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Grass T, Dokuzluoglu Z, Buchner F, Rosignol I, Thomas J, Caldarelli A, Dalinskaya A, Becker J, Rost F, Marass M, Wirth B, Beyer M, Bonaguro L, Rodriguez-Muela N. Isogenic patient-derived organoids reveal early neurodevelopmental defects in spinal muscular atrophy initiation. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101659. [PMID: 39067446 PMCID: PMC11384962 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Whether neurodevelopmental defects underlie postnatal neuronal death in neurodegeneration is an intriguing hypothesis only recently explored. Here, we focus on spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a neuromuscular disorder caused by reduced survival of motor neuron (SMN) protein levels leading to spinal motor neuron (MN) loss and muscle wasting. Using the first isogenic patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) model and a spinal cord organoid (SCO) system, we show that SMA SCOs exhibit abnormal morphological development, reduced expression of early neural progenitor markers, and accelerated expression of MN progenitor and MN markers. Longitudinal single-cell RNA sequencing reveals marked defects in neural stem cell specification and fewer MNs, favoring mesodermal progenitors and muscle cells, a bias also seen in early SMA mouse embryos. Surprisingly, SMN2-to-SMN1 conversion does not fully reverse these developmental abnormalities. These suggest that early neurodevelopmental defects may underlie later MN degeneration, indicating that postnatal SMN-increasing interventions might not completely amend SMA pathology in all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Grass
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Dresden, Germany.
| | - Zeynep Dokuzluoglu
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
| | - Felix Buchner
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
| | - Ines Rosignol
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Dresden, Germany; Technische Universität Dresden (TUD), Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Joshua Thomas
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
| | - Antonio Caldarelli
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
| | - Anna Dalinskaya
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
| | - Jutta Becker
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Fabian Rost
- DRESDEN-concept Genome Center, Technology Platform at the Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, TUD, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michele Marass
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany; Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Brunhilde Wirth
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Rare Diseases, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marc Beyer
- Systems Medicine, DZNE, Bonn, Germany; PRECISE Platform for Single Cell Genomics and Epigenomics, DZNE & University of Bonn and West German Genome Center, Bonn, Germany; Immunogenomics & Neurodegeneration, DZNE, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lorenzo Bonaguro
- Systems Medicine, DZNE, Bonn, Germany; Genomics & Immunoregulation, LIMES Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Natalia Rodriguez-Muela
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Dresden, Germany; Technische Universität Dresden (TUD), Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany.
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Tapken I, Kuhn D, Hoffmann N, Detering NT, Schüning T, Billaud JN, Tugendreich S, Schlüter N, Green J, Krämer A, Claus P. From data to discovery: AI-guided analysis of disease-relevant molecules in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Hum Mol Genet 2024; 33:1367-1377. [PMID: 38704739 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddae076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal Muscular Atrophy is caused by partial loss of survival of motoneuron (SMN) protein expression. The numerous interaction partners and mechanisms influenced by SMN loss result in a complex disease. Current treatments restore SMN protein levels to a certain extent, but do not cure all symptoms. The prolonged survival of patients creates an increasing need for a better understanding of SMA. Although many SMN-protein interactions, dysregulated pathways, and organ phenotypes are known, the connections among them remain largely unexplored. Monogenic diseases are ideal examples for the exploration of cause-and-effect relationships to create a network describing the disease-context. Machine learning tools can utilize such knowledge to analyze similarities between disease-relevant molecules and molecules not described in the disease so far. We used an artificial intelligence-based algorithm to predict new genes of interest. The transcriptional regulation of 8 out of 13 molecules selected from the predicted set were successfully validated in an SMA mouse model. This bioinformatic approach, using the given experimental knowledge for relevance predictions, enhances efficient targeted research in SMA and potentially in other disease settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Tapken
- SMATHERIA gGmbH - Non-Profit Biomedical Research Institute, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 31, Hannover 30625, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Bünteweg 2, Hannover 30559, Germany
| | - Daniela Kuhn
- SMATHERIA gGmbH - Non-Profit Biomedical Research Institute, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 31, Hannover 30625, Germany
- Hannover Medical School, Department of Conservative Dentistry, Periodontology and Preventive Dentistry, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Nico Hoffmann
- SMATHERIA gGmbH - Non-Profit Biomedical Research Institute, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 31, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Nora T Detering
- SMATHERIA gGmbH - Non-Profit Biomedical Research Institute, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 31, Hannover 30625, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Bünteweg 2, Hannover 30559, Germany
| | - Tobias Schüning
- SMATHERIA gGmbH - Non-Profit Biomedical Research Institute, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 31, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Jean-Noël Billaud
- QIAGEN Digital Insights, 1001 Marshall Street,Redwood City, CA 94063, United States
| | - Stuart Tugendreich
- QIAGEN Digital Insights, 1001 Marshall Street,Redwood City, CA 94063, United States
| | - Nadine Schlüter
- Hannover Medical School, Department of Conservative Dentistry, Periodontology and Preventive Dentistry, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Jeff Green
- QIAGEN Digital Insights, 1001 Marshall Street,Redwood City, CA 94063, United States
| | - Andreas Krämer
- QIAGEN Digital Insights, 1001 Marshall Street,Redwood City, CA 94063, United States
| | - Peter Claus
- SMATHERIA gGmbH - Non-Profit Biomedical Research Institute, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 31, Hannover 30625, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Bünteweg 2, Hannover 30559, Germany
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Hemandhar Kumar S, Tapken I, Kuhn D, Claus P, Jung K. bootGSEA: a bootstrap and rank aggregation pipeline for multi-study and multi-omics enrichment analyses. FRONTIERS IN BIOINFORMATICS 2024; 4:1380928. [PMID: 38633435 PMCID: PMC11021641 DOI: 10.3389/fbinf.2024.1380928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) subsequent to differential expression analysis is a standard step in transcriptomics and proteomics data analysis. Although many tools for this step are available, the results are often difficult to reproduce because set annotations can change in the databases, that is, new features can be added or existing features can be removed. Finally, such changes in set compositions can have an impact on biological interpretation. Methods: We present bootGSEA, a novel computational pipeline, to study the robustness of GSEA. By repeating GSEA based on bootstrap samples, the variability and robustness of results can be studied. In our pipeline, not all genes or proteins are involved in the different bootstrap replicates of the analyses. Finally, we aggregate the ranks from the bootstrap replicates to obtain a score per gene set that shows whether it gains or loses evidence compared to the ranking of the standard GSEA. Rank aggregation is also used to combine GSEA results from different omics levels or from multiple independent studies at the same omics level. Results: By applying our approach to six independent cancer transcriptomics datasets, we showed that bootstrap GSEA can aid in the selection of more robust enriched gene sets. Additionally, we applied our approach to paired transcriptomics and proteomics data obtained from a mouse model of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disease associated with multi-system involvement. After obtaining a robust ranking at both omics levels, both ranking lists were combined to aggregate the findings from the transcriptomics and proteomics results. Furthermore, we constructed the new R-package "bootGSEA," which implements the proposed methods and provides graphical views of the findings. Bootstrap-based GSEA was able in the example datasets to identify gene or protein sets that were less robust when the set composition changed during bootstrap analysis. Discussion: The rank aggregation step was useful for combining bootstrap results and making them comparable to the original findings on the single-omics level or for combining findings from multiple different omics levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamini Hemandhar Kumar
- Institute for Animal Genomics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ines Tapken
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- SMATHERIA gGmbH—Non-Profit Biomedical Research Institute, Hannover, Germany
| | - Daniela Kuhn
- SMATHERIA gGmbH—Non-Profit Biomedical Research Institute, Hannover, Germany
- Clinic for Conservative Dentistry, Periodontology and Preventive Dentistry, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Claus
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- SMATHERIA gGmbH—Non-Profit Biomedical Research Institute, Hannover, Germany
| | - Klaus Jung
- Institute for Animal Genomics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
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Alhindi A, Shand M, Smith HL, Leite AS, Huang YT, van der Hoorn D, Ridgway Z, Faller KME, Jones RA, Gillingwater TH, Chaytow H. Neuromuscular junction denervation and terminal Schwann cell loss in the hTDP-43 overexpression mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2023; 49:e12925. [PMID: 37465879 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with complex aetiology. Despite evidence of neuromuscular junction (NMJ) denervation and 'dying-back' pathology in models of SOD1-dependent ALS, evidence in other genetic forms of ALS is limited by a lack of suitable animal models. TDP-43, a key mediator protein in ALS, is overexpressed in neurons in Thy1-hTDP-43WT mice. We therefore aimed to comprehensively analyse NMJ pathology in this model of ALS. METHODS Expression of TDP-43 was assessed via western blotting. Immunohistochemistry techniques, alongside NMJ-morph quantification, were used to analyse motor neuron number, NMJ denervation status and terminal Schwann cell morphology. RESULTS We present a time course of progressive, region-specific motor neuron pathology in Thy1-hTDP-43WT mice. Thy1-driven hTDP-43 expression increased steadily, correlating with developing hindlimb motor weakness and associated motor neuron loss in the spinal cord with a median survival of 21 days. Pronounced NMJ denervation was observed in hindlimb muscles, mild denervation in cranial muscles but no evidence of denervation in either forelimb or trunk muscles. NMJ pathology was restricted to motor nerve terminals, with denervation following the same time course as motor neuron loss. Terminal Schwann cells were lost from NMJs in hindlimb muscles, directly correlating with denervation status. CONCLUSIONS Thy1-hTDP-43WT mice represent a severe model of ALS, with NMJ pathology/denervation of distal muscles and motor neuron loss, as observed in ALS patients. This model therefore provides an ideal platform to investigate mechanisms of dying-back pathology, as well as NMJ-targeting disease-modifying therapies in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abrar Alhindi
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Megan Shand
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Hannah L Smith
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ana S Leite
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
- School of Medicine, UNESP-São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Yu-Ting Huang
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Dinja van der Hoorn
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Zara Ridgway
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kiterie M E Faller
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ross A Jones
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Thomas H Gillingwater
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Helena Chaytow
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
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Lumpkin CJ, Harris AW, Connell AJ, Kirk RW, Whiting JA, Saieva L, Pellizzoni L, Burghes AHM, Butchbach MER. Evaluation of the orally bioavailable 4-phenylbutyrate-tethered trichostatin A analogue AR42 in models of spinal muscular atrophy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10374. [PMID: 37365234 PMCID: PMC10293174 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37496-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Proximal spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a leading genetic cause for infant death in the world and results from the selective loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord. SMA is a consequence of low levels of SMN protein and small molecules that can increase SMN expression are of considerable interest as potential therapeutics. Previous studies have shown that both 4-phenylbutyrate (4PBA) and trichostatin A (TSA) increase SMN expression in dermal fibroblasts derived from SMA patients. AR42 is a 4PBA-tethered TSA derivative that is a very potent histone deacetylase inhibitor. SMA patient fibroblasts were treated with either AR42, AR19 (a related analogue), 4PBA, TSA or vehicle for 5 days and then immunostained for SMN localization. AR42 as well as 4PBA and TSA increased the number of SMN-positive nuclear gems in a dose-dependent manner while AR19 did not show marked changes in gem numbers. While gem number was increased in AR42-treated SMA fibroblasts, there were no significant changes in FL-SMN mRNA or SMN protein. The neuroprotective effect of this compound was then assessed in SMNΔ7 SMA (SMN2+/+;SMNΔ7+/+;mSmn-/-) mice. Oral administration of AR42 prior to disease onset increased the average lifespan of SMNΔ7 SMA mice by ~ 27% (20.1 ± 1.6 days for AR42-treated mice vs. 15.8 ± 0.4 days for vehicle-treated mice). AR42 treatment also improved motor function in these mice. AR42 treatment inhibited histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity in treated spinal cord although it did not affect SMN protein expression in these mice. AKT and GSK3β phosphorylation were both significantly increased in SMNΔ7 SMA mouse spinal cords. In conclusion, presymptomatic administration of the HDAC inhibitor AR42 ameliorates the disease phenotype in SMNΔ7 SMA mice in a SMN-independent manner possibly by increasing AKT neuroprotective signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey J Lumpkin
- Division of Neurology, Nemours Children's Hospital Delaware, 4462 E400 DuPont Experimental Station, 200 Powder Mill Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Ashlee W Harris
- Division of Neurology, Nemours Children's Hospital Delaware, 4462 E400 DuPont Experimental Station, 200 Powder Mill Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Andrew J Connell
- Division of Neurology, Nemours Children's Hospital Delaware, 4462 E400 DuPont Experimental Station, 200 Powder Mill Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Ryan W Kirk
- Division of Neurology, Nemours Children's Hospital Delaware, 4462 E400 DuPont Experimental Station, 200 Powder Mill Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Joshua A Whiting
- Division of Neurology, Nemours Children's Hospital Delaware, 4462 E400 DuPont Experimental Station, 200 Powder Mill Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Luciano Saieva
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Livio Pellizzoni
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Arthur H M Burghes
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Matthew E R Butchbach
- Division of Neurology, Nemours Children's Hospital Delaware, 4462 E400 DuPont Experimental Station, 200 Powder Mill Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Kataoka M, Sahashi K, Tsujikawa K, Takeda JI, Hirunagi T, Iida M, Katsunoa M. Dysregulation of Aldh1a2 underlies motor neuron degeneration in spinal muscular atrophy. Neurosci Res 2023:S0168-0102(23)00090-1. [PMID: 37146794 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2023.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Lower motor neuron degeneration is the pathological hallmark of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a hereditary motor neuron disease caused by loss of the SMN1 gene and the resulting deficiency of ubiquitously expressed SMN protein. The molecular mechanisms underlying motor neuron degeneration, however, remain elusive. To clarify the cell-autonomous defect in developmental processes, we here performed transcriptome analyses of isolated embryonic motor neurons of SMA model mice to explore mechanisms of dysregulation of cell-type-specific gene expression. Of 12 identified genes that were differentially expressed between the SMA and control motor neurons, we focused on Aldh1a2, an essential gene for lower motor neuron development. In primary spinal motor neuron cultures, knockdown of Aldh1a2 led to the formation of axonal spheroids and neurodegeneration, reminiscent of the histopathological changes observed in human and animal cellular models. Conversely, Aldh1a2 rescued these pathological features in spinal motor neurons derived from SMA mouse embryos. Our findings suggest that developmental defects due to Aldh1a2 dysregulation enhances lower motor neuron vulnerability in SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayumi Kataoka
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan
| | - Kentaro Sahashi
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan.
