AN, Khuzakhmetova VF, Giniatullin AR, Zakirjanova GF, Zhilyakov NV, Mukhutdinova KA, Samigullin DV, Grigoryev PN, Zakharov AV, Zefirov AL, Petrov AM. Early Alterations in Structural and Functional Properties in the Neuromuscular Junctions of Mutant FUS Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9022. [PMID: 37240370 PMCID: PMC10218837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24109022] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is manifested as skeletal muscle denervation, loss of motor neurons and finally severe respiratory failure. Mutations of RNA-binding protein FUS are one of the common genetic reasons of ALS accompanied by a 'dying back' type of degeneration. Using fluorescent approaches and microelectrode recordings, the early structural and functional alterations in diaphragm neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) were studied in mutant FUS mice at the pre-onset stage. Lipid peroxidation and decreased staining with a lipid raft marker were found in the mutant mice. Despite the preservation of the end-plate structure, immunolabeling revealed an increase in levels of presynaptic proteins, SNAP-25 and synapsin 1. The latter can restrain Ca2+-dependent synaptic vesicle mobilization. Indeed, neurotransmitter release upon intense nerve stimulation and its recovery after tetanus and compensatory synaptic vesicle endocytosis were markedly depressed in FUS mice. There was a trend to attenuation of axonal [Ca2+]in increase upon nerve stimulation at 20 Hz. However, no changes in neurotransmitter release and the intraterminal Ca2+ transient in response to low frequency stimulation or in quantal content and the synchrony of neurotransmitter release at low levels of external Ca2+ were detected. At a later stage, shrinking and fragmentation of end plates together with a decrease in presynaptic protein expression and disturbance of the neurotransmitter release timing occurred. Overall, suppression of synaptic vesicle exo-endocytosis upon intense activity probably due to alterations in membrane properties, synapsin 1 levels and Ca2+ kinetics could be an early sign of nascent NMJ pathology, which leads to neuromuscular contact disorganization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marat A. Mukhamedyarov
- Department of Normal Physiology, Kazan State Medial University, 49 Butlerova St., Kazan 420012, Russia; (M.A.M.)
| | - Aydar N. Khabibrakhmanov
- Department of Normal Physiology, Kazan State Medial University, 49 Butlerova St., Kazan 420012, Russia; (M.A.M.)
| | - Venera F. Khuzakhmetova
- Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Federal Research Center ‘‘Kazan Scientific Center of RAS”, 2/31 Lobachevsky St., P.O. Box 30, Kazan 420111, Russia (N.V.Z.)
| | - Arthur R. Giniatullin
- Department of Normal Physiology, Kazan State Medial University, 49 Butlerova St., Kazan 420012, Russia; (M.A.M.)
- Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Federal Research Center ‘‘Kazan Scientific Center of RAS”, 2/31 Lobachevsky St., P.O. Box 30, Kazan 420111, Russia (N.V.Z.)
| | - Guzalia F. Zakirjanova
- Department of Normal Physiology, Kazan State Medial University, 49 Butlerova St., Kazan 420012, Russia; (M.A.M.)
- Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Federal Research Center ‘‘Kazan Scientific Center of RAS”, 2/31 Lobachevsky St., P.O. Box 30, Kazan 420111, Russia (N.V.Z.)
| | - Nikita V. Zhilyakov
- Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Federal Research Center ‘‘Kazan Scientific Center of RAS”, 2/31 Lobachevsky St., P.O. Box 30, Kazan 420111, Russia (N.V.Z.)
| | - Kamilla A. Mukhutdinova
- Department of Normal Physiology, Kazan State Medial University, 49 Butlerova St., Kazan 420012, Russia; (M.A.M.)
| | - Dmitry V. Samigullin
- Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Federal Research Center ‘‘Kazan Scientific Center of RAS”, 2/31 Lobachevsky St., P.O. Box 30, Kazan 420111, Russia (N.V.Z.)
- Department of Radiophotonics and Microwave Technologies, Kazan National Research Technical University, 10 K. Marx St., Kazan 420111, Russia
| | - Pavel N. Grigoryev
- Department of Normal Physiology, Kazan State Medial University, 49 Butlerova St., Kazan 420012, Russia; (M.A.M.)
| | - Andrey V. Zakharov
- Department of Normal Physiology, Kazan State Medial University, 49 Butlerova St., Kazan 420012, Russia; (M.A.M.)
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan 420008, Russia
| | - Andrey L. Zefirov
- Department of Normal Physiology, Kazan State Medial University, 49 Butlerova St., Kazan 420012, Russia; (M.A.M.)
| | - Alexey M. Petrov
- Department of Normal Physiology, Kazan State Medial University, 49 Butlerova St., Kazan 420012, Russia; (M.A.M.)
- Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Federal Research Center ‘‘Kazan Scientific Center of RAS”, 2/31 Lobachevsky St., P.O. Box 30, Kazan 420111, Russia (N.V.Z.)
