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Jablonka S, Yildirim E. Disease Mechanisms and Therapeutic Approaches in SMARD1-Insights from Animal Models and Cell Models. Biomedicines 2024; 12:845. [PMID: 38672198 PMCID: PMC11048220 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1 (SMARD1) is a fatal childhood motoneuron disease caused by mutations in the IGHMBP2 gene. It is characterized by muscle weakness, initially affecting the distal extremities due to the degeneration of spinal α-motoneurons, and respiratory distress, due to the paralysis of the diaphragm. Infantile forms with a severe course of the disease can be distinguished from juvenile forms with a milder course. Mutations in the IGHMBP2 gene have also been found in patients with peripheral neuropathy Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2S (CMT2S). IGHMBP2 is an ATP-dependent 5'→3' RNA helicase thought to be involved in translational mechanisms. In recent years, several animal models representing both SMARD1 forms and CMT2S have been generated to initially study disease mechanisms. Later, the models showed very well that both stem cell therapies and the delivery of the human IGHMBP2 cDNA by AAV9 approaches (AAV9-IGHMBP2) can lead to significant improvements in disease symptoms. Therefore, the SMARD1 animal models, in addition to the cellular models, provide an inexhaustible source for obtaining knowledge of disease mechanisms, disease progression at the cellular level, and deeper insights into the development of therapies against SMARD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibylle Jablonka
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Versbacher Strasse 5, 97078 Würzburg, Germany;
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2
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Reilly A, Chehade L, Kothary R. Curing SMA: Are we there yet? Gene Ther 2023; 30:8-17. [PMID: 35614235 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00349-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Loss or deletion of survival motor neuron 1 gene (SMN1) is causative for a severe and devastating neuromuscular disease, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). SMN1 produces SMN, a ubiquitously expressed protein, that is essential for the development and survival of motor neurons. Major advances and developments in SMA therapeutics are shifting the natural history of the disease. With three relatively new available therapies, nusinersen (Spinraza), onasemnogene abeparvovec (Zolgensma), and risdiplam (Evrysdi), patients survive longer and have improved outcomes. However, patients and families continue to face many challenges associated with use of these therapies, including poor treatment response and a variability in the benefits to those that do respond, suggesting that the quest for the SMA cure is not over. In this review, we discuss the current therapies, their limitations, and highlight necessary gaps that need to be addressed to guarantee the best outcomes for SMA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoife Reilly
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Lucia Chehade
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Rashmi Kothary
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada. .,Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada. .,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada. .,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada. .,Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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3
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Rzepnikowska W, Kochański A. Models for IGHMBP2-associated diseases: an overview and a roadmap for the future. Neuromuscul Disord 2021; 31:1266-1278. [PMID: 34785121 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2021.08.001] [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: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Models are practical tools with which to establish the basic aspects of a diseases. They allow systematic research into the significance of mutations, of cellular and molecular pathomechanisms, of therapeutic options and of functions of diseases associated proteins. Thus, disease models are an integral part of the study of enigmatic proteins such as immunoglobulin mu-binding protein 2 (IGHMBP2). IGHMBP2 has been well defined as a helicase, however there is little known about its role in cellular processes. Notably, it is unclear why changes in such an abundant protein lead to specific neuronal disorders including spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1 (SMARD1) and Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2S (CMT2S). SMARD1 is caused by a loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord that results in muscle atrophy and is accompanied by rapid respiratory failure. In contrast, CMT2S manifests as a severe neuropathy, but typically without critical breathing problems. Here, we present the clinical manifestation of IGHMBP2 mutations, function of protein and models that may be used for the study of IGHMBP2-associated disorders. We highlight the strengths and weaknesses of specific models and discuss the orthologs of IGHMBP2 that are found in different systems with regard to their similarity to human IGHMBP2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weronika Rzepnikowska
- Neuromuscular Unit, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw 02-106, Poland.
| | - Andrzej Kochański
- Neuromuscular Unit, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw 02-106, Poland
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4
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Han F, Ebrahimi-Barough S, Abolghasemi R, Ai J, Liu Y. Cell-Based Therapy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1266:117-125. [PMID: 33105498 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-4370-8_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by the degeneration of lower motor neurons in the spinal cord, leading to progressive paralysis and early death in the severe cases. SMA is primarily caused by the mutations in the gene of SMN (survival motor neuron). More research has focused on the development of SMN-targeted replacement therapy for SMA. The first US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved modified antisense oligonucleotide (nusinersen) to treat SMA is to reverse intronic splicing silencer of SMN to produce fully functional SMN2. Recently, stem cell transplantation has shown the potential to repair the injured tissue and differentiate into neurons to rescue the phenotypes of SMA in animal models. In this chapter, we first review the clinical, genetic, and pathogenic mechanisms of SMA. Then, we discuss current pharmacological treatments and point out the therapeutic efficacy of stem cell transplantation and future directions and priorities for SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabin Han
- The Institute for Translational Medicine, Shandong University/Affiliated Second Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China. .,The Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Liaocheng University/Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China.
| | - Somayeh Ebrahimi-Barough
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reyhaneh Abolghasemi
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jafar Ai
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yanming Liu
- The Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Liaocheng University/Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China
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5
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Therapeutic potential of stem cells for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Biotechnol Lett 2020; 42:1073-1101. [DOI: 10.1007/s10529-020-02886-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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6
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Saladini M, Nizzardo M, Govoni A, Taiana M, Bresolin N, Comi GP, Corti S. Spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1: Clinical phenotypes, molecular pathogenesis and therapeutic insights. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 24:1169-1178. [PMID: 31802621 PMCID: PMC6991628 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 09/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1 (SMARD1) is a rare autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder caused by mutations in the IGHMBP2 gene, which encodes immunoglobulin μ‐binding protein 2, leading to progressive spinal motor neuron degeneration. We review the data available in the literature about SMARD1. The vast majority of patients show an onset of typical symptoms in the first year of life. The main clinical features are distal muscular atrophy and diaphragmatic palsy, for which permanent supportive ventilation is required. No effective treatment is available yet, but novel therapeutic approaches, such as gene therapy, have shown encouraging results in preclinical settings and thus represent possible methods for treating SMARD1. Significant advancements in the understanding of both the SMARD1 clinical spectrum and its molecular mechanisms have allowed the rapid translation of preclinical therapeutic strategies to human patients to improve the poor prognosis of this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Saladini
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Nizzardo
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Govoni
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Taiana
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Nereo Bresolin
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo P Comi
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neuromuscular and rare diseases unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
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7
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CSF transplantation of a specific iPSC-derived neural stem cell subpopulation ameliorates the disease phenotype in a mouse model of spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1. Exp Neurol 2019; 321:113041. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2019.113041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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8
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Peng Y, Liou B, Inskeep V, Blackwood R, Mayhew CN, Grabowski GA, Sun Y. Intravenous infusion of iPSC-derived neural precursor cells increases acid β-glucosidase function in the brain and lessens the neuronopathic phenotype in a mouse model of Gaucher disease. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 28:3406-3421. [PMID: 31373366 PMCID: PMC6891072 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gaucher disease (GD) is caused by GBA1 mutations leading to functional deficiency of acid-β-glucosidase (GCase). No effective treatment is available for neuronopathic GD (nGD). A subclass of neural stem and precursor cells (NPCs) expresses VLA4 (integrin α4β1, very late antigen-4) that facilitates NPC entry into the brain following intravenous (IV) infusion. Here, the therapeutic potential of IV VLA4+NPCs was assessed for nGD using wild-type mouse green fluorescent protein (GFP)-positive multipotent induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived VLA4+NPCs. VLA4+NPCs successfully engrafted in the nGD (4L;C*) mouse brain. GFP-positive cells differentiated into neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in the brainstem, midbrain and thalamus of the transplanted mice and significantly improved sensorimotor function and prolonged life span compared to vehicle-treated 4L;C* mice. VLA4+NPC transplantation significantly decreased levels of CD68 and glial fibrillary acidic protein, as well as TNFα mRNA levels in the brain, indicating reduced neuroinflammation. Furthermore, decreased Fluoro-Jade C and NeuroSilver staining suggested inhibition of neurodegeneration. VLA4+NPC-engrafted 4L;C* midbrains showed 35% increased GCase activity, reduced substrate [glucosylceramide (GC, -34%) and glucosylsphingosine (GS, -11%)] levels and improved mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates in comparison to vehicle-4L;C* mice. VLA4+NPC engraftment in 4L;C* brain also led to enhanced expression of neurotrophic factors that have roles in neuronal survival and the promotion of neurogenesis. This study provides evidence that iPSC-derived NPC transplantation has efficacy in an nGD mouse model and provides proof of concept for autologous NPC therapy in nGD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Peng
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Benjamin Liou
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Venette Inskeep
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Rachel Blackwood
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Christopher N Mayhew
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Gregory A Grabowski
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Ying Sun
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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9
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ALDH1A2 Is a Candidate Tumor Suppressor Gene in Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101553. [PMID: 31615043 PMCID: PMC6826427 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A2 (ALDH1A2) is a rate-limiting enzyme involved in cellular retinoic acid synthesis. However, its functional role in ovarian cancer remains elusive. Here, we found that ALDH1A2 was the most prominently downregulated gene among ALDH family members in ovarian cancer cells, according to complementary DNA microarray data. Low ALDH1A2 expression was associated with unfavorable prognosis and shorter disease-free and overall survival for ovarian cancer patients. Notably, hypermethylation of ALDH1A2 was significantly higher in ovarian cancer cell lines when compared to that in immortalized human ovarian surface epithelial cell lines. ALDH1A2 expression was restored in various ovarian cancer cell lines after treatment with the DNA methylation inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine. Furthermore, silencing DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) or 3B (DNMT3B) restored ALDH1A2 expression in ovarian cancer cell lines. Functional studies revealed that forced ALDH1A2 expression significantly impaired the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells and their invasive activity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to show that ALDH1A2 expression is regulated by the epigenetic regulation of DNMTs, and subsequently that it might act as a tumor suppressor in ovarian cancer, further suggesting that enhancing ALDH1A2-linked signaling might provide new opportunities for therapeutic intervention in ovarian cancer.