| | - Koyo Tsujikawa
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan
| | - Jun-Ichi Takeda
- Division of Neurogenetics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan
| | - Tomoki Hirunagi
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan
| | - Madoka Iida
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan
| | - Masahisa Katsunoa
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan; Department of Clinical Research Education, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan.
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Schmitt LI, David C, Steffen R, Hezel S, Roos A, Schara-Schmidt U, Kleinschnitz C, Leo M, Hagenacker T. Spinal astrocyte dysfunction drives motor neuron loss in late-onset spinal muscular atrophy. Acta Neuropathol 2023; 145:611-635. [PMID: 36930296 PMCID: PMC10119066 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-023-02554-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive neuromuscular disorder caused by a loss of the survival of motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, resulting in a loss of spinal motor neurons (MNs), leading to muscle weakness and wasting. The pathogenesis of MN loss in SMA and the selective vulnerability in different cellular populations are not fully understood. To investigate the role of spinal astrocytes in the pathogenesis of late-onset SMA, we used a mouse model in addition to in vitro approaches. Immunostaining, Western blot analysis, small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) transfections, functional assays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), behavioral tests, and electrophysiological measurements were performed. Early activation of spinal astrocytes and a reduction of the excitatory amino acid transporter 1 (EAAT1) on postnatal day (P) 20 preceded the loss of spinal MNs in SMA mice occurring on P42. EAAT1 reduction resulted in elevated glutamate levels in the spinal cord of SMA mice at P20 and P42. SMA-like astrocytes generated by siRNA and an ex vivo model of glutamate excitotoxicity involving organotypic spinal cord slice cultures revealed the critical role of glutamate homeostasis in the degeneration of MNs. The pre-emptive administration of arundic acid (AA), as an inhibitor of astrocyte activation, to SMA mice prior to the loss of motor neurons (P28) resulted in elevated EAAT1 protein levels compared to vehicle-treated SMA mice and prevented the increase of glutamate in the spinal cord and the loss of spinal MNs. Furthermore, AA preserved motor functions during behavioral experiments, the electrophysiological properties, and muscle alteration of SMA mice. In a translational approach, we transfected healthy human fibroblasts with SMN1 siRNA, resulting in reduced EAAT1 expression and reduced uptake but increased glutamate release. These findings were verified by detecting elevated glutamate levels and reduced levels of EAAT1 in cerebrospinal fluid of untreated SMA type 2 and 3 patients. In addition, glutamate was elevated in serum samples, while EAAT1 was not detectable. Our data give evidence for the crucial role of spinal astrocytes in the pathogenesis of late-onset SMA, a potential driving force for MN loss by glutamate excitotoxicity caused by EAAT1 reduction as an early pathophysiological event. Furthermore, our study introduces EAAT1 as a potential therapeutic target for additional SMN-independent therapy strategies to complement SMN-enhancing drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda-Isabell Schmitt
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany.
| | - Christina David
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Rebecca Steffen
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Hezel
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Andreas Roos
- Department of Pediatrics 1, Division of Neuropediatrics, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulrike Schara-Schmidt
- Department of Pediatrics 1, Division of Neuropediatrics, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Christoph Kleinschnitz
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Markus Leo
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Tim Hagenacker
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
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Shanmukha KD, Paluvai H, Lomada SK, Gokara M, Kalangi SK. Histone deacetylase (HDACs) inhibitors: Clinical applications. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 198:119-152. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
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Qiu J, Wu L, Qu R, Jiang T, Bai J, Sheng L, Feng P, Sun J. History of development of the life-saving drug “Nusinersen” in spinal muscular atrophy. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:942976. [PMID: 36035257 PMCID: PMC9414009 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.942976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive disorder with an incidence of 1/6,000–1/10,000 and is the leading fatal disease among infants. Previously, there was no effective treatment for SMA. The first effective drug, nusinersen, was approved by the US FDA in December 2016, providing hope to SMA patients worldwide. The drug was introduced in the European Union in 2017 and China in 2019 and has so far saved the lives of several patients in most parts of the world. Nusinersen are fixed sequence antisense oligonucleotides with special chemical modifications. The development of nusinersen progressed through major scientific discoveries in medicine, genetics, biology, and other disciplines, wherein several scientists have made substantial contributions. In this article, we will briefly describe the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies of SMA, summarize the timeline of important scientific findings during the development of nusinersen in a detailed, scientific, and objective manner, and finally discuss the implications of the development of nusinersen for SMA research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaying Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Department of Prenatal Screening and Diagnosis Center, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Liucheng Wu
- Laboratory Animal Center, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Ruobing Qu
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jialin Bai
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Sheng
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Pengchao Feng
- Nanjing Antisense Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Nanjing, China
| | - Junjie Sun
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- *Correspondence: Junjie Sun
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10
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Meijboom KE, Sutton ER, McCallion E, McFall E, Anthony D, Edwards B, Kubinski S, Tapken I, Bünermann I, Hazell G, Ahlskog N, Claus P, Davies KE, Kothary R, Wood MJA, Bowerman M. Dysregulation of Tweak and Fn14 in skeletal muscle of spinal muscular atrophy mice. Skelet Muscle 2022; 12:18. [PMID: 35902978 PMCID: PMC9331072 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-022-00301-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a childhood neuromuscular disorder caused by depletion of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. SMA is characterized by the selective death of spinal cord motor neurons, leading to progressive muscle wasting. Loss of skeletal muscle in SMA is a combination of denervation-induced muscle atrophy and intrinsic muscle pathologies. Elucidation of the pathways involved is essential to identify the key molecules that contribute to and sustain muscle pathology. The tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK)/TNF receptor superfamily member fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14) pathway has been shown to play a critical role in the regulation of denervation-induced muscle atrophy as well as muscle proliferation, differentiation, and metabolism in adults. However, it is not clear whether this pathway would be important in highly dynamic and developing muscle. METHODS We thus investigated the potential role of the TWEAK/Fn14 pathway in SMA muscle pathology, using the severe Taiwanese Smn-/-; SMN2 and the less severe Smn2B/- SMA mice, which undergo a progressive neuromuscular decline in the first three post-natal weeks. We also used experimental models of denervation and muscle injury in pre-weaned wild-type (WT) animals and siRNA-mediated knockdown in C2C12 muscle cells to conduct additional mechanistic investigations. RESULTS Here, we report significantly dysregulated expression of Tweak, Fn14, and previously proposed downstream effectors during disease progression in skeletal muscle of the two SMA mouse models. In addition, siRNA-mediated Smn knockdown in C2C12 myoblasts suggests a genetic interaction between Smn and the TWEAK/Fn14 pathway. Further analyses of SMA, Tweak-/-, and Fn14-/- mice revealed dysregulated myopathy, myogenesis, and glucose metabolism pathways as a common skeletal muscle feature, providing further evidence in support of a relationship between the TWEAK/Fn14 pathway and Smn. Finally, administration of the TWEAK/Fn14 agonist Fc-TWEAK improved disease phenotypes in the two SMA mouse models. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides mechanistic insights into potential molecular players that contribute to muscle pathology in SMA and into likely differential responses of the TWEAK/Fn14 pathway in developing muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina E Meijboom
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Gene Therapy Center, UMass Medical School, Worcester, USA
| | - Emma R Sutton
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK
| | - Eve McCallion
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK
| | - Emily McFall
- Regenerative Medicine Program and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Daniel Anthony
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Benjamin Edwards
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sabrina Kubinski
- Center for Systems Neuroscience and Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ines Tapken
- Center for Systems Neuroscience and Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,SMATHERIA - Non-Profit Biomedical Research Institute, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ines Bünermann
- SMATHERIA - Non-Profit Biomedical Research Institute, Hannover, Germany
| | - Gareth Hazell
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nina Ahlskog
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Peter Claus
- Center for Systems Neuroscience and Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,SMATHERIA - Non-Profit Biomedical Research Institute, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kay E Davies
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rashmi Kothary
- Regenerative Medicine Program and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Matthew J A Wood
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Melissa Bowerman
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. .,School of Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK. .,Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, UK.
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11
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HDAC4 Inhibitors as Antivascular Senescence Therapeutics. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:3087916. [PMID: 35814270 PMCID: PMC9259336 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3087916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aging is an inevitable consequence of life, and during this process, the epigenetic landscape changes and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation increases. Inevitably, these changes are common in many age-related diseases, including neurodegeneration, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. In the current research, histone deacetylation 4 (HDAC4) was studied as a potential therapeutic target in vascular senescence. HDAC4 is a specific class II histone deacetylation protein that participates in epigenetic modifications and deacetylation of heat shock proteins and various transcription factors. There is increasing evidence to support that HDAC4 is a potential therapeutic target, and developments in the synthesis and testing of HDAC4 inhibitors are now gaining interest from academia and the pharmaceutical industry.
