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Gullulu O, Ozcelik E, Tuzlakoglu Ozturk M, Karagoz MS, Tazebay UH. A multi-faceted approach to unravel coding and non-coding gene fusions and target chimeric proteins in ataxia. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-21. [PMID: 38411012 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2321510] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Ataxia represents a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by a loss of balance and coordination, often resulting from mutations in genes vital for cerebellar function and maintenance. Recent advances in genomics have identified gene fusion events as critical contributors to various cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. However, their role in ataxia pathogenesis remains largely unexplored. Our study Hdelved into this possibility by analyzing RNA sequencing data from 1443 diverse samples, including cell and mouse models, patient samples, and healthy controls. We identified 7067 novel gene fusions, potentially pivotal in disease onset. These fusions, notably in-frame, could produce chimeric proteins, disrupt gene regulation, or introduce new functions. We observed conservation of specific amino acids at fusion breakpoints and identified potential aggregate formations in fusion proteins, known to contribute to ataxia. Through AI-based protein structure prediction, we identified topological changes in three high-confidence fusion proteins-TEN1-ACOX1, PEX14-NMNAT1, and ITPR1-GRID2-which could potentially alter their functions. Subsequent virtual drug screening identified several molecules and peptides with high-affinity binding to fusion sites. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of these protein-ligand complexes at fusion breakpoints. Additionally, we explored the role of non-coding RNA fusions as miRNA sponges. One such fusion, RP11-547P4-FLJ33910, showed strong interaction with hsa-miR-504-5p, potentially acting as its sponge. This interaction correlated with the upregulation of hsa-miR-504-5p target genes, some previously linked to ataxia. In conclusion, our study unveils new aspects of gene fusions in ataxia, suggesting their significant role in pathogenesis and opening avenues for targeted therapeutic interventions.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer Gullulu
- Department of Structural Biology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Emrah Ozcelik
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Gebze Technical University, Gebze, Kocaeli, Turkey
- Central Research Laboratory (GTU-MAR), Gebze Technical University, Gebze, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Merve Tuzlakoglu Ozturk
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Gebze Technical University, Gebze, Kocaeli, Turkey
- Central Research Laboratory (GTU-MAR), Gebze Technical University, Gebze, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Safa Karagoz
- Institut für Mikrobiologie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Uygar Halis Tazebay
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Gebze Technical University, Gebze, Kocaeli, Turkey
- Central Research Laboratory (GTU-MAR), Gebze Technical University, Gebze, Kocaeli, Turkey
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2
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Tejwani L, Ravindra NG, Lee C, Cheng Y, Nguyen B, Luttik K, Ni L, Zhang S, Morrison LM, Gionco J, Xiang Y, Yoon J, Ro H, Haidery F, Grijalva RM, Bae E, Kim K, Martuscello RT, Orr HT, Zoghbi HY, McLoughlin HS, Ranum LPW, Shakkottai VG, Faust PL, Wang S, van Dijk D, Lim J. Longitudinal single-cell transcriptional dynamics throughout neurodegeneration in SCA1. Neuron 2024; 112:362-383.e15. [PMID: 38016472 PMCID: PMC10922326 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.10.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegeneration is a protracted process involving progressive changes in myriad cell types that ultimately results in the death of vulnerable neuronal populations. To dissect how individual cell types within a heterogeneous tissue contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of a neurodegenerative disorder, we performed longitudinal single-nucleus RNA sequencing of mouse and human spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) cerebellar tissue, establishing continuous dynamic trajectories of each cell population. Importantly, we defined the precise transcriptional changes that precede loss of Purkinje cells and, for the first time, identified robust early transcriptional dysregulation in unipolar brush cells and oligodendroglia. Finally, we applied a deep learning method to predict disease state accurately and identified specific features that enable accurate distinction of wild-type and SCA1 cells. Together, this work reveals new roles for diverse cerebellar cell types in SCA1 and provides a generalizable analysis framework for studying neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon Tejwani
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
| | - Neal G Ravindra
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Computer Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Changwoo Lee
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Yubao Cheng
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Billy Nguyen
- University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Kimberly Luttik
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Luhan Ni
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Shupei Zhang
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Logan M Morrison
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - John Gionco
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Yangfei Xiang
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | | | - Hannah Ro
- Yale College, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | | | - Rosalie M Grijalva
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | | | - Kristen Kim
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Regina T Martuscello
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Harry T Orr
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Huda Y Zoghbi
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hayley S McLoughlin
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA
| | - Laura P W Ranum
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Center for Neurogenetics, College of Medicine, Genetics Institute, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Vikram G Shakkottai
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Phyllis L Faust
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Siyuan Wang
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
| | - David van Dijk
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Computer Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
| | - Janghoo Lim
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Wu Tsai Institute, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
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3
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Shorrock HK, Lennon CD, Aliyeva A, Davey EE, DeMeo CC, Pritchard CE, Planco L, Velez JM, Mascorro-Huamancaja A, Shin DS, Cleary JD, Berglund JA. Widespread alternative splicing dysregulation occurs presymptomatically in CAG expansion spinocerebellar ataxias. Brain 2024; 147:486-504. [PMID: 37776516 PMCID: PMC10834251 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a group of dominantly inherited neurodegenerative diseases, several of which are caused by CAG expansion mutations (SCAs 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 12) and more broadly belong to the large family of over 40 microsatellite expansion diseases. While dysregulation of alternative splicing is a well defined driver of disease pathogenesis across several microsatellite diseases, the contribution of alternative splicing in CAG expansion SCAs is poorly understood. Furthermore, despite extensive studies on differential gene expression, there remains a gap in our understanding of presymptomatic transcriptomic drivers of disease. We sought to address these knowledge gaps through a comprehensive study of 29 publicly available RNA-sequencing datasets. We identified that dysregulation of alternative splicing is widespread across CAG expansion mouse models of SCAs 1, 3 and 7. These changes were detected presymptomatically, persisted throughout disease progression, were repeat length-dependent, and were present in brain regions implicated in SCA pathogenesis including the cerebellum, pons and medulla. Across disease progression, changes in alternative splicing occurred in genes that function in pathways and processes known to be impaired in SCAs, such as ion channels, synaptic signalling, transcriptional regulation and the cytoskeleton. We validated several key alternative splicing events with known functional consequences, including Trpc3 exon 9 and Kcnma1 exon 23b, in the Atxn1154Q/2Q mouse model. Finally, we demonstrated that alternative splicing dysregulation is responsive to therapeutic intervention in CAG expansion SCAs with Atxn1 targeting antisense oligonucleotide rescuing key splicing events. Taken together, these data demonstrate that widespread presymptomatic dysregulation of alternative splicing in CAG expansion SCAs may contribute to disease onset, early neuronal dysfunction and may represent novel biomarkers across this devastating group of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia D Lennon
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany—SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Asmer Aliyeva
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany—SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA