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10
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Prenatal transplantation of human amniotic fluid stem cells for spinal muscular atrophy. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2019; 30:111-115. [PMID: 29489501 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the current medical and stem-cell therapy for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and prenatal transplantation of amniotic fluid stem cells in the future. RECENT FINDINGS SMA is an autosomal recessive inheritance of neurodegenerative disease, which is caused of the mutation in survival motor neuron. The severe-type SMA patients usually die from the respiratory failure within 2 years after birth. Recently, researchers had found that 3-methyladenine could inhibit the autophagy and had the capacity to reduce death of the neurons. The first food and drug administration-approved drug to treat SMA, Nusinersen, is a modified antisense oligonucleotide to target intronic splicing silencer N1 just recently launched. Not only medical therapy, but also stem cells including neural stem cells, embryonic stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells could show the potential to repair the injured tissue and differentiate into neuron cells to rescue the SMA animal models. Human amniotic fluid stem cells (HAFSCs) share the potential of mesenchymal stem cells and could differentiate into tri-lineage-relative cells, which are also having the ability to restore the injured neuro-muscular function. In this review, we further demonstrate the therapeutic effect of using HAFSCs to treat type III SMA prenatally. HAFSCs, similar to other stem cells, could also help the improvement of SMA with even longer survival. SUMMARY The concept of prenatal stem-cell therapy preserves the time window to treat disease in utero with much less cell number. Stem cell alone might not be enough to correct or cure the SMA but could be applied as the additional therapy combined with antisense oligonucleotide in the future.
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Barbullushi K, Abati E, Rizzo F, Bresolin N, Comi GP, Corti S. Disease Modeling and Therapeutic Strategies in CMT2A: State of the Art. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:6460-6471. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-1533-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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12
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Vassalli G. Aldehyde Dehydrogenases: Not Just Markers, but Functional Regulators of Stem Cells. Stem Cells Int 2019; 2019:3904645. [PMID: 30733805 PMCID: PMC6348814 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3904645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) is a superfamily of enzymes that detoxify a variety of endogenous and exogenous aldehydes and are required for the biosynthesis of retinoic acid (RA) and other molecular regulators of cellular function. Over the past decade, high ALDH activity has been increasingly used as a selectable marker for normal cell populations enriched in stem and progenitor cells, as well as for cell populations from cancer tissues enriched in tumor-initiating stem-like cells. Mounting evidence suggests that ALDH not only may be used as a marker for stem cells but also may well regulate cellular functions related to self-renewal, expansion, differentiation, and resistance to drugs and radiation. ALDH exerts its functional actions partly through RA biosynthesis, as all-trans RA reverses the functional effects of pharmacological inhibition or genetic suppression of ALDH activity in many cell types in vitro. There is substantial evidence to suggest that the role of ALDH as a stem cell marker comes down to the specific isoform(s) expressed in a particular tissue. Much emphasis has been placed on the ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A3 members of the ALDH1 family of cytosolic enzymes required for RA biosynthesis. ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A3 regulate cellular function in both normal stem cells and tumor-initiating stem-like cells, promoting tumor growth and resistance to drugs and radiation. An improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which ALDH regulates cellular function will likely open new avenues in many fields, especially in tissue regeneration and oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Vassalli
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Cardiology, Cardiocentro Ticino, Lugano, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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13
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Abati E, Bresolin N, Comi GP, Corti S. Preconditioning and Cellular Engineering to Increase the Survival of Transplanted Neural Stem Cells for Motor Neuron Disease Therapy. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:3356-3367. [PMID: 30120734 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1305-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Despite the extensive research effort that has been made in the field, motor neuron diseases, namely, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinal muscular atrophies, still represent an overwhelming cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Exogenous neural stem cell-based transplantation approaches have been investigated as multifaceted strategies to both protect and repair upper and lower motor neurons from degeneration and inflammation. Transplanted neural stem cells (NSCs) exert their beneficial effects not only through the replacement of damaged cells but also via bystander immunomodulatory and neurotrophic actions. Notwithstanding these promising findings, the clinical translatability of such techniques is jeopardized by the limited engraftment success and survival of transplanted cells within the hostile disease microenvironment. To overcome this obstacle, different methods to enhance graft survival, stability, and therapeutic potential have been developed, including environmental stress preconditioning, biopolymers scaffolds, and genetic engineering. In this review, we discuss current engineering techniques aimed at the exploitation of the migratory, proliferative, and secretive capacity of NSCs and their relevance for the therapeutic arsenal against motor neuron disorders and other neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Abati
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neuroscience Section, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Nereo Bresolin
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neuroscience Section, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Neurology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via F. Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Pietro Comi
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neuroscience Section, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Neurology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via F. Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neuroscience Section, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. .,Neurology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via F. Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy.