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7
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Kurano T, Kanazawa T, Iioka S, Kondo H, Kosuge Y, Suzuki T. Intranasal Administration of N-acetyl-L-cysteine Combined with Cell-Penetrating Peptide-Modified Polymer Nanomicelles as a Potential Therapeutic Approach for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:2590. [PMID: 36559085 PMCID: PMC9785447 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Intranasal administration is a promising route for direct drug delivery to the brain; its combination with nanocarriers enhances delivery. We have previously shown that intranasal administration combined with PEG-PCL-Tat (a nanocarrier) efficiently delivers drugs to the brain and exhibits excellent therapeutic efficacy against brain diseases. We aimed to clarify whether intranasal administration combined with PEG-PCL-Tat represents a useful drug delivery system (DDS) for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pharmacotherapy. We used N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) as a model drug with low transferability to the spinal cord and determined the physicochemical properties of NAC/PEG-PCL-Tat. After intranasal administration of NAC/PEG-PCL-Tat, we measured the survival duration of superoxide dismutase-1 G93A mutant transgenic mice (G93A mice), widely used in ALS studies, and quantitatively analyzed the tissue distribution of NAC/PEG-PCL-Tat in ddY mice. The mean particle size and zeta potential of NAC/PEG-PCL-Tat were 294 nm and + 9.29 mV, respectively. Treatment with repeated intranasal administration of NAC/PEG-PCL-Tat considerably prolonged the median survival of G93A mice by 11.5 days compared with that of untreated G93A mice. Moreover, the highest distribution after a single administration of NAC/PEG-PCL-Tat was measured in the spinal cord. These results suggest that intranasal administration combined with PEG-PCL-Tat might represent a useful DDS for ALS therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Kurano
- School of Pharmacy, Nihon University, 7-7-1 Narashinodai, Funabashi 274-8555, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takanori Kanazawa
- School of Pharmacy, Nihon University, 7-7-1 Narashinodai, Funabashi 274-8555, Chiba, Japan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Shingo Iioka
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hiromu Kondo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kosuge
- School of Pharmacy, Nihon University, 7-7-1 Narashinodai, Funabashi 274-8555, Chiba, Japan
| | - Toyofumi Suzuki
- School of Pharmacy, Nihon University, 7-7-1 Narashinodai, Funabashi 274-8555, Chiba, Japan
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8
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4-Phenylbutyric Acid (4-PBA) Derivatives Prevent SOD1 Amyloid Aggregation In Vitro with No Effect on Disease Progression in SOD1-ALS Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169403. [PMID: 36012668 PMCID: PMC9409193 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons. Mutations in the superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene, causing protein misfolding and aggregation, were suggested as the pathogenic mechanisms involved in familial ALS cases. In the present study, we investigated the potential therapeutic effect of C4 and C5, two derivatives of the chemical chaperone 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA). By combining in vivo and in vitro techniques, we show that, although C4 and C5 successfully inhibited amyloid aggregation of recombinant mutant SOD1 in a dose-dependent manner, they failed to suppress the accumulation of misfolded SOD1. Moreover, C4 or C5 daily injections to SOD1G93A mice following onset had no effect on either the accumulation of misfolded SOD1 or the neuroinflammatory response in the spinal cord and, consequently, failed to extend the survival of SOD1G93A mice or to improve their motor symptoms. Finally, pharmacokinetic (PK) studies demonstrated that high concentrations of C4 and C5 reached the brain and spinal cord but only for a short period of time. Thus, our findings suggest that use of such chemical chaperones for ALS drug development may need to be optimized for more effective results.
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9
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NU-9 improves health of hSOD1 G93A mouse upper motor neurons in vitro, especially in combination with riluzole or edaravone. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5383. [PMID: 35354901 PMCID: PMC8967818 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09332-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Even though amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease of the upper and lower motor neurons, to date none of the compounds in clinical trials have been tested for improving the health of diseased upper motor neurons (UMNs). There is an urgent need to develop preclinical assays that include UMN health as a readout. Since ALS is a complex disease, combinatorial treatment strategies will be required to address the mechanisms perturbed in patients. Here, we describe a novel in vitro platform that takes advantage of an UMN reporter line in which UMNs are genetically labeled with fluorescence and have misfolded SOD1 toxicity. We report that NU-9, an analog of the cyclohexane-1,3-dione family of compounds, improves the health of UMNs with misfolded SOD1 toxicity more effectively than riluzole or edaravone, -the only two FDA-approved ALS drugs to date-. Interestingly, when NU-9 is applied in combination with riluzole or edaravone, there is an additive effect on UMN health, as they extend longer axons and display enhanced branching and arborization, two important characteristics of healthy UMNs in vitro.
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10
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SOD1 in ALS: Taking Stock in Pathogenic Mechanisms and the Role of Glial and Muscle Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11040614. [PMID: 35453299 PMCID: PMC9032988 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11040614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. While the exact causes of ALS are still unclear, the discovery that familial cases of ALS are related to mutations in the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1), a key antioxidant enzyme protecting cells from the deleterious effects of superoxide radicals, suggested that alterations in SOD1 functionality and/or aberrant SOD1 aggregation strongly contribute to ALS pathogenesis. A new scenario was opened in which, thanks to the generation of SOD1 related models, different mechanisms crucial for ALS progression were identified. These include excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunctions, and non-cell autonomous toxicity, also implicating altered Ca2+ metabolism. While most of the literature considers motor neurons as primary target of SOD1-mediated effects, here we mainly discuss the effects of SOD1 mutations in non-neuronal cells, such as glial and skeletal muscle cells, in ALS. Attention is given to the altered redox balance and Ca2+ homeostasis, two processes that are strictly related with each other. We also provide original data obtained in primary myocytes derived from hSOD1(G93A) transgenic mice, showing perturbed expression of Ca2+ transporters that may be responsible for altered mitochondrial Ca2+ fluxes. ALS-related SOD1 mutants are also responsible for early alterations of fundamental biological processes in skeletal myocytes that may impinge on skeletal muscle functions and the cross-talk between muscle cells and motor neurons during disease progression.
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11
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Combined Treatment with Bojungikgi-Tang and Riluzole Regulates Muscle Metabolism and Dysfunction in the hSOD1 G93A Mouse Model. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11030579. [PMID: 35326229 PMCID: PMC8944858 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11030579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The progressive neurodegenerative disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is characterized by muscle weakness and atrophy owing to selective motoneuron degeneration. The anti-glutamatergic drug, riluzole (RZ), is the standard-of-care treatment for ALS. Bojungikgi-tang (BJIGT), a traditional herbal formula, improves motor function and prolongs the survival of mice with ALS. As ALS is a multicomplex disease, effective therapies must target multiple mechanisms. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of a BJIGT/RZ combination (5-week treatment) in 2-month-old hSOD1G93A mice with ALS. We performed quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme activity assays. BJIGT/RZ significantly attenuated inflammation, autophagy, and metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunctions in the gastrocnemius (GC) compared with the control. It reduced the mRNA and protein levels of muscle denervation-related proteins and creatine kinase levels. The total creatine level was significantly higher in the BJIGT/RZ-treated GC. Moreover, after BJIGT/RZ treatment, the number of Nissl-stained motoneurons and choline acetyl transferase-positive neurons in the spinal cord significantly increased via the regulation of proinflammatory cytokines. Collectively, the BJIGT/RZ treatment was superior to single-drug treatments in alleviating multiple ALS-related pathological mechanisms in the ALS mouse model. Overall, BJIGT can serve as a dietary supplement and be combined with RZ to achieve superior therapeutic effects against ALS.