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12
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Muinos-Bühl A, Rombo R, Janzen E, Ling KK, Hupperich K, Rigo F, Bennett CF, Wirth B. Combinatorial ASO-mediated therapy with low dose SMN and the protective modifier Chp1 is not sufficient to ameliorate SMA pathology hallmarks. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 171:105795. [PMID: 35724821 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a devastating genetically inherited neuromuscular disorder characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord, leading to muscle atrophy and weakness. Although SMA is caused by homozygous mutations in SMN1, the disease severity is mainly determined by the copy number of SMN2, an almost identical gene that produces ~10% correctly spliced SMN transcripts. Recently, three FDA- and EMA-approved therapies that either increase correctly spliced SMN2 transcripts (nusinersen and risdiplam) or replace SMN1 (onasemnogen abeparvovec-xioi) have revolutionized the clinical outcome in SMA patients. However, for severely affected SMA individuals carrying only two SMN2 copies even a presymptomatic therapy might be insufficient to fully counteract disease development. Therefore, SMN-independent compounds supporting SMN-dependent therapies represent a promising therapeutic approach. Recently, we have shown a significant amelioration of SMA disease hallmarks in a severely affected SMA mouse carrying a mutant Chp1 allele when combined with low-dose of SMN antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) treatment. CHP1 is a direct interacting partner of PLS3, a strong protective modifier of SMA. Both proteins ameliorate impaired endocytosis in SMA and significantly restore pathological hallmarks in mice. Here, we aimed to pharmacologically reduce CHP1 levels in an ASO-based combinatorial therapy targeting SMN and Chp1. Chp1 modulation is a major challenge since its genetic reduction to ~50% has shown to ameliorate SMA pathology, while the downregulation below that level causes cerebellar ataxia. Efficacy and tolerability studies determined that a single injection of 30 μg Chp1-ASO4 in the CNS is a safe dosage that significantly reduced CHP1 levels to ~50% at postnatal day (PND)14. Unfortunately, neither electrophysiological predictors such as compound muscle action potential (CMAP) or motor unit number estimation (MUNE) nor histological hallmarks of SMA in neuromuscular junction (NMJ), spinal cord or muscle were ameliorated in SMA mice treated with Chp1-ASO4 compared to CTRL-ASO at PND21. Surprisingly, CHP1 levels were almost at control level 4-weeks post injection, indicating a rather short-term effect of the ASO. Therefore, we re-administrated Chp1-ASO4 by i.c.v. bolus injection at PND28. However, no significant improvement of SMA hallmarks were seen at 2 month-of-age either. In conclusion, in contrast to the protective effect of genetically-induced Chp1 reduction on SMA, combinatorial therapy with Chp1- and SMN-ASOs failed to significantly ameliorate the SMA pathology. Chp1-ASOs compared to SMN-ASO proved to have rather short-term effect and even reinjection had no significant impact on SMA progression, suggesting that further optimization of the ASO may be required to fully explore the combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Muinos-Bühl
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, Germany.
| | - R Rombo
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, Germany.
| | - E Janzen
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - K K Ling
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA.
| | - K Hupperich
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - F Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA.
| | - C F Bennett
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA.
| | - B Wirth
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, Germany; Center for Rare Diseases, University Hospital of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany.
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13
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Marasco LE, Dujardin G, Sousa-Luís R, Liu YH, Stigliano JN, Nomakuchi T, Proudfoot NJ, Krainer AR, Kornblihtt AR. Counteracting chromatin effects of a splicing-correcting antisense oligonucleotide improves its therapeutic efficacy in spinal muscular atrophy. Cell 2022; 185:2057-2070.e15. [PMID: 35688133 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a motor-neuron disease caused by mutations of the SMN1 gene. The human paralog SMN2, whose exon 7 (E7) is predominantly skipped, cannot compensate for the lack of SMN1. Nusinersen is an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) that upregulates E7 inclusion and SMN protein levels by displacing the splicing repressors hnRNPA1/A2 from their target site in intron 7. We show that by promoting transcriptional elongation, the histone deacetylase inhibitor VPA cooperates with a nusinersen-like ASO to promote E7 inclusion. Surprisingly, the ASO promotes the deployment of the silencing histone mark H3K9me2 on the SMN2 gene, creating a roadblock to RNA polymerase II elongation that inhibits E7 inclusion. By removing the roadblock, VPA counteracts the chromatin effects of the ASO, resulting in higher E7 inclusion without large pleiotropic effects. Combined administration of the nusinersen-like ASO and VPA in SMA mice strongly synergizes SMN expression, growth, survival, and neuromuscular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano E Marasco
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular and CONICET-UBA, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gwendal Dujardin
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Rui Sousa-Luís
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, University of Lisbon, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ying Hsiu Liu
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Jose N Stigliano
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular and CONICET-UBA, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tomoki Nomakuchi
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Nick J Proudfoot
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Adrian R Krainer
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Alberto R Kornblihtt
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular and CONICET-UBA, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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14
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Buettner JM, Sime Longang JK, Gerstner F, Apel KS, Blanco-Redondo B, Sowoidnich L, Janzen E, Langenhan T, Wirth B, Simon CM. Central synaptopathy is the most conserved feature of motor circuit pathology across spinal muscular atrophy mouse models. iScience 2021; 24:103376. [PMID: 34825141 PMCID: PMC8605199 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by reduced survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. Recently, SMN dysfunction has been linked to individual aspects of motor circuit pathology in a severe SMA mouse model. To determine whether these disease mechanisms are conserved, we directly compared the motor circuit pathology of three SMA mouse models. The severe SMNΔ7 model exhibits vast motor circuit defects, including degeneration of motor neurons, spinal excitatory synapses, and neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). In contrast, the Taiwanese model shows very mild motor neuron pathology, but early central synaptic loss. In the intermediate Smn2B/- model, strong pathology of central excitatory synapses and NMJs precedes the late onset of p53-dependent motor neuron death. These pathological events correlate with SMN-dependent splicing dysregulation of specific mRNAs. Our study provides a knowledge base for properly tailoring future studies and identifies central excitatory synaptopathy as a key feature of motor circuit pathology in SMA. Comparison of detailed motor circuit pathology across three SMA mouse models Motor circuit pathology correlates with dysregulation of specific mRNAs Motor neuron death in severe and intermediate SMA models is p53-dependent Central excitatory synaptopathy is the most conserved feature of SMA pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannik M Buettner
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Leipzig University, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | | | - Florian Gerstner
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Leipzig University, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - Katharina S Apel
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Leipzig University, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - Beatriz Blanco-Redondo
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Division of General Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - Leonie Sowoidnich
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Leipzig University, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - Eva Janzen
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tobias Langenhan
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Division of General Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - Brunhilde Wirth
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christian M Simon
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Leipzig University, Leipzig 04103, Germany
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15
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Motyl AAL, Faller KME, Groen EJN, Kline RA, Eaton SL, Ledahawsky LM, Chaytow H, Lamont DJ, Wishart TM, Huang YT, Gillingwater TH. Pre-natal manifestation of systemic developmental abnormalities in spinal muscular atrophy. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:2674-2683. [PMID: 32644120 PMCID: PMC7530529 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disease caused by mutations in survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1). SMN-restoring therapies have recently emerged; however, preclinical and clinical studies revealed a limited therapeutic time window and systemic aspects of the disease. This raises a fundamental question of whether SMA has presymptomatic, developmental components to disease pathogenesis. We have addressed this by combining micro-computed tomography (μCT) and comparative proteomics to examine systemic pre-symptomatic changes in a prenatal mouse model of SMA. Quantitative μCT analyses revealed that SMA embryos were significantly smaller than littermate controls, indicative of general developmental delay. More specifically, cardiac ventricles were smaller in SMA hearts, whilst liver and brain remained unaffected. In order to explore the molecular consequences of SMN depletion during development, we generated comprehensive, high-resolution, proteomic profiles of neuronal and non-neuronal organs in SMA mouse embryos. Significant molecular perturbations were observed in all organs examined, highlighting tissue-specific prenatal molecular phenotypes in SMA. Together, our data demonstrate considerable systemic changes at an early, presymptomatic stage in SMA mice, revealing a significant developmental component to SMA pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna A L Motyl
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Kiterie M E Faller
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Ewout J N Groen
- UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center, Utrecht 3584 CG, The Netherlands
| | - Rachel A Kline
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK.,The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Samantha L Eaton
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK.,The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Leire M Ledahawsky
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Helena Chaytow
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Douglas J Lamont
- FingerPrints Proteomics Facility, University of Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Thomas M Wishart
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK.,The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Yu-Ting Huang
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Thomas H Gillingwater
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
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16
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Hensel N, Brickwedde H, Tsaknakis K, Grages A, Braunschweig L, Lüders KA, Lorenz HM, Lippross S, Walter LM, Tavassol F, Lienenklaus S, Neunaber C, Claus P, Hell AK. Altered bone development with impaired cartilage formation precedes neuromuscular symptoms in spinal muscular atrophy. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:2662-2673. [PMID: 32644125 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease of newborns and children caused by mutations or deletions of the survival of motoneuron gene 1 resulting in low levels of the SMN protein. While neuromuscular degeneration is the cardinal symptom of the disease, the reduction of the ubiquitously expressed SMN additionally elicits non-motoneuron symptoms. Impaired bone development is a key feature of SMA, but it is yet unknown whether this is an indirect functional consequence of muscle weakness or caused by bone-intrinsic mechanisms. Therefore, we radiologically examined SMA patients in a prospective, non-randomized cohort study characterizing bone size and bone mineral density (BMD) and performed equivalent measurements in pre-symptomatic SMA mice. BMD as well as lumbar vertebral body size were significantly reduced in SMA patients. This growth defect but not BMD reduction was confirmed in SMA mice by μCT before the onset of neuromuscular symptoms indicating that it is at least partially independent of neuromuscular degeneration. Interestingly, the number of chondroblasts in the hypertrophic zone of the growth plate was significantly reduced. This was underlined by RNAseq and expression data from developing SMA mice vertebral bodies, which revealed molecular changes related to cell division and cartilage remodeling. Together, these findings suggest a bone intrinsic defect in SMA. This phenotype may not be rescued by novel drugs that enhance SMN levels in the central nervous system only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niko Hensel
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neurosciences (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Hermann Brickwedde
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Konstantinos Tsaknakis
- Pediatric Orthopedics, Department of Trauma, Orthopedic and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Antonia Grages
- Pediatric Orthopedics, Department of Trauma, Orthopedic and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Lena Braunschweig
- Pediatric Orthopedics, Department of Trauma, Orthopedic and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Katja A Lüders
- Pediatric Orthopedics, Department of Trauma, Orthopedic and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Heiko M Lorenz
- Pediatric Orthopedics, Department of Trauma, Orthopedic and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Lippross
- Pediatric Orthopedics, Department of Trauma, Orthopedic and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Lisa M Walter
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neurosciences (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Frank Tavassol
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stefan Lienenklaus
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science and Central Animal Facility, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Peter Claus
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neurosciences (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Anna K Hell
- Pediatric Orthopedics, Department of Trauma, Orthopedic and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
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17
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Allardyce H, Kuhn D, Hernandez-Gerez E, Hensel N, Huang YT, Faller K, Gillingwater TH, Quondamatteo F, Claus P, Parson SH. Renal pathology in a mouse model of severe Spinal Muscular Atrophy is associated with downregulation of Glial Cell-Line Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF). Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:2365-2378. [PMID: 32588893 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) occurs as a result of cell-ubiquitous depletion of the essential survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. Characteristic disease pathology is driven by a particular vulnerability of the ventral motor neurons of the spinal cord to decreased SMN. Perhaps not surprisingly, many other organ systems are also impacted by SMN depletion. The normal kidney expresses very high levels of SMN protein, equivalent to those found in the nervous system and liver, and levels are dramatically lowered by ~90-95% in mouse models of SMA. Taken together, these data suggest that renal pathology may be present in SMA. We have addressed this using an established mouse model of severe SMA. Nephron number, as assessed by gold standard stereological techniques, was significantly reduced. In addition, morphological assessment showed decreased renal vasculature, particularly of the glomerular capillary knot, dysregulation of nephrin and collagen IV, and ultrastructural changes in the trilaminar filtration layers of the nephron. To explore the molecular drivers underpinning this process, we correlated these findings with quantitative PCR measurements and protein analyses of glial cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor, a crucial factor in ureteric bud branching and subsequent nephron development. Glial cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor levels were significantly reduced at early stages of disease in SMA mice. Collectively, these findings reveal significant renal pathology in a mouse model of severe SMA, further reinforcing the need to develop and administer systemic therapies for this neuromuscular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazel Allardyce
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK.,Euan Macdonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Daniela Kuhn
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Elena Hernandez-Gerez
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK.,Euan Macdonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Niko Hensel
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover 30625, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN) Hannover, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover 30559, Germany
| | - Yu-Ting Huang
- Euan Macdonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK.,Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK
| | - Kiterie Faller
- Euan Macdonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK.,Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK
| | - Thomas H Gillingwater
- Euan Macdonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK.,Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK
| | - Fabio Quondamatteo
- Anatomy Facility, School of Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Peter Claus
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover 30625, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN) Hannover, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover 30559, Germany
| | - Simon H Parson
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK.,Euan Macdonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
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18
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Athira KV, Sadanandan P, Chakravarty S. Repurposing Vorinostat for the Treatment of Disorders Affecting Brain. Neuromolecular Med 2021; 23:449-465. [PMID: 33948878 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-021-08660-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Based on the findings in recent years, we summarize the therapeutic potential of vorinostat (VOR), the first approved histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, in disorders of brain, and strategies to improve drug efficacy and reduce side effects. Scientific evidences provide a strong case for the therapeutic utility of VOR in various disorders affecting brain, including stroke, Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, epilepsy, Niemann-Pick type C disease, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Further elucidation of the neuroprotective and neurorestorative properties of VOR using proper clinical study designs could provide momentum towards its clinical application. To improve the therapeutic prospect, concerns on systemic toxicity and off-target actions need to be addressed along with the improvement in formulation and delivery aspects, especially with respect to solubility, permeability, and pharmacokinetic properties. Newer approaches in this regard include poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(DL-lactic acid) micelles, VOR-pluronic F127 micelles, encapsulation of iron complexes of VOR into PEGylated liposomes, human serum albumin bound VOR nanomedicine, magnetically guided layer-by-layer assembled nanocarriers, as well as convection-enhanced delivery. Even though targeting specific class or isoform of HDAC is projected as advantageous over pan-HDAC inhibitor like VOR, in terms of adverse effects and efficacy, till clinical validation, the idea is debated. As the VOR treatment-related adverse changes are mostly found reversible, further optimization of the therapeutic strategies with respect to dose, dosage regimen, and formulations of VOR could propel its clinical prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- K V Athira
- Department of Pharmacology, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences Health Sciences Campus, Kochi, 682 041, Kerala, India.
