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Salunkhe J, Ugale R. Recent updates on immunotherapy in neurodegenerative diseases. Brain Res 2024; 1845:149205. [PMID: 39197568 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.149205] [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: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegeneration is a progressive event leading to specific neuronal loss due to the accumulation of aberrant proteins. These pathologic forms of proteins further worsen and interfere with normal physiologic mechanisms, which can lead to abnormal proliferation of immune cells and subsequent inflammatory cascades and ultimately neuronal loss. Recently, immunotherapies targeting abnormal, pathologic forms of protein have shown a promising approach to modify the progression of neurodegeneration. Recent advances in immunotherapy have led to the development of novel antibodies against the proteinopathies which can eradicate aggregations of protein as evident from preclinical and clinical studies. Nonetheless, only a few of them have successfully received clinical approval, while others have been discontinued due to a lack of clinical efficacy endpoints. The current review discusses the status of investigational antibodies under clinical trials, their targets for therapeutic action, and evidence for failure or success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jotiram Salunkhe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur 440033, India
| | - Rajesh Ugale
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur 440033, India.
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2
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Ikeda T, Takahashi K, Higashi M, Komiya H, Asano T, Ogasawara A, Kubota S, Hashiguchi S, Kunii M, Tanaka K, Tada M, Doi H, Takeuchi H, Takei K, Tanaka F. Lateral olfactory tract usher substance (LOTUS), an endogenous Nogo receptor antagonist, ameliorates disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis model mice. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:454. [PMID: 38097540 PMCID: PMC10721829 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01758-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Nogo-Nogo receptor 1 (NgR1) signaling is significantly implicated in neurodegeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We previously showed that lateral olfactory tract usher substance (LOTUS) is an endogenous antagonist of NgR1 that prevents all myelin-associated inhibitors (MAIs), including Nogo, from binding to NgR1. Here we investigated the role of LOTUS in ALS pathogenesis by analyzing G93A-mutated human superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) transgenic (Tg) mice, as an ALS model, as well as newly generated LOTUS-overexpressing SOD1 Tg mice. We examined expression profiles of LOTUS and MAIs and compared motor functions and survival periods in these mice. We also investigated motor neuron survival, glial proliferation in the lumbar spinal cord, and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) morphology. We analyzed downstream molecules of NgR1 signaling such as ROCK2, LIMK1, cofilin, and ataxin-2, and also neurotrophins. In addition, we investigated LOTUS protein levels in the ventral horn of ALS patients. We found significantly decreased LOTUS expression in both SOD1 Tg mice and ALS patients. LOTUS overexpression in SOD1 Tg mice increased lifespan and improved motor function, in association with prevention of motor neuron loss, reduced gliosis, increased NMJ innervation, maintenance of cofilin phosphorylation dynamics, decreased levels of ataxin-2, and increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Reduced LOTUS expression may enhance neurodegeneration in SOD1 Tg mice and ALS patients by activating NgR1 signaling, and in this study LOTUS overexpression significantly ameliorated ALS pathogenesis. LOTUS might serve as a promising therapeutic target for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Ikeda
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Keita Takahashi
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan.
| | - Minatsu Higashi
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Komiya
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Asano
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Akihiro Ogasawara
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Shun Kubota
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Shunta Hashiguchi
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Misako Kunii
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Kenichi Tanaka
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Mikiko Tada
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Doi
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Takeuchi
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Kohtaro Takei
- Molecular Medical Bioscience Laboratory, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Tanaka
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan.
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3
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Shefner JM, Musaro A, Ngo ST, Lunetta C, Steyn FJ, Robitaille R, De Carvalho M, Rutkove S, Ludolph AC, Dupuis L. Skeletal muscle in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Brain 2023; 146:4425-4436. [PMID: 37327376 PMCID: PMC10629757 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the major adult-onset motor neuron disease, has been viewed almost exclusively as a disease of upper and lower motor neurons, with muscle changes interpreted as a consequence of the progressive loss of motor neurons and neuromuscular junctions. This has led to the prevailing view that the involvement of muscle in ALS is only secondary to motor neuron loss. Skeletal muscle and motor neurons reciprocally influence their respective development and constitute a single functional unit. In ALS, multiple studies indicate that skeletal muscle dysfunction might contribute to progressive muscle weakness, as well as to the final demise of neuromuscular junctions and motor neurons. Furthermore, skeletal muscle has been shown to participate in disease pathogenesis of several monogenic diseases closely related to ALS. Here, we move the narrative towards a better appreciation of muscle as a contributor of disease in ALS. We review the various potential roles of skeletal muscle cells in ALS, from passive bystanders to active players in ALS pathophysiology. We also compare ALS to other motor neuron diseases and draw perspectives for future research and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy M Shefner
- Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- College of Medicine, Creighton University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Antonio Musaro
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Scuola Superiore di Studi Avanzati Sapienza (SSAS), Rome, Italy
| | - Shyuan T Ngo
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Christian Lunetta
- Neurorehabilitation Department, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Frederik J Steyn
- Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Richard Robitaille
- Département de neurosciences, CIRCA, Université de Montréal, Montréal H7G 1T7, Canada
| | - Mamede De Carvalho
- Instituto de Fisiologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Seward Rutkove
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Albert C Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Ulm, Germany
| | - Luc Dupuis
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, UMR-S1118, Mécanismes centraux et périphériques de la neurodégénérescence, CRBS, Strasbourg, France
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4
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Maragakis NJ, de Carvalho M, Weiss MD. Therapeutic targeting of ALS pathways: Refocusing an incomplete picture. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2023; 10:1948-1971. [PMID: 37641443 PMCID: PMC10647018 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous potential amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-relevant pathways have been hypothesized and studied preclinically, with subsequent translation to clinical trial. However, few successes have been observed with only modest effects. Along with an improved but incomplete understanding of ALS as a neurodegenerative disease is the evolution of more sophisticated and diverse in vitro and in vivo preclinical modeling platforms, as well as clinical trial designs. We highlight proposed pathological pathways that have been major therapeutic targets for investigational compounds. It is likely that the failures of so many of these therapeutic compounds may not have occurred because of lack of efficacy but rather because of a lack of preclinical modeling that would help define an appropriate disease pathway, as well as a failure to establish target engagement. These challenges are compounded by shortcomings in clinical trial design, including lack of biomarkers that could predict clinical success and studies that are underpowered. Although research investments have provided abundant insights into new ALS-relevant pathways, most have not yet been developed more fully to result in clinical study. In this review, we detail some of the important, well-established pathways, the therapeutics targeting them, and the subsequent clinical design. With an understanding of some of the shortcomings in translational efforts over the last three decades of ALS investigation, we propose that scientists and clinicians may choose to revisit some of these therapeutic pathways reviewed here with an eye toward improving preclinical modeling, biomarker development, and the investment in more sophisticated clinical trial designs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mamede de Carvalho
- Faculdade de MedicinaInsqatituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Centro Académico de Medicina de Lisboa, Universidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Michael D. Weiss
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
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5
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Dave BP, Shah KC, Shah MB, Chorawala MR, Patel VN, Shah PA, Shah GB, Dhameliya TM. Unveiling the modulation of Nogo receptor in neuroregeneration and plasticity: Novel aspects and future horizon in a new frontier. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 210:115461. [PMID: 36828272 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115461] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis have emerged as the most dreaded diseases due to a lack of precise diagnostic tools and efficient therapies. Despite the fact that the contributing factors of NDs are still unidentified, mounting evidence indicates the possibility that genetic and cellular changes may lead to the significant production of abnormally misfolded proteins. These misfolded proteins lead to damaging effects thereby causing neurodegeneration. The association between Neurite outgrowth factor (Nogo) with neurological diseases and other peripheral diseases is coming into play. Three isoforms of Nogo have been identified Nogo-A, Nogo-B and Nogo-C. Among these, Nogo-A is mainly responsible for neurological diseases as it is localized in the CNS (Central Nervous System), whereas Nogo-B and Nogo-C are responsible for other diseases such as colitis, lung, intestinal injury, etc. Nogo-A, a membrane protein, had first been described as a CNS-specific inhibitor of axonal regeneration. Several recent studies have revealed the role of Nogo-A proteins and their receptors in modulating neurite outgrowth, branching, and precursor migration during nervous system development. It may also modulate or affect the inhibition of growth during the developmental processes of the CNS. Information about the effects of other ligands of Nogo protein on the CNS are yet to be discovered however several pieces of evidence have suggested that it may also influence the neuronal maturation of CNS and targeting Nogo-A could prove to be beneficial in several neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavarth P Dave
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Ahmedabad 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Kashvi C Shah
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Ahmedabad 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Maitri B Shah
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Ahmedabad 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Mehul R Chorawala
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Ahmedabad 380009, Gujarat, India.