- Department of Biology, University at Albany—SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Emily E Davey
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany—SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Cristina C DeMeo
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany—SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | | | - Lori Planco
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany—SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Jose M Velez
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany—SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA
- Department of Biology, University at Albany—SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | | | - Damian S Shin
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - John D Cleary
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany—SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - J Andrew Berglund
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany—SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA
- Department of Biology, University at Albany—SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA
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4
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Figueroa KP, Anderson CJ, Paul S, Dansithong W, Gandelman M, Scoles DR, Pulst SM. Slc9a6 mutation causes Purkinje cell loss and ataxia in the shaker rat. Hum Mol Genet 2023; 32:1647-1659. [PMID: 36621975 PMCID: PMC10162436 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddad004] [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: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The shaker rat carries a naturally occurring mutation leading to progressive ataxia characterized by Purkinje cell (PC) loss. We previously reported on fine-mapping the shaker locus to the long arm of the rat X chromosome. In this work, we sought to identify the mutated gene underlying the shaker phenotype and confirm its identity by functional complementation. We fine-mapped the candidate region and analyzed cerebellar transcriptomes, identifying a XM_217630.9 (Slc9a6):c.[191_195delinsA] variant in the Slc9a6 gene that segregated with disease. We generated an adeno-associated virus (AAV) targeting Slc9a6 expression to PCs using the mouse L7-6 (L7) promoter. We administered the AAV prior to the onset of PC degeneration through intracerebroventricular injection and found that it reduced the shaker motor, molecular and cellular phenotypes. Therefore, Slc9a6 is mutated in shaker and AAV-based gene therapy may be a viable therapeutic strategy for Christianson syndrome, also caused by Slc9a6 mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla P Figueroa
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Collin J Anderson
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown NSW 2006, Australia
- School of Biomedical Engineering University of Sydney, Darlington NSW 2008, Australia
| | - Sharan Paul
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Warunee Dansithong
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Mandi Gandelman
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Daniel R Scoles
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Stefan M Pulst
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
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5
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Faber J, Berger M, Carlo W, Hübener-Schmid J, Schaprian T, Santana MM, Grobe-Einsler M, Onder D, Koyak B, Giunti P, Garcia-Moreno H, Gonzalez-Robles C, Lima M, Raposo M, Melo ARV, de Almeida LP, Silva P, Pinto MM, van de Warrenburg BP, van Gaalen J, de Vries J, Jeroen, Oz G, Joers JM, Synofzik M, Schöls L, Riess O, Infante J, Manrique L, Timmann D, Thieme A, Jacobi H, Reetz K, Dogan I, Onyike C, Povazan M, Schmahmann J, Ratai EM, Schmid M, Klockgether T. Stage-dependent biomarker changes in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.04.21.23287817. [PMID: 37163081 PMCID: PMC10168503 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.21.23287817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3/Machado-Joseph disease (SCA3) is the most common autosomal dominant ataxia. In view of the development of targeted therapies for SCA3, precise knowledge of stage-dependent fluid and MRI biomarker changes is needed. We analyzed cross-sectional data of 292 SCA3 mutation carriers including 57 pre-ataxic individuals, and 108 healthy controls from the European Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3/Machado-Joseph Disease Initiative (ESMI) cohort. Blood concentrations of mutant ATXN3 and neurofilament light (NfL) were determined, and volumes of pons, cerebellar white matter (CWM) and cerebellar grey matter (CGM) were measured on MRI. Mutant ATXN3 concentrations were high before and after ataxia onset, while NfL continuously increased and deviated from normal 11.9 years before onset. Pons and CWM volumes decreased, but the deviation from normal was only 2.0 years (pons) and 0.3 years (CWM) before ataxia onset. We propose a staging model of SCA3 that includes an initial asymptomatic carrier stage followed by the biomarker stage defined by absence of ataxia, but a significant rise of NfL. The biomarker stage leads into the ataxia stage, defined by manifest ataxia. The present analysis provides a robust framework for further studies aiming at elaboration and differentiation of the staging model of SCA3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Faber
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Moritz Berger
- University of Bonn, Medical Faculty, Institute for Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology
| | - Wilke Carlo
- Division Translational Genomics of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research & Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jeannette Hübener-Schmid
- Institute for Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Tamara Schaprian
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Magda M Santana
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marcus Grobe-Einsler
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dement Onder
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Berkan Koyak
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Paola Giunti
- Ataxia Centre, Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- Department of Neurogenetics, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Hector Garcia-Moreno
- Ataxia Centre, Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- Department of Neurogenetics, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Cristina Gonzalez-Robles
- Ataxia Centre, Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- Department of Neurogenetics, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Manuela Lima
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade dos Açores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Raposo
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade dos Açores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Rosa Vieira Melo
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade dos Açores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Luis Pereira de Almeida
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Patrick Silva
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria M Pinto
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Bart P. van de Warrenburg
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center
| | - Judith van Gaalen
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center
- Department of Neurology, Rinjstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jeroen
- University Medical Center Groningen, Neurology
| | - Gulin Oz
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - James M. Joers
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Matthis Synofzik
- Division Translational Genomics of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research & Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ludger Schöls
- Division Translational Genomics of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research & Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Olaf Riess
- Institute for Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Jon Infante
- University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla-IDIVAL, Santander, Spain
- Centro de investigación biomédica en red de enfermedades neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Leire Manrique
- University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla-IDIVAL, Santander, Spain
| | - Dagmar Timmann
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen
| | - Andreas Thieme
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen
| | - Heike Jacobi
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Reetz
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Centre Juelich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Imis Dogan
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Centre Juelich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Chiadikaobi Onyike
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland USA
| | - Michal Povazan
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jeremy Schmahmann
- Ataxia Center, Laboratory for Neuroanatomy and Cerebellar Neurobiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School
| | - Eva-Maria Ratai
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Radiology, A. A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthias Schmid
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- University of Bonn, Medical Faculty, Institute for Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology
| | - Thomas Klockgether