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12
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Cortical Hyperexcitability in the Driver’s Seat in ALS. CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/ctn6010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease characterized by the degeneration of cortical and spinal motor neurons. With no effective treatment available to date, patients face progressive paralysis and eventually succumb to the disease due to respiratory failure within only a few years. Recent research has revealed the multifaceted nature of the mechanisms and cell types involved in motor neuron degeneration, thereby opening up new therapeutic avenues. Intriguingly, two key features present in both ALS patients and rodent models of the disease are cortical hyperexcitability and hyperconnectivity, the mechanisms of which are still not fully understood. We here recapitulate current findings arguing for cell autonomous and non-cell autonomous mechanisms causing cortical excitation and inhibition imbalance, which is involved in the degeneration of motor neurons in ALS. Moreover, we will highlight recent evidence that strongly indicates a cardinal role for the motor cortex as a main driver and source of the disease, thus arguing for a corticofugal trajectory of the pathology.
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13
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Pampalakis G, Angelis G, Zingkou E, Vekrellis K, Sotiropoulou G. A chemogenomic approach is required for effective treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e657. [PMID: 35064780 PMCID: PMC8783349 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
ALS is a fatal untreatable disease involving degeneration of motor neurons. Μultiple causative genes encoding proteins with versatile functions have been identified indicating that diverse biological pathways lead to ALS. Chemical entities still represent a promising choice to delay ALS progression, attenuate symptoms and/or increase life expectancy, but also gene-based and stem cell-based therapies are in the process of development, and some are tested in clinical trials. Various compounds proved effective in transgenic models overexpressing distinct ALS causative genes unfortunately though, they showed no efficacy in clinical trials. Notably, while animal models provide a uniform genetic background for preclinical testing, ALS patients are not stratified, and the distinct genetic forms of ALS are treated as one group, which could explain the observed discrepancies between treating genetically homogeneous mice and quite heterogeneous patient cohorts. We suggest that chemical entity-genotype correlation should be exploited to guide patient stratification for pharmacotherapy, that is administered drugs should be selected based on the ALS genetic background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Pampalakis
- Department of Pharmacology - Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Angelis
- Department of Pharmacology - Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, Rion-Patras, Greece
| | - Eleni Zingkou
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, Rion-Patras, Greece
| | - Kostas Vekrellis
- Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Sotiropoulou
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, Rion-Patras, Greece
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14
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Tallon C, Sharma A, Zhang Z, Thomas AG, Ng J, Zhu X, Donoghue A, Schulte M, Joe TR, Kambhampati SP, Sharma R, Liaw K, Kannan S, Kannan RM, Slusher BS. Dendrimer-2PMPA Delays Muscle Function Loss and Denervation in a Murine Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:274-288. [PMID: 34984651 PMCID: PMC9130402 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01159-7] [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] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease where muscle weakness and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) denervation precede motor neuron cell death. Although acetylcholine is the canonical neurotransmitter at the mammalian NMJ synapse, glutamate has recently been identified as a critical neurotransmitter for NMJ development and maintenance. One source of glutamate is through the catabolism of N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate (NAAG), which is found in mM concentrations in mammalian motoneurons, where it is released upon stimulation and hydrolyzed to glutamate by the glial enzyme glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII). Using the SOD1G93A model of ALS, we found an almost fourfold elevation of GCPII enzymatic activity in SOD1G93A versus WT muscle and a robust increase in GCPII expression which was specifically associated with activated macrophages infiltrating the muscle. 2-(Phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid (2PMPA) is a potent GCPII inhibitor which robustly blocks glutamate release from NAAG but is highly polar with limited tissue penetration. To improve this, we covalently attached 2PMPA to a hydroxyl polyamidoamine (PAMAM-G4-OH) dendrimer delivery system (D-2PMPA) which is known to target activated macrophages in affected tissues. Systemic D-2PMPA therapy (20 mg/kg 2PMPA equivalent; IP 2 × /week) was found to localize in muscle macrophages in SOD1G93A mice and completely normalize the enhanced GCPII activity. Although no changes in body weight or survival were observed, D-2PMPA significantly improved grip strength and inhibited the loss of NMJ innervation in the gastrocnemius muscles. Our finding that inhibiting elevated GCPII activity in SOD1G93A muscle can prolong muscle function and delay NMJ denervation may have early therapeutic implications for ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Tallon
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Anjali Sharma
- Center for Nanomedicine-Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Center for Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, MI, 48128, USA
| | - Ajit G Thomas
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Justin Ng
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Xiaolei Zhu
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Amanda Donoghue
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Michael Schulte
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Tawnjerae R Joe
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Siva P Kambhampati
- Center for Nanomedicine-Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Rishi Sharma
- Center for Nanomedicine-Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Kevin Liaw
- Center for Nanomedicine-Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Sujatha Kannan
- Center for Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
- Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy-Krieger, Inc, Baltimore, USA
| | - Rangaramanujam M Kannan
- Center for Nanomedicine-Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
- Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy-Krieger, Inc, Baltimore, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Barbara S Slusher
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe Street, Rangos 278, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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15