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Puttini S, Plaisance I, Barile L, Cervio E, Milano G, Marcato P, Pedrazzini T, Vassalli G. ALDH1A3 Is the Key Isoform That Contributes to Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Activity and Affects in Vitro Proliferation in Cardiac Atrial Appendage Progenitor Cells. Front Cardiovasc Med 2018; 5:90. [PMID: 30087899 PMCID: PMC6066537 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2018.00090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
High aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDHhi) activity has been reported in normal and cancer stem cells. We and others have shown previously that human ALDHhi cardiac atrial appendage cells are enriched with stem/progenitor cells. The role of ALDH in these cells is poorly understood but it may come down to the specific ALDH isoform(s) expressed. This study aimed to compare ALDHhi and ALDHlo atrial cells and to identify the isoform(s) that contribute to ALDH activity, and their functional role. Methods and Results: Cells were isolated from atrial appendage specimens from patients with ischemic and/or valvular heart disease undergoing heart surgery. ALDHhi activity assessed with the Aldefluor reagent coincided with primitive surface marker expression (CD34+). Depending on their ALDH activity, RT-PCR analysis of ALDHhi and ALDHlo cells demonstrated a differential pattern of pluripotency genes (Oct 4, Nanog) and genes for more established cardiac lineages (Nkx2.5, Tbx5, Mef2c, GATA4). ALDHhi cells, but not ALDHlo cells, formed clones and were culture-expanded. When cultured under cardiac differentiation conditions, ALDHhi cells gave rise to a higher number of cardiomyocytes compared with ALDHlo cells. Among 19 ALDH isoforms known in human, ALDH1A3 was most highly expressed in ALDHhi atrial cells. Knocking down ALDH1A3, but not ALDH1A1, ALDH1A2, ALDH2, ALDH4A1, or ALDH8A1 using siRNA decreased ALDH activity and cell proliferation in ALDHhi cells. Conversely, overexpressing ALDH1A3 with a retroviral vector increased proliferation in ALDHlo cells. Conclusions: ALDH1A3 is the key isoform responsible for ALDH activity in ALDHhi atrial appendage cells, which have a propensity to differentiate into cardiomyocytes. ALDH1A3 affects in vitro proliferation of these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Puttini
- Cardiovascular Department, CHUV University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Plaisance
- Cardiovascular Department, CHUV University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lucio Barile
- Cardiocentro Ticino Foundation and Swiss Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Elisabetta Cervio
- Cardiocentro Ticino Foundation and Swiss Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppina Milano
- Cardiovascular Department, CHUV University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Cardiocentro Ticino Foundation and Swiss Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Paola Marcato
- Departments of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Thierry Pedrazzini
- Cardiovascular Department, CHUV University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppe Vassalli
- Cardiovascular Department, CHUV University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Cardiocentro Ticino Foundation and Swiss Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Lugano, Switzerland
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15
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Parente V, Corti S. Advances in spinal muscular atrophy therapeutics. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2018; 11:1756285618754501. [PMID: 29434670 PMCID: PMC5802612 DOI: 10.1177/1756285618754501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive, recessively inherited neuromuscular disease, characterized by the degeneration of lower motor neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem, which leads to weakness and muscle atrophy. SMA currently represents the most common genetic cause of infant death. SMA is caused by the lack of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein due to mutations, which are often deletions, in the SMN1 gene. In the absence of treatments able to modify the disease course, a considerable burden falls on patients and their families. Greater knowledge of the molecular basis of SMA pathogenesis has fuelled the development of potential therapeutic approaches, which are illustrated here. Nusinersen, a modified antisense oligonucleotide that modulates the splicing of the SMN2 mRNA transcript, is the first approved drug for all types of SMA. Moreover, the first gene therapy clinical trial using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors encoding SMN reported positive results in survival and motor milestones achievement. In addition, other strategies are in the pipeline, including modulation of SMN2 transcripts, neuroprotection, and targeting an increasing number of other peripheral targets, including the skeletal muscle. Based on this premise, it is reasonable to expect that therapeutic approaches aimed at treating SMA will soon be changed, and improved, in a meaningful way. We discuss the challenges with regard to the development of novel treatments for patients with SMA, and depict the current and future scenarios as the field enters into a new era of promising effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Parente
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
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16
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Nizzardo M, Bucchia M, Ramirez A, Trombetta E, Bresolin N, Comi GP, Corti S. iPSC-derived LewisX+CXCR4+β1-integrin+ neural stem cells improve the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis phenotype by preserving motor neurons and muscle innervation in human and rodent models. Hum Mol Genet 2016; 25:3152-3163. [PMID: 27270413 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal incurable neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons (MNs), leading to relentless muscle paralysis. In the early stage of the disease, MN loss and consequent muscle denervation are compensated by axonal sprouting and reinnervation by the remaining MNs, but this mechanism is insufficient in the long term. Here, we demonstrate that induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural stem cells (NSCs), in particular the subpopulation positive for LewisX-CXCR4-β1-integrin, enhance neuronal survival and axonal growth of human ALS-derived MNs co-cultured with toxic ALS astrocytes, acting on both autonomous and non-autonomous ALS disease features. Transplantation of this NSC fraction into transgenic SOD1G93A ALS mice protects MNs in vivo, promoting their ability to maintain neuromuscular junction integrity, inducing novel axonal sprouting and reducing macro- and microgliosis. These effects result in a significant increase in survival and an improved neuromuscular phenotype in transplanted SOD1G93A mice. Our findings suggest that effective protection of MN functional innervation can be achieved by modulation of multiple dysregulated cellular and molecular pathways in both MNs and glial cells. These pathways must be considered in designing therapeutic strategies for ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Nizzardo
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy, and
| | - Monica Bucchia
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy, and
| | - Agnese Ramirez
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy, and
| | - Elena Trombetta
- Flow Cytometry Service, Clinical Chemistry and Microbiology Laboratory Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Nereo Bresolin
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy, and
| | - Giacomo P Comi
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy, and
| | - Stefania Corti
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy, and
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17
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Aldehyde dehydrogenase 3A1 promotes multi-modality resistance and alters gene expression profile in human breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 cells. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2016; 77:120-128. [PMID: 27276244 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2016.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Revised: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Aldehyde dehydrogenases participate in a variety of cellular homeostatic mechanisms like metabolism, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, whereas recently, they have been implicated in normal and cancer cell stemness. We explored roles for ALDH3A1 in conferring resistance to chemotherapeutics/radiation/oxidative stress and whether ectopic overexpression of ALDH3A1 could lead to alterations of gene expression profile associated with cancer stem cell-like phenotype. MCF-7 cells were stably transfected either with an empty vector (mock) or human aldehyde dehydrogenase 3A1 cDNA. The expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase 3A1 in MCF-7 cells was associated with altered cell proliferation rate and enhanced cell resistance against various chemotherapeutic drugs (4-hydroxyperoxycyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, etoposide, and 5-fluorouracil). Aldehyde dehydrogenase 3A1 expression also led to increased tolerance of MCF-7 cells to gamma radiation and hydrogen peroxide-induced stress. Furthermore, aldehyde dehydrogenase 3A1-expressing MCF-7 cells exhibited gene up-regulation of cyclins A, B1, B2, and down-regulation of cyclin D1 as well as transcription factors p21, CXR4, Notch1, SOX2, SOX4, OCT4, and JAG1. When compared to mock cells, no changes were observed in mRNA levels of ABCA2 and ABCB1 protein pumps with only a minor decrease of the ABCG2 pump in the aldehyde dehydrogenase 3A1-expressing cells. Also, the adhesion molecules EpCAM and CD49F were also found to be up-regulated in aldehyde dehydrogenase 3A1expressing cells. Taken together, ALDH3A1 confers a multi-modality resistance phenotype in MCF-7 cells associated with slower growth rate, increased clonogenic capacity, and altered gene expression profile, underlining its significance in cell homeostasis.
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18
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Javanmardy S, Asadi MH, Movahedin M, Moradpour F, Bahadoran H. Derivation of motor neuron-like cells from neonatal mouse testis in a simple culture condition. Andrologia 2016; 48:1100-1107. [PMID: 26892722 DOI: 10.1111/and.12545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic stem cell (ESC) therapy is an exciting way to treat neurodegenerative disease and central nervous system injury. However, many ethical and immunological problems surround the use of embryonic stem cells. Finding an alternative source of stem cells is therefore pertinent. In this study, spermatogonia stem cells (SSCs) were used to generate mature motor neurons. SSCs were extracted from neonatal testes and cultured in DMED/F12 medium for 3 weeks. Characterisation of SSC-derived ESC-like cells was confirmed by RT-qPCR, immunostaining, alkaline phosphatase activity and their ability to form embryoid bodies (EBs). The EBs were induced by retinoic acid and Sonic hedgehog and trypsinised to obtain single induced cells. The single cells were cultured in neural medium for 18 days. Characterisation of neural precursors and motor neuron-like cells was confirmed by RT-qPCR and immunocytochemical analysis at the 7th day (early stage) and 18th day (late stage), respectively, of culturing. The neural precursors were found to be positive for nestin and Sox2, and a small fraction of cells expressed β-tubulin III. Upon further differentiation, multipolar neurons were detected that expressed β-tubulin III and MAP2 markers. Moreover, the expression levels of Olig2 and PAX6 were significantly lower, while HB9, Isl1 and Isl2 expression levels were higher at the late stage when compared to the early stage. These results show that SSCs have the potential to differentiate to motor neuron-like cells and express markers specific for mature motor neurons. However, the functional ability of these cells remains to be evaluated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Javanmardy
- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - M H Asadi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of medicine, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Movahedin
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of medical sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - F Moradpour
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - H Bahadoran
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of medicine, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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19
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Nizzardo M, Simone C, Rizzo F, Ulzi G, Ramirez A, Rizzuti M, Bordoni A, Bucchia M, Gatti S, Bresolin N, Comi GP, Corti S. Morpholino-mediated SOD1 reduction ameliorates an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease phenotype. Sci Rep 2016; 6:21301. [PMID: 26878886 PMCID: PMC4754711 DOI: 10.1038/srep21301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotoxicity due to the accumulation of mutant proteins is thought to drive pathogenesis in neurodegenerative diseases. Mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) are linked to familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS); these mutations result in progressive motor neuron death through one or more acquired toxicities. Interestingly, SOD1 is not only responsible for fALS but may also play a significant role in sporadic ALS; therefore, SOD1 represents a promising therapeutic target. Here, we report slowed disease progression, improved neuromuscular function, and increased survival in an in vivo ALS model following therapeutic delivery of morpholino oligonucleotides (MOs) designed to reduce the synthesis of human SOD1. Neuropathological analysis demonstrated increased motor neuron and axon numbers and a remarkable reduction in astrogliosis and microgliosis. To test this strategy in a human model, we treated human fALS induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived motor neurons with MOs; these cells exhibited increased survival and reduced expression of apoptotic markers. Our data demonstrated the efficacy of MO-mediated therapy in mouse and human ALS models, setting the stage for human clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Nizzardo