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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6
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Chandrasekaran J, Petit E, Park YW, Tezenas du Montcel S, Joers JM, Deelchand DK, Považan M, Banan G, Valabregue R, Ehses P, Faber J, Coupé P, Onyike CU, Barker PB, Schmahmann JD, Ratai EM, Subramony SH, Mareci TH, Bushara KO, Paulson H, Durr A, Klockgether T, Ashizawa T, Lenglet C, Öz G. Clinically Meaningful Magnetic Resonance Endpoints Sensitive to Preataxic Spinocerebellar Ataxia Types 1 and 3. Ann Neurol 2023; 93:686-701. [PMID: 36511514 PMCID: PMC10261544 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken to identify magnetic resonance (MR) metrics that are most sensitive to early changes in the brain in spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) and type 3 (SCA3) using an advanced multimodal MR imaging (MRI) protocol in the multisite trial setting. METHODS SCA1 or SCA3 mutation carriers and controls (n = 107) underwent MR scanning in the US-European READISCA study to obtain structural, diffusion MRI, and MR spectroscopy data using an advanced protocol at 3T. Morphometric, microstructural, and neurochemical metrics were analyzed blinded to diagnosis and compared between preataxic SCA (n = 11 SCA1, n = 28 SCA3), ataxic SCA (n = 14 SCA1, n = 37 SCA3), and control (n = 17) groups using nonparametric testing accounting for multiple comparisons. MR metrics that were most sensitive to preataxic abnormalities were identified using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. RESULTS Atrophy and microstructural damage in the brainstem and cerebellar peduncles and neurochemical abnormalities in the pons were prominent in both preataxic groups, when patients did not differ from controls clinically. MR metrics were strongly associated with ataxia symptoms, activities of daily living, and estimated ataxia duration. A neurochemical measure was the most sensitive metric to preataxic changes in SCA1 (ROC area under the curve [AUC] = 0.95), and a microstructural metric was the most sensitive metric to preataxic changes in SCA3 (AUC = 0.92). INTERPRETATION Changes in cerebellar afferent and efferent pathways underlie the earliest symptoms of both SCAs. MR metrics collected with a harmonized advanced protocol in the multisite trial setting allow detection of disease effects in individuals before ataxia onset with potential clinical trial utility for subject stratification. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:686-701.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayashree Chandrasekaran
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Emilien Petit
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute, Inserm, INRIA, CNRS, APHP, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Young-Woo Park
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | | | - James M. Joers
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Dinesh K. Deelchand
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Michal Považan
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Guita Banan
- Norman Fixel Center for Neurological Disorders, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Romain Valabregue
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute, Inserm, INRIA, CNRS, APHP, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Philipp Ehses
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jennifer Faber
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Pierrick Coupé
- Laboratoire Bordelais de Recherche en Informatique, Université de Bordeaux, 33405 France
| | - Chiadi U. Onyike
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Peter B. Barker
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jeremy D. Schmahmann
- Ataxia Center, Laboratory for Neuroanatomy and Cerebellar Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Eva-Maria Ratai
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02114, USA
| | - S. H. Subramony
- Norman Fixel Center for Neurological Disorders, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Thomas H. Mareci
- Norman Fixel Center for Neurological Disorders, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Khalaf O. Bushara
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Henry Paulson
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Alexandra Durr
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute, Inserm, INRIA, CNRS, APHP, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Thomas Klockgether
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Tetsuo Ashizawa
- The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Christophe Lenglet
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Gülin Öz
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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7
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Putka AF, Mato JP, McLoughlin HS. Myelinating Glia: Potential Therapeutic Targets in Polyglutamine Spinocerebellar Ataxias. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040601. [PMID: 36831268 PMCID: PMC9953858 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Human studies, in combination with animal and cellular models, support glial cells as both major contributors to neurodegenerative diseases and promising therapeutic targets. Among glial cells, oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells are the myelinating glial cells of the central and peripheral nervous system, respectively. In this review, we discuss the contributions of these central and peripheral myelinating glia to the pathomechanisms of polyglutamine (polyQ) spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) types 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and 17. First, we highlight the function of oligodendrocytes in healthy conditions and how they are disrupted in polyQ SCA patients and diseased model systems. We then cover the role of Schwann cells in peripheral nerve function and repair as well as their possible role in peripheral neuropathy in polyQ SCAs. Finally, we discuss potential polyQ SCA therapeutic interventions in myelinating glial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra F. Putka
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Juan P. Mato
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Hayley S. McLoughlin
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Correspondence:
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8
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Schuster KH, DiFranco DM, Putka AF, Mato JP, Jarrah SI, Stec NR, Sundararajan VO, McLoughlin HS. Disease-associated oligodendrocyte signatures are spatiotemporally dysregulated in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1118429. [PMID: 36875652 PMCID: PMC9975394 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1118429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the ATXN3 gene. Though the ATXN3 protein is expressed ubiquitously throughout the CNS, regional pathology in SCA3 patients is observed within select neuronal populations and more recently within oligodendrocyte-rich white matter tracts. We have previously recapitulated these white matter abnormalities in an overexpression mouse model of SCA3 and demonstrated that oligodendrocyte maturation impairments are one of the earliest and most progressive changes in SCA3 pathogenesis. Disease-associated oligodendrocyte signatures have recently emerged as significant contributors to several other neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, and Parkinson's disease, but their role in regional vulnerability and disease progression remains unexplored. Here, we are the first to comparatively assess myelination in human tissue in a region-dependent manner. Translating these findings to SCA3 mouse models of disease, we confirmed endogenous expression of mutant Atxn3 leads to regional transcriptional dysregulation of oligodendrocyte maturation markers in Knock-In models of SCA3. We then investigated the spatiotemporal progression of mature oligodendrocyte transcriptional dysregulation in an overexpression SCA3 mouse model and how it relates to the onset of motor impairment. We further determined that regional reduction in mature oligodendrocyte cell counts in SCA3 mice over time parallels the onset and progression of brain atrophy in SCA3 patients. This work emphasizes the prospective contributions of disease-associated oligodendrocyte signatures to regional vulnerability and could inform timepoints and target regions imperative for biomarker assessment and therapeutic intervention in several neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen H Schuster
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Danielle M DiFranco
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Alexandra F Putka
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Juan P Mato
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Sabrina I Jarrah
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Nicholas R Stec
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Hayley S McLoughlin
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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9