| | - Prashant Sadanandan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Analysis, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences Health Sciences Campus, Kochi, 682 041, Kerala, India
| | - Sumana Chakravarty
- Applied Biology Division, CSIR- Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500007, Telangana, India.
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19
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Impairment of the neurotrophic signaling hub B-Raf contributes to motoneuron degeneration in spinal muscular atrophy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2007785118. [PMID: 33931501 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2007785118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a motoneuron disease caused by deletions of the Survival of Motoneuron 1 gene (SMN1) and low SMN protein levels. SMN restoration is the concept behind a number of recently approved drugs which result in impressive yet limited effects. Since SMN has already been enhanced in treated patients, complementary SMN-independent approaches are needed. Previously, a number of altered signaling pathways which regulate motoneuron degeneration have been identified as candidate targets. However, signaling pathways form networks, and their connectivity is still unknown in SMA. Here, we used presymptomatic SMA mice to elucidate the network of altered signaling in SMA. The SMA network is structured in two clusters with AKT and 14-3-3 ζ/δ in their centers. Both clusters are connected by B-Raf as a major signaling hub. The direct interaction of B-Raf with 14-3-3 ζ/δ is important for an efficient neurotrophic activation of the MEK/ERK pathway and crucial for motoneuron survival. Further analyses in SMA mice revealed that both proteins were down-regulated in motoneurons and the spinal cord with B-Raf being reduced at presymptomatic stages. Primary fibroblasts and iPSC-derived motoneurons from SMA patients both showed the same pattern of down-regulation. This mechanism is conserved across species since a Caenorhabditis elegans SMA model showed less expression of the B-Raf homolog lin-45 Accordingly, motoneuron survival was rescued by a cell autonomous lin-45 expression in a C. elegans SMA model resulting in improved motor functions. This rescue was effective even after the onset of motoneuron degeneration and mediated by the MEK/ERK pathway.
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20
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Wirth B. Spinal Muscular Atrophy: In the Challenge Lies a Solution. Trends Neurosci 2021; 44:306-322. [PMID: 33423791 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2020.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The path from gene discovery to therapy in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has been a highly challenging endeavor, but also led to one of the most successful stories in neurogenetics. In SMA, a neuromuscular disorder with an often fatal outcome until recently, with those affected never able to sit, stand, or walk, children now achieve these motoric abilities and almost age-based development when treated presymptomatically. This review summarizes the challenges along this 30-year journey. It is also meant to inspire early-career scientists not to give up when things become difficult but to try to uncover the biological underpinnings and transform the challenge into the next big discovery. Without doubt, the improvements seen with the three therapeutic strategies in SMA are impressive; many open questions remain and are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brunhilde Wirth
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine, Center for Rare Disorders, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 34, 50931 Cologne, Germany.
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21
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Thelen MP, Wirth B, Kye MJ. Mitochondrial defects in the respiratory complex I contribute to impaired translational initiation via ROS and energy homeostasis in SMA motor neurons. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2020; 8:223. [PMID: 33353564 PMCID: PMC7754598 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-020-01101-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disease characterized by loss of lower motor neurons, which leads to proximal muscle weakness and atrophy. SMA is caused by reduced survival motor neuron (SMN) protein levels due to biallelic deletions or mutations in the SMN1 gene. When SMN levels fall under a certain threshold, a plethora of cellular pathways are disturbed, including RNA processing, protein synthesis, metabolic defects, and mitochondrial function. Dysfunctional mitochondria can harm cells by decreased ATP production and increased oxidative stress due to elevated cellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Since neurons mainly produce energy via mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, restoring metabolic/oxidative homeostasis might rescue SMA pathology. Here, we report, based on proteome analysis, that SMA motor neurons show disturbed energy homeostasis due to dysfunction of mitochondrial complex I. This results in a lower basal ATP concentration and higher ROS production that causes an increase of protein carbonylation and impaired protein synthesis in SMA motor neurons. Counteracting these cellular impairments with pyruvate reduces elevated ROS levels, increases ATP and SMN protein levels in SMA motor neurons. Furthermore, we found that pyruvate-mediated SMN protein synthesis is mTOR-dependent. Most importantly, we showed that ROS regulates protein synthesis at the translational initiation step, which is impaired in SMA. As many neuropathies share pathological phenotypes such as dysfunctional mitochondria, excessive ROS, and impaired protein synthesis, our findings suggest new molecular interactions among these pathways. Additionally, counteracting these impairments by reducing ROS and increasing ATP might be beneficial for motor neuron survival in SMA patients.
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22
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Farr GH, Morris M, Gomez A, Pham T, Kilroy E, Parker EU, Said S, Henry C, Maves L. A novel chemical-combination screen in zebrafish identifies epigenetic small molecule candidates for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Skelet Muscle 2020; 10:29. [PMID: 33059738 PMCID: PMC7559456 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-020-00251-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe neuromuscular disorder and is one of the most common muscular dystrophies. There are currently few effective therapies to treat the disease, although many small-molecule approaches are being pursued. Certain histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) have been shown to ameliorate DMD phenotypes in mouse and zebrafish animal models. The HDACi givinostat has shown promise for DMD in clinical trials. However, beyond a small group of HDACi, other classes of epigenetic small molecules have not been broadly and systematically studied for their benefits for DMD. Methods We used an established animal model for DMD, the zebrafish dmd mutant strain sapje. A commercially available library of epigenetic small molecules was used to treat embryonic-larval stages of dmd mutant zebrafish. We used a quantitative muscle birefringence assay in order to assess and compare the effects of small-molecule treatments on dmd mutant zebrafish skeletal muscle structure. Results We performed a novel chemical-combination screen of a library of epigenetic compounds using the zebrafish dmd model. We identified candidate pools of epigenetic compounds that improve skeletal muscle structure in dmd mutant zebrafish. We then identified a specific combination of two HDACi compounds, oxamflatin and salermide, that ameliorated dmd mutant zebrafish skeletal muscle degeneration. We validated the effects of oxamflatin and salermide on dmd mutant zebrafish in an independent laboratory. Furthermore, we showed that the combination of oxamflatin and salermide caused increased levels of histone H4 acetylation in zebrafish larvae. Conclusions Our results provide novel, effective methods for performing a combination of small-molecule screen in zebrafish. Our results also add to the growing evidence that epigenetic small molecules may be promising candidates for treating DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gist H Farr
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Melanie Morris
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA.,Medical Student Research Training Program, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Arianna Gomez
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA.,Molecular Medicine and Mechanisms of Disease Program, Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Thao Pham
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA.,Molecular Medicine and Mechanisms of Disease Program, Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elisabeth Kilroy
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
| | - Elizabeth U Parker
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA.,Medical Student Research Training Program, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Shery Said
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Clarissa Henry
- School of Biology and Ecology, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
| | - Lisa Maves
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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23
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Lauria F, Bernabò P, Tebaldi T, Groen EJN, Perenthaler E, Maniscalco F, Rossi A, Donzel D, Clamer M, Marchioretto M, Omersa N, Orri J, Dalla Serra M, Anderluh G, Quattrone A, Inga A, Gillingwater TH, Viero G. SMN-primed ribosomes modulate the translation of transcripts related to spinal muscular atrophy. Nat Cell Biol 2020; 22:1239-1251. [PMID: 32958857 PMCID: PMC7610479 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-020-00577-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The contribution of ribosome heterogeneity and ribosome-associated proteins to the molecular control of proteomes in health and disease remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that survival motor neuron (SMN) protein-the loss of which causes the neuromuscular disease spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)-binds to ribosomes and that this interaction is tissue-dependent. SMN-primed ribosomes are preferentially positioned within the first five codons of a set of mRNAs that are enriched for translational enhancer sequences in the 5' untranslated region (UTR) and rare codons at the beginning of their coding sequence. These SMN-specific mRNAs are associated with neurogenesis, lipid metabolism, ubiquitination, chromatin regulation and translation. Loss of SMN induces ribosome depletion, especially at the beginning of the coding sequence of SMN-specific mRNAs, leading to impairment of proteins that are involved in motor neuron function and stability, including acetylcholinesterase. Thus, SMN plays a crucial role in the regulation of ribosome fluxes along mRNAs encoding proteins that are relevant to SMA pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Lauria
- Institute of Biophysics, CNR Unit at Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Paola Bernabò
- Institute of Biophysics, CNR Unit at Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Toma Tebaldi
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
- Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ewout Joan Nicolaas Groen
- Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Sciences & Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Elena Perenthaler
- Institute of Biophysics, CNR Unit at Trento, Trento, Italy
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Federica Maniscalco
- Institute of Biophysics, CNR Unit at Trento, Trento, Italy
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | | | - Deborah Donzel
- Institute of Biophysics, CNR Unit at Trento, Trento, Italy
| | | | | | - Neža Omersa
- National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Julia Orri
- Institute of Biophysics, CNR Unit at Trento, Trento, Italy
- La Fundació Jesuïtes Educació, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Alberto Inga
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Thomas Henry Gillingwater
- Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Sciences & Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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24
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Shukla S, Tekwani BL. Histone Deacetylases Inhibitors in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Neuroprotection and Neuronal Differentiation. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:537. [PMID: 32390854 PMCID: PMC7194116 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone deacetylases (HADC) are the enzymes that remove acetyl group from lysine residue of histones and non-histone proteins and regulate the process of transcription by binding to transcription factors and regulating fundamental cellular process such as cellular proliferation, differentiation and development. In neurodegenerative diseases, the histone acetylation homeostasis is greatly impaired, shifting towards a state of hypoacetylation. The histone hyperacetylation produced by direct inhibition of HDACs leads to neuroprotective actions. This review attempts to elaborate on role of small molecule inhibitors of HDACs on neuronal differentiation and throws light on the potential of HDAC inhibitors as therapeutic agents for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The role of HDACs in neuronal cellular and disease models and their modulation with HDAC inhibitors are also discussed. Significance of these HDAC inhibitors has been reviewed on the process of neuronal differentiation, neurite outgrowth and neuroprotection regarding their potential therapeutic application for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surabhi Shukla
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Larkin University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Babu L Tekwani
- Division of Drug Discovery, Department of Infectious Diseases, Southern Research, Birmingham, AL, United States
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25