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - C. Simone
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - F. Rizzo
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - G. Ulzi
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - A. Ramirez
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - M. Rizzuti
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - A. Bordoni
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - M. Bucchia
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - S. Gatti
- Centro di Ricerche Chirurgiche Precliniche, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - N. Bresolin
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - G. P. Comi
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - S. Corti
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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20
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Vanoli F, Rinchetti P, Porro F, Parente V, Corti S. Clinical and molecular features and therapeutic perspectives of spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1. J Cell Mol Med 2015; 19:2058-66. [PMID: 26095024 PMCID: PMC4568910 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress (SMARD1) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease caused by mutations in the IGHMBP2 gene, encoding the immunoglobulin μ-binding protein 2, leading to motor neuron degeneration. It is a rare and fatal disease with an early onset in infancy in the majority of the cases. The main clinical features are muscular atrophy and diaphragmatic palsy, which requires prompt and permanent supportive ventilation. The human disease is recapitulated in the neuromuscular degeneration (nmd) mouse. No effective treatment is available yet, but novel therapeutical approaches tested on the nmd mouse, such as the use of neurotrophic factors and stem cell therapy, have shown positive effects. Gene therapy demonstrated effectiveness in SMA, being now at the stage of clinical trial in patients and therefore representing a possible treatment for SMARD1 as well. The significant advancement in understanding of both SMARD1 clinical spectrum and molecular mechanisms makes ground for a rapid translation of pre-clinical therapeutic strategies in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiammetta Vanoli
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Rinchetti
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Porro
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Parente
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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21
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Nizzardo M, Simone C, Rizzo F, Salani S, Dametti S, Rinchetti P, Del Bo R, Foust K, Kaspar BK, Bresolin N, Comi GP, Corti S. Gene therapy rescues disease phenotype in a spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1 (SMARD1) mouse model. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2015; 1:e1500078. [PMID: 26601156 PMCID: PMC4643829 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1500078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2015] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1 (SMARD1) is an autosomal recessive motor neuron disease affecting children. It is caused by mutations in the IGHMBP2 gene (11q13) and presently has no cure. Recently, adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9)-mediated gene therapy has been shown to rescue the phenotype of animal models of another lower motor neuron disorder, spinal muscular atrophy 5q, and a clinical trial with this strategy is ongoing. We report rescue of the disease phenotype in a SMARD1 mouse model after therapeutic delivery via systemic injection of an AAV9 construct encoding the wild-type IGHMBP2 to replace the defective gene. AAV9-IGHMBP2 administration restored protein levels and rescued motor function, neuromuscular physiology, and life span (450% increase), ameliorating pathological features in the central nervous system, muscles, and heart. To test this strategy in a human model, we transferred wild-type IGHMBP2 into human SMARD1-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived motor neurons; these cells exhibited increased survival and axonal length in long-term culture. Our data support the translational potential of AAV-mediated gene therapies for SMARD1, opening the door for AAV9-mediated therapy in human clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Nizzardo
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, and Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Corresponding author: E-mail:
| | - Chiara Simone
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, and Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Rizzo
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, and Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Sabrina Salani
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, and Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Dametti
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, and Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Rinchetti
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, and Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Del Bo
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, and Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Kevin Foust
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Brian K. Kaspar
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Nereo Bresolin
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, and Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo P. Comi
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, and Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, and Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
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22
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Cottenie E, Kochanski A, Jordanova A, Bansagi B, Zimon M, Horga A, Jaunmuktane Z, Saveri P, Rasic VM, Baets J, Bartsakoulia M, Ploski R, Teterycz P, Nikolic M, Quinlivan R, Laura M, Sweeney MG, Taroni F, Lunn MP, Moroni I, Gonzalez M, Hanna MG, Bettencourt C, Chabrol E, Franke A, von Au K, Schilhabel M, Kabzińska D, Hausmanowa-Petrusewicz I, Brandner S, Lim SC, Song H, Choi BO, Horvath R, Chung KW, Zuchner S, Pareyson D, Harms M, Reilly MM, Houlden H. Truncating and missense mutations in IGHMBP2 cause Charcot-Marie Tooth disease type 2. Am J Hum Genet 2014; 95:590-601. [PMID: 25439726 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2014.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 10/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Using a combination of exome sequencing and linkage analysis, we investigated an English family with two affected siblings in their 40s with recessive Charcot-Marie Tooth disease type 2 (CMT2). Compound heterozygous mutations in the immunoglobulin-helicase-μ-binding protein 2 (IGHMBP2) gene were identified. Further sequencing revealed a total of 11 CMT2 families with recessively inherited IGHMBP2 gene mutations. IGHMBP2 mutations usually lead to spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1 (SMARD1), where most infants die before 1 year of age. The individuals with CMT2 described here, have slowly progressive weakness, wasting and sensory loss, with an axonal neuropathy typical of CMT2, but no significant respiratory compromise. Segregating IGHMBP2 mutations in CMT2 were mainly loss-of-function nonsense in the 5' region of the gene in combination with a truncating frameshift, missense, or homozygous frameshift mutations in the last exon. Mutations in CMT2 were predicted to be less aggressive as compared to those in SMARD1, and fibroblast and lymphoblast studies indicate that the IGHMBP2 protein levels are significantly higher in CMT2 than SMARD1, but lower than controls, suggesting that the clinical phenotype differences are related to the IGHMBP2 protein levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Cottenie
- MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Department of Molecular Neurosciences, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Andrzej Kochanski
- Neuromuscular Unit, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, Centre of Biostructure, Medical University of Warsaw, Pawinskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Albena Jordanova
- VIB Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen 2610, Belgium
| | - Boglarka Bansagi
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Magdalena Zimon
- VIB Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen 2610, Belgium
| | - Alejandro Horga
- MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Department of Molecular Neurosciences, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Zane Jaunmuktane
- Division of Neuropathology and Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Paola Saveri
- Clinic of Central and Peripheral Degenerative Neuropathies Unit, IRCCS Foundation, C. Besta Neurological Institute, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Vedrana Milic Rasic
- Clinic for Neurology and Psychiatry for Children and Youth, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jonathan Baets
- VIB Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen 2610, Belgium; Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen 2610, Belgium; Department of Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Marina Bartsakoulia
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Rafal Ploski
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre of Biostructure, Medical University of Warsaw, Pawinskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Pawel Teterycz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre of Biostructure, Medical University of Warsaw, Pawinskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Milos Nikolic
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ros Quinlivan
- MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Matilde Laura
- MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Department of Molecular Neurosciences, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Mary G Sweeney
- Neurogenetics Laboratory, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Franco Taroni
- Unit of Genetics of Neurodegenerative and Metabolic Disease IRCCS Foundation, C. Besta Neurological Institute, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Michael P Lunn
- MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Isabella Moroni
- Child Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation, C. Besta Neurological Institute, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Michael Gonzalez
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, FL 33136, USA
| | - Michael G Hanna
- MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Department of Molecular Neurosciences, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Conceicao Bettencourt
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Elodie Chabrol
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Andre Franke
- Christian-Albrechts-University, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Katja von Au
- SPZ Pediatric Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Dagmara Kabzińska
- Neuromuscular Unit, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, Centre of Biostructure, Medical University of Warsaw, Pawinskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Irena Hausmanowa-Petrusewicz
- Neuromuscular Unit, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, Centre of Biostructure, Medical University of Warsaw, Pawinskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sebastian Brandner
- Division of Neuropathology and Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Siew Choo Lim
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673
| | - Haiwei Song
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673; Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Byung-Ok Choi
- Department of Neurology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 137-710, Korea
| | - Rita Horvath
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Ki-Wha Chung
- Department of Biological Science, Kongju National University, Chungnam 134-701, Korea
| | - Stephan Zuchner
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, FL 33136, USA
| | - Davide Pareyson
- Clinic of Central and Peripheral Degenerative Neuropathies Unit, IRCCS Foundation, C. Besta Neurological Institute, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Matthew Harms
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Mary M Reilly
- MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Department of Molecular Neurosciences, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Henry Houlden
- MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Department of Molecular Neurosciences, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Neurogenetics Laboratory, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK.