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Schuster KH, Putka AF, McLoughlin HS. Pathogenetic Mechanisms Underlying Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 Are Altered in Primary Oligodendrocyte Culture. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162615. [PMID: 36010688 PMCID: PMC9406561 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence has implicated non-neuronal cells, particularly oligodendrocytes, in the pathophysiology of many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington’s disease and Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3). We recently demonstrated that cell-autonomous dysfunction of oligodendrocyte maturation is one of the of the earliest and most robust changes in vulnerable regions of the SCA3 mouse brain. However, the cell- and disease-specific mechanisms that underlie oligodendrocyte dysfunction remain poorly understood and are difficult to isolate in vivo. In this study, we used primary oligodendrocyte cultures to determine how known pathogenic SCA3 mechanisms affect this cell type. We isolated oligodendrocyte progenitor cells from 5- to 7-day-old mice that overexpress human mutant ATXN3 or lack mouse ATXN3 and differentiated them for up to 5 days in vitro. Utilizing immunocytochemistry, we characterized the contributions of ATXN3 toxic gain-of-function and loss-of-function in oligodendrocyte maturation, protein quality pathways, DNA damage signaling, and methylation status. We illustrate the utility of primary oligodendrocyte culture for elucidating cell-specific pathway dysregulation relevant to SCA3. Given recent work demonstrating disease-associated oligodendrocyte signatures in other neurodegenerative diseases, this novel model has broad applicability in revealing mechanistic insights of oligodendrocyte contribution to pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexandra F. Putka
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Hayley S. McLoughlin
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Correspondence:
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10
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Chakravorty A, Sharma A, Sheeba V, Manjithaya R. Glutamatergic Synapse Dysfunction in Drosophila Neuromuscular Junctions Can Be Rescued by Proteostasis Modulation. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:842772. [PMID: 35909443 PMCID: PMC9337869 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.842772] [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: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the nervous system, and the Drosophila glutamatergic neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) offer a tractable platform to understand excitatory synapse biology both in health and disease. Synaptopathies are neurodegenerative diseases that are associated with synaptic dysfunction and often display compromised proteostasis. One such rare, progressive neurodegenerative condition, Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 (SCA3) or Machado-Joseph Disease (MJD), is characterized by cerebellar ataxia, Parkinsonism, and degeneration of motor neuron synapses. While the polyQ repeat mutant protein ataxin-3 is implicated in MJD, it is unclear how it leads to impaired synaptic function. In this study, we indicated that a Drosophila model of MJD recapitulates characteristics of neurodegenerative disorders marked by motor neuron dysfunction. Expression of 78 polyQ repeats of mutant ataxin-3 protein in Drosophila motor neurons resulted in behavioral defects, such as impaired locomotion in both larval and adult stages. Furthermore, defects in eclosion and lifespan were observed in adult flies. Detailed characterization of larval glutamatergic neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) revealed defects in morphological features along with compromised NMJ functioning. Autophagy, one of the key proteostasis pathways, is known to be impaired in the case of several synaptopathies. Our study reveals that overexpression of the autophagy-related protein Atg8a rescued behavioral defects. Thus, we present a model for glutamatergic synapse dysfunction that recapitulates synaptic and behavioral deficits and show that it is an amenable system for carrying out genetic and chemical biology screens to identify potential therapeutic targets for synaptopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anushka Chakravorty
- Autophagy Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, India
| | - Ankit Sharma
- Chronobiology and Behavioural Neurogenetics Laboratory, Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, India
| | - Vasu Sheeba
- Chronobiology and Behavioural Neurogenetics Laboratory, Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, India
- *Correspondence: Vasu Sheeba
| | - Ravi Manjithaya
- Autophagy Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, India
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, India
- Ravi Manjithaya
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11
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Olmos V, Gogia N, Luttik K, Haidery F, Lim J. The extra-cerebellar effects of spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1): looking beyond the cerebellum. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:404. [PMID: 35802260 PMCID: PMC9993484 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04419-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is one of nine polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases and is characterized as an adult late-onset, progressive, dominantly inherited genetic disease. SCA1 is caused by an increase in the number of CAG repeats in the ATXN1 gene leading to an expanded polyQ tract in the ATAXIN-1 protein. ATAXIN-1 is broadly expressed throughout the brain. However, until recently, SCA1 research has primarily centered on the cerebellum, given the characteristic cerebellar Purkinje cell loss observed in patients, as well as the progressive motor deficits, including gait and limb incoordination, that SCA1 patients present with. There are, however, also other symptoms such as respiratory problems, cognitive defects and memory impairment, anxiety, and depression observed in SCA1 patients and mouse models, which indicate that there are extra-cerebellar effects of SCA1 that cannot be explained solely through changes in the cerebellar region of the brain alone. The existing gap between human and mouse model studies of extra-cerebellar regions in SCA1 makes it difficult to answer many important questions in the field. This review will cover both the cerebellar and extra-cerebellar effects of SCA1 and highlight the need for further investigations into the impact of mutant ATXN1 expression in these regions. This review will also discuss implications of extra-cerebellar effects not only for SCA1 but other neurodegenerative diseases showing diverse pathology as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Olmos
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, BCMM 154E, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Neha Gogia
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, BCMM 154E, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Kimberly Luttik
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, BCMM 154E, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, BCMM 154E, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | | | - Janghoo Lim
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, BCMM 154E, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, BCMM 154E, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, BCMM 154E, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
- Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Yale School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, BCMM 154E, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, BCMM 154E, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
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12
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Miranda CO, Nobre RJ, Paiva VH, Duarte JV, Castelhano J, Petrella LI, Sereno J, Santana M, Afonso S, Januário C, Castelo-Branco M, de Almeida LP. Cerebellar morphometric and spectroscopic biomarkers for Machado-Joseph Disease. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2022; 10:37. [PMID: 35305685 PMCID: PMC8933766 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-022-01329-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) or Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is the most common form of dominant SCA worldwide. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H-MRS) provide promising non-invasive diagnostic and follow-up tools, also serving to evaluate therapies efficacy. However, pre-clinical studies showing relationship between MRI-MRS based biomarkers and functional performance are missing, which hampers an efficient clinical translation of therapeutics. This study assessed motor behaviour, neurochemical profiles, and morphometry of the cerebellum of MJD transgenic mice and patients aiming at establishing magnetic-resonance-based biomarkers. 1H-MRS and structural MRI measurements of MJD transgenic mice were performed with a 9.4 Tesla scanner, correlated with motor performance on rotarod and compared with data collected from human patients. We found decreased cerebellar white and grey matter and enlargement of the fourth ventricle in both MJD mice and human patients as compared to controls. N-acetylaspartate (NAA), NAA + N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAA + NAAG), Glutamate, and Taurine, were significantly decreased in MJD mouse cerebellum regardless of age, whereas myo-Inositol (Ins) was increased at early time-points. Lower neurochemical ratios levels (NAA/Ins and NAA/total Choline), previously correlated with worse clinical status in SCAs, were also observed in MJD mice cerebella. NAA, NAA + NAAG, Glutamate, and Taurine were also positively correlated with MJD mice motor performance. Importantly, these 1H-MRS results were largely analogous to those found for MJD in human studies and in our pilot data in human patients. We have established a magnetic resonance-based biomarker approach to monitor novel therapies in preclinical studies and human clinical trials.