| | - Vishvas N Patel
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Ahmedabad 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Palak A Shah
- Department of Pharmacology, K. B. Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Gandhinagar 380023, Gujarat, India
| | - Gaurang B Shah
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Ahmedabad 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Tejas M Dhameliya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad-382481, Gujarat, India
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Rodriguez CM, Bechek SC, Jones GL, Nakayama L, Akiyama T, Kim G, Solow-Cordero DE, Strittmatter SM, Gitler AD. Targeting RTN4/NoGo-Receptor reduces levels of ALS protein ataxin-2. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111505. [PMID: 36288715 PMCID: PMC9664481 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene-based therapeutic strategies to lower ataxin-2 levels are emerging for the neurodegenerative diseases amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2). Additional strategies to lower levels of ataxin-2 could be beneficial. Here, we perform a genome-wide arrayed small interfering RNA (siRNA) screen in human cells and identify RTN4R, the gene encoding the RTN4/NoGo-Receptor, as a potent modifier of ataxin-2 levels. RTN4R knockdown, or treatment with a peptide inhibitor, is sufficient to lower ataxin-2 protein levels in mouse and human neurons in vitro, and Rtn4r knockout mice have reduced ataxin-2 levels in vivo. We provide evidence that ataxin-2 shares a role with the RTN4/NoGo-Receptor in limiting axonal regeneration. Reduction of either protein increases axonal regrowth following axotomy. These data define the RTN4/NoGo-Receptor as a novel therapeutic target for ALS and SCA2 and implicate the targeting of ataxin-2 as a potential treatment following nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin M Rodriguez
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Sophia C Bechek
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Graham L Jones
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lisa Nakayama
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Tetsuya Akiyama
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Garam Kim
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Stanford Neurosciences Interdepartmental Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - David E Solow-Cordero
- High-Throughput Bioscience Center, Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Stephen M Strittmatter
- Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Aaron D Gitler
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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7
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Poulin-Brière A, Rezaei E, Pozzi S. Antibody-Based Therapeutic Interventions for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Systematic Literature Review. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:790114. [PMID: 34912191 PMCID: PMC8667723 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.790114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a mid-life onset neurodegenerative disease that manifests its symptomatology with motor impairments and cognitive deficits overlapping with Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD). The etiology of ALS remains elusive, with various mechanisms and cellular targets implicated, and no treatment can reverse or stop the progression of the pathology. Therapeutic interventions based on passive immunization are gaining attention for neurodegenerative diseases, and FDA recently approved the first antibody-based approach for Alzheimer's disease. The present systematic review of the literature aims to highlight the efforts made over the past years at developing antibody-based strategies to cure ALS. Thirty-one original research papers have been selected where the therapeutic efficacy of antibodies were investigated and described in patients and animal models of ALS. Antibody-based interventions analyzed, target both extracellular molecules implicated in the pathology and intracellular pathogenic proteins known to drive the disease, such as SOD1, TDP-43 or C9ORF72 repeats expansions. The potentials and limitations of these therapeutic interventions have been described and discussed in the present review.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Edris Rezaei
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Laval University, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Silvia Pozzi
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Laval University, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Division, CERVO Brain Research Centre, Quebec, QC, Canada
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8
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Martín-Cámara O, Cores Á, López-Alvarado P, Menéndez JC. Emerging targets in drug discovery against neurodegenerative diseases: Control of synapsis disfunction by the RhoA/ROCK pathway. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 225:113742. [PMID: 34388381 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Synaptic spine morphology is controlled by the activity of Rac1, Cdc42 and RhoA, which need to be finely balanced, and in particular RhoA/ROCK prevents the formation of new protrusions by stabilizing actin formation. These processes are crucial to the maturation process, slowing the de novo generation of new spines. The RhoA/ROCK also influences plasticity processes, and selective modulation by ROCK1 of MLC-dependent actin dynamics leads to neurite retraction, but not to spine retraction. ROCK1 is also responsible for the reduction of the readily releasable pool of synaptic vesicles. These and other evidences suggest that ROCK1 is the main isoform acting on the presynaptic neuron. On the other hand, ROCK2 seems to have broad effects on LIMK/cofilin-dependent plasticity processes such as cofilin-dependent PSD changes. The RhoA/ROCK pathway is an important factor in several different brain-related pathologies via both downstream and upstream pathways. In the aggregate, these evidences show that the RhoA/ROCK pathway has a central role in the etiopathogenesis of a large group of CNS diseases, which underscores the importance of the pharmacological modulation of RhoA/ROCK as an important pathway to drug discovery in the neurodegenerative disease area. This article aims at providing the first review of the role of compounds acting on the RhoA/ROCK pathway in the control of synaptic disfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olmo Martín-Cámara
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas. Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel Cores
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas. Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar López-Alvarado
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas. Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - J Carlos Menéndez
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas. Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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9
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Alhindi A, Boehm I, Chaytow H. Small junction, big problems: Neuromuscular junction pathology in mouse models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). J Anat 2021; 241:1089-1107. [PMID: 34101196 PMCID: PMC9558162 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a motor neuron disease with an extremely heterogeneous clinical and genetic phenotype. In our efforts to find therapies for ALS, the scientific community has developed a plethora of mouse models, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. The peripheral nervous system, specifically the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), is known to be affected in ALS patients and shows marked dysfunction across mouse models. Evidence of pathology at the NMJ includes denervated NMJs, changes in endplate size and loss of terminal Schwann cells. This review compares the temporal disease progression with severity of disease at the NMJ in mouse models with the most commonly mutated genes in ALS patients (SOD1, C9ORF72, TARDBP and FUS). Despite variability, early NMJ dysfunction seems to be a common factor in models with SOD1, TARDBP and FUS mutations, while C9ORF72 models do not appear to follow the same pattern of pathology. Further work into determining the timing of NMJ pathology, particularly in newer ALS mouse models, will confirm its pivotal role in ALS pathogenesis and therefore highlight the NMJ as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abrar Alhindi
- Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ines Boehm
- Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Helena Chaytow
- Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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10