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Porro F, Rinchetti P, Magri F, Riboldi G, Nizzardo M, Simone C, Zanetta C, Faravelli I, Corti S. The wide spectrum of clinical phenotypes of spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1: A systematic review. J Neurol Sci 2014; 346:35-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2014.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2014] [Revised: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Faravelli I, Riboldi G, Nizzardo M, Simone C, Zanetta C, Bresolin N, Comi GP, Corti S. Stem cell transplantation for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: therapeutic potential and perspectives on clinical translation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 71:3257-68. [PMID: 24699704 PMCID: PMC11113626 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1613-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Revised: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurological disease characterized by degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons. There are currently no clinically impactful treatments for this disorder. Death occurs 3-5 years after diagnosis, usually due to respiratory failure. ALS pathogenesis seems to involve several pathological mechanisms (i.e., oxidative stress, inflammation, and loss of the glial neurotrophic support, glutamate toxicity) with different contributions from environmental and genetic factors. This multifaceted combination highlights the concept that an effective therapeutic approach should counteract simultaneously different aspects: stem cell therapies are able to maintain or rescue motor neuron function and modulate toxicity in the central nervous system (CNS) at the same time, eventually representing the most comprehensive therapeutic approach for ALS. To achieve an effective cell-mediated therapy suitable for clinical applications, several issues must be addressed, including the identification of the most performing cell source, a feasible administration protocol, and the definition of therapeutic mechanisms. The method of cell delivery represents a major issue in developing cell-mediated approaches since the cells, to be effective, need to be spread across the CNS, targeting both lower and upper motor neurons. On the other hand, there is the need to define a strategy that could provide a whole distribution without being too invasive or burdened by side effects. Here, we review the recent advances regarding the therapeutic potential of stem cells for ALS with a focus on the minimally invasive strategies that could facilitate an extensive translation to their clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Faravelli
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neuroscience Section, Dino Ferrari Centre, Neurology Unit, University of Milan, IRCCS Foundation Ca’Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulietta Riboldi
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neuroscience Section, Dino Ferrari Centre, Neurology Unit, University of Milan, IRCCS Foundation Ca’Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Nizzardo
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neuroscience Section, Dino Ferrari Centre, Neurology Unit, University of Milan, IRCCS Foundation Ca’Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Simone
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neuroscience Section, Dino Ferrari Centre, Neurology Unit, University of Milan, IRCCS Foundation Ca’Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Zanetta
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neuroscience Section, Dino Ferrari Centre, Neurology Unit, University of Milan, IRCCS Foundation Ca’Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Nereo Bresolin
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neuroscience Section, Dino Ferrari Centre, Neurology Unit, University of Milan, IRCCS Foundation Ca’Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo P. Comi
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neuroscience Section, Dino Ferrari Centre, Neurology Unit, University of Milan, IRCCS Foundation Ca’Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neuroscience Section, Dino Ferrari Centre, Neurology Unit, University of Milan, IRCCS Foundation Ca’Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
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Simone C, Nizzardo M, Rizzo F, Ruggieri M, Riboldi G, Salani S, Bucchia M, Bresolin N, Comi GP, Corti S. iPSC-Derived neural stem cells act via kinase inhibition to exert neuroprotective effects in spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1. Stem Cell Reports 2014; 3:297-311. [PMID: 25254343 PMCID: PMC4176534 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2014.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2014] [Revised: 06/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1 (SMARD1) is a motor neuron disease caused by mutations in the IGHMBP2 gene, without a cure. Here, we demonstrate that neural stem cells (NSCs) from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have therapeutic potential in the context of SMARD1. We show that upon transplantation NSCs can appropriately engraft and differentiate in the spinal cord of SMARD1 animals, ameliorating their phenotype, by protecting their endogenous motor neurons. To evaluate the effect of NSCs in the context of human disease, we generated human SMARD1-iPSCs motor neurons that had a significantly reduced survival and axon length. Notably, the coculture with NSCs ameliorate these disease features, an effect attributable to the production of neurotrophic factors and their dual inhibition of GSK-3 and HGK kinases. Our data support the role of iPSC as SMARD1 disease model and their translational potential for therapies in motor neuron disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Simone
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Nizzardo
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Rizzo
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Margherita Ruggieri
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulietta Riboldi
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Sabrina Salani
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Bucchia
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Nereo Bresolin
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo P Comi
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy.
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Krieger F, Elflein N, Saenger S, Wirthgen E, Rak K, Frantz S, Hoeflich A, Toyka KV, Metzger F, Jablonka S. Polyethylene glycol-coupled IGF1 delays motor function defects in a mouse model of spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1. Brain 2014; 137:1374-93. [DOI: 10.1093/brain/awu059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Francius C, Clotman F. Generating spinal motor neuron diversity: a long quest for neuronal identity. Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 71:813-29. [PMID: 23765105 PMCID: PMC11113339 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-013-1398-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Revised: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/31/2013] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
Understanding how thousands of different neuronal types are generated in the CNS constitutes a major challenge for developmental neurobiologists and is a prerequisite before considering cell or gene therapies of nervous lesions or pathologies. During embryonic development, spinal motor neurons (MNs) segregate into distinct subpopulations that display specific characteristics and properties including molecular identity, migration pattern, allocation to specific motor columns, and innervation of defined target. Because of the facility to correlate these different characteristics, the diversification of spinal MNs has become the model of choice for studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the generation of multiple neuronal populations in the developing CNS. Therefore, how spinal motor neuron subpopulations are produced during development has been extensively studied during the last two decades. In this review article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the genetic and molecular mechanisms that contribute to the diversification of spinal MNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cédric Francius
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Laboratory of Neural Differentiation, 55 Avenue Hippocrate, Box (B1.55.11), 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Clotman
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Laboratory of Neural Differentiation, 55 Avenue Hippocrate, Box (B1.55.11), 1200 Brussels, Belgium
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Zanetta C, Riboldi G, Nizzardo M, Simone C, Faravelli I, Bresolin N, Comi GP, Corti S. Molecular, genetic and stem cell-mediated therapeutic strategies for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). J Cell Mol Med 2014; 18:187-96. [PMID: 24400925 PMCID: PMC3930406 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive motor neuron disease. It is the first genetic cause of infant mortality. It is caused by mutations in the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, leading to the reduction of SMN protein. The most striking component is the loss of alpha motor neurons in the ventral horn of the spinal cord, resulting in progressive paralysis and eventually premature death. There is no current treatment other than supportive care, although the past decade has seen a striking advancement in understanding of both SMA genetics and molecular mechanisms. A variety of disease modifying interventions are rapidly bridging the translational gap from the laboratory to clinical trials. In this review, we would like to outline the most interesting therapeutic strategies that are currently developing, which are represented by molecular, gene and stem cell-mediated approaches for the treatment of SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Zanetta
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilan, Italy
| | - Giulietta Riboldi
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilan, Italy
| | - Monica Nizzardo