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Ting HC, Yang HI, Harn HJ, Chiu IM, Su HL, Li X, Chen MF, Ho TJ, Liu CA, Tsai YJ, Chiou TW, Lin SZ, Chang CY. Coactivation of GSK3β and IGF-1 Attenuates Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Nerve Fiber Cytopathies in SOD1 Mutant Patient-Derived Motor Neurons. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102773. [PMID: 34685754 PMCID: PMC8535155 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive nervous system disease that causes motor neuron (MN) degeneration and results in patient death within a few years. To recapitulate the cytopathies of ALS patients’ MNs, SOD1G85R mutant and corrected SOD1G85G isogenic-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines were established. Two SOD1 mutant ALS (SOD1G85R and SOD1D90A), two SOD1 mutant corrected (SOD1G85G and SOD1D90D), and one sporadic ALS iPSC lines were directed toward MNs. After receiving ~90% purity for MNs, we first demonstrated that SOD1G85R mutant ALS MNs recapitulated ALS-specific nerve fiber aggregates, similar to SOD1D90A ALS MNs in a previous study. Moreover, we found that both SOD1 mutant MNs showed ALS-specific neurite degenerations and neurotransmitter-induced calcium hyperresponsiveness. In a small compound test using these MNs, we demonstrated that gastrodin, a major ingredient of Gastrodia elata, showed therapeutic effects that decreased nerve fiber cytopathies and reverse neurotransmitter-induced hyperresponsiveness. The therapeutic effects of gastrodin applied not only to SOD1 ALS MNs but also to sporadic ALS MNs and SOD1G93A ALS mice. Moreover, we found that coactivation of the GSK3β and IGF-1 pathways was a mechanism involved in the therapeutic effects of gastrodin. Thus, the coordination of compounds that activate these two mechanisms could reduce nerve fiber cytopathies in SOD1 ALS MNs. Interestingly, the therapeutic role of GSK3β activation on SOD1 ALS MNs in the present study was in contrast to the role previously reported in research using cell line- or transgenic animal-based models. In conclusion, we identified in vitro ALS-specific nerve fiber and neurofunctional markers in MNs, which will be useful for drug screening, and we used an iPSC-based model to reveal novel therapeutic mechanisms (including GSK3β and IGF-1 activation) that may serve as potential targets for ALS therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Chien Ting
- Bioinnovation Center, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97002, Taiwan; (H.-C.T.); (H.-I.Y.); (H.-J.H.); (C.-A.L.); (Y.-J.T.)
| | - Hui-I Yang
- Bioinnovation Center, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97002, Taiwan; (H.-C.T.); (H.-I.Y.); (H.-J.H.); (C.-A.L.); (Y.-J.T.)
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan;
| | - Horng-Jyh Harn
- Bioinnovation Center, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97002, Taiwan; (H.-C.T.); (H.-I.Y.); (H.-J.H.); (C.-A.L.); (Y.-J.T.)
- Department of Pathology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital and Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97002, Taiwan
| | - Ing-Ming Chiu
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan;
| | - Hong-Lin Su
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan;
| | - Xiang Li
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
| | - Mei-Fang Chen
- Department of Medical Research, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien 97002, Taiwan;
| | - Tsung-Jung Ho
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan;
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien 97002, Taiwan
- Integration Center of Traditional Chinese and Modern Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien 97002, Taiwan
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Ann Liu
- Bioinnovation Center, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97002, Taiwan; (H.-C.T.); (H.-I.Y.); (H.-J.H.); (C.-A.L.); (Y.-J.T.)
- Department of Medical Research, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien 97002, Taiwan;
- Neuroscience Center, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien 97002, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Jen Tsai
- Bioinnovation Center, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97002, Taiwan; (H.-C.T.); (H.-I.Y.); (H.-J.H.); (C.-A.L.); (Y.-J.T.)
| | - Tzyy-Wen Chiou
- Department of Life Science, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien 97441, Taiwan;
| | - Shinn-Zong Lin
- Bioinnovation Center, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97002, Taiwan; (H.-C.T.); (H.-I.Y.); (H.-J.H.); (C.-A.L.); (Y.-J.T.)
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan;
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien 97002, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (S.-Z.L.); (C.-Y.C.); Tel.: +886-3-856-1825 (ext. 13201) (S.-Z.L.); +886-3-856-1825 (ext. 12106) (C.-Y.C.)
| | - Chia-Yu Chang
- Bioinnovation Center, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97002, Taiwan; (H.-C.T.); (H.-I.Y.); (H.-J.H.); (C.-A.L.); (Y.-J.T.)
- Department of Medical Research, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien 97002, Taiwan;
- Neuroscience Center, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien 97002, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (S.-Z.L.); (C.-Y.C.); Tel.: +886-3-856-1825 (ext. 13201) (S.-Z.L.); +886-3-856-1825 (ext. 12106) (C.-Y.C.)
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16
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A Novel Supplement Attenuates Oxidative Stress-Induced TDP-43-Related Pathogenesis in TDP-43-Expressed Cells. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6773260. [PMID: 34616479 PMCID: PMC8490039 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6773260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is caused by selective the loss of spinal motor neurons by multifactorial pathological mechanisms and results in muscle atrophy. Incidence rates of ALS are increasing over time, but there are no effective treatments at present due to limitations on approved therapies (riluzole and edaravone). Therefore, this study investigated whether combined treatment with Bojungikgi-tang and riluzole could act synergistically in transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) stress granule cells. To examine the effect of combined treatment on oxidative stress-induced cell death, the CCK8 assay was performed for the detection of cell viability. The expression of oxidative stress-induced proteins was determined by Western blot. Quantification of sodium arsenite-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured in TDP-43 stress granular cells using 2,7-diacetyl dichlorofluorescein diacetate. To investigate the effect of combined treatment on TDP-43 aggregation, immunofluorescence and immunoblotting were performed in TDP-43 stress granular cells. This combined treatment alleviated oxidative stress-induced cell death by increasing the expression levels of antioxidation proteins, such as heme oxygenase-1 and B cell lymphoma-2-associated X protein. Furthermore, it reduced oxidative stress-induced TDP-43 aggregates and lowered the levels of autophagy-related proteins, including p62, light chain 3b, and ATG8, in TDP-43-expressing cells. Our results suggest that this combined treatment could be helpful for autophagy regulation in other neurodegenerative diseases.