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Jiang J, Yu Y, Zhang Z, Ji Y, Guo H, Wang X, Yu S. Effects of Nogo-A and its receptor on the repair of sciatic nerve injury in rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 54:e10842. [PMID: 34076142 PMCID: PMC8186374 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x2020e10842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Regeneration of injured peripheral nerves is an extremely complex process. Nogo-A (neurite outgrowth inhibitor-A) inhibits axonal regeneration by interacting with Nogo receptor in the myelin sheath of the central nervous system (CNS). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Nogo-A and its receptor on the repair of sciatic nerve injury in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats (n=96) were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group (control), sciatic nerve transection group (model), immediate repair group (immediate repair), and delayed repair group (delayed repair). The rats were euthanized 1 week and 6 weeks after operation. The injured end tissues of the spinal cord and sciatic nerve were obtained. The protein expressions of Nogo-A and Nogo-66 receptor (NgR) were detected by immunohistochemistry. The protein expressions of Nogo-A, NgR, and Ras homolog family member A (RhoA) were detected by western blot. At 1 week after operation, the pathological changes in the immediate repaired group were less, and the protein expressions of Nogo-A, NgR, and RhoA in the spinal cord and sciatic nerve tissues were decreased (P<0.05) compared with the model group. After 6 weeks, the pathological changes in the immediate repair group and the delayed repair group were alleviated and the protein expressions decreased (P<0.05). The situation of the immediate repair group was better than that of the delayed repair group. Our data suggest that the expression of Nogo-A and its receptor increased after sciatic nerve injury, indicating that Nogo-A and its receptor play an inhibitory role in the repair process of sciatic nerve injury in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Jiang
- Department of Hand Surgery, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Yuanchen Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Zhiwu Zhang
- Department of Hand Surgery, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Yuan Ji
- Department of Hand Surgery, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Hong Guo
- Yantai City Municipal Government Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Xiaohua Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Shengjun Yu
- Department of Hand Surgery, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, China
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11
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Marshall KL, Farah MH. Axonal regeneration and sprouting as a potential therapeutic target for nervous system disorders. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:1901-1910. [PMID: 33642358 PMCID: PMC8343323 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.308077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Nervous system disorders are prevalent health issues that will only continue to increase in frequency as the population ages. Dying-back axonopathy is a hallmark of many neurologic diseases and leads to axonal disconnection from their targets, which in turn leads to functional impairment. During the course of many of neurologic diseases, axons can regenerate or sprout in an attempt to reconnect with the target and restore synapse function. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), distal motor axons retract from neuromuscular junctions early in the disease-course before significant motor neuron death. There is evidence of compensatory motor axon sprouting and reinnervation of neuromuscular junctions in ALS that is usually quickly overtaken by the disease course. Potential drugs that enhance compensatory sprouting and encourage reinnervation may slow symptom progression and retain muscle function for a longer period of time in ALS and in other diseases that exhibit dying-back axonopathy. There remain many outstanding questions as to the impact of distinct disease-causing mutations on axonal outgrowth and regeneration, especially in regards to motor neurons derived from patient induced pluripotent stem cells. Compartmentalized microfluidic chambers are powerful tools for studying the distal axons of human induced pluripotent stem cells-derived motor neurons, and have recently been used to demonstrate striking regeneration defects in human motor neurons harboring ALS disease-causing mutations. Modeling the human neuromuscular circuit with human induced pluripotent stem cells-derived motor neurons will be critical for developing drugs that enhance axonal regeneration, sprouting, and reinnervation of neuromuscular junctions. In this review we will discuss compensatory axonal sprouting as a potential therapeutic target for ALS, and the use of compartmentalized microfluidic devices to find drugs that enhance regeneration and axonal sprouting of motor axons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohamed H Farah
- Department of Neurology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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12
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Abstract
Nogo-A is considered one of the most important inhibitors of myelin-associated axonal regeneration in the central nervous system. It is mainly expressed by oligodendrocytes. Although previous studies have found regulatory roles for Nogo-A in neurite outgrowth inhibition, neuronal homeostasis, precursor migration, plasticity, and neurodegeneration, its functions in the process of oxidative injury are largely uncharacterized. In this study, oligodendrocytes were extracted from the cerebral cortex of newborn Sprague-Dawley rats. We used hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to induce an in vitro oligodendrocyte oxidative damage model and found that endogenously expressed Nogo-A is significantly upregulated in oligodendrocytes. After recombinant virus Ad-ZsGreen-rat Nogo-A infection of oligodendrocytes, Nogo-A expression was increased, and the infected oligodendrocytes were more susceptible to acute oxidative insults and exhibited a markedly elevated rate of cell death. Furthermore, knockdown of Nogo-A expression in oligodendrocytes by Ad-ZsGreen-shRNA-Nogo-A almost completely protected against oxidative stress induced by exogenous H2O2. Intervention with a Nogo-66 antibody, a LINGO1 blocker, or Y27632, an inhibitor in the Nogo-66-NgR/p75/LINGO-1-RhoA-ROCK pathway, did not affect the death of oligodendrocytes. Ad-ZsGreen-shRNA-Nogo-A also increased the levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and inhibited BCL2 expression in oligodendrocytes. In conclusion, Nogo-A aggravated reactive oxygen species damage in oligodendrocytes, and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and BCL2 might be involved in this process. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Peking University People’s Hospital, China (approval No. 2018PHC081) on December 18, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Yang Wang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Na Han
- Department of Neurology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dao-Jun Hong
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
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13
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Manzano R, Toivonen JM, Moreno-Martínez L, de la Torre M, Moreno-García L, López-Royo T, Molina N, Zaragoza P, Calvo AC, Osta R. What skeletal muscle has to say in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Implications for therapy. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 178:1279-1297. [PMID: 32986860 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult onset disorder characterized by progressive neuromuscular junction (NMJ) dismantling and degeneration of motor neurons leading to atrophy and paralysis of voluntary muscles responsible for motion and breathing. Except for a minority of patients harbouring genetic mutations, the origin of most ALS cases remains elusive. Peripheral tissues, and particularly skeletal muscle, have lately demonstrated an active contribution to disease pathology attracting a growing interest for these tissues as therapeutic targets in ALS. In this sense, molecular mechanisms essential for cell and tissue homeostasis have been shown to be deregulated in the disease. These include muscle metabolism and mitochondrial activity, RNA processing, tissue-resident stem cell function responsible for muscle regeneration, and proteostasis that regulates muscle mass in adulthood. This review aims to compile scientific evidence that demonstrates the role of skeletal muscle in ALS pathology and serves as reference for development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting this tissue to delay disease onset and progression. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Neurochemistry in Japan. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.6/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Manzano
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon (IA2), Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Janne Markus Toivonen
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon (IA2), Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Laura Moreno-Martínez
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon (IA2), Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Miriam de la Torre
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon (IA2), Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Leticia Moreno-García
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon (IA2), Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Tresa López-Royo