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13
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Haas E, Incebacak RD, Hentrich T, Huridou C, Schmidt T, Casadei N, Maringer Y, Bahl C, Zimmermann F, Mills JD, Aronica E, Riess O, Schulze-Hentrich JM, Hübener-Schmid J. A Novel SCA3 Knock-in Mouse Model Mimics the Human SCA3 Disease Phenotype Including Neuropathological, Behavioral, and Transcriptional Abnormalities Especially in Oligodendrocytes. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 59:495-522. [PMID: 34716557 PMCID: PMC8786755 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02610-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 is the most common autosomal dominant inherited ataxia worldwide, caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the Ataxin-3 gene resulting in a polyglutamine (polyQ)-expansion in the corresponding protein. The disease is characterized by neuropathological, phenotypical, and specific transcriptional changes in affected brain regions. So far, there is no mouse model available representing all the different aspects of the disease, yet highly needed for a better understanding of the disease pathomechanisms. Here, we characterized a novel Ataxin-3 knock-in mouse model, expressing a heterozygous or homozygous expansion of 304 CAACAGs in the murine Ataxin-3 locus using biochemical, behavioral, and transcriptomic approaches. We compared neuropathological, and behavioral features of the new knock-in model with the in SCA3 research mostly used YAC84Q mouse model. Further, we compared transcriptional changes found in cerebellar samples of the SCA3 knock-in mice and post-mortem human SCA3 patients. The novel knock-in mouse is characterized by the expression of a polyQ-expansion in the murine Ataxin-3 protein, leading to aggregate formation, especially in brain regions known to be vulnerable in SCA3 patients, and impairment of Purkinje cells. Along these neuropathological changes, the mice showed a reduction in body weight accompanied by gait and balance instability. Transcriptomic analysis of cerebellar tissue revealed age-dependent differential expression, enriched for genes attributed to myelinating oligodendrocytes. Comparing these changes with those found in cerebellar tissue of SCA3 patients, we discovered an overlap of differentially expressed genes pointing towards similar gene expression perturbances in several genes linked to myelin sheaths and myelinating oligodendrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Haas
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre for Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rana D Incebacak
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre for Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Hentrich
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre for Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Chrisovalantou Huridou
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre for Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Schmidt
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre for Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nicolas Casadei
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre for Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,DFG NGS Competence Center Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Yacine Maringer
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre for Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Carola Bahl
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre for Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Frank Zimmermann
- Interfaculty Biomedical Facility (IBF) Biotechnology lab, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - James D Mills
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Olaf Riess
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre for Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,DFG NGS Competence Center Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Julia M Schulze-Hentrich
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre for Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jeannette Hübener-Schmid
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany. .,Centre for Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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14
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Pradeep S, Mehanna R. Gastrointestinal disorders in hyperkinetic movement disorders and ataxia. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2021; 90:125-133. [PMID: 34544654 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders have been thoroughly investigated in hypokinetic disorders such as Parkinson's disease, but much less is known about GI disorders in hyperkinetic movement disorders and ataxia. The aim of this review is to draw attention to the GI disorders that are associated with these movement disorders. METHODS References for this systematic review were identified by searches of PubMed through May 2020. Only publications in English were reviewed. RESULTS Data from 249 articles were critically reviewed, compared, and integrated. The most frequently reported GI symptoms overall in hyperkinetic movement disorders and ataxia are dysphagia, sialorrhea, weight changes, esophago-gastritis, gastroparesis, constipation, diarrhea, and malabsorption. We report in detail on the frequency, characteristics, pathophysiology, and management of GI symptoms in essential tremor, restless legs syndrome, chorea, and spinocerebellar ataxias. The limited available data on GI disorders in dystonias, paroxysmal movement disorders, tardive dyskinesias, myoclonus, and non-SCA ataxias are also summarized. CONCLUSION The purpose of our systematic review is to draw attention that, although primarily motor disorders, hyperkinetic movement disorders and ataxia can involve the GI system. Raising awareness about the GI symptom burden in hyperkinetic movement disorders and ataxia could contribute to a new research interest in that field, as well as improved patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Pradeep
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Raja Mehanna
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA.
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15
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Cendelin J, Cvetanovic M, Gandelman M, Hirai H, Orr HT, Pulst SM, Strupp M, Tichanek F, Tuma J, Manto M. Consensus Paper: Strengths and Weaknesses of Animal Models of Spinocerebellar Ataxias and Their Clinical Implications. THE CEREBELLUM 2021; 21:452-481. [PMID: 34378174 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-021-01311-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) represent a large group of hereditary degenerative diseases of the nervous system, in particular the cerebellum, and other systems that manifest with a variety of progressive motor, cognitive, and behavioral deficits with the leading symptom of cerebellar ataxia. SCAs often lead to severe impairments of the patient's functioning, quality of life, and life expectancy. For SCAs, there are no proven effective pharmacotherapies that improve the symptoms or substantially delay disease progress, i.e., disease-modifying therapies. To study SCA pathogenesis and potential therapies, animal models have been widely used and are an essential part of pre-clinical research. They mainly include mice, but also other vertebrates and invertebrates. Each animal model has its strengths and weaknesses arising from model animal species, type of genetic manipulation, and similarity to human diseases. The types of murine and non-murine models of SCAs, their contribution to the investigation of SCA pathogenesis, pathological phenotype, and therapeutic approaches including their advantages and disadvantages are reviewed in this paper. There is a consensus among the panel of experts that (1) animal models represent valuable tools to improve our understanding of SCAs and discover and assess novel therapies for this group of neurological disorders characterized by diverse mechanisms and differential degenerative progressions, (2) thorough phenotypic assessment of individual animal models is required for studies addressing therapeutic approaches, (3) comparative studies are needed to bring pre-clinical research closer to clinical trials, and (4) mouse models complement cellular and invertebrate models which remain limited in terms of clinical translation for complex neurological disorders such as SCAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Cendelin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 75, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic. .,Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 75, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic.
| | - Marija Cvetanovic
- Department of Neuroscience, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Mandi Gandelman
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, 175 North Medical Drive East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Hirokazu Hirai
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neural Repair, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan.,Viral Vector Core, Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research (GIAR), Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Harry T Orr
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Stefan M Pulst
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, 175 North Medical Drive East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Michael Strupp
- Department of Neurology and German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Campus Grosshadern, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Filip Tichanek
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 75, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 75, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Tuma
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 75, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic.,The Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MC 7843, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Mario Manto
- Unité des Ataxies Cérébelleuses, Service de Neurologie, CHU-Charleroi, Charleroi, Belgium.,Service des Neurosciences, Université de Mons, UMons, Mons, Belgium
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16
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Lin YT, Lin YS, Cheng WL, Chang JC, Chao YC, Liu CS, Wei AC. Transcriptomic and Metabolic Network Analysis of Metabolic Reprogramming and IGF-1 Modulation in SCA3 Transgenic Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22157974. [PMID: 34360740 PMCID: PMC8348158 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a genetic neurodegenerative disease for which a cure is still needed. Growth hormone (GH) therapy has shown positive effects on the exercise behavior of mice with cerebellar atrophy, retains more Purkinje cells, and exhibits less DNA damage after GH intervention. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is the downstream mediator of GH that participates in signaling and metabolic regulation for cell growth and modulation pathways, including SCA3-affected pathways. However, the underlying therapeutic mechanisms of GH or IGF-1 in SCA3 are not fully understood. In the present study, tissue-specific genome-scale metabolic network models for SCA3 transgenic mice were proposed based on RNA-seq. An integrative transcriptomic and metabolic network analysis of a SCA3 transgenic mouse model revealed that metabolic signaling pathways were activated to compensate for the metabolic remodeling caused by SCA3 genetic modifications. The effect of IGF-1 intervention on the pathology and balance of SCA3 disease was also explored. IGF-1 has been shown to invoke signaling pathways and improve mitochondrial function and glycolysis pathways to restore cellular functions. As one of the downregulated factors in SCA3 transgenic mice, IGF-1 could be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Te Lin
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Electronics and Bioinformatics, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan;
| | - Yong-Shiou Lin
- Institute of ATP, Vascular and Genomic Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 50091, Taiwan; (Y.-S.L.); (W.-L.C.); (J.-C.C.)
| | - Wen-Ling Cheng
- Institute of ATP, Vascular and Genomic Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 50091, Taiwan; (Y.-S.L.); (W.-L.C.); (J.-C.C.)
| | - Jui-Chih Chang
- Institute of ATP, Vascular and Genomic Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 50091, Taiwan; (Y.-S.L.); (W.-L.C.); (J.-C.C.)
| | - Yi-Chun Chao
- Inflammation Research & Drug Development Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 50091, Taiwan;
| | - Chin-San Liu
- Institute of ATP, Vascular and Genomic Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 50091, Taiwan; (Y.-S.L.); (W.-L.C.); (J.-C.C.)
- Department of Neurology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 50091, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-S.L.); (A.-C.W.); Tel.: +886-4-7238595 (C.-S.L.); +886-2-33668612 (A.-C.W.)
| | - An-Chi Wei
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Electronics and Bioinformatics, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan;
- Department of Electrical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-S.L.); (A.-C.W.); Tel.: +886-4-7238595 (C.-S.L.); +886-2-33668612 (A.-C.W.)