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilan, Italy
| | - Chiara Simone
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilan, Italy
| | - Irene Faravelli
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilan, Italy
| | - Nereo Bresolin
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilan, Italy
| | - Giacomo P Comi
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilan, Italy
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Szabo AZ, Fong S, Yue L, Zhang K, Strachan LR, Scalapino K, Mancianti ML, Ghadially R. The CD44+ ALDH+ population of human keratinocytes is enriched for epidermal stem cells with long-term repopulating ability. Stem Cells 2013; 31:786-99. [PMID: 23335266 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2011] [Accepted: 12/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Like for other somatic tissues, isolation of a pure population of stem cells has been a primary goal in epidermal biology. We isolated discrete populations of freshly obtained human neonatal keratinocytes (HNKs) using previously untested candidate stem cell markers aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) and CD44 as well as the previously studied combination of integrin α6 and CD71. An in vivo transplantation assay combined with limiting dilution analysis was used to quantify enrichment for long-term repopulating cells in the isolated populations. The ALDH(+) CD44(+) population was enriched 12.6-fold for long-term repopulating epidermal stem cells (EpiSCs) and the integrin α6(hi) CD71(lo) population was enriched 5.6-fold, over unfractionated cells. In addition to long-term repopulation, CD44(+) ALDH(+) keratinocytes exhibited other stem cell properties. CD44(+) ALDH(+) keratinocytes had self-renewal ability, demonstrated by increased numbers of cells expressing nuclear Bmi-1, serial transplantation of CD44(+) ALDH(+) cells, and holoclone formation in vitro. CD44(+) ALDH(+) cells were multipotent, producing greater numbers of hair follicle-like structures than CD44(-) ALDH(-) cells. Furthermore, 58% ± 7% of CD44(+) ALDH(+) cells exhibited label-retention. In vitro, CD44(+) ALDH(+) cells showed enhanced colony formation, in both keratinocyte and embryonic stem cell growth media. In summary, the CD44(+) ALDH(+) population exhibits stem cell properties including long-term epidermal regeneration, multipotency, label retention, and holoclone formation. This study shows that it is possible to quantify the relative number of EpiSCs in human keratinocyte populations using long-term repopulation as a functional test of stem cell nature. Future studies will combine isolation strategies as dictated by the results of quantitative transplantation assays, in order to achieve a nearly pure population of EpiSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akos Z Szabo
- Department of Dermatology, University of California San Francisco and Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Dermatology Service, San Francisco, California, USA
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30
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Nizzardo M, Simone C, Rizzo F, Ruggieri M, Salani S, Riboldi G, Faravelli I, Zanetta C, Bresolin N, Comi GP, Corti S. Minimally invasive transplantation of iPSC-derived ALDHhiSSCloVLA4+ neural stem cells effectively improves the phenotype of an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis model. Hum Mol Genet 2013; 23:342-54. [PMID: 24006477 PMCID: PMC3869354 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddt425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurological disease characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons. Currently, there is no effective therapy for ALS. Stem cell transplantation is a potential therapeutic strategy for ALS, and the reprogramming of adult somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) represents a novel cell source. In this study, we isolated a specific neural stem cell (NSC) population from human iPSCs based on high aldehyde dehydrogenase activity, low side scatter and integrin VLA4 positivity. We assessed the therapeutic effects of these NSCs on the phenotype of ALS mice after intrathecal or intravenous injections. Transplanted NSCs migrated and engrafted into the central nervous system via both routes of injection. Compared with control ALS, treated ALS mice exhibited improved neuromuscular function and motor unit pathology and significantly increased life span, in particular with the systemic administration of NSCs (15%). These positive effects are linked to multiple mechanisms, including production of neurotrophic factors and reduction of micro- and macrogliosis. NSCs induced a decrease in astrocyte number through the activation of the vanilloid receptor TRPV1. We conclude that minimally invasive injections of iPSC-derived NSCs can exert a therapeutic effect in ALS. This study contributes to advancements in iPSC-mediated approaches for treating ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Nizzardo
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan 20122, Italy
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31
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van der Pol WL, Talim B, Pitt M, von Au K. 190th ENMC international workshop: Spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress/distal spinal muscular atrophy type 1. Neuromuscul Disord 2013; 23:602-9. [PMID: 23726377 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2013.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Xu L, Mahairaki V, Koliatsos VE. Host induction by transplanted neural stem cells in the spinal cord: further evidence for an adult spinal cord neurogenic niche. Regen Med 2013; 7:785-97. [PMID: 23164079 DOI: 10.2217/rme.12.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To explore the hypothesis that grafts of exogenous stem cells in the spinal cord of athymic rats or rats with transgenic motor neuron disease can induce endogenous stem cells and initiate intrinsic repair mechanisms that can be exploited in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis therapeutics. MATERIALS & METHODS Human neural stem cells (NSCs) were transplanted into the lower lumbar spinal cord of healthy rats or rats with transgenic motor neuron disease to explore whether signals related to stem cells can initiate intrinsic repair mechanisms in normal and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis subjects. Patterns of migration and differentiation of NSCs in the gray and white matter, with emphasis on the central canal region and ependymal cell-driven neurogenesis, were analyzed. RESULTS Findings suggest that there is extensive cross-signaling between transplanted NSCs and a putative neurogenic niche in the ependyma of the lower lumbar cord. The formation of a neuronal cord from NSC-derived cells next to ependyma suggests that this structure may serve a mediating or auxiliary role for ependymal induction. CONCLUSION These findings raise the possibility that NSCs may stimulate endogenous neurogenesis and initiate intrinsic repair mechanisms in the lower spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyan Xu
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Ross Building, Room 558, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Putman DM, Hess DA. Isolation of Human Umbilical Cord Blood Aldehyde Dehydrogenase–Expressing Progenitor Cells that Modulate Vascular Regenerative Functions In Vitro and In Vivo. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; Chapter 2:Unit 2A.10. [DOI: 10.1002/9780470151808.sc02a10s25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David M. Putman
- Vascular Biology Research Group, Robarts Research Institute, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology Western University, London, Ontario Canada
| | - David A. Hess
- Vascular Biology Research Group, Robarts Research Institute, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology Western University, London, Ontario Canada
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Human marrow stromal cells reduce microglial activation to protect motor neurons in a transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neuroinflammation 2013; 10:52. [PMID: 23631660 PMCID: PMC3651332 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-10-52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2012] [Accepted: 04/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human marrow stromal cells (hMSCs) injected intrathecally can effectively increase the lifespan and protect motor neurons in a transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. However, how the transplanted cells exert a neuroprotective effect is still unclear. More recently, the anti-inflammation effect of marrow stromal cells has generated a great deal of interest. In the present study, we sought to investigate whether intrathecally injected hMSCs protect motor neurons through attenuating microglial activation and the secretion of inflammatory factors in Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) transgenic mice. In addition, we also focused on the mode of hMSCs inhibiting microglial activation. Methods We transplanted hMSCs into the cisterna magna of SOD1 mice at the age of 8, 10 and 12 weeks. At sacrifice, tissues were harvested for analysis of neuron counts, microglial activation, TNFα secretion and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein expression. In vitro, microglial cells were treated with hMSC co-culture, hMSC transwell culture or hMSC conditioned medium to investigate the mode of hMSCs exerting an anti-inflammation effect. Results Intrathecally transplanted hMSCs inhibited inflammatory response in SOD1 transgenic mice, which was evidenced by the decreases in microglial activation, TNFα secretion and iNOS protein expression. In addition, the inhibitory effect on microglial activation of hMSCs was through secretion of diffusible molecules adjusted to environmental cues. Conclusion Intrathecally injected hMSCs can attenuate microglial activation through secretion of diffusible molecules to exert a therapeutic effect in SOD1 transgenic mice. Further studies are needed to explore the exact mechanisms by which hMSCs inhibit inflammation for facilitating the therapeutic effect.