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon (IA2), Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Nora Molina
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon (IA2), Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS), Zaragoza, Spain.,Geriatrics Service, Hospital Nuestra Señora de Gracia, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Pilar Zaragoza
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon (IA2), Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana Cristina Calvo
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon (IA2), Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Rosario Osta
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon (IA2), Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS), Zaragoza, Spain
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14
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Pozzi S, Codron P, Soucy G, Renaud L, Cordeau PJ, Dutta K, Bareil C, Julien JP. Monoclonal full-length antibody against TAR DNA binding protein 43 reduces related proteinopathy in neurons. JCI Insight 2020; 5:140420. [PMID: 33021970 PMCID: PMC7710295 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.140420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), 2 incurable neurodegenerative disorders, share the same pathological hallmark named TDP43 (TAR DNA binding protein 43) proteinopathy. This event is characterized by a consistent cytoplasmic mislocalization and aggregation of the protein TDP43, which loses its physiological properties, leading neurons to death. Antibody-based approaches are now emerging interventions in the field of neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we tested the target specificity, in vivo distribution, and therapeutic efficacy of a monoclonal full-length antibody, named E6, in TDP43-related conditions. We observed that the antibody recognizes specifically the cytoplasmic fraction of TDP43. We demonstrated its ability in targeting large neurons in the spinal cord of mice and in reducing TDP43 mislocalization and NF-κB activation. We also recognized the proteasome as well as the lysosome machineries as possible mechanisms used by the antibody to reduce TDP43 proteinopathy. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing the therapeutic efficacy and feasibility of a full-length antibody against TDP43 in reducing TDP43 proteinopathy in spinal neurons of an ALS/FTLD mouse model. A full-length antibody against TDP43 reduces TDP43 proteinopathy in spinal neurons of an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/Frontotemporal lobar degeneration mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pozzi
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Philippe Codron
- UMR CNRS 6015, INSERM U1083, University of Angers, Angers, France
| | | | | | | | - Kallol Dutta
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Jean-Pierre Julien
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec, Québec, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, University of Laval, Québec City, Canada
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15
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Gray AL, Annan L, Dick JRT, La Spada AR, Hanna MG, Greensmith L, Malik B. Deterioration of muscle force and contractile characteristics are early pathological events in spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy mice. Dis Model Mech 2020; 13:dmm042424. [PMID: 32152060 PMCID: PMC7272358 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.042424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), also known as Kennedy's Disease, is a late-onset X-linked progressive neuromuscular disease, which predominantly affects males. The pathological hallmarks of the disease are selective loss of spinal and bulbar motor neurons, accompanied by weakness, atrophy and fasciculations of bulbar and limb muscles. SBMA is caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the gene that encodes the androgen receptor (AR) protein. Disease manifestation is androgen dependent and results principally from a toxic gain of AR function. There are currently no effective treatments for this debilitating disease. It is important to understand the course of the disease in order to target therapeutics to key pathological stages. This is especially relevant in disorders such as SBMA, for which disease can be identified before symptom onset, through family history and genetic testing. To fully characterise the role of muscle in SBMA, we undertook a longitudinal physiological and histological characterisation of disease progression in the AR100 mouse model of SBMA. Our results show that the disease first manifests in skeletal muscle, before any motor neuron degeneration, which only occurs in late-stage disease. These findings reveal that alterations in muscle function, including reduced muscle force and changes in contractile characteristics, are early pathological events in SBMA mice and suggest that muscle-targeted therapeutics may be effective in SBMA.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L Gray
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Leonette Annan
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - James R T Dick
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Albert R La Spada
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Duke Center for Neurodegeneration and Neurotherapeutics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Michael G Hanna
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- UCL MRC International Centre for Genomic Medicine in Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Linda Greensmith
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Bilal Malik
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
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16
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Lin CY, Wu CL, Lee KZ, Chen YJ, Zhang PH, Chang CY, Harn HJ, Lin SZ, Tsai HJ. Extracellular Pgk1 enhances neurite outgrowth of motoneurons through Nogo66/NgR-independent targeting of NogoA. eLife 2019; 8:49175. [PMID: 31361595 PMCID: PMC6667276 DOI: 10.7554/elife.49175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
NogoA inhibits neurite outgrowth of motoneurons (NOM) through interaction with its receptors, Nogo66/NgR. Inhibition of Nogo receptors rescues NOM, but not to the extent exhibited by NogoA-knockout mice, suggesting the presence of other pathways. We found that NogoA-overexpressing muscle cells reduced phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (Pgk1) secretion, resulting in inhibiting NOM. Apart from its glycolytic role and independent of the Nogo66 pathway, extracellular Pgk1 stimulated NOM by triggering a reduction of p-Cofilin-S3, a growth cone collapse marker, through decreasing a novel Rac1-GTP/p-Pak1-T423/p-P38-T180/p-MK2-T334/p-Limk1-S323/p-Cofilin-S3 molecular pathway. Not only did supplementary Pgk1 enhance NOM in defective cells, but injection of Pgk1 rescued denervation in muscle-specific NogoA-overexpression of zebrafish and an Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis mouse model, SOD1 G93A. Thus, Pgk1 secreted from muscle is detrimental to motoneuron neurite outgrowth and maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Yung Lin
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chia Lun Wu
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kok Zhi Lee
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - You Jei Chen
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po Hsiang Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chia Yu Chang
- Bioinnovation Center, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien City, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research and Neuroscience Center, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien City, Taiwan
| | - Horng Jyh Harn
- Bioinnovation Center, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien City, Taiwan.,Department of Pathology, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital and Tzu Chi University, Hualien City, Taiwan
| | - Shinn Zong Lin
- Bioinnovation Center, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien City, Taiwan.,Department of Neurosurgery, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien City, Taiwan
| | - Huai Jen Tsai
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
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17
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Lee JD, Liu N, Levin SC, Ottosson L, Andersson U, Harris HE, Woodruff TM. Therapeutic blockade of HMGB1 reduces early motor deficits, but not survival in the SOD1 G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neuroinflammation 2019; 16:45. [PMID: 30782181 PMCID: PMC6380064 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-019-1435-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal and rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disease without effective treatment. The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and the toll-like receptor (TLR) system are major components of the innate immune system, which have been implicated in ALS pathology. Extracellularly released high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a pleiotropic danger-associated molecular pattern (DAMP), and is an endogenous ligand for both RAGE and TLR4. Methods The present study examined the effect of HMGB1 inhibition on disease progression in the preclinical SOD1G93A transgenic mouse model of ALS using a potent anti-HMGB1 antibody (2G7), which targets the extracellular DAMP form of HMGB1. Results We found that chronic intraperitoneal dosing of the anti-HMGB1 antibody to SOD1G93A mice transiently improved hind-limb grip strength early in the disease, but did not extend survival. Anti-HMGB1 treatment also reduced tumour necrosis factor α and complement C5a receptor 1 gene expression in the spinal cord, but did not affect overall glial activation. Conclusions In summary, our results indicate that therapeutic targeting of an extracellular DAMP, HMGB1, improves early motor dysfunction, but overall has limited efficacy in the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Lee