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17
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Wright AL, Della Gatta PA, Le S, Berning BA, Mehta P, Jacobs KR, Gul H, San Gil R, Hedl TJ, Riddell WR, Watson O, Keating SS, Venturato J, Chung RS, Atkin JD, Lee A, Shi B, Blizzard CA, Morsch M, Walker AK. Riluzole does not ameliorate disease caused by cytoplasmic TDP-43 in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 54:6237-6255. [PMID: 34390052 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15422] [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: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease commonly treated with riluzole, a small molecule that may act via modulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission. However, riluzole only modestly extends lifespan for people living with ALS, and its precise mechanisms of action remain unclear. Most ALS cases are characterised by accumulation of cytoplasmic TAR DNA binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43), and understanding the effects of riluzole in models that closely recapitulate TDP-43 pathology may provide insights for development of improved therapeutics. We therefore investigated the effects of riluzole in female transgenic mice that inducibly express nuclear localisation sequence (NLS)-deficient human TDP-43 in neurons (NEFH-tTA/tetO-hTDP-43ΔNLS, 'rNLS8', mice). Riluzole treatment from the first day of hTDP-43ΔNLS expression did not alter disease onset, weight loss or performance on multiple motor behavioural tasks. Riluzole treatment also did not alter TDP-43 protein levels, solubility or phosphorylation. Although we identified a significant decrease in GluA2 and GluA3 proteins in the cortex of rNLS8 mice, riluzole did not ameliorate this disease-associated molecular phenotype. Likewise, riluzole did not alter the disease-associated atrophy of hindlimb muscle in rNLS8 mice. Finally, riluzole treatment beginning after disease onset in rNLS8 mice similarly had no effect on progression of late-stage disease or animal survival. Together, we demonstrate specific glutamatergic receptor alterations and muscle fibre-type changes reminiscent of ALS in female rNLS8 mice, but riluzole had no effect on these or any other disease phenotypes. Future targeting of pathways related to accumulation of TDP-43 pathology may be needed to develop better treatments for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Wright
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul A Della Gatta
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sheng Le
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Britt A Berning
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Neurodegeneration Pathobiology Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Prachi Mehta
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kelly R Jacobs
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hossai Gul
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca San Gil
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Neurodegeneration Pathobiology Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Thomas J Hedl
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Neurodegeneration Pathobiology Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Winonah R Riddell
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Owen Watson
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sean S Keating
- Neurodegeneration Pathobiology Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Juliana Venturato
- Neurodegeneration Pathobiology Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Roger S Chung
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julie D Atkin
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Albert Lee
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bingyang Shi
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Catherine A Blizzard
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Marco Morsch
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Adam K Walker
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Neurodegeneration Pathobiology Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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Chaprov K, Rezvykh A, Funikov S, Ivanova TA, Lysikova EA, Deykin AV, Kukharsky MS, Yu Aksinenko A, Bachurin SO, Ninkina N, Buchman VL. A bioisostere of Dimebon/Latrepirdine delays the onset and slows the progression of pathology in FUS transgenic mice. CNS Neurosci Ther 2021; 27:765-775. [PMID: 33754495 PMCID: PMC8193697 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims To assess effects of DF402, a bioisostere of Dimebon/Latrepirdine, on the disease progression in the transgenic model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) caused by expression of pathogenic truncated form of human FUS protein. Methods Mice received DF402 from the age of 42 days and the onset of clinical signs, the disease duration and animal lifespan were monitored for experimental and control animals, and multiple parameters of their gait were assessed throughout the pre‐symptomatic stage using CatWalk system followed by a bioinformatic analysis. RNA‐seq was used to compare the spinal cord transcriptomes of wild‐type, untreated, and DF402‐treated FUS transgenic mice. Results DF402 delays the onset and slows the progression of pathology. We developed a CatWalk analysis protocol that allows detection of gait changes in FUS transgenic mice and the effect of DF402 on their gait already at early pre‐symptomatic stage. At this stage, a limited number of genes significantly change expression in transgenic mice and for 60% of these genes, DF402 treatment causes the reversion of the expression pattern. Conclusion DF402 slows down the disease progression in the mouse model of ALS, which is consistent with previously reported neuroprotective properties of Dimebon and its other bioisosteres. These results suggest that these structures can be considered as lead compounds for further optimization to obtain novel medicines that might be used as components of complex ALS therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirill Chaprov
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Russian Academy of Science, Chernogolovka, Russia
| | - Alexander Rezvykh
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Sergei Funikov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tamara A Ivanova
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Russian Academy of Science, Chernogolovka, Russia
| | - Ekaterina A Lysikova
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Russian Academy of Science, Chernogolovka, Russia
| | - Alexei V Deykin
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Laboratory of Genome Editing for Veterinary and Biomedicine, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod region, Russia
| | - Michail S Kukharsky
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Russian Academy of Science, Chernogolovka, Russia.,Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Alexey Yu Aksinenko
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Russian Academy of Science, Chernogolovka, Russia
| | - Sergey O Bachurin
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Russian Academy of Science, Chernogolovka, Russia
| | - Natalia Ninkina
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Russian Academy of Science, Chernogolovka, Russia.,School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Vladimir L Buchman
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Russian Academy of Science, Chernogolovka, Russia.,School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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19
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Oxidative Stress in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Pathophysiology and Opportunities for Pharmacological Intervention. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:5021694. [PMID: 33274002 PMCID: PMC7683149 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5021694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease or Charcot disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons (MNs) and leads to death within 2–5 years of diagnosis, without any effective therapy available. Although the pathological mechanisms leading to ALS are still unknown, a wealth of evidence indicates that an excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production associated with an inefficient antioxidant defense represents an important pathological feature in ALS. Substantial evidence indicates that oxidative stress (OS) is implicated in the loss of MNs and in mitochondrial dysfunction, contributing decisively to neurodegeneration in ALS. Although the modulation of OS represents a promising approach to protect MNs from degeneration, the fact that several antioxidants with beneficial effects in animal models failed to show any therapeutic benefit in patients raises several questions that should be analyzed. Using specific queries for literature search on PubMed, we review here the role of OS-related mechanisms in ALS, including the involvement of altered mitochondrial function with repercussions in neurodegeneration. We also describe antioxidant compounds that have been mostly tested in preclinical and clinical trials of ALS, also describing their respective mechanisms of action. While the description of OS mechanism in the different mutations identified in ALS has as principal objective to clarify the contribution of OS in ALS, the description of positive and negative outcomes for each antioxidant is aimed at paving the way for novel opportunities for intervention. In conclusion, although antioxidant strategies represent a very promising approach to slow the progression of the disease, it is of utmost need to invest on the characterization of OS profiles representative of each subtype of patient, in order to develop personalized therapies, allowing to understand the characteristics of antioxidants that have beneficial effects on different subtypes of patients.