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Roehrich ME, Spicher A, Milano G, Vassalli G. Characterization of cardiac-resident progenitor cells expressing high aldehyde dehydrogenase activity. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:503047. [PMID: 23484127 PMCID: PMC3581094 DOI: 10.1155/2013/503047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2012] [Revised: 10/29/2012] [Accepted: 11/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
High aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity has been associated with stem and progenitor cells in various tissues. Human cord blood and bone marrow ALDH-bright (ALDH(br)) cells have displayed angiogenic activity in preclinical studies and have been shown to be safe in clinical trials in patients with ischemic cardiovascular disease. The presence of ALDH(br) cells in the heart has not been evaluated so far. We have characterized ALDH(br) cells isolated from mouse hearts. One percent of nonmyocytic cells from neonatal and adult hearts were ALDH(br). ALDH(very-br) cells were more frequent in neonatal hearts than adult. ALDH(br) cells were more frequent in atria than ventricles. Expression of ALDH1A1 isozyme transcripts was highest in ALDH(very-br) cells, intermediate in ALDH(br) cells, and lowest in ALDH(dim) cells. ALDH1A2 expression was highest in ALDH(very-br) cells, intermediate in ALDH(dim) cells, and lowest in ALDH(br) cells. ALDH1A3 and ALDH2 expression was detectable in ALDH(very-br) and ALDH(br) cells, unlike ALDH(dim) cells, albeit at lower levels compared with ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A2. Freshly isolated ALDH(br) cells were enriched for cells expressing stem cell antigen-1, CD34, CD90, CD44, and CD106. ALDH(br) cells, unlike ALDH(dim) cells, could be grown in culture for more than 40 passages. They expressed sarcomeric α -actinin and could be differentiated along multiple mesenchymal lineages. However, the proportion of ALDH(br) cells declined with cell passage. In conclusion, the cardiac-derived ALDH(br) population is enriched for progenitor cells that exhibit mesenchymal progenitor-like characteristics and can be expanded in culture. The regenerative potential of cardiac-derived ALDH(br) cells remains to be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc-Estienne Roehrich
- Department of Cardiology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Avenue du Bugnon, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Albert Spicher
- Department of Cardiology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Avenue du Bugnon, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppina Milano
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Avenue du Bugnon, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppe Vassalli
- Department of Cardiology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Avenue du Bugnon, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, Fondazione Cardiocentro Ticino, Via Tesserete 48, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
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Putman DM, Liu KY, Broughton HC, Bell GI, Hess DA. Umbilical cord blood-derived aldehyde dehydrogenase-expressing progenitor cells promote recovery from acute ischemic injury. Stem Cells 2013; 30:2248-60. [PMID: 22899443 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Umbilical cord blood (UCB) represents a readily available source of hematopoietic and endothelial precursors at early ontogeny. Understanding the proangiogenic functions of these somatic progenitor subtypes after transplantation is integral to the development of improved cell-based therapies to treat ischemic diseases. We used fluorescence-activated cell sorting to purify a rare (<0.5%) population of UCB cells with high aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH(hi) ) activity, a conserved stem/progenitor cell function. ALDH(hi) cells were depleted of mature monocytes and T- and B-lymphocytes and were enriched for early myeloid (CD33) and stem cell-associated (CD34, CD133, and CD117) phenotypes. Although these cells were primarily hematopoietic in origin, UCB ALDH(hi) cells demonstrated a proangiogenic transcription profile and were highly enriched for both multipotent myeloid and endothelial colony-forming cells in vitro. Coculture of ALDH(hi) cells in hanging transwells promoted the survival of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) under growth factor-free and serum-free conditions. On growth factor depleted matrigel, ALDH(hi) cells significantly increased tube-like cord formation by HUVEC. After induction of acute unilateral hind limb ischemia by femoral artery ligation, transplantation of ALDH(hi) cells significantly enhanced the recovery of perfusion in ischemic limbs. Despite transient engraftment in the ischemic hind limb, early recruitment of ALDH(hi) cells into ischemic muscle tissue correlated with increased murine von Willebrand factor blood vessel and CD31+ capillary densities. Thus, UCB ALDH(hi) cells represent a readily available population of proangiogenic progenitors that promote vascular regeneration. This work provides preclinical justification for the development of therapeutic strategies to treat ischemic diseases using UCB-derived ALDH(hi) mixed progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Putman
- Krembil Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Robarts Research Institute, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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Fast motor axon loss in SMARD1 does not correspond to morphological and functional alterations of the NMJ. Neurobiol Dis 2013; 54:169-82. [PMID: 23295857 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2012.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2012] [Revised: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 12/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1 (SMARD1) is a childhood motoneuron disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding for IGHMBP2, an ATPase/Helicase. Paralysis of the diaphragm is an early and prominent clinical sign resulting both from denervation and myopathy. In skeletal muscles, muscle atrophy mainly results from loss of motoneuron cell bodies and axonal degeneration. Although it is well known that loss of motoneurons at the lumbar spinal cord is an early event in the pathogenesis of the disease, it is not clear whether the corresponding proximal axons and NMJs are also early affected. In order to address this question, we have investigated the time course of the disease progression at the level of the motoneuron cell body, proximal axon (ventral root), distal axon (sciatic nerve), NMJ, and muscle fiber in Nmd(2J) mice, a mouse model for SMARD1. Our results show an early and apparently parallel loss of motoneurons, proximal axons, and NMJs. In affected muscles, however, denervated fibers coexist with NMJs with normal morphology and unaltered neurotransmission. Furthermore, unaffected axons are able to sprout and reinnervate muscle fibers, suggesting selective vulnerability of neurons to Ighmbp2 deficiency. The preservation of the NMJ morphology and neurotransmission in the Nmd(2J) mouse until motor axon loss takes place, differs from that observed in SMA mouse models in which NMJ impairment is an early and more general phenomenon in affected muscles.
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Future Perspectives in Nerve Repair and Regeneration. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2013; 109:165-92. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-420045-6.00008-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Chen L, Chen D, Xi H, Wang Q, Liu Y, Zhang F, Wang H, Ren Y, Xiao J, Wang Y, Huang H. Olfactory ensheathing cell neurorestorotherapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients: benefits from multiple transplantations. Cell Transplant 2012; 21 Suppl 1:S65-77. [PMID: 22507682 DOI: 10.3727/096368912x633789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous series of studies have proven that olfactory ensheathing cell (OEC) transplantation appears to be able to slow the rate of clinical progression after OEC transplantation in the first 4 months and cell intracranial (key points for neural network restoration, KPNNR) and/or intraspinal (impaired segments) implants provide benefit for patients (including both the bulbar onset and limb onset subtypes) with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Here we report the results of cell therapy in patients with ALS on the basis of long-term observation following multiple transplants. From March of 2003 to January of 2010, 507 ALS patients received our cellular treatment. Among them, 42 patients underwent further OEC therapy by the route of KPNNR for two or more times (two times in 35 patients, three times in 5 patients, four times in 1 patient, and five times in 1 patient). The time intervals are 13.1 (6-60) months between the first therapy and the second one, 15.2 (8-24) months between the second therapy and the third one, 16 (6-26) months between the third therapy and the fourth one, and 9 months between the fourth therapy and the fifth time. All of the patients exhibited partial neurological functional recovery after each cell-based administration. Firstly, the scores of the ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALS-FRS) and ALS Norris Scale increased by 2.6 + 2.4 (0-8) and 4.9 + 5.2 (0-20) after the first treatment, 1.1 + 1.3 (0-5) and 2.3 + 2.9 (0-13) after the second treatment, 1.1 + 1.5 (0-4), and 3.4 + 6.9 (0-19) after the third treatment, 0.0 + 0.0 (0-0), and 2.5 + 3.5 (0-5) after the fourth treatment, and 1 point after the fifth cellular therapy, which were evaluated by independent neurologists. Secondly, the majority of patients have achieved improvement in electromyogram (EMG) assessments after the first, second, third, and fourth cell transplantation. After the first treatment, among the 42 patients, 36 (85.7%) patients' EMG test results improved, the remaining 6 (14.3%) patients' EMG results showed no remarkable change. After the second treatment, of the 42 patients, 30 (71.4%) patients' EMG results improved, 11 (26.2%) patients showed no remarkable change, and 1 (2.4%) patient became worse. After the third treatment, out of the 7 patients, 4 (57.1%) patients improved, while the remaining 3 (42.9%) patients showed no change. Thirdly, the patients have partially recovered their breathing ability as demonstrated by pulmonary functional tests. After the first treatment, 20 (47.6%) patients' pulmonary function ameliorated. After the second treatment, 18 (42.9%) patients' pulmonary function improved. After the third treatment, 2 (28.6%) patients recovered some pulmonary function. After the fourth and fifth treatment, patients' pulmonary function did not reveal significant change. The results show that multiple doses of cellular therapy definitely serve as a positive role in the treatment of ALS. This repeated and periodic cell-based therapy is strongly recommended for the patients, for better controlling this progressive deterioration disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Chen
- Center for Neurorestoratology, Beijing Rehabilitation Center, Beijing, P.R. China
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40
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Therapy development for spinal muscular atrophy in SMN independent targets. Neural Plast 2012; 2012:456478. [PMID: 22701806 PMCID: PMC3369530 DOI: 10.1155/2012/456478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2012] [Revised: 04/05/2012] [Accepted: 04/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder, leading to progressive muscle weakness, atrophy, and sometimes premature death. SMA is caused by mutation or deletion of the survival motor neuron-1 (SMN1) gene. An effective treatment does not presently exist. Since the severity of the SMA phenotype is inversely correlated with expression levels of SMN, the SMN-encoded protein, SMN is the most important therapeutic target for development of an effective treatment for SMA. In recent years, numerous SMN independent targets and therapeutic strategies have been demonstrated to have potential roles in SMA treatment. For example, some neurotrophic, antiapoptotic, and myotrophic factors are able to promote survival of motor neurons or improve muscle strength shown in SMA mouse models or clinical trials. Plastin-3, cpg15, and a Rho-kinase inhibitor regulate axonal dynamics and might reduce the influences of SMN depletion in disarrangement of neuromuscular junction. Stem cell transplantation in SMA model mice resulted in improvement of motor behaviors and extension of survival, likely from trophic support. Although most therapies are still under investigation, these nonclassical treatments might provide an adjunctive method for future SMA therapy.