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, Brisbane, QLD, 4029, Australia
| | - Ning Liu
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Samantha C Levin
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Lars Ottosson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulf Andersson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helena E Harris
- Centre for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Trent M Woodruff
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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18
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Sengupta-Ghosh A, Dominguez SL, Xie L, Barck KH, Jiang Z, Earr T, Imperio J, Phu L, Budayeva HG, Kirkpatrick DS, Cai H, Eastham-Anderson J, Ngu H, Foreman O, Hedehus M, Reichelt M, Hotzel I, Shang Y, Carano RAD, Ayalon G, Easton A. Muscle specific kinase (MuSK) activation preserves neuromuscular junctions in the diaphragm but is not sufficient to provide a functional benefit in the SOD1 G93A mouse model of ALS. Neurobiol Dis 2018; 124:340-352. [PMID: 30528255 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons, is characterized by rapid decline of motor function and ultimately respiratory failure. As motor neuron death occurs late in the disease, therapeutics that prevent the initial disassembly of the neuromuscular junction may offer optimal functional benefit and delay disease progression. To test this hypothesis, we treated the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS with an agonist antibody to muscle specific kinase (MuSK), a receptor tyrosine kinase required for the formation and maintenance of the neuromuscular junction. Chronic MuSK antibody treatment fully preserved innervation of the neuromuscular junction when compared with control-treated mice; however, no preservation of diaphragm function, motor neurons, or survival benefit was detected. These data show that anatomical preservation of neuromuscular junctions in the diaphragm via MuSK activation does not correlate with functional benefit in SOD1G93A mice, suggesting caution in employing MuSK activation as a therapeutic strategy for ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara L Dominguez
- Departments of Neuroscience, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Luke Xie
- Departments of Biomedical Imaging, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kai H Barck
- Departments of Biomedical Imaging, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Zhiyu Jiang
- Departments of Neuroscience, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Timothy Earr
- Departments of Neuroscience, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jose Imperio
- Departments of Neuroscience, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lilian Phu
- Departments of Microchemistry, Proteomics, and Lipidomics, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hanna G Budayeva
- Departments of Microchemistry, Proteomics, and Lipidomics, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Donald S Kirkpatrick
- Departments of Microchemistry, Proteomics, and Lipidomics, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hao Cai
- Departments of Preclinical and Translational Pharmacokinetics, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Hai Ngu
- Departments of Pathology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Oded Foreman
- Departments of Pathology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Maj Hedehus
- Departments of Biomedical Imaging, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael Reichelt
- Departments of Pathology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Isidro Hotzel
- Departments of Antibody Discovery, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yonglei Shang
- Departments of Antibody Discovery, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Richard A D Carano
- Departments of Biomedical Imaging, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gai Ayalon
- Departments of Neuroscience, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Amy Easton
- Departments of Neuroscience, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA.
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19
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Miyoshi S, Tezuka T, Arimura S, Tomono T, Okada T, Yamanashi Y. DOK7 gene therapy enhances motor activity and life span in ALS model mice. EMBO Mol Med 2018; 9:880-889. [PMID: 28490573 PMCID: PMC5494517 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201607298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, multifactorial motor neurodegenerative disease with severe muscle atrophy. The glutamate release inhibitor riluzole is the only medication approved by the FDA, and prolongs patient life span by a few months, testifying to a strong need for new treatment strategies. In ALS, motor neuron degeneration first becomes evident at the motor nerve terminals in neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), the cholinergic synapse between motor neuron and skeletal muscle; degeneration then progresses proximally, implicating the NMJ as a therapeutic target. We previously demonstrated that activation of muscle‐specific kinase MuSK by the cytoplasmic protein Dok‐7 is essential for NMJ formation, and forced expression of Dok‐7 in muscle activates MuSK and enlarges NMJs. Here, we show that therapeutic administration of an adeno‐associated virus vector encoding the human DOK7 gene suppressed motor nerve terminal degeneration at NMJs together with muscle atrophy in the SOD1‐G93A ALS mouse model. Ultimately, we show that DOK7 gene therapy enhanced motor activity and life span in ALS model mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadanori Miyoshi
- Division of Genetics, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tohru Tezuka
- Division of Genetics, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sumimasa Arimura
- Division of Genetics, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taro Tomono
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan.,Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, Majors in Medical Sciences University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takashi Okada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuji Yamanashi
- Division of Genetics, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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20
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Ling KK, Jackson M, Alkam D, Liu D, Allaire N, Sun C, Kiaei M, McCampbell A, Rigo F. Antisense-mediated reduction of EphA4 in the adult CNS does not improve the function of mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurobiol Dis 2018. [PMID: 29518482 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal adult onset motor neuron disease characterized by progressive denervation and subsequent motor impairment. EphA4, a negative regulator of axonal growth, was recently identified as a genetic modifier in fish and rodent models of ALS. To evaluate the therapeutic potential of EphA4 for ALS, we examined the effect of CNS-directed EphA4 reduction in preclinical mouse models of ALS, and assessed if the levels of EPHA4 mRNA in blood correlate with disease onset and progression in human ALS patients. We developed antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to specifically reduce the expression of EphA4 in the central nervous system (CNS) of adult mice. Intracerebroventricular administration of an Epha4-ASO in wild-type mice inhibited Epha4 mRNA and protein in the brain and spinal cord, and promoted re-innervation and functional recovery after sciatic nerve crush. In contrast, lowering of EphA4 in the CNS of two mouse models of ALS (SOD1G93A and PFN1G118V) did not improve their motor function or survival. Furthermore, the level of EPHA4 mRNA in human blood correlated weakly with age of disease onset, and it was not a significant predictor of disease progression as measured by ALS Functional Rating Scores (ALSFRS). Our data demonstrates that lowering EphA4 in the adult CNS may not be a stand-alone viable strategy for treating ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Duah Alkam
- Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | | | | | | | - Mahmoud Kiaei
- Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA; Center for Translational Neuroscience, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA; Department of Geriatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | | | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, USA.