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Wadman RI, van der Pol WL, Bosboom WMJ, Asselman F, van den Berg LH, Iannaccone ST, Vrancken AFJE. Drug treatment for spinal muscular atrophy types II and III. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 1:CD006282. [PMID: 32006461 PMCID: PMC6995983 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd006282.pub5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by a homozygous deletion of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene on chromosome 5, or a heterozygous deletion in combination with a (point) mutation in the second SMN1 allele. This results in degeneration of anterior horn cells, which leads to progressive muscle weakness. Children with SMA type II do not develop the ability to walk without support and have a shortened life expectancy, whereas children with SMA type III develop the ability to walk and have a normal life expectancy. This is an update of a review first published in 2009 and previously updated in 2011. OBJECTIVES To evaluate if drug treatment is able to slow or arrest the disease progression of SMA types II and III, and to assess if such therapy can be given safely. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and ISI Web of Science conference proceedings in October 2018. In October 2018, we also searched two trials registries to identify unpublished trials. SELECTION CRITERIA We sought all randomised or quasi-randomised trials that examined the efficacy of drug treatment for SMA types II and III. Participants had to fulfil the clinical criteria and have a homozygous deletion or hemizygous deletion in combination with a point mutation in the second allele of the SMN1 gene (5q11.2-13.2) confirmed by genetic analysis. The primary outcome measure was change in disability score within one year after the onset of treatment. Secondary outcome measures within one year after the onset of treatment were change in muscle strength, ability to stand or walk, change in quality of life, time from the start of treatment until death or full-time ventilation and adverse events attributable to treatment during the trial period. Treatment strategies involving SMN1-replacement with viral vectors are out of the scope of this review, but a summary is given in Appendix 1. Drug treatment for SMA type I is the topic of a separate Cochrane Review. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We followed standard Cochrane methodology. MAIN RESULTS The review authors found 10 randomised, placebo-controlled trials of treatments for SMA types II and III for inclusion in this review, with 717 participants. We added four of the trials at this update. The trials investigated creatine (55 participants), gabapentin (84 participants), hydroxyurea (57 participants), nusinersen (126 participants), olesoxime (165 participants), phenylbutyrate (107 participants), somatotropin (20 participants), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) (nine participants), valproic acid (33 participants), and combination therapy with valproic acid and acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) (61 participants). Treatment duration was from three to 24 months. None of the studies investigated the same treatment and none was completely free of bias. All studies had adequate blinding, sequence generation and reporting of primary outcomes. Based on moderate-certainty evidence, intrathecal nusinersen improved motor function (disability) in children with SMA type II, with a 3.7-point improvement in the nusinersen group on the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE; range of possible scores 0 to 66), compared to a 1.9-point decline on the HFMSE in the sham procedure group (P < 0.01; n = 126). On all motor function scales used, higher scores indicate better function. Based on moderate-certainty evidence from two studies, the following interventions had no clinically important effect on motor function scores in SMA types II or III (or both) in comparison to placebo: creatine (median change 1 higher, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1 to 2; on the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), scale 0 to 264; n = 40); and combination therapy with valproic acid and carnitine (mean difference (MD) 0.64, 95% CI -1.1 to 2.38; on the Modified Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale (MHFMS), scale 0 to 40; n = 61). Based on low-certainty evidence from other single studies, the following interventions had no clinically important effect on motor function scores in SMA types II or III (or both) in comparison to placebo: gabapentin (median change 0 in the gabapentin group and -2 in the placebo group on the SMA Functional Rating Scale (SMAFRS), scale 0 to 50; n = 66); hydroxyurea (MD -1.88, 95% CI -3.89 to 0.13 on the GMFM, scale 0 to 264; n = 57), phenylbutyrate (MD -0.13, 95% CI -0.84 to 0.58 on the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale (HFMS) scale 0 to 40; n = 90) and monotherapy of valproic acid (MD 0.06, 95% CI -1.32 to 1.44 on SMAFRS, scale 0 to 50; n = 31). Very low-certainty evidence suggested that the following interventions had little or no effect on motor function: olesoxime (MD 2, 95% -0.25 to 4.25 on the Motor Function Measure (MFM) D1 + D2, scale 0 to 75; n = 160) and somatotropin (median change at 3 months 0.25 higher, 95% CI -1 to 2.5 on the HFMSE, scale 0 to 66; n = 19). One small TRH trial did not report effects on motor function and the certainty of evidence for other outcomes from this trial were low or very low. Results of nine completed trials investigating 4-aminopyridine, acetyl-L-carnitine, CK-2127107, hydroxyurea, pyridostigmine, riluzole, RO6885247/RG7800, salbutamol and valproic acid were awaited and not available for analysis at the time of writing. Various trials and studies investigating treatment strategies other than nusinersen (e.g. SMN2-augmentation by small molecules), are currently ongoing. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Nusinersen improves motor function in SMA type II, based on moderate-certainty evidence. Creatine, gabapentin, hydroxyurea, phenylbutyrate, valproic acid and the combination of valproic acid and ALC probably have no clinically important effect on motor function in SMA types II or III (or both) based on low-certainty evidence, and olesoxime and somatropin may also have little to no clinically important effect but evidence was of very low-certainty. One trial of TRH did not measure motor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renske I Wadman
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center Rudolf MagnusDepartment of NeurologyHeidelberglaan 100UtrechtNetherlands3584 CX
| | - W Ludo van der Pol
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center Rudolf MagnusDepartment of NeurologyHeidelberglaan 100UtrechtNetherlands3584 CX
| | - Wendy MJ Bosboom
- Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis locatie WestDepartment of NeurologyAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - Fay‐Lynn Asselman
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center Rudolf MagnusDepartment of NeurologyHeidelberglaan 100UtrechtNetherlands3584 CX
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center Rudolf MagnusDepartment of NeurologyHeidelberglaan 100UtrechtNetherlands3584 CX
| | - Susan T Iannaccone
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDepartment of Pediatrics5323 Harry Hines BoulevardDallasTexasUSA75390
| | - Alexander FJE Vrancken
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center Rudolf MagnusDepartment of NeurologyHeidelberglaan 100UtrechtNetherlands3584 CX
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26
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Wadman RI, van der Pol WL, Bosboom WMJ, Asselman F, van den Berg LH, Iannaccone ST, Vrancken AFJE. Drug treatment for spinal muscular atrophy type I. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 12:CD006281. [PMID: 31825542 PMCID: PMC6905354 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd006281.pub5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by a homozygous deletion of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene on chromosome 5, or a heterozygous deletion in combination with a point mutation in the second SMN1 allele. This results in degeneration of anterior horn cells, which leads to progressive muscle weakness. By definition, children with SMA type I are never able to sit without support and usually die or become ventilator dependent before the age of two years. There have until very recently been no drug treatments to influence the course of SMA. We undertook this updated review to evaluate new evidence on emerging treatments for SMA type I. The review was first published in 2009 and previously updated in 2011. OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy and safety of any drug therapy designed to slow or arrest progression of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type I. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and ISI Web of Science conference proceedings in October 2018. We also searched two trials registries to identify unpublished trials (October 2018). SELECTION CRITERIA We sought all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs that examined the efficacy of drug treatment for SMA type I. Included participants had to fulfil clinical criteria and have a genetically confirmed deletion or mutation of the SMN1 gene (5q11.2-13.2). The primary outcome measure was age at death or full-time ventilation. Secondary outcome measures were acquisition of motor milestones, i.e. head control, rolling, sitting or standing, motor milestone response on disability scores within one year after the onset of treatment, and adverse events and serious adverse events attributable to treatment during the trial period. Treatment strategies involving SMN1 gene replacement with viral vectors are out of the scope of this review. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We followed standard Cochrane methodology. MAIN RESULTS We identified two RCTs: one trial of intrathecal nusinersen in comparison to a sham (control) procedure in 121 randomised infants with SMA type I, which was newly included at this update, and one small trial comparing riluzole treatment to placebo in 10 children with SMA type I. The RCT of intrathecally-injected nusinersen was stopped early for efficacy (based on a predefined Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination-Section 2 (HINE-2) response). At the interim analyses after 183 days of treatment, 41% (21/51) of nusinersen-treated infants showed a predefined improvement on HINE-2, compared to 0% (0/27) of participants in the control group. This trial was largely at low risk of bias. Final analyses (ranging from 6 months to 13 months of treatment), showed that fewer participants died or required full-time ventilation (defined as more than 16 hours daily for 21 days or more) in the nusinersen-treated group than the control group (hazard ratio (HR) 0.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.32 to 0.89; N = 121; a 47% lower risk; moderate-certainty evidence). A proportion of infants in the nusinersen group and none of 37 infants in the control group achieved motor milestones: 37/73 nusinersen-treated infants (51%) achieved a motor milestone response on HINE-2 (risk ratio (RR) 38.51, 95% CI 2.43 to 610.14; N = 110; moderate-certainty evidence); 16/73 achieved head control (RR 16.95, 95% CI 1.04 to 274.84; moderate-certainty evidence); 6/73 achieved independent sitting (RR 6.68, 95% CI 0.39 to 115.38; moderate-certainty evidence); 7/73 achieved rolling over (RR 7.70, 95% CI 0.45 to 131.29); and 1/73 achieved standing (RR 1.54, 95% CI 0.06 to 36.92; moderate-certainty evidence). Seventy-one per cent of nusinersen-treated infants versus 3% of infants in the control group were responders on the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP INTEND) measure of motor disability (RR 26.36, 95% CI 3.79 to 183.18; N = 110; moderate-certainty evidence). Adverse events and serious adverse events occurred in the majority of infants but were no more frequent in the nusinersen-treated group than the control group (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.05 and RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.89, respectively; N = 121; moderate-certainty evidence). In the riluzole trial, three of seven children treated with riluzole were still alive at the ages of 30, 48, and 64 months, whereas all three children in the placebo group died. None of the children in the riluzole or placebo group developed the ability to sit, which was the only milestone reported. There were no adverse effects. The certainty of the evidence for all measured outcomes from this study was very low, because the study was too small to detect or rule out an effect, and had serious limitations, including baseline differences. This trial was stopped prematurely because the pharmaceutical company withdrew funding. Various trials and studies investigating treatment strategies other than nusinersen, such as SMN2 augmentation by small molecules, are ongoing. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Based on the very limited evidence currently available regarding drug treatments for SMA type 1, intrathecal nusinersen probably prolongs ventilation-free and overall survival in infants with SMA type I. It is also probable that a greater proportion of infants treated with nusinersen than with a sham procedure achieve motor milestones and can be classed as responders to treatment on clinical assessments (HINE-2 and CHOP INTEND). The proportion of children experiencing adverse events and serious adverse events on nusinersen is no higher with nusinersen treatment than with a sham procedure, based on evidence of moderate certainty. It is uncertain whether riluzole has any effect in patients with SMA type I, based on the limited available evidence. Future trials could provide more high-certainty, longer-term evidence to confirm this result, or focus on comparing new treatments to nusinersen or evaluate them as an add-on therapy to nusinersen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renske I Wadman
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center Rudolf MagnusDepartment of NeurologyHeidelberglaan 100UtrechtNetherlands3584 CX
| | - W Ludo van der Pol
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center Rudolf MagnusDepartment of NeurologyHeidelberglaan 100UtrechtNetherlands3584 CX
| | - Wendy MJ Bosboom
- Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis locatie WestDepartment of NeurologyAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - Fay‐Lynn Asselman
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center Rudolf MagnusDepartment of NeurologyHeidelberglaan 100UtrechtNetherlands3584 CX
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center Rudolf MagnusDepartment of NeurologyHeidelberglaan 100UtrechtNetherlands3584 CX
| | - Susan T Iannaccone
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDepartment of Pediatrics5323 Harry Hines BoulevardDallasTexasUSA75390
| | - Alexander FJE Vrancken
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center Rudolf MagnusDepartment of NeurologyHeidelberglaan 100UtrechtNetherlands3584 CX
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27
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Šoltić D, Shorrock HK, Allardyce H, Wilson EL, Holt I, Synowsky SA, Shirran SL, Parson SH, Gillingwater TH, Fuller HR. Lamin A/C dysregulation contributes to cardiac pathology in a mouse model of severe spinal muscular atrophy. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 28:3515-3527. [PMID: 31397869 PMCID: PMC6927462 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac pathology is emerging as a prominent systemic feature of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), but little is known about the underlying molecular pathways. Using quantitative proteomics analysis, we demonstrate widespread molecular defects in heart tissue from the Taiwanese mouse model of severe SMA. We identify increased levels of lamin A/C as a robust molecular phenotype in the heart of SMA mice and show that lamin A/C dysregulation is also apparent in SMA patient fibroblast cells and other tissues from SMA mice. Lamin A/C expression was regulated in vitro by knockdown of the E1 ubiquitination factor ubiquitin-like modifier activating enzyme 1, a key downstream mediator of SMN-dependent disease pathways, converging on β-catenin signaling. Increased levels of lamin A are known to increase the rigidity of nuclei, inevitably disrupting contractile activity in cardiomyocytes. The increased lamin A/C levels in the hearts of SMA mice therefore provide a likely mechanism explaining morphological and functional cardiac defects, leading to blood pooling. Therapeutic strategies directed at lamin A/C may therefore offer a new approach to target cardiac pathology in SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darija Šoltić
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry SY10 7AG, UK
| | - Hannah K Shorrock
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Hazel Allardyce
- Institute of Education for Medical and Dental Science, College of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, UK
| | - Emma L Wilson
- Chester Medical School, University of Chester, Chester CH1 4BJ, UK
| | - Ian Holt
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry SY10 7AG, UK
| | - Silvia A Synowsky
- BSRC Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Sally L Shirran
- BSRC Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Simon H Parson
- Institute of Education for Medical and Dental Science, College of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, UK
| | - Thomas H Gillingwater
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Heidi R Fuller
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry SY10 7AG, UK
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28
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Rehorst WA, Thelen MP, Nolte H, Türk C, Cirak S, Peterson JM, Wong GW, Wirth B, Krüger M, Winter D, Kye MJ. Muscle regulates mTOR dependent axonal local translation in motor neurons via CTRP3 secretion: implications for a neuromuscular disorder, spinal muscular atrophy. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2019; 7:154. [PMID: 31615574 PMCID: PMC6794869 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-019-0806-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an inherited neuromuscular disorder, which causes dysfunction/loss of lower motor neurons and muscle weakness as well as atrophy. While SMA is primarily considered as a motor neuron disease, recent data suggests that survival motor neuron (SMN) deficiency in muscle causes intrinsic defects. We systematically profiled secreted proteins from control and SMN deficient muscle cells with two combined metabolic labeling methods and mass spectrometry. From the screening, we found lower levels of C1q/TNF-related protein 3 (CTRP3) in the SMA muscle secretome and confirmed that CTRP3 levels are indeed reduced in muscle tissues and serum of an SMA mouse model. We identified that CTRP3 regulates neuronal protein synthesis including SMN via mTOR pathway. Furthermore, CTRP3 enhances axonal outgrowth and protein synthesis rate, which are well-known impaired processes in SMA motor neurons. Our data revealed a new molecular mechanism by which muscles regulate the physiology of motor neurons via secreted molecules. Dysregulation of this mechanism contributes to the pathophysiology of SMA.