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17
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Albert K, Niskanen J, Kälvälä S, Lehtonen Š. Utilising Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in Neurodegenerative Disease Research: Focus on Glia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094334. [PMID: 33919317 PMCID: PMC8122303 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a self-renewable pool of cells derived from an organism's somatic cells. These can then be programmed to other cell types, including neurons. Use of iPSCs in research has been two-fold as they have been used for human disease modelling as well as for the possibility to generate new therapies. Particularly in complex human diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, iPSCs can give advantages over traditional animal models in that they more accurately represent the human genome. Additionally, patient-derived cells can be modified using gene editing technology and further transplanted to the brain. Glial cells have recently become important avenues of research in the field of neurodegenerative diseases, for example, in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. This review focuses on using glial cells (astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes) derived from human iPSCs in order to give a better understanding of how these cells contribute to neurodegenerative disease pathology. Using glia iPSCs in in vitro cell culture, cerebral organoids, and intracranial transplantation may give us future insight into both more accurate models and disease-modifying therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Albert
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK;
| | - Jonna Niskanen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (J.N.); (S.K.)
| | - Sara Kälvälä
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (J.N.); (S.K.)
| | - Šárka Lehtonen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (J.N.); (S.K.)
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Correspondence:
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18
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Almaguer-Mederos LE, Pérez-Ávila I, Aguilera-Rodríguez R, Velázquez-Garcés M, Almaguer-Gotay D, Hechavarría-Pupo R, Rodríguez-Estupiñán A, Auburger G. Body Mass Index Is Significantly Associated With Disease Severity in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2 Patients. Mov Disord 2021; 36:1372-1380. [PMID: 33548146 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder due to an unstable expansion of a CAG repeat in the ATXN2 gene. Although weight loss has been associated with disease progression in several neurodegenerative conditions, it has been barely assessed in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to test whether body mass index is altered in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 with varying expansion sizes from early to late disease stages. METHODS A cross-sectional case-control study was performed, which included 222 clinically and molecularly diagnosed patients and 214 sex- and age-matched healthy individuals. ATXN2 genotypes and sex were considered as risk factors. Clinical outcomes included the body mass index, age at onset, disease duration, Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia score, disease stage, dysphagia, and progression rate. Multiple linear regression models were generated. RESULTS Body mass index was significantly decreased in male patients, but not in female patients, relative to control subjects. In addition to sex, body mass index was significantly associated with age at onset and progression rate. Conversely, body mass index, along with repeat length in ATXN2 expanded alleles and disease duration, was associated with Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia score. In addition, body mass index, along with the age at onset and the repeat length in ATXN2 normal and expanded alleles, has a significant influence on progression rate. CONCLUSIONS Body mass index might be a useful biomarker of disease severity, particularly in male patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 in the context of nutritional interventions or clinical trials assessing the efficacy of promising new drugs. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ilbedis Pérez-Ávila
- Center for the Investigation and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Holguín, Cuba.,Center for Sports Medicine, Holguín, Cuba
| | | | | | - Dennis Almaguer-Gotay
- Center for the Investigation and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Holguín, Cuba
| | | | | | - Georg Auburger
- Experimental Neurology, Goethe University Medical Faculty, Frankfurt, Germany
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19
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Costa MDC, Radzwion M, McLoughlin HS, Ashraf NS, Fischer S, Shakkottai VG, Maciel P, Paulson HL, Öz G. In Vivo Molecular Signatures of Cerebellar Pathology in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3. Mov Disord 2020; 35:1774-1786. [PMID: 32621646 PMCID: PMC7572607 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND No treatment exists for the most common dominantly inherited ataxia Machado-Joseph disease, or spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3). Successful evaluation of candidate therapeutics will be facilitated by validated noninvasive biomarkers of disease pathology recapitulated by animal models. OBJECTIVE We sought to identify shared in vivo neurochemical signatures in two mouse models of SCA3 that reflect the human disease pathology. METHODS Cerebellar neurochemical concentrations in homozygous YACMJD84.2 (Q84/Q84) and hemizygous CMVMJD135 (Q135) mice were measured by in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 9.4 tesla. To validate the neurochemical biomarkers, levels of neurofilament medium (NFL; indicator of neuroaxonal integrity) and myelin basic protein (MBP; indicator of myelination) were measured in cerebellar lysates from a subset of mice and patients with SCA3. Finally, NFL and MBP levels were measured in the cerebellar extracts of Q84/Q84 mice upon silencing of the mutant ATXN3 gene. RESULTS Both Q84/Q84 and Q135 mice displayed lower N-acetylaspartate than wild-type littermates, indicating neuroaxonal loss/dysfunction, and lower myo-inositol and total choline, indicating disturbances in phospholipid membrane metabolism and demyelination. Cerebellar NFL and MBP levels were accordingly lower in both models as well as in the cerebellar cortex of patients with SCA3 than controls. Importantly, N-acetylaspartate and total choline correlated with NFL and MPB, respectively, in Q135 mice. Long-term sustained RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated reduction of ATXN3 levels increased NFL and MBP in Q84/Q84 cerebella. CONCLUSIONS N-acetylaspartate, myo-inositol, and total choline levels in the cerebellum are candidate biomarkers of neuroaxonal and oligodendrocyte pathology in SCA3, aspects of pathology that are reversible by RNAi therapy. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Radzwion
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Naila S. Ashraf
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Svetlana Fischer
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Vikram G. Shakkottai
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Departments of Molecular & Integrative Physiology and of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Patrícia Maciel
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Portugal
| | - Henry L. Paulson
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gülin Öz
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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20
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Kim T, Song B, Lee IS. Drosophila Glia: Models for Human Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4859. [PMID: 32660023 PMCID: PMC7402321 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21144859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cells are key players in the proper formation and maintenance of the nervous system, thus contributing to neuronal health and disease in humans. However, little is known about the molecular pathways that govern glia-neuron communications in the diseased brain. Drosophila provides a useful in vivo model to explore the conserved molecular details of glial cell biology and their contributions to brain function and disease susceptibility. Herein, we review recent studies that explore glial functions in normal neuronal development, along with Drosophila models that seek to identify the pathological implications of glial defects in the context of various central nervous system disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Im-Soon Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for CHANS, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea; (T.K.); (B.S.)