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21
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Qosa H, Volpe DA. The development of biological therapies for neurological diseases: moving on from previous failures. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2018; 13:283-293. [PMID: 29394876 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2018.1437142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although years of research have expanded the use of biologics for several clinical conditions, such development has not yet occurred in the treatment of neurological diseases. With the advancement of biologic technologies, there is promise for these therapeutics as novel therapeutic approaches for neurological diseases. Areas covered: In this article, the authors review the therapeutic potential of different types of biologics for the treatment of neurological diseases. Preclinical and clinical studies that investigate the efficacy and safety of biologics in the treatment of neurological diseases, namely Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke, were reviewed. Moreover, the authors describe the key challenges in the development of therapeutically safe and effective biologics for the treatment of neurological diseases. Expert opinion: Several biologics have shown promise in the treatment of neurological diseases. However, the complexity of the CNS, as well as a limited understanding of disease progression, and restricted access of biologics to the CNS has limited successful development. Therefore, more research needs to be conducted to overcome these hurdles before developing effective and safe biologics for neurological diseases. The emergence of new technologies for the design, production and delivery of biologics will accelerate translating biologics to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisham Qosa
- a Division of Applied Regulatory Science, Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Office of Translational Sciences , Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration , Silver Spring , MD , USA
| | - Donna A Volpe
- a Division of Applied Regulatory Science, Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Office of Translational Sciences , Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration , Silver Spring , MD , USA
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22
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Nogo-A interacts with TrkA to alter nerve growth factor signaling in Nogo-A-overexpressing PC12 cells. Cell Signal 2018; 44:20-27. [PMID: 29325876 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2018.01.003] [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: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/07/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The Nogo-A protein, originally discovered as a potent myelin-associated inhibitor of neurite outgrowth, is also expressed by certain neurons, especially during development and after injury, but its role in neuronal function is not completely known. In this report, we overexpressed Nogo-A in PC12 cells to use as a model to identify potential neuronal signaling pathways affected by endogenously expressed Nogo-A. Unexpectedly, our results show that viability of Nogo-A-overexpressing cells was reduced progressively due to apoptotic cell death following NGF treatment, but only after 24 h. Inhibitors of neutral sphingomyelinase prevented this loss of viability, suggesting that NGF induced the activation of a ceramide-dependent cell death pathway. Nogo-A over-expression also changed NGF-induced phosphorylation of TrkA at tyrosines 490 and 674/675 from sustained to transient, and prevented the regulated intramembrane proteolysis of p75NTR, indicating that Nogo-A was altering the function of the two neurotrophin receptors. Co-immunoprecipitation studies revealed that there was a physical association between TrkA and Nogo-A which appeared to be dependent on interactions in the Nogo-A-specific region of the protein. Taken together, our results indicate that Nogo-A influences NGF-mediated mechanisms involving the activation of TrkA and its interaction with p75NTR.
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Gonzalez D, Contreras O, Rebolledo DL, Espinoza JP, van Zundert B, Brandan E. ALS skeletal muscle shows enhanced TGF-β signaling, fibrosis and induction of fibro/adipogenic progenitor markers. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177649. [PMID: 28520806 PMCID: PMC5433732 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease in which upper and lower motoneurons degenerate leading to muscle wasting, paralysis and eventually death from respiratory failure. Several studies indicate that skeletal muscle contributes to disease progression; however the molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Fibrosis is a common feature in skeletal muscle under chronic damage conditions such as those caused by muscular dystrophies or denervation. However, the exact mechanisms of fibrosis induction and the cellular bases of this pathological response are unknown. We show that extracellular matrix (ECM) components are augmented in skeletal muscles of symptomatic hSOD1G93A mice, a widely used murine model of ALS. These mice also show increased TGF-β1 mRNA levels, total Smad3 protein levels and p-Smad3 positive nuclei. Furthermore, platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFRα), Tcf4 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) levels are augmented in the skeletal muscle of symptomatic hSOD1G93A mice. Additionally, the fibro/adipogenic progenitors (FAPs), which are the main producers of ECM constituents, are also increased in these pathogenic conditions. Therefore, FAPs and ECM components are more abundant in symptomatic stages of the disease than in pre-symptomatic stages. We present evidence that fibrosis observed in skeletal muscle of symptomatic hSOD1G93A mice is accompanied with an induction of TGF-β signaling, and also that FAPs might be involved in triggering a fibrotic response. Co-localization of p-Smad3 positive cells together with PDGFRα was observed in the interstitial cells of skeletal muscles from symptomatic hSOD1G93A mice. Finally, the targeting of pro-fibrotic factors such as TGF-β, CTGF/CCN2 and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling pathway might be a suitable therapeutic approach to improve muscle function in several degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Gonzalez
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración, CARE Chile UC y Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Osvaldo Contreras
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración, CARE Chile UC y Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniela L. Rebolledo
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración, CARE Chile UC y Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan Pablo Espinoza
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración, CARE Chile UC y Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Brigitte van Zundert
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Enrique Brandan
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración, CARE Chile UC y Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- * E-mail:
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Martinez A, Palomo Ruiz MDV, Perez DI, Gil C. Drugs in clinical development for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2017; 26:403-414. [PMID: 28277881 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2017.1302426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal motor neuron progressive disorder for which no treatment exists to date. However, there are other investigational drugs and therapies currently under clinical development may offer hope in the near future. Areas covered: We have reviewed all the ALS ongoing clinical trials (until November 2016) and collected in Clinicaltrials.gov or EudraCT. We have described them in a comprehensive way and have grouped them in the following sections: biomarkers, biological therapies, cell therapy, drug repurposing and new drugs. Expert opinion: Despite multiple obstacles that explain the absence of effective drugs for the treatment of ALS, joint efforts among patient's associations, public and private sectors have fueled innovative research in this field, resulting in several compounds that are in the late stages of clinical trials. Drug repositioning is also playing an important role, having achieved the approval of some orphan drug applications, in late phases of clinical development. Endaravone has been recently approved in Japan and is pending in USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Martinez
- a IPSBB Unit , Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas-CSIC , Madrid , Spain
| | | | - Daniel I Perez
- a IPSBB Unit , Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas-CSIC , Madrid , Spain
| | - Carmen Gil
- a IPSBB Unit , Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas-CSIC , Madrid , Spain
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Wills AM. Blockade of the neurite outgrowth inhibitor Nogo-A in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Lancet Neurol 2017; 16:175-176. [DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(17)30009-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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26
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Safety and efficacy of ozanezumab in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial. Lancet Neurol 2017; 16:208-216. [DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(16)30399-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Developmental Wiring of Specific Neurons Is Regulated by RET-1/Nogo-A in Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetics 2016; 205:295-302. [PMID: 27821431 PMCID: PMC5223509 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.115.185322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nogo-A is a membrane-bound protein that functions to inhibit neuronal migration, adhesion, and neurite outgrowth during development. In the mature nervous system, Nogo-A stabilizes neuronal wiring to inhibit neuronal plasticity and regeneration after injury. Here, we show that RET-1, the sole Nogo-A homolog in Caenorhabditis elegans, is required to control developmental wiring of a specific subset of neurons. In ret-1 deletion mutant animals, specific ventral nerve cord axons are misguided where they fail to respect the ventral midline boundary. We found that ret-1 is expressed in multiple neurons during development, and, through mosaic analysis, showed that ret-1 controls axon guidance in a cell-autonomous manner. Finally, as in mammals, ret-1 regulates ephrin expression, and dysregulation of the ephrin ligand VAB-2 is partially responsible for the ret-1 mutant axonal defects. Together, our data present a previously unidentified function for RET-1 in the nervous system of C. elegans.