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29
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Rossaert E, Pollari E, Jaspers T, Van Helleputte L, Jarpe M, Van Damme P, De Bock K, Moisse M, Van Den Bosch L. Restoration of histone acetylation ameliorates disease and metabolic abnormalities in a FUS mouse model. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2019; 7:107. [PMID: 31277703 PMCID: PMC6612190 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-019-0750-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of epigenetic mechanisms is emerging as a central event in neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In many models of neurodegeneration, global histone acetylation is decreased in the affected neuronal tissues. Histone acetylation is controlled by the antagonistic actions of two protein families -the histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and the histone deacetylases (HDACs). Drugs inhibiting HDAC activity are already used in the clinic as anti-cancer agents. The aim of this study was to explore the therapeutic potential of HDAC inhibition in the context of ALS. We discovered that transgenic mice overexpressing wild-type FUS ("Tg FUS+/+"), which recapitulate many aspects of human ALS, showed reduced global histone acetylation and alterations in metabolic gene expression, resulting in a dysregulated metabolic homeostasis. Chronic treatment of Tg FUS+/+ mice with ACY-738, a potent HDAC inhibitor that can cross the blood-brain barrier, ameliorated the motor phenotype and substantially extended the life span of the Tg FUS+/+ mice. At the molecular level, ACY-738 restored global histone acetylation and metabolic gene expression, thereby re-establishing metabolite levels in the spinal cord. Taken together, our findings link epigenetic alterations to metabolic dysregulation in ALS pathology, and highlight ACY-738 as a potential therapeutic strategy to treat this devastating disease.
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30
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Srivastava G, Srivastava P. Spinal muscular atrophy – a revisit of the diagnosis and treatment modalities. Int J Neurosci 2019; 129:1103-1118. [DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2019.1635128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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NCALD Antisense Oligonucleotide Therapy in Addition to Nusinersen further Ameliorates Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Mice. Am J Hum Genet 2019; 105:221-230. [PMID: 31230718 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2019.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disease causing the most frequent genetic childhood lethality. Recently, nusinersen, an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) that corrects SMN2 splicing and thereby increases full-length SMN protein, has been approved by the FDA and EMA for SMA therapy. However, the administration of nusinersen in severe and/or post-symptomatic SMA-affected individuals is insufficient to counteract the disease. Therefore, additional SMN-independent therapies are needed to support the function of motoneurons and neuromuscular junctions. We recently identified asymptomatic SMN1-deleted individuals who were protected against SMA by reduced expression of neurocalcin delta (NCALD). NCALD reduction is proven to be a protective modifier of SMA across species, including worm, zebrafish, and mice. Here, we identified Ncald-ASO3-out of 450 developed Ncald ASOs-as the most efficient and non-toxic ASO for the CNS, by applying a stepwise screening strategy in cortical neurons and adult and neonatal mice. In a randomized-blinded preclinical study, a single subcutaneous low-dose SMN-ASO and a single intracerebroventricular Ncald-ASO3 or control-ASO injection were presymptomatically administered in a severe SMA mouse model. NCALD reduction of >70% persisted for about 1 month. While low-dose SMN-ASO rescues multiorgan impairment, additional NCALD reduction significantly ameliorated SMA pathology including electrophysiological and histological properties of neuromuscular junctions and muscle at P21 and motoric deficits at 3 months. The present study shows the additional benefit of a combinatorial SMN-dependent and SMN-independent ASO-based therapy for SMA. This work illustrates how a modifying gene, identified in some asymptomatic individuals, helps to develop a therapy for all SMA-affected individuals.
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32
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Riessland M. Is there hope for spinal muscular atrophy synthetic pharmacotherapy? Expert Opin Pharmacother 2019; 20:1049-1052. [DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2019.1595585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Markus Riessland
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
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33
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Lipnick SL, Agniel DM, Aggarwal R, Makhortova NR, Finlayson SG, Brocato A, Palmer N, Darras BT, Kohane I, Rubin LL. Systemic nature of spinal muscular atrophy revealed by studying insurance claims. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213680. [PMID: 30870495 PMCID: PMC6417721 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective We investigated the presence of non-neuromuscular phenotypes in patients affected by Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a disorder caused by a mutation in the Survival of Motor Neuron (SMN) gene, and whether these phenotypes may be clinically detectable prior to clinical signs of neuromuscular degeneration and therefore independent of muscle weakness. Methods We utilized a de-identified database of insurance claims to explore the health of 1,038 SMA patients compared to controls. Two analyses were performed: (1) claims from the entire insurance coverage window; and (2) for SMA patients, claims prior to diagnosis of any neuromuscular disease or evidence of major neuromuscular degeneration to increase the chance that phenotypes could be attributed directly to reduced SMN levels. Logistic regression was used to determine whether phenotypes were diagnosed at significantly different rates between SMA patients and controls and to obtain covariate-adjusted odds ratios. Results Results from the entire coverage window revealed a broad spectrum of phenotypes that are differentially diagnosed in SMA subjects compared to controls. Moreover, data from SMA patients prior to their first clinical signs of neuromuscular degeneration revealed numerous non-neuromuscular phenotypes including defects within the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, metabolic, reproductive, and skeletal systems. Furthermore, our data provide evidence of a potential ordering of disease progression beginning with these non-neuromuscular phenotypes. Conclusions Our data point to a direct relationship between early, detectable non-neuromuscular symptoms and SMN deficiency. Our findings are particularly important for evaluating the efficacy of SMN-increasing therapies for SMA, comparing the effectiveness of local versus systemically delivered therapeutics, and determining the optimal therapeutic treatment window prior to irreversible neuromuscular damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott L. Lipnick
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Center for Assessment Technology & Continuous Health (CATCH), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Denis M. Agniel
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Rahul Aggarwal
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Center for Assessment Technology & Continuous Health (CATCH), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Nina R. Makhortova
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Samuel G. Finlayson
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Alexandra Brocato
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Nathan Palmer
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Basil T. Darras
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Isaac Kohane
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lee L. Rubin
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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34
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Groen EJN, Perenthaler E, Courtney NL, Jordan CY, Shorrock HK, van der Hoorn D, Huang YT, Murray LM, Viero G, Gillingwater TH. Temporal and tissue-specific variability of SMN protein levels in mouse models of spinal muscular atrophy. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:2851-2862. [PMID: 29790918 PMCID: PMC6077828 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive motor neuron disease caused by deleterious variants in SMN1 that lead to a marked decrease in survival motor neuron (SMN) protein expression. Humans have a second SMN gene (SMN2) that is almost identical to SMN1. However, due to alternative splicing the majority of SMN2 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) is translated into a truncated, unstable protein that is quickly degraded. Because the presence of SMN2 provides a unique opportunity for therapy development in SMA patients, the mechanisms that regulate SMN2 splicing and mRNA expression have been elucidated in great detail. In contrast, how much SMN protein is produced at different developmental time points and in different tissues remains under-characterized. In this study, we addressed this issue by determining SMN protein expression levels at three developmental time points across six different mouse tissues and in two distinct mouse models of SMA (‘severe’ Taiwanese and ‘intermediate’ Smn2B/− mice). We found that, in healthy control mice, SMN protein expression was significantly influenced by both age and tissue type. When comparing mouse models of SMA, we found that, despite being transcribed from genetically different alleles, control SMN levels were relatively similar. In contrast, the degree of SMN depletion between tissues in SMA varied substantially over time and between the two models. These findings offer an explanation for the differential vulnerability of tissues and organs observed in SMA and further our understanding of the systemic and temporal requirements for SMN with direct relevance for developing effective therapies for SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewout J N Groen
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Elena Perenthaler
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Natalie L Courtney
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Crispin Y Jordan
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences
| | - Hannah K Shorrock
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Dinja van der Hoorn
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Yu-Ting Huang
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Lyndsay M Murray
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Gabriella Viero
- Institute of Biophysics, CNR Unit at Trento, 38123 Povo, Trento, Italy
| | - Thomas H Gillingwater
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
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Sheng L, Wan B, Feng P, Sun J, Rigo F, Bennett CF, Akerman M, Krainer AR, Hua Y. Downregulation of Survivin contributes to cell-cycle arrest during postnatal cardiac development in a severe spinal muscular atrophy mouse model. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:486-498. [PMID: 29220503 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is the leading genetic cause of infant mortality, characterized by progressive degeneration of spinal-cord motor neurons, leading to atrophy of skeletal muscles. However, accumulating evidence indicates that it is a multi-system disorder, particularly in its severe forms. Several studies delineated structural and functional cardiac abnormalities in SMA patients and mouse models, yet the abnormalities have been primarily attributed to autonomic dysfunction. Here, we show in a severe mouse model that its cardiomyocytes undergo G0/G1 cell-cycle arrest and enhanced apoptosis during postnatal development. Microarray and real-time RT-PCR analyses revealed that a set of genes associated with cell cycle and apoptosis were dysregulated in newborn pups. Of particular interest, the Birc5 gene, which encodes Survivin, an essential protein for heart development, was down-regulated even on pre-symptomatic postnatal day 0. Interestingly, cultured cardiomyocytes depleted of SMN recapitulated the gene expression changes including downregulation of Survivin and abnormal cell-cycle progression; and overexpression of Survivin rescued the cell-cycle defect. Finally, increasing SMN in SMA mice with a therapeutic antisense oligonucleotide improved heart pathology and recovered expression of deregulated genes. Collectively, our data demonstrate that the cardiac malfunction of the severe SMA mouse model is mainly a cell-autonomous defect, caused by widespread gene deregulation in heart tissue, particularly of Birc5, resulting in developmental abnormalities through cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Sheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, China.,Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Bo Wan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, China.,Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Pengchao Feng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, China.,Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Junjie Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, China.,Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | | | - Martin Akerman
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, NY 11724, USA.,Envisagenics, Inc., New York, NY 10017, USA
| | - Adrian R Krainer
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, NY 11724, USA
| | - Yimin Hua
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, China.,Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
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36
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Šoltić D, Bowerman M, Stock J, Shorrock HK, Gillingwater TH, Fuller HR. Multi-Study Proteomic and Bioinformatic Identification of Molecular Overlap between Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Brain Sci 2018; 8:brainsci8120212. [PMID: 30518112 PMCID: PMC6315439 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci8120212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Unravelling the complex molecular pathways responsible for motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) remains a persistent challenge. Interest is growing in the potential molecular similarities between these two diseases, with the hope of better understanding disease pathology for the guidance of therapeutic development. The aim of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of published proteomic studies of ALS and SMA, seeking commonly dysregulated molecules to be prioritized as future therapeutic targets. Fifteen proteins were found to be differentially expressed in two or more proteomic studies of both ALS and SMA, and bioinformatics analysis identified over-representation of proteins known to associate in vesicles and molecular pathways, including metabolism of proteins and vesicle-mediated transport—both of which converge on endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-Golgi trafficking processes. Calreticulin, a calcium-binding chaperone found in the ER, was associated with both pathways and we independently confirm that its expression was decreased in spinal cords from SMA and increased in spinal cords from ALS mice. Together, these findings offer significant insights into potential common targets that may help to guide the development of new therapies for both diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darija Šoltić
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK; (D.S.); (M.B.)