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20
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Chen S, Liao Q, Lu K, Zhou J, Huang C, Bi F. Riluzole Exhibits No Therapeutic Efficacy on a Transgenic Rat model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Curr Neurovasc Res 2020; 17:275-285. [PMID: 32271694 DOI: 10.2174/1567202617666200409125227] [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: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurological disorder clinically characterized by motor system dysfunction, with intraneuronal accumulation of the TAR DNAbinding protein 43 (TDP-43) being a pathological hallmark. Riluzole is a primarily prescribed medicine for ALS patients, while its therapeutical efficacy appears limited. TDP-43 transgenic mice are existing animal models for mechanistic/translational research into ALS. METHODS We developed a transgenic rat model of ALS expressing a mutant human TDP-43 transgene (TDP-43M337V) and evaluated the therapeutic effect of Riluzole on this model. Relative to control, rats with TDP-43M337V expression promoted by the neurofilament heavy subunit (NEF) gene or specifically in motor neurons promoted by the choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) gene showed progressive worsening of mobility and grip strength, along with loss of motor neurons, microglial activation, and intraneuronal accumulation of TDP-43 and ubiquitin aggregations in the spinal cord. RESULTS Compared to vehicle control, intragastric administration of Riluzole (30 mg/kg/d) did not mitigate the behavioral deficits nor alter the neuropathologies in the transgenics. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that transgenic rats recapitulate the basic neurological and neuropathological characteristics of human ALS, while Riluzole treatment can not halt the development of the behavioral and histopathological phenotypes in this new transgenic rodent model of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Chen
- Department of Neurology, Central South University, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qiao Liao
- Department of Neurology, Central South University, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ke Lu
- Department of Neurology, Central South University, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jinxia Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Central South University, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Cao Huang
- Department of Pathology Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
| | - Fangfang Bi
- Department of Neurology, Central South University, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
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21
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Hogg MC, Rayner M, Susdalzew S, Monsefi N, Crivello M, Woods I, Resler A, Blackbourn L, Fabbrizio P, Trolese MC, Nardo G, Bendotti C, van den Berg LH, van Es MA, Prehn JHM. 5'ValCAC tRNA fragment generated as part of a protective angiogenin response provides prognostic value in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Brain Commun 2020; 2:fcaa138. [PMID: 33543130 PMCID: PMC7850272 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcaa138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in the ribonuclease angiogenin are associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Angiogenin has been shown to cleave transfer RNAs during stress to produce ‘transfer-derived stress-induced RNAs’. Stress-induced tRNA cleavage is preserved from single-celled organisms to humans indicating it represents part of a highly conserved stress response. However, to date, the role of tRNA cleavage in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis remains to be fully elucidated. To this end, we performed small RNA sequencing on a human astrocytoma cell line to identify the complete repertoire of tRNA fragments generated by angiogenin. We found that only a specific subset of tRNAs is cleaved by angiogenin and identified 5′ValCAC transfer-derived stress-induced RNA to be secreted from neural cells. 5′ValCAC was quantified in spinal cord and serum from SOD1G93A amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mouse models where we found it to be significantly elevated at symptom onset correlating with increased angiogenin expression, imbalanced protein translation initiation factors and slower disease progression. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patient serum samples, we found 5′ValCAC to be significantly higher in patients with slow disease progression, and interestingly, we find 5′ValCAC to hold prognostic value for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. Here, we report that angiogenin cleaves a specific subset of tRNAs and provide evidence for 5′ValCAC as a prognostic biomarker in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We propose that increased serum 5′ValCAC levels indicate an enhanced angiogenin-mediated stress response within motor neurons that correlates with increased survival. These data suggest that the previously reported beneficial effects of angiogenin in SOD1G93A mice may result from elevated levels of 5′ValCAC transfer RNA fragment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion C Hogg
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons In Ireland, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin, D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Megan Rayner
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons In Ireland, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin, D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Sergej Susdalzew
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons In Ireland, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin, D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Naser Monsefi
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons In Ireland, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin, D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Martin Crivello
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons In Ireland, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin, D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Ina Woods
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons In Ireland, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin, D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Alexa Resler
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons In Ireland, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin, D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Lisle Blackbourn
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons In Ireland, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin, D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Paola Fabbrizio
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS - Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Via, La Masa, 19, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Trolese
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS - Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Via, La Masa, 19, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Nardo
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS - Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Via, La Masa, 19, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Caterina Bendotti
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS - Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Via, La Masa, 19, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre, University Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Michael A van Es
- Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre, University Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jochen H M Prehn
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons In Ireland, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin, D02 YN77, Ireland
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Boussicault L, Laffaire J, Schmitt P, Rinaudo P, Callizot N, Nabirotchkin S, Hajj R, Cohen D. Combination of acamprosate and baclofen (PXT864) as a potential new therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurosci Res 2020; 98:2435-2450. [PMID: 32815196 PMCID: PMC7693228 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
There is currently no therapy impacting the course of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The only approved treatments are riluzole and edaravone, but their efficacy is modest and short‐lasting, highlighting the need for innovative therapies. We previously demonstrated the ability of PXT864, a combination of low doses of acamprosate and baclofen, to synergistically restore cellular and behavioral activity in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease models. The overlapping genetic, molecular, and cellular characteristics of these neurodegenerative diseases supported investigating the effectiveness of PXT864 in ALS. As neuromuscular junction (NMJ) alterations is a key feature of ALS, the effects of PXT864 in primary neuron‐muscle cocultures injured by glutamate were studied. PXT864 significantly and synergistically preserved NMJ and motoneuron integrity following glutamate excitotoxicity. PXT864 added to riluzole significantly improved such protection. PXT864 activity was then assessed in primary cultures of motoneurons derived from SOD1G93A rat embryos. These motoneurons presented severe maturation defects that were significantly improved by PXT864. In this model, glutamate application induced an accumulation of TDP‐43 protein in the cytoplasm, a hallmark that was completely prevented by PXT864. The anti‐TDP‐43 aggregation effect was also confirmed in a cell line expressing TDP‐43 fused to GFP. These results demonstrate the value of PXT864 as a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of ALS.