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21
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Wilke C, Haas E, Reetz K, Faber J, Garcia‐Moreno H, Santana MM, van de Warrenburg B, Hengel H, Lima M, Filla A, Durr A, Melegh B, Masciullo M, Infante J, Giunti P, Neumann M, de Vries J, Pereira de Almeida L, Rakowicz M, Jacobi H, Schüle R, Kaeser SA, Kuhle J, Klockgether T, Schöls L, Barro C, Hübener‐Schmid J, Synofzik M. Neurofilaments in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3: blood biomarkers at the preataxic and ataxic stage in humans and mice. EMBO Mol Med 2020; 12:e11803. [PMID: 32510847 PMCID: PMC7338806 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201911803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With molecular treatments coming into reach for spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), easily accessible, cross-species validated biomarkers for human and preclinical trials are warranted, particularly for the preataxic disease stage. We assessed serum levels of neurofilament light (NfL) and phosphorylated neurofilament heavy (pNfH) in ataxic and preataxic subjects of two independent multicentric SCA3 cohorts and in a SCA3 knock-in mouse model. Ataxic SCA3 subjects showed increased levels of both NfL and pNfH. In preataxic subjects, NfL levels increased with proximity to the individual expected onset of ataxia, with significant NfL elevations already 7.5 years before onset. Cross-sectional NfL levels correlated with both disease severity and longitudinal disease progression. Blood NfL and pNfH increases in human SCA3 were each paralleled by similar changes in SCA3 knock-in mice, here also starting already at the presymptomatic stage, closely following ataxin-3 aggregation and preceding Purkinje cell loss in the brain. Blood neurofilaments, particularly NfL, might thus provide easily accessible, cross-species validated biomarkers in both ataxic and preataxic SCA3, associated with earliest neuropathological changes, and serve as progression, proximity-to-onset and, potentially, treatment-response markers in both human and preclinical SCA3 trials.
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22
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Niewiadomska-Cimicka A, Hache A, Trottier Y. Gene Deregulation and Underlying Mechanisms in Spinocerebellar Ataxias With Polyglutamine Expansion. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:571. [PMID: 32581696 PMCID: PMC7296114 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00571] [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: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine spinocerebellar ataxias (polyQ SCAs) include SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, SCA6, SCA7, and SCA17 and constitute a group of adult onset neurodegenerative disorders caused by the expansion of a CAG repeat sequence located within the coding region of specific genes, which translates into polyglutamine tract in the corresponding proteins. PolyQ SCAs are characterized by degeneration of the cerebellum and its associated structures and lead to progressive ataxia and other diverse symptoms. In recent years, gene and epigenetic deregulations have been shown to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of polyQ SCAs. Here, we provide an overview of the functions of wild type and pathogenic polyQ SCA proteins in gene regulation, describe the extent and nature of gene expression changes and their pathological consequences in diseases, and discuss potential avenues to further investigate converging and distinct disease pathways and to develop therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Niewiadomska-Cimicka
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Illkirch, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Antoine Hache
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Illkirch, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Yvon Trottier
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Illkirch, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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23
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Cerebellar Astrocytes: Much More Than Passive Bystanders In Ataxia Pathophysiology. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9030757. [PMID: 32168822 PMCID: PMC7141261 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9030757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ataxia is a neurodegenerative syndrome, which can emerge as a major element of a disease or represent a symptom of more complex multisystemic disorders. It comprises several forms with a highly variegated etiology, mainly united by motor, balance, and speech impairments and, at the tissue level, by cerebellar atrophy and Purkinje cells degeneration. For this reason, the contribution of astrocytes to this disease has been largely overlooked in the past. Nevertheless, in the last few decades, growing evidences are pointing to cerebellar astrocytes as crucial players not only in the progression but also in the onset of distinct forms of ataxia. Although the current knowledge on this topic is very fragmentary and ataxia type-specific, the present review will attempt to provide a comprehensive view of astrocytes’ involvement across the distinct forms of this pathology. Here, it will be highlighted how, through consecutive stage-specific mechanisms, astrocytes can lead to non-cell autonomous neurodegeneration and, consequently, to the behavioral impairments typical of this disease. In light of that, treating astrocytes to heal neurons will be discussed as a potential complementary therapeutic approach for ataxic patients, a crucial point provided the absence of conclusive treatments for this disease.
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24
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Xu Y, Zhao XM, Liu J, Wang YY, Xiong LL, He XY, Wang TH. Complexin I knockout rats exhibit a complex neurobehavioral phenotype including profound ataxia and marked deficits in lifespan. Pflugers Arch 2019; 472:117-133. [PMID: 31875236 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-019-02337-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Complexin I (CPLX1), a presynaptic small molecule protein, forms SNARE complex in the central nervous system involved in the anchoring, pre-excitation, and fusion of axonal end vesicles. Abnormal expression of CPLX1 occurs in several neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders that exhibit disrupted neurobehaviors. CPLX1 gene knockout induces severe ataxia and social behavioral deficits in mice, which has been poorly demonstrated. Here, to address the limitations of single-species models and to provide translational insights relevant to human diseases, we used CPLX1 knockout rats to further explore the function of the CPLX1 gene. The CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system was adopted to generate CPLX1 knockout rats (CPLX1-/-). Then, we characterized the survival rate and behavioral phenotype of CPLX1-/- rats using behavioral analysis. To further explain this phenomenon, we performed blood glucose testing, Nissl staining, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and Golgi staining. We found that CPLX1-/- rats showed profound ataxia, dystonia, movement and exploratory deficits, and increased anxiety and sensory deficits but had normal cognitive function. Nevertheless, CPLX1-/- rats could swim without training. The abnormal histomorphology of the stomach and intestine were related to decreased weight and early death in these rats. Decreased dendritic branching was also found in spinal motor neurons in CPLX1-/- rats. In conclusion, CPLX1 gene knockout induced the abnormal histomorphology of the stomach and intestine and decreased dendritic branching in spinal motor neurons, causing different phenotypes between CPLX1-/- rats and mice, even though both of these phenotypes showed profound ataxia. These findings provide a new perspective for understanding the role of CPLX1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xu
- Institute of Neurological Disease, Department of Anesthesiology, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University & The Research Units of West China, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Zhao
- Institute of Neurological Disease, Department of Anesthesiology, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University & The Research Units of West China, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China.,Department of Basic Medicine, Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Laboratory Zoology Department, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Yang-Yang Wang
- Institute of Neurological Disease, Department of Anesthesiology, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University & The Research Units of West China, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Liu-Lin Xiong
- Institute of Neurological Disease, Department of Anesthesiology, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University & The Research Units of West China, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiu-Ying He
- Institute of Neurological Disease, Department of Anesthesiology, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University & The Research Units of West China, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ting-Hua Wang
- Institute of Neurological Disease, Department of Anesthesiology, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University & The Research Units of West China, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China. .,Institute of Neuroscience, Laboratory Zoology Department, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China.