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry SY10 7AG, UK
| | - Melissa Bowerman
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK; (D.S.); (M.B.)
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry SY10 7AG, UK
| | - Joanne Stock
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK; (D.S.); (M.B.)
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry SY10 7AG, UK
| | - Hannah K. Shorrock
- Biomedical Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK; (H.K.S.); (T.H.G.)
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK
| | - Thomas H. Gillingwater
- Biomedical Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK; (H.K.S.); (T.H.G.)
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK
| | - Heidi R. Fuller
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK; (D.S.); (M.B.)
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry SY10 7AG, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-169-140-4693; Fax: +44-169-140-4065
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Shorrock HK, van der Hoorn D, Boyd PJ, Llavero Hurtado M, Lamont DJ, Wirth B, Sleigh JN, Schiavo G, Wishart TM, Groen EJN, Gillingwater TH. UBA1/GARS-dependent pathways drive sensory-motor connectivity defects in spinal muscular atrophy. Brain 2018; 141:2878-2894. [PMID: 30239612 PMCID: PMC6158753 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awy237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Deafferentation of motor neurons as a result of defective sensory-motor connectivity is a critical early event in the pathogenesis of spinal muscular atrophy, but the underlying molecular pathways remain unknown. We show that restoration of ubiquitin-like modifier-activating enzyme 1 (UBA1) was sufficient to correct sensory-motor connectivity in the spinal cord of mice with spinal muscular atrophy. Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, including GARS, were identified as downstream targets of UBA1. Regulation of GARS by UBA1 occurred via a non-canonical pathway independent of ubiquitylation. Dysregulation of UBA1/GARS pathways in spinal muscular atrophy mice disrupted sensory neuron fate, phenocopying GARS-dependent defects associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Sensory neuron fate was corrected following restoration of UBA1 expression and UBA1/GARS pathways in spinal muscular atrophy mice. We conclude that defective sensory motor connectivity in spinal muscular atrophy results from perturbations in a UBA1/GARS pathway that modulates sensory neuron fate, thereby highlighting significant molecular and phenotypic overlap between spinal muscular atrophy and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah K Shorrock
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK,Present address: Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, 2033 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Dinja van der Hoorn
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Penelope J Boyd
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK,Present address: Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Maica Llavero Hurtado
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK, Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Science, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Brunhilde Wirth
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Institute for Genetics and Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany
| | - James N Sleigh
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, Institute of Neurology, University College London, UK
| | - Giampietro Schiavo
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, Institute of Neurology, University College London, UK, Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, University College London Campus, London, UK, UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
| | - Thomas M Wishart
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK, Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Science, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ewout J N Groen
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK,Correspondence may also be addressed to: Ewout J. N. Groen E-mail:
| | - Thomas H Gillingwater
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK,Correspondence to: Thomas H. Gillingwater University of Edinburgh - Biomedical Sciences (Anatomy) Hugh Robson Building George Square Edinburgh, Scotland EH8 9XD, UK E-mail:
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Evaluation of potential effects of Plastin 3 overexpression and low-dose SMN-antisense oligonucleotides on putative biomarkers in spinal muscular atrophy mice. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0203398. [PMID: 30188931 PMCID: PMC6126849 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a devastating motor neuron disorder caused by homozygous loss of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene and insufficient functional SMN protein produced by the SMN2 copy gene. Additional genetic protective modifiers such as Plastin 3 (PLS3) can counteract SMA pathology despite insufficient SMN protein. Recently, Spinraza, an SMN antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) that restores full-length SMN2 transcripts, has been FDA- and EMA-approved for SMA therapy. Hence, the availability of biomarkers allowing a reliable monitoring of disease and therapy progression would be of great importance. Our objectives were (i) to analyse the feasibility of SMN and of six SMA biomarkers identified by the BforSMA study in the Taiwanese SMA mouse model, (ii) to analyse the effect of PLS3 overexpression on these biomarkers, and (iii) to assess the impact of low-dose SMN-ASO therapy on the level of SMN and the six biomarkers. METHODS At P10 and P21, the level of SMN and six putative biomarkers were compared among SMA, heterozygous and wild type mice, with or without PLS3 overexpression, and with or without presymptomatic low-dose SMN-ASO subcutaneous injection. SMN levels were measured in whole blood by ECL immunoassay and of six SMA putative biomarkers, namely Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein (COMP), Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 (DPP4), Tetranectin (C-type Lectin Family 3 Member B, CLEC3B), Osteopontin (Secreted Phosphoprotein 1, SPP1), Vitronectin (VTN) and Fetuin A (Alpha 2-HS Glycoprotein, AHSG) in plasma. RESULTS SMN levels were significantly discernible between SMA, heterozygous and wild type mice. However, no significant differences were measured upon low-dose SMN-ASO treatment compared to untreated animals. Of the six biomarkers, only COMP and DPP4 showed high and SPP1 moderate correlation with the SMA phenotype. PLS3 overexpression neither influenced the SMN level nor the six biomarkers, supporting the hypothesis that PLS3 acts as an independent protective modifier.
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Ziemka-Nalecz M, Jaworska J, Sypecka J, Zalewska T. Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors: A Therapeutic Key in Neurological Disorders? J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2018; 77:855-870. [DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nly073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Ziemka-Nalecz
- NeuroRepair Department, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Jaworska
- NeuroRepair Department, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Sypecka
- NeuroRepair Department, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Teresa Zalewska
- NeuroRepair Department, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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40
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Maxwell GK, Szunyogova E, Shorrock HK, Gillingwater TH, Parson SH. Developmental and degenerative cardiac defects in the Taiwanese mouse model of severe spinal muscular atrophy. J Anat 2018; 232:965-978. [PMID: 29473159 PMCID: PMC5978979 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), an autosomal recessive disease caused by a decrease in levels of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein, is the most common genetic cause of infant mortality. Although neuromuscular pathology is the most severe feature of SMA, other organs and tissues, including the heart, are also known to be affected in both patients and animal models. Here, we provide new insights into changes occurring in the heart, predominantly at pre- and early symptomatic ages, in the Taiwanese mouse model of severe SMA. Thinning of the interventricular septum and dilation of the ventricles occurred at pre- and early symptomatic ages. However, the left ventricular wall was significantly thinner in SMA mice from birth, occurring prior to any overt neuromuscular symptoms. Alterations in collagen IV protein from birth indicated changes to the basement membrane and contributed to the abnormal arrangement of cardiomyocytes in SMA hearts. This raises the possibility that developmental defects, occurring prenatally, may contribute to cardiac pathology in SMA. In addition, cardiomyocytes in SMA hearts exhibited oxidative stress at pre-symptomatic ages and increased apoptosis during early symptomatic stages of disease. Heart microvasculature was similarly decreased at an early symptomatic age, likely contributing to the oxidative stress and apoptosis phenotypes observed. Finally, an increased incidence of blood retention in SMA hearts post-fixation suggests the likelihood of functional defects, resulting in blood pooling. These pathologies mirror dilated cardiomyopathy, with clear consequences for heart function that would likely contribute to potential heart failure. Our findings add significant additional experimental evidence in support of the requirement to develop systemic therapies for SMA capable of treating non-neuromuscular pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva Szunyogova
- Institute for Medical ScienceUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease ResearchUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Hannah K. Shorrock
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease ResearchUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical SciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Thomas H. Gillingwater
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease ResearchUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical SciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Simon H. Parson
- Institute for Medical ScienceUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease ResearchUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
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41
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Neuronal activity regulates DROSHA via autophagy in spinal muscular atrophy. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7907. [PMID: 29784949 PMCID: PMC5962575 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26347-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated miRNA expression and mutation of genes involved in miRNA biogenesis have been reported in motor neuron diseases including spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Therefore, identifying molecular mechanisms governing miRNA expression is important to understand these diseases. Here, we report that expression of DROSHA, which is a critical enzyme in the microprocessor complex and essential for miRNA biogenesis, is reduced in motor neurons from an SMA mouse model. We show that DROSHA is degraded by neuronal activity induced autophagy machinery, which is also dysregulated in SMA. Blocking neuronal activity or the autophagy-lysosome pathway restores DROSHA levels in SMA motor neurons. Moreover, reducing DROSHA levels enhances axonal growth. As impaired axonal growth is a well described phenotype of SMA motor neurons, these data suggest that DROSHA reduction by autophagy may mitigate the phenotype of SMA. In summary, these findings suggest that autophagy regulates RNA metabolism and neuronal growth via the DROSHA/miRNA pathway and this pathway is dysregulated in SMA.