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23
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Buratti E. Targeting TDP-43 proteinopathy with drugs and drug-like small molecules. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 178:1298-1315. [PMID: 32469420 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Following the discovery of the involvement of the ribonucleoprotein TDP-43 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), a major research focus has been to develop treatments that can prevent or alleviate these disease conditions. One pharmacological approach has been to use TDP-43-based disease models to test small molecules and drugs already known to have some therapeutic effect in a variety of neurodegenerative conditions. In parallel, various disease models have been used to perform high-throughput screens of drugs and small compound libraries. The aim of this review will be to provide a general overview of the compounds that have been described to alter pathological characteristics of TDP-43. These include expression levels, cytoplasmic mis-localization, post-translational modifications, cleavage, stress granule recruitment and aggregation. In parallel, this review will also address the use of compounds that modify the autophagic/proteasome systems that are known to target TDP-43 misfolding and aggregation. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Neurochemistry in Japan. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.6/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Buratti
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
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24
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Uchida Y, Yagi Y, Takao M, Tano M, Umetsu M, Hirano S, Usui T, Tachikawa M, Terasaki T. Comparison of Absolute Protein Abundances of Transporters and Receptors among Blood–Brain Barriers at Different Cerebral Regions and the Blood–Spinal Cord Barrier in Humans and Rats. Mol Pharm 2020; 17:2006-2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yasuo Uchida
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Yuta Yagi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Masaki Takao
- Department of Neurology and Brain Bank, Mihara Memorial Hospital, Isesaki 372-0006, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Saitama International Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Hidaka 350-0495, Japan
| | - Mitsutoshi Tano
- Department of Neurology and Brain Bank, Mihara Memorial Hospital, Isesaki 372-0006, Japan
| | - Mina Umetsu
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Satoshi Hirano
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Takuya Usui
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Masanori Tachikawa
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Terasaki
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
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25
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ASK1 inhibition: a therapeutic strategy with multi-system benefits. J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 98:335-348. [PMID: 32060587 PMCID: PMC7080683 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-01878-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (P38α and β) and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK1, 2, and 3) are key mediators of the cellular stress response. However, prolonged P38 and JNK signalling is associated with damaging inflammatory responses, reactive oxygen species-induced cell death, and fibrosis in multiple tissues, such as the kidney, liver, central nervous system, and cardiopulmonary systems. These responses are associated with many human diseases, including arthritis, dementia, and multiple organ dysfunctions. Attempts to prevent P38- and JNK-mediated disease using small molecule inhibitors of P38 or JNK have generally been unsuccessful. However, apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), an upstream regulator of P38 and JNK, has emerged as an alternative drug target for limiting P38- and JNK-mediated disease. Within this review, we compile the evidence that ASK1 mediates damaging cellular responses via prolonged P38 or JNK activation. We discuss the potential benefits of ASK1 inhibition as a therapeutic and summarise the studies that have tested the effects of ASK1 inhibition in cell and animal disease models, in addition to human clinical trials for a variety of disorders.