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Wootla B, Denic A, Warrington AE, Rodriguez M. A monoclonal natural human IgM protects axons in the absence of remyelination. J Neuroinflammation 2016; 13:94. [PMID: 27126523 PMCID: PMC4850699 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-016-0561-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whereas demyelination underlies early neurological symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS), axonal damage is considered critical for permanent chronic deficits. Intracerebral infection of susceptible mouse strains with Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) results in chronic induced demyelinating disease (TMEV-IDD) with progressive axonal loss and neurologic dysfunction similar to progressive forms of MS. We previously reported that treatment of chronic TMEV-IDD mice with a neurite outgrowth-promoting natural human antibody, HIgM12, improved brainstem NAA concentrations and preserved functional motor activity. In order to translate this antibody toward clinical trial, we generated a fully human recombinant form of HIgM12, rHIgM12, determined the optimal in vivo dose for functional improvement in TMEV-IDD, and evaluated the functional preservation of descending spinal cord axons by retrograde labeling. FINDINGS SJL/J mice at 45 to 90 days post infection (dpi) were studied. A single intraperitoneal dose of 0.25 mg/kg of rHIgM12 per mouse is sufficient to preserve motor function in TMEV-IDD. The optimal dose was 10 mg/kg. rHIgM12 treatment protected the functional transport in spinal cord axons and led to 40 % more Fluoro-Gold-labeled brainstem neurons in retrograde transport studies. This suggests that axons are not only present but also functionally competent. rHIgM12-treated mice also contained more mid-thoracic (T6) spinal cord axons than controls. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms that a fully human recombinant neurite outgrowth-promoting monoclonal IgM is therapeutic in a model of progressive MS using multiple reparative readouts. The minimum effective dose is similar to that of a remyelination-promoting monoclonal human IgM discovered by our group that is presently in clinical trials for MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharath Wootla
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.,Mayo Clinic Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.,Center for Regenerative Medicine, Neuroregeneration, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Aleksandar Denic
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.,Mayo Clinic Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Arthur E Warrington
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.,Mayo Clinic Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Moses Rodriguez
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA. .,Mayo Clinic Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA. .,Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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Blocking the Nogo-A Signaling Pathway to Promote Regeneration and Plasticity After Spinal Cord Injury and Stroke. Transl Neurosci 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4899-7654-3_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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Rabinovich-Toidman P, Rabinovich-Nikitin I, Ezra A, Barbiro B, Fogel H, Slutsky I, Solomon B. Mutant SOD1 Increases APP Expression and Phosphorylation in Cellular and Animal Models of ALS. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143420. [PMID: 26600047 PMCID: PMC4658003 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease and it is the most common adult onset neurodegenerative disorder affecting motor neurons. There is currently no effective treatment for ALS and our understanding of the pathological mechanism is still far away from prevention and/or treatment of this devastating disease. Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a transmembrane protein that undergoes processing either by β-secretase or α-secretase, followed by γ-secretase. In the present study, we show that APP levels, and aberrant phosphorylation, which is associated with enhanced β-secretase cleavage, are increased in SOD1G93A ALS mouse model. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) analysis suggests a close interaction between SOD1 and APP at hippocampal synapses. Notably, SOD1G93A mutation induces APP-SOD1 conformational changes, indicating a crosstalk between these two signaling proteins. Inhibition of APP processing via monoclonal antibody called BBS that blocks APP β-secretase cleavage site, resulted in reduction of mutant SOD1G93A levels in animal and cellular models of ALS, significantly prolonged life span of SOD1G93A mice and diminished inflammation. Beyond its effect on toxic mutant SOD1G93A, BBS treatment resulted in a reduction in the levels of APP, its processing product soluble APPβ and pro-apoptotic p53. This study demonstrates that APP and its processing products contribute to ALS pathology through several different pathways; thus BBS antibody could be a promising neuroprotective strategy for treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polina Rabinovich-Toidman
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University,Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Inna Rabinovich-Nikitin
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University,Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Assaf Ezra
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University,Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Beka Barbiro
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University,Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Hilla Fogel
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Inna Slutsky
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Beka Solomon
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University,Tel-Aviv, Israel
- * E-mail:
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Mancuso R, Navarro X. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Current perspectives from basic research to the clinic. Prog Neurobiol 2015; 133:1-26. [PMID: 26253783 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Revised: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive degeneration of upper and lower motoneurons, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis, and finally death. Considerable recent advances have been made in basic research and preclinical therapeutic attempts using experimental models, leading to increasing clinical and translational research in the context of this disease. In this review we aim to summarize the most relevant findings from a variety of aspects about ALS, including evaluation methods, animal models, pathophysiology, and clinical findings, with particular emphasis in understanding the role of every contributing mechanism to the disease for elucidating the causes underlying degeneration of motoneurons and the development of new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renzo Mancuso
- Institute of Neurosciences and Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Xavier Navarro
- Institute of Neurosciences and Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Bellaterra, Spain.
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C-kit is important for SOD1(G93A) mouse survival independent of mast cells. Neuroscience 2015; 301:415-20. [PMID: 26112382 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2015] [Revised: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease leading to progressive and lethal paralysis. The disease process is multi-factorial and is characterized by selective motor neuron degeneration. Previous work demonstrated that the local concentration of various growth factors can influence motor neuron survival and disease progression. A potential role for c-kit, a growth factor receptor present in the spinal cord, in ALS is unknown. To dissect the role of c-kit in ALS we interbred SOD1(G93A) mice with kit(w-sh/w-sh) mice, which have a 70% decrease in c-kit expression in the spinal cord. kit(w-sh/w-sh) SOD1(G93A) mice have a reduced survival compared to SOD1(G93A) mice, while the amount of motor neurons at end stage is similar. By means of grip strength and nerve conductance analysis we show that kit(w-sh/w-sh) mice have diminished strength and slightly impaired compound muscle action potential latency, although the number of neurons is similar across genotypes. Decreasing kit gene expression in SOD1(G93A) mice is detrimental and our results imply that this effect is independent of mast cells, as tested by ketotifen administration. To conclude, our data expand on the protective role of growth factors in ALS, as decreasing c-kit by approximately 70% is detrimental in SOD1(G93A) mice.
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Abstract
Many neurological disorders are characterised by structural changes in neuronal connections, ranging from presymptomatic synaptic changes to the loss or rewiring of entire axon bundles. The molecular mechanisms that underlie this perturbed connectivity are poorly understood, but recent studies suggest a role for axon guidance proteins. Axon guidance proteins guide growing axons during development and control structural plasticity of synaptic connections in adults. Changes in expression or function of these proteins might induce pathological changes in neural circuits that predispose to, or cause, neurological diseases. For some neurological disorders, such as midline crossing disorders, investigators have identified causative mutations in genes for axon guidance. However, for most other disorders, evidence is correlative and further studies are needed to confirm the pathological role of defects in proteins for axon guidance. Importantly, further insight into how dysregulation of axon guidance proteins causes disease will help the development of therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eljo Y Van Battum
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Sara Brignani
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - R Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.