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Lee JC, Seong J, Kim SH, Lee SJ, Cho YJ, An J, Nam DH, Joo KM, Cha CI. Replacement of microglial cells using Clodronate liposome and bone marrow transplantation in the central nervous system of SOD1G93A transgenic mice as an in vivo model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2012; 418:359-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2012.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2012] [Accepted: 01/06/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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42
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Chen L, Xi H, Huang H. Cell-Based Neurorestorotherapy in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - Scientific Truth should Rely on Facts, but Not Conjecture. Front Integr Neurosci 2011; 5:83. [PMID: 22203794 PMCID: PMC3243926 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2011.00083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2011] [Accepted: 11/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Chen
- Cell Research Center, Beijing Hongtianji Neuroscience Academy Beijing, China
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43
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Balber AE. Concise review: aldehyde dehydrogenase bright stem and progenitor cell populations from normal tissues: characteristics, activities, and emerging uses in regenerative medicine. Stem Cells 2011; 29:570-5. [PMID: 21308868 DOI: 10.1002/stem.613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Flow cytometry has been used to detect cells that express high levels of the aldehyde dehydrogenase activity in normal tissues. Such ALDH bright (ALDHbr) cell populations have been sorted from human cord blood, bone marrow, mobilized peripheral blood, skeletal muscle, and breast tissue and from the rodent brain, pancreas, and prostate. A variety of hematopoietic, endothelial, and mutiltipotential mesenchymal progenitors are enriched in the human bone marrow, cord, and peripheral blood ALDHbr populations. Multipotential neural progenitors are enriched in rodent brain tissue, and tissue-specific progenitors in the other tissue types. In xenograft models, uncultured human bone marrow and cord ALDHbr cells home to damaged tissue and protect mice against acute ischemic injury by promoting angiogenesis. Uncultured cord ALDHbr cells also deploy to nonhematopoietic tissues and protect animals in CCl4 intoxication and chronic multiorgan failure models. Mouse ALDHbr cells and cells derived from them in culture protect animals in a chronic neurodegenerative disease model. Purifying ALDHbr cells appears to increase their ability to repair tissues in these animal models. Clinical studies suggest that the number of ALDHbr cells present in hematopoietic grafts or circulating in the blood of cardiovascular disease patients is related to clinical outcomes or disease severity. ALDHbr cells have been used to supplement unrelated cord blood transplant and to treat patients with ischemic heart failure and critical limb ischemia. ALDH activity can play several physiological roles in stem and progenitor cells that may potentiate their utility in cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E Balber
- Cicada Biopharmaceutical Consulting, Durham, North Carolina 27707, USA.
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Gowing G, Svendsen CN. Stem cell transplantation for motor neuron disease: current approaches and future perspectives. Neurotherapeutics 2011; 8:591-606. [PMID: 21904789 PMCID: PMC3210365 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-011-0068-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor neuron degeneration leading to muscle atrophy and death is a pathological hallmark of disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or spinal muscular atrophy. No effective treatment is available for these devastating diseases. At present, cell-based therapies targeting motor neuron replacement, support, or as a vehicle for the delivery of neuroprotective molecules are being investigated. Although many challenges and questions remain, the beneficial effects observed following transplantation therapy in animal models of motor neuron disease has sparked hope and a number of clinical trials. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of cell-based therapeutics for motor neuron disorders, with a particular emphasis on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve Gowing
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048 USA
| | - Clive N. Svendsen
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048 USA
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45
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Casella GTB, Almeida VW, Grumbles RM, Liu Y, Thomas CK. Neurotrophic factors improve muscle reinnervation from embryonic neurons. Muscle Nerve 2010; 42:788-97. [PMID: 20976782 DOI: 10.1002/mus.21757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Motoneurons die in diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and after spinal cord trauma, inducing muscle denervation. We tested whether transplantation of embryonic cells with neurotrophic factors into peripheral nerve of adult rats improves muscle reinnervation and motor unit function more than cells alone. One week after sciatic nerve section, embryonic ventral spinal cord cells were transplanted into the tibial nerve with or without glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, hepatocyte growth factor, and insulin-like growth factor-1. These cells represented the only neuron source for muscle reinnervation. Ten weeks after transplantation, all medial gastrocnemius muscles contracted in response to electrical stimulation of cell transplants with factors. Only 80% of muscles responded with cells alone. Factors and cells resulted in survival of more motoneurons and reinnervation of more muscle fibers for a given axon (motor unit) number. Greater reinnervation from embryonic cells may enhance muscle excitation by patterned electrical stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gizelda T B Casella
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, USA
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Wang P, Guo J, Wang F, Shi T, Ma D. Human SBK1 is dysregulated in multiple cancers and promotes survival of ovary cancer SK-OV-3 cells. Mol Biol Rep 2010; 38:3551-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-010-0465-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2010] [Accepted: 11/09/2010] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Lin S, Xu J, Hu S, Xu L, Zhang C, Wang Y, Gu Y. Combined application of neutrophin-3 gene and neural stem cells is ameliorative to delay of denervated skeletal muscular atrophy after tibial nerve transection in rats. Cell Transplant 2010; 20:381-90. [PMID: 20719088 DOI: 10.3727/096368910x524773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Examination of the therapeutic efficacy of neural stem cells (NSCs) has recently become the focus of much investigation. In this study we present an insight of the effects of combined application with neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and NSCs that derived from rat embryo spinal cord on delaying denervated skeletal muscular atrophy after tibial nerve was severed. NT-3 gene was amplified by PCR and subcloned into lentiviral vector pWPXL-MOD to construct a lentiviral expression vector pWPXL-MOD-NT-3. A positive clone expressing NT-3 (named NSCs-NT-3) was obtained and used for differentiation in vitro and transplantation. Sixty adult rats, whose tibial nerves were sectioned, were divided into two groups: one grafted with NSCs-NT-3 (experimental group, n = 30) and the other with NSCs transfected by pWPXL-MOD (control group, n = 30). The cell survival and differentiation, NT-3 gene expression, and effect of delaying denervated skeletal muscular atrophy were examined through immunohistostaining, RT-PCR, Western blot, electrophysiological analysis, and mean cross-sectional area (CSA) of gastrocnemius, respectively. The results show that the NT-3 gene, which is comprised of 777 bp, was cloned and significantly different expression were detected between NSCs and NSCs-NT-3 in vitro. Quantitative analysis of the choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunopositive cells revealed a significant increase in experimental group compared to the control group 4 weeks after implantation (p < 0.01). Twelve weeks after transplantation, the ChAT immunopositive cells were detected near the engrafted region only in experimental group. Furthermore, the effect in delaying denervated skeletal muscular atrophy is indicated in the EMG examination and mean CSA of gastrocnemius. These findings suggest that the neural stem cells expressing NT-3 endogenously would be a better graft candidate for the delay of denervated skeletal muscular atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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48
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Corti S, Nizzardo M, Nardini M, Donadoni C, Salani S, Simone C, Falcone M, Riboldi G, Govoni A, Bresolin N, Comi GP. Systemic transplantation of c-kit+ cells exerts a therapeutic effect in a model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Hum Mol Genet 2010; 19:3782-96. [DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddq293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
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Povsic TJ, Zhou J, Adams SD, Bolognesi MP, Attarian DE, Peterson ED. Aging is not associated with bone marrow-resident progenitor cell depletion. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2010; 65:1042-50. [PMID: 20591876 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glq110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in progenitor cell biology remain at the forefront of many theories of biologic aging, but there are limited studies evaluating this in humans. Aging has been associated with a progressive depletion of circulating progenitor cells, but age-related bone marrow-resident progenitor cell depletion has not been systematically determined in humans. Patients undergoing total hip replacement were consented, and bone marrow and peripheral progenitor cells were enumerated based on aldehyde dehydrogenase activity and CD34 and CD133 expression. Circulating progenitors demonstrated an age-dependent decline. In contrast, marrow-resident progenitor cell content demonstrated no age association with any progenitor cell subtype. In humans, aging is associated with depletion of circulating, but not marrow-resident, progenitors. This finding has impact on the mechanism(s) responsible for age-related changes in circulating stem cells and important implications for the use of autologous marrow for the treatment of age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Povsic
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27705, USA.
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50
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AlSaman A, Tomoum H. Infantile spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1: a case report. J Child Neurol 2010; 25:764-9. [PMID: 20197267 DOI: 10.1177/0883073809344121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The condition, currently known as spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1, is an unusual variant of spinal muscular atrophy type 1 that is characterized by early respiratory failure due to diaphragmatic paralysis. The defective gene, the immunoglobulin mu-binding protein 2 (IGHMBP2 gene), of this autosomal recessive disorder is located on chromosome 11q13 and encodes immunoglobulin mu-binding protein 2. The natural history and phenotypic spectrum of the disease are still not clear. The authors present the first genetically proven case of spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1 to be reported from Saudi Arabia. The parents are first cousins and the causative gene sequencing revealed mutation in exon 7 reported for the first time in a homozygous form. The clinical scenario of the case is discussed. The findings in the muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulaziz AlSaman
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh 11525, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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