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42
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Thomas EA, D'Mello SR. Complex neuroprotective and neurotoxic effects of histone deacetylases. J Neurochem 2018; 145:96-110. [PMID: 29355955 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
By their ability to shatter quality of life for both patients and caregivers, neurodegenerative diseases are the most devastating of human disorders. Unfortunately, there are no effective or long-terms treatments capable of slowing down the relentless loss of neurons in any of these diseases. One impediment is the lack of detailed knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying the processes of neurodegeneration. While some neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, are mostly sporadic in nature, driven by both environment and genetic susceptibility, many others, including Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxias, and spinal-bulbar muscular atrophy, are genetically inherited disorders. Surprisingly, given their different roots and etiologies, both sporadic and genetic neurodegenerative disorders have been linked to disease mechanisms involving histone deacetylase (HDAC) proteins, which consists of 18 family members with diverse functions. While most studies have implicated certain HDAC subtypes in promoting neurodegeneration, a substantial body of literature suggests that other HDAC proteins can preserve neuronal viability. Of particular interest, however, is the recent realization that a single HDAC subtype can have both neuroprotective and neurotoxic effects. Diverse mechanisms, beyond transcriptional regulation have been linked to these effects, including deacetylation of non-histone proteins, protein-protein interactions, post-translational modifications of the HDAC proteins themselves and direct interactions with disease proteins. The roles of these HDACs in both sporadic and genetic neurodegenerative diseases will be discussed in the current review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Thomas
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Santosh R D'Mello
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA
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43
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Rademacher S, Verheijen BM, Hensel N, Peters M, Bora G, Brandes G, Vieira de Sá R, Heidrich N, Fischer S, Brinkmann H, van der Pol WL, Wirth B, Pasterkamp RJ, Claus P. Metalloprotease-mediated cleavage of PlexinD1 and its sequestration to actin rods in the motoneuron disease spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Hum Mol Genet 2018; 26:3946-3959. [PMID: 29016853 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytoskeletal rearrangement during axon growth is mediated by guidance receptors and their ligands which act either as repellent, attractant or both. Regulation of the actin cytoskeleton is disturbed in Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a devastating neurodegenerative disease affecting mainly motoneurons, but receptor-ligand interactions leading to the dysregulation causing SMA are poorly understood. In this study, we analysed the role of the guidance receptor PlexinD1 in SMA pathogenesis. We showed that PlexinD1 is cleaved by metalloproteases in SMA and that this cleavage switches its function from an attractant to repellent. Moreover, we found that the PlexinD1 cleavage product binds to actin rods, pathological aggregate-like structures which had so far been described for age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Our data suggest a novel disease mechanism for SMA involving formation of actin rods as a molecular sink for a cleaved PlexinD1 fragment leading to dysregulation of receptor signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Rademacher
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Bert M Verheijen
- Department of Translational Neuroscience & MIND Facility, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Niko Hensel
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Miriam Peters
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, and Institute of Genetics, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Gamze Bora
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, 06100 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gudrun Brandes
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Renata Vieira de Sá
- Department of Translational Neuroscience & MIND Facility, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Natascha Heidrich
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Silke Fischer
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Hella Brinkmann
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - W Ludo van der Pol
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Brunhilde Wirth
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, and Institute of Genetics, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - R Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Department of Translational Neuroscience & MIND Facility, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Claus
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,Niedersachsen-Research Network on Neuroinfectiology (N-RENNT), Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
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44
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Groen EJN, Talbot K, Gillingwater TH. Advances in therapy for spinal muscular atrophy: promises and challenges. Nat Rev Neurol 2018; 14:214-224. [PMID: 29422644 DOI: 10.1038/nrneurol.2018.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a devastating motor neuron disease that predominantly affects children and represents the most common cause of hereditary infant mortality. The condition results from deleterious variants in SMN1, which lead to depletion of the survival motor neuron protein (SMN). Now, 20 years after the discovery of this genetic defect, a major milestone in SMA and motor neuron disease research has been reached with the approval of the first disease-modifying therapy for SMA by US and European authorities - the antisense oligonucleotide nusinersen. At the same time, promising data from early-stage clinical trials of SMN1 gene therapy have indicated that additional therapeutic options are likely to emerge for patients with SMA in the near future. However, the approval of nusinersen has generated a number of immediate and substantial medical, ethical and financial implications that have the potential to resonate beyond the specific treatment of SMA. Here, we provide an overview of the rapidly evolving therapeutic landscape for SMA, highlighting current achievements and future opportunities. We also discuss how these developments are providing important lessons for the emerging second generation of combinatorial ('SMN-plus') therapies that are likely to be required to generate robust treatments that are effective across a patient's lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewout J N Groen
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kevin Talbot
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Thomas H Gillingwater
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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45
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Small-molecule flunarizine increases SMN protein in nuclear Cajal bodies and motor function in a mouse model of spinal muscular atrophy. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2075. [PMID: 29391529 PMCID: PMC5794986 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20219-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The hereditary neurodegenerative disorder spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is characterized by the loss of spinal cord motor neurons and skeletal muscle atrophy. SMA is caused by mutations of the survival motor neuron (SMN) gene leading to a decrease in SMN protein levels. The SMN deficiency alters nuclear body formation and whether it can contribute to the disease remains unclear. Here we screen a series of small-molecules on SMA patient fibroblasts and identify flunarizine that accumulates SMN into Cajal bodies, the nuclear bodies important for the spliceosomal small nuclear RNA (snRNA)-ribonucleoprotein biogenesis. Using histochemistry, real-time RT-PCR and behavioural analyses in a mouse model of SMA, we show that along with the accumulation of SMN into Cajal bodies of spinal cord motor neurons, flunarizine treatment modulates the relative abundance of specific spliceosomal snRNAs in a tissue-dependent manner and can improve the synaptic connections and survival of spinal cord motor neurons. The treatment also protects skeletal muscles from cell death and atrophy, raises the neuromuscular junction maturation and prolongs life span by as much as 40 percent (p < 0.001). Our findings provide a functional link between flunarizine and SMA pathology, highlighting the potential benefits of flunarizine in a novel therapeutic perspective against neurodegenerative diseases.
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46
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Fuller HR, Shorrock HK, Gillingwater TH, Pigott A, Smith V, Kulshrestha R, Sewry CS, Willis TA. Two Cases of Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type II with Eosinophilic Oesophagitis. J Neuromuscul Dis 2017; 4:357-362. [PMID: 29172006 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-170260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Although primarily characterised by loss of motor neurons from the anterior horn of spinal cord and muscle atrophy, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is now recognised as a multi-systemic disorder. Here, we report two SMA Type II patients with eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE), a rare, chronic immune/antigen-mediated condition. One patient presented with dysphagia and poor weight gain, and the second patient had symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) and poor weight gain. In both patients, macroscopic observations during gastroscopy indicated typical signs of EoE, which were verified during histological examination of oesophageal biopsies. Given that there is a specific treatment strategy for EoE, these cases highlight the importance of considering this condition in clinical investigations - especially for patients with SMA - who have GOR, discomfort, and oral aversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi R Fuller
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, UK.,Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK
| | - Hannah K Shorrock
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Thomas H Gillingwater
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Anna Pigott
- Children's Centre, University Hospital of North Midlands NHS Trust, Royal Stoke University Hospital, Newcastle Road, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
| | - Victoria Smith
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of North Midlands NHS Trust, Royal Stoke University Hospital, Newcastle Road, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
| | - Richa Kulshrestha
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, UK
| | - Caroline S Sewry
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, UK
| | - Tracey A Willis
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, UK
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47
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Hensel N, Baskal S, Walter LM, Brinkmann H, Gernert M, Claus P. ERK and ROCK functionally interact in a signaling network that is compensationally upregulated in Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 108:352-361. [PMID: 28916199 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a motoneuron disease caused by low levels of functional survival of motoneuron protein (SMN). Molecular disease mechanisms downstream of functional SMN loss are still largely unknown. Previous studies suggested an involvement of Rho kinase (ROCK) as well as the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) pathways in the pathomechanism. Both pathways are bi-directionally linked and inhibit each other. Thus, we hypothesize that both pathways regulate SMA pathophysiology in vivo in a combined manner rather than acting separately. Here, we applied the repurposed drugs, selumetinib, an ERK inhibitor, and the ROCK inhibitor fasudil to severe SMA mice. Thereby, separately applied inhibitors as well as a combination enabled us to explore the impact of the ROCK-ERK signaling network on SMA pathophysiology. ROCK inhibition specifically ameliorated the phenotype of selumetinib-treated SMA mice demonstrating an efficient ROCK to ERK crosstalk relevant for the SMA pathophysiology. However, ERK inhibition alone aggravated the condition of SMA mice and reduced the number of motoneurons indicating a compensatory hyper-activation of ERK in motoneurons. Taken together, we identified a regulatory network acting downstream of SMN depletion and upstream of the SMA pathophysiology thus being a future treatment target in combination with SMN dependent strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niko Hensel
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Svetlana Baskal
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lisa Marie Walter
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Hella Brinkmann
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Manuela Gernert
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Claus
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany.
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48
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Dominguez CE, Cunningham D, Chandler DS. SMN regulation in SMA and in response to stress: new paradigms and therapeutic possibilities. Hum Genet 2017; 136:1173-1191. [PMID: 28852871 PMCID: PMC6201753 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-017-1835-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Low levels of the survival of motor neuron (SMN) protein cause the neurodegenerative disease spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). SMA is a pediatric disease characterized by spinal motor neuron degeneration. SMA exhibits several levels of severity ranging from early antenatal fatality to only mild muscular weakness, and disease prognosis is related directly to the amount of functional SMN protein that a patient is able to express. Current therapies are being developed to increase the production of functional SMN protein; however, understanding the effect that natural stresses have on the production and function of SMN is of critical importance to ensuring that these therapies will have the greatest possible effect for patients. Research has shown that SMN, both on the mRNA and protein level, is highly affected by cellular stress. In this review we will summarize the research that highlights the roles of SMN in the disease process and the response of SMN to various environmental stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E Dominguez
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program and The Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - David Cunningham
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Dawn S Chandler
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program and The Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.
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49
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Zhang QJ, Lin X, Li JJ, Lu YQ, Guo XX, Dong EL, Zhao M, He J, Wang N, Chen WJ. Application of urine cells in drug intervention for spinal muscular atrophy. Exp Ther Med 2017; 14:1993-1998. [PMID: 28962115 PMCID: PMC5609093 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.4791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a lethal childhood neurodegenerative disorder that is caused by the homozygous deletion of survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1). To date, no effective treatments are available. In the current study, urine cells taken from SMA patients were cultured and the application of patient-derived urine cells was determined in drug intervention. A total of 13 SMA patient-derived urine cell lines and 40 control cell lines were established. SMN was highly expressed in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Patient-derived urine cells expressed low levels of SMN protein compared with controls, they exhibited good tolerance to chemical and electrical damage. SMN expression was upregulated following treatment with histone deacetylase inhibitors and the effect was greater in groups treated with morpholino modified antisense oligo, which targets ISS-N1 in SMN2 intron 7. The results of the current study indicated that SMA patient-derived urine cells may be useful in the initial screening of potential compounds and drugs to treat SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Jie Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Lin
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, P.R. China
| | - Jin-Jing Li
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, P.R. China
| | - Ying-Qian Lu
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, P.R. China
| | - Xin-Xin Guo
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, P.R. China
| | - En-Lin Dong
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, P.R. China
| | - Miao Zhao
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, P.R. China
| | - Jin He
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, P.R. China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, P.R. China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, P.R. China
| | - Wan-Jin Chen
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, P.R. China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, P.R. China
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Therapeutic approaches for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Gene Ther 2017; 24:514-519. [DOI: 10.1038/gt.2017.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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