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Bruneteau G, Bauché S, Gonzalez de Aguilar JL, Brochier G, Mandjee N, Tanguy ML, Hussain G, Behin A, Khiami F, Sariali E, Hell-Remy C, Salachas F, Pradat PF, Lacomblez L, Nicole S, Fontaine B, Fardeau M, Loeffler JP, Meininger V, Fournier E, Koenig J, Hantaï D. Endplate denervation correlates with Nogo-A muscle expression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2015; 2:362-72. [PMID: 25909082 PMCID: PMC4402082 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 01/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Data from mouse models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) suggest early morphological changes in neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), with loss of nerve–muscle contact. Overexpression of the neurite outgrowth inhibitor Nogo-A in muscle may play a role in this loss of endplate innervation. Methods We used confocal and electron microscopy to study the structure of the NMJs in muscle samples collected from nine ALS patients (five early-stage patients and four long-term survivors). We correlated the morphological results with clinical and electrophysiological data, and with Nogo-A muscle expression level. Results Surface electromyography assessment of neuromuscular transmission was abnormal in 3/9 ALS patients. The postsynaptic apparatus was morphologically altered for almost all NMJs (n = 430) analyzed using confocal microscopy. 19.7% of the NMJs were completely denervated (fragmented synaptic gutters and absence of nerve terminal profile). The terminal axonal arborization was usually sparsely branched and 56.8% of innervated NMJs showed a typical reinnervation pattern. Terminal Schwann cell (TSC) morphology was altered with extensive cytoplasmic processes. A marked intrusion of TSCs in the synaptic cleft was seen in some cases, strikingly reducing the synaptic surface available for neuromuscular transmission. Finally, high-level expression of Nogo-A in muscle was significantly associated with higher extent of NMJ denervation and negative functional outcome. Interpretation Our results support the hypothesis that morphological alterations of NMJs are present from early-stage disease and may significantly contribute to functional motor impairment in ALS patients. Muscle expression of Nogo-A is associated with NMJ denervation and thus constitutes a therapeutic target to slow disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaëlle Bruneteau
- Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR S 1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM F-75013, Paris, France ; APHP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Département des Maladies du Système Nerveux, Centre référent SLA Paris, France ; APHP, INSERM, ICM, Centre d'Investigation Clinique Pitié Neurosciences, CIC-1422, Département des Maladies du Système Nerveux, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière Paris, France
| | - Stéphanie Bauché
- Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR S 1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Jose Luis Gonzalez de Aguilar
- Université de Strasbourg, UMR_S 1118 Strasbourg, France ; INSERM, U1118, Mécanismes Centraux et Périphériques de la Neurodégénérescence Strasbourg, France
| | - Guy Brochier
- Unité de Morphologie Neuromusculaire, Institut de Myologie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière Paris, France ; APHP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Centre de référence de pathologie neuromusculaire Paris-Est, Institut de Myologie Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Mandjee
- Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR S 1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Laure Tanguy
- AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Unité de Recherche Clinique Paris, France
| | - Ghulam Hussain
- Université de Strasbourg, UMR_S 1118 Strasbourg, France ; INSERM, U1118, Mécanismes Centraux et Périphériques de la Neurodégénérescence Strasbourg, France
| | - Anthony Behin
- APHP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Centre de référence de pathologie neuromusculaire Paris-Est, Institut de Myologie Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Khiami
- APHP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Service d'Orthopédie Paris, France
| | - Elhadi Sariali
- APHP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Service d'Orthopédie Paris, France
| | - Caroline Hell-Remy
- APHP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Département d'Anesthésie-Réanimation Paris, France
| | - François Salachas
- APHP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Département des Maladies du Système Nerveux, Centre référent SLA Paris, France
| | - Pierre-François Pradat
- APHP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Département des Maladies du Système Nerveux, Centre référent SLA Paris, France
| | - Lucette Lacomblez
- APHP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Département des Maladies du Système Nerveux, Centre référent SLA Paris, France
| | - Sophie Nicole
- Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR S 1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Bertrand Fontaine
- Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR S 1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Michel Fardeau
- Unité de Morphologie Neuromusculaire, Institut de Myologie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière Paris, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Loeffler
- Université de Strasbourg, UMR_S 1118 Strasbourg, France ; INSERM, U1118, Mécanismes Centraux et Périphériques de la Neurodégénérescence Strasbourg, France
| | - Vincent Meininger
- APHP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Département des Maladies du Système Nerveux, Centre référent SLA Paris, France
| | - Emmanuel Fournier
- Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR S 1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM F-75013, Paris, France ; APHP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Centre de référence de pathologie neuromusculaire Paris-Est, Institut de Myologie Paris, France
| | - Jeanine Koenig
- Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR S 1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Daniel Hantaï
- Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR S 1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM F-75013, Paris, France ; APHP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Centre de référence de pathologie neuromusculaire Paris-Est, Institut de Myologie Paris, France
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Lynch AM, Cleveland M, Prinjha R, Kumar U, Stubbs R, Wuerthner J. Non-clinical development of ozanezumab: a humanised antibody targeting the amino terminus of neurite outgrowth inhibitor A (Nogo-A). Toxicol Res (Camb) 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5tx00179j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ozanezumab (GSK1223249) is a humanised, Fc-disabled, monoclonal antibody (mAb) which targets the amino terminus of Neurite Outgrowth Inhibitor A (Nogo-A) which is currently being developed for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
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Moloney EB, de Winter F, Verhaagen J. ALS as a distal axonopathy: molecular mechanisms affecting neuromuscular junction stability in the presymptomatic stages of the disease. Front Neurosci 2014; 8:252. [PMID: 25177267 PMCID: PMC4132373 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2014.00252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 217] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is being redefined as a distal axonopathy, in that many molecular changes influencing motor neuron degeneration occur at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) at very early stages of the disease prior to symptom onset. A huge variety of genetic and environmental causes have been associated with ALS, and interestingly, although the cause of the disease can differ, both sporadic and familial forms of ALS show a remarkable similarity in terms of disease progression and clinical manifestation. The NMJ is a highly specialized synapse, allowing for controlled signaling between muscle and nerve necessary for skeletal muscle function. In this review we will evaluate the clinical, animal experimental and cellular/molecular evidence that supports the idea of ALS as a distal axonopathy. We will discuss the early molecular mechanisms that occur at the NMJ, which alter the functional abilities of the NMJ. Specifically, we focus on the role of axon guidance molecules on the stability of the cytoskeleton and how these molecules may directly influence the cells of the NMJ in a way that may initiate or facilitate the dismantling of the neuromuscular synapse in the presymptomatic stages of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth B. Moloney
- Department of Regeneration of Sensorimotor Systems, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and ScienceAmsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Fred de Winter
- Department of Regeneration of Sensorimotor Systems, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and ScienceAmsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical CentreLeiden, Netherlands
| | - Joost Verhaagen
- Department of Regeneration of Sensorimotor Systems, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and ScienceAmsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
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Barrett EF, Barrett JN, David G. Dysfunctional mitochondrial Ca(2+) handling in mutant SOD1 mouse models of fALS: integration of findings from motor neuron somata and motor terminals. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:184. [PMID: 25071445 PMCID: PMC4085874 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Abundant evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction and Ca(2+) dysregulation contribute to the muscle denervation and motor neuron death that occur in mouse models of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS). This perspective considers measurements of mitochondrial function and Ca(2+) handling made in both motor neuron somata and motor nerve terminals of SOD1-G93A mice at different disease stages. These complementary studies are integrated into a model of how mitochondrial dysfunction disrupts handling of stimulation-induced Ca(2+) loads in presymptomatic and end-stages of this disease. Also considered are possible mechanisms underlying the findings that some treatments that preserve motor neuron somata fail to postpone degeneration of motor axons and terminals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen F Barrett
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, and Neuroscience Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami, FL, USA
| | - John N Barrett
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, and Neuroscience Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami, FL, USA
| | - Gavriel David
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, and Neuroscience Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami, FL, USA
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