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26
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Sala G, Arosio A, Conti E, Beretta S, Lunetta C, Riva N, Ferrarese C, Tremolizzo L. Riluzole Selective Antioxidant Effects in Cell Models Expressing Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Endophenotypes. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE 2019; 17:438-442. [PMID: 31352711 PMCID: PMC6705104 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2019.17.3.438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective Until recently, riluzole was the only drug licensed for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In spite of its efficacy, the mechanism of action remains elusive, and both blocking of glutamate release and antioxidant properties have been postulated. Here we characterized human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell lines, taking advantage of their insensitivity to excitotoxic insults, in order to selectively assess the presence of a direct antioxidant effect of riluzole. Methods SH-SY5Y cells, either parental or overexpressing the G93A SOD1 mutation, were exposed for 24 hours to the selected stimuli. Results Riluzole (1–10 μM) was able to counteract the effects of H2O2 exposure (200 μM/24 hr), limiting both cell death and whole-cell reactive oxygen species (ROS) increase. The same experiments were repeated using SH-SY5Y cells carrying the familial ALS-related G93A-SOD1 mutation and constitutively expressing two-fold increased whole-cell ROS levels with respect to wild-type cells: riluzole was ineffective in this paradigm. Analogously, riluzole was ineffective in preventing cell death induced by exposing SH-SY5Y cells to 3-morpholino-sydnonimine (SIN-1, 1.5 mM/24 hr), a reactive nitrogen species (RNS) donor. Conclusion Our data support a direct antioxidant action of riluzole. Furthermore, the lack of efficacy of riluzole observed in the SOD1 cell model mirrors the lack of efficacy already demonstrated in cognate mouse models of ALS, plausibly reflecting differences in the underlying pathogenic mechanisms. Finally, riluzole inefficacy against nitrosative stress might support the idea that a combined therapeutic intervention may result more effective in ALS patients, as in the case of co-administration of edaravone, a drug known to reduce RNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gessica Sala
- Labaratory of Neurobiology, School of Medicine and Surgery and Milan Center for Neuroscience (NeuroMI), University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Arosio
- Labaratory of Neurobiology, School of Medicine and Surgery and Milan Center for Neuroscience (NeuroMI), University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Elisa Conti
- Labaratory of Neurobiology, School of Medicine and Surgery and Milan Center for Neuroscience (NeuroMI), University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Simone Beretta
- Labaratory of Neurobiology, School of Medicine and Surgery and Milan Center for Neuroscience (NeuroMI), University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy.,Neurology Unit, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Milano, Italy
| | - Christian Lunetta
- NEuroMuscular Omnicentre (NEMO), Fondazione Serena Onlus, Milano, Italy
| | - Nilo Riva
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Carlo Ferrarese
- Labaratory of Neurobiology, School of Medicine and Surgery and Milan Center for Neuroscience (NeuroMI), University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy.,Neurology Unit, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Milano, Italy
| | - Lucio Tremolizzo
- Labaratory of Neurobiology, School of Medicine and Surgery and Milan Center for Neuroscience (NeuroMI), University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy.,Neurology Unit, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Milano, Italy
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27
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Crivello M, Hogg MC, Jirström E, Halang L, Woods I, Rayner M, Coughlan KS, Lewandowski SA, Prehn JHM. Vascular regression precedes motor neuron loss in the FUS (1-359) ALS mouse model. Dis Model Mech 2019; 12:dmm.040238. [PMID: 31383794 PMCID: PMC6737946 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.040238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) presents a poorly understood pathogenesis. Evidence from patients and mutant SOD1 mouse models suggests vascular damage may precede or aggravate motor dysfunction in ALS. We have previously shown angiogenin (ANG) treatment enhances motor neuron survival, delays motor dysfunction and prevents vascular regression in the SOD1G93A ALS model. However, the existence of vascular defects at different stages of disease progression remains to be established in other ALS models. Here, we assessed vascular integrity in vivo throughout different disease stages, and investigated whether ANG treatment reverses vascular regression and prolongs motor neuron survival in the FUS (1-359) mouse model of ALS. Lumbar spinal cord tissue was collected from FUS (1-359) and non-transgenic control mice at postnatal day (P)50, P90 and P120. We found a significant decrease in vascular network density in lumbar spinal cords from FUS (1-359) mice by day 90, at which point motor neuron numbers were unaffected. ANG treatment did not affect survival or counter vascular regression. Endogenous Ang1 and Vegf expression were unchanged at P50 and P90; however, we found a significant decrease in miRNA 126 at P50, indicating vascular integrity in FUS mice may be compromised via an alternative pathway. Our study demonstrates that vascular regression occurs before motor neuron degeneration in FUS (1-359) mice, and highlights that heterogeneity in responses to novel ALS therapeutics can already be detected in preclinical mouse models of ALS. This article has an associated First Person interview with the joint first authors of the paper. Summary: Vascular regression is observed prior to motor neuron loss in the FUS (1-359) mouse model of ALS, yet is not rescued by angiogenin treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Crivello
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Centre for the Study of Neurological Disorders, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Marion C Hogg
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Centre for the Study of Neurological Disorders, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.,FutureNeuro Research Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Elisabeth Jirström
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Centre for the Study of Neurological Disorders, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.,FutureNeuro Research Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Luise Halang
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Centre for the Study of Neurological Disorders, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Ina Woods
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Centre for the Study of Neurological Disorders, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Megan Rayner
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Centre for the Study of Neurological Disorders, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Karen S Coughlan
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Centre for the Study of Neurological Disorders, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Sebastian A Lewandowski
- Tissue Biology Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Scheeles v. 2, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Centre for the Study of Neurological Disorders, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Jochen H M Prehn
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Centre for the Study of Neurological Disorders, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.,FutureNeuro Research Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
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Tsitkanou S, Della Gatta P, Foletta V, Russell A. The Role of Exercise as a Non-pharmacological Therapeutic Approach for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Beneficial or Detrimental? Front Neurol 2019; 10:783. [PMID: 31379732 PMCID: PMC6652799 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurodegenerative disease, involves the rapid deterioration of motor neurons resulting in severe muscle atrophy and respiratory insufficiency. It is considered a "multisystemic" disease with many potential mechanisms responsible for its pathology. Currently, there is no cure for ALS. Exercise training is suggested as a potential approach to reduce ALS pathology, but its beneficial role remains controversial. This review provides an overview of the effects of exercise training in ALS-affected mice and patients. It will compare the intensity, duration, and type of exercise on the health of SOD1G93A mice, a mouse model of familial ALS, and review clinical studies involving ALS patients undergoing both endurance and resistance training. In summary, mild-to-moderate swimming-based endurance training appears the most advantageous mode of exercise in SOD1G93A mice, improving animal survival, and delaying the onset and progression of disease. Furthermore, clinical studies show that both endurance and resistance training have an advantageous impact on the quality of life of ALS patients without extending life expectancy. However, small sample sizes, non-representative control populations, heterogeneous disease stage of patients, and the presence of confounders often exist in the exercise studies conducted with ALS patients. This raises concerns about the interpretation of these findings and, therefore, these results should be considered with caution. While promising, more pre-clinical and clinical studies with improved experimental design and fewer limitations are still necessary to confirm the impact of exercise training on the health of ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavroula Tsitkanou
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Paul Della Gatta
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Victoria Foletta
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Aaron Russell
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
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