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25
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Ashraf NS, Sutton JR, Yang Y, Ranxhi B, Libohova K, Shaw ED, Barget AJ, Todi SV, Paulson HL, Costa MDC. Druggable genome screen identifies new regulators of the abundance and toxicity of ATXN3, the Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 3 disease protein. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 137:104697. [PMID: 31783119 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 3 (SCA3, also known as Machado-Joseph disease) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion encoding an abnormally long polyglutamine (polyQ) tract in the disease protein, ataxin-3 (ATXN3). No preventive treatment is yet available for SCA3. Because SCA3 is likely caused by a toxic gain of ATXN3 function, a rational therapeutic strategy is to reduce mutant ATXN3 levels by targeting pathways that control its production or stability. Here, we sought to identify genes that modulate ATXN3 levels as potential therapeutic targets in this fatal disorder. We screened a collection of siRNAs targeting 2742 druggable human genes using a cell-based assay based on luminescence readout of polyQ-expanded ATXN3. From 317 candidate genes identified in the primary screen, 100 genes were selected for validation. Among the 33 genes confirmed in secondary assays, 15 were validated in an independent cell model as modulators of pathogenic ATXN3 protein levels. Ten of these genes were then assessed in a Drosophila model of SCA3, and one was confirmed as a key modulator of physiological ATXN3 abundance in SCA3 neuronal progenitor cells. Among the 15 genes shown to modulate ATXN3 in mammalian cells, orthologs of CHD4, FBXL3, HR and MC3R regulate mutant ATXN3-mediated toxicity in fly eyes. Further mechanistic studies of one of these genes, FBXL3, encoding a F-box protein that is a component of the SKP1-Cullin-F-box (SCF) ubiquitin ligase complex, showed that it reduces levels of normal and pathogenic ATXN3 in SCA3 neuronal progenitor cells, primarily via a SCF complex-dependent manner. Bioinformatic analysis of the 15 genes revealed a potential molecular network with connections to tumor necrosis factor-α/nuclear factor-kappa B (TNF/NF-kB) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) pathways. Overall, we identified 15 druggable genes with diverse functions to be suppressors or enhancers of pathogenic ATXN3 abundance. Among identified pathways highlighted by this screen, the FBXL3/SCF axis represents a novel molecular pathway that regulates physiological levels of ATXN3 protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naila S Ashraf
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Joanna R Sutton
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Yemen Yang
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Bedri Ranxhi
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Kozeta Libohova
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Emily D Shaw
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Anna J Barget
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sokol V Todi
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Henry L Paulson
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Maria do Carmo Costa
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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26
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McLoughlin HS, Moore LR, Paulson HL. Pathogenesis of SCA3 and implications for other polyglutamine diseases. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 134:104635. [PMID: 31669734 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tandem repeat diseases include the neurodegenerative disorders known as polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases, caused by CAG repeat expansions in the coding regions of the respective disease genes. The nine known polyQ disease include Huntington's disease (HD), dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA), spinal bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), and six spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, SCA6, SCA7, and SCA17). The underlying disease mechanism in the polyQ diseases is thought principally to reflect dominant toxic properties of the disease proteins which, when harboring a polyQ expansion, differentially interact with protein partners and are prone to aggregate. Among the polyQ diseases, SCA3 is the most common SCA, and second to HD in prevalence worldwide. Here we summarize current understanding of SCA3 disease mechanisms within the broader context of the broader polyQ disease field. We emphasize properties of the disease protein, ATXN3, and new discoveries regarding three potential pathogenic mechanisms: 1) altered protein homeostasis; 2) DNA damage and dysfunctional DNA repair; and 3) nonneuronal contributions to disease. We conclude with an overview of the therapeutic implications of recent mechanistic insights.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lauren R Moore
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Henry L Paulson
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Thuringer D, Garrido C. Molecular chaperones in the brain endothelial barrier: neurotoxicity or neuroprotection? FASEB J 2019; 33:11629-11639. [PMID: 31348679 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201900895r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) interact with astrocytes and pericytes to form the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Their compromised function alters the BBB integrity, which is associated with early events in the pathogenesis of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and epilepsy. Interestingly, these conditions also induce the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs). Here we review the contribution of major HSP families to BMEC and BBB function. Although investigators mainly report protective effects of HSPs in brain, contrasted results were obtained in BMEC, which depend both on the HSP and on its location, intra- or extracellular. The therapeutic potential of HSPs must be scrupulously analyzed before targeting them in patients to reduce the progression of brain lesions and improve neurologic outcomes in the long term.-Thuringer, D., Garrido, C. Molecular chaperones in the brain endothelial barrier: neurotoxicity or neuroprotection?
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Thuringer
- INSERM Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1231, Institut Fédératif de Recherche en Santé-Sciences et Techniques de l'Information et de la Communication (IFR Santé-STIC), Faculté de Médecine, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
| | - Carmen Garrido
- INSERM Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1231, Institut Fédératif de Recherche en Santé-Sciences et Techniques de l'Information et de la Communication (IFR Santé-STIC), Faculté de Médecine, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
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28
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Yang JS, Chen PP, Lin MT, Qian MZ, Lin HX, Chen XP, Shang XJ, Wang DN, Chen YC, Jiang B, Chen YJ, Wang N, Chen WJ, Gan SR. Association Between Body Mass Index and Disease Severity in Chinese Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 Patients. THE CEREBELLUM 2019; 17:494-498. [PMID: 29476441 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-018-0929-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), the most common subtype of SCA worldwide, is caused by mutation of CAG repeats expansion in ATXN3. Body mass index (BMI) is an important modulatory factor in the progression of neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. However, its relevance in SCA3 is not well understood. In this study, BMI was investigated in 134 molecularly confirmed SCA3 patients and 136 healthy controls from China. The multivariable linear regression models were performed to establish the putative risk factors for BMI, and whether BMI could affect the severity of ataxia. We found that BMI was significantly lower in the case group than that in the control group. The age at onset (positive correlation) and severity of ataxia (negative correlation) were the risk factors affecting BMI. Conversely, BMI along with the disease duration, the age at onset, and the numbers of CAG repeats could also have influence on the severity of ataxia. In conclusion, SCA3 patients had lower BMI than matched controls and BMI is a predictor of disease progression in SCA3. Nutritional intervention to promote weight gain could be a promising strategy to impede SCA3 progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Shan Yang
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| | - Ping-Ping Chen
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| | - Min-Ting Lin
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| | - Mei-Zhen Qian
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China.,Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui-Xia Lin
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Chen
- School of Mathematics and Computer Science & FJKLMAA, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xian-Jin Shang
- Department of Neurology, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Dan-Ni Wang
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| | - Yu-Chao Chen
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| | - Bin Jiang
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China.,Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yi-Jun Chen
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| | - Wan-Jin Chen
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China. .,Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China.
| | - Shi-Rui Gan
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China. .,Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China.
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29
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Antisense oligonucleotide therapy rescues aggresome formation in a novel spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 human embryonic stem cell line. Stem Cell Res 2019; 39:101504. [PMID: 31374463 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2019.101504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a fatal, late-onset neurodegenerative disorder characterized by selective neuropathology in the brainstem, cerebellum, spinal cord, and substantia nigra. Here we report the first NIH-approved human embryonic stem cell (hESC) line derived from an embryo harboring the SCA3 mutation. Referred to as SCA3-hESC, this line is heterozygous for the mutant polyglutamine-encoding CAG repeat expansion in the ATXN3 gene. We observed relevant molecular hallmarks of the human disease at all differentiation stages from stem cells to cortical neurons, including robust ATXN3 aggregation and altered expression of key components of the protein quality control machinery. In addition, SCA3-hESCs exhibit nuclear accumulation of mutant ATXN3 and form p62-positive aggresomes. Finally, antisense oligonucleotide-mediated reduction of ATXN3 markedly suppressed aggresome formation. The SCA3-hESC line offers a unique and highly relevant human disease model that holds strong potential to advance understanding of SCA3 disease mechanisms and facilitate the evaluation of candidate therapies for SCA3.
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30
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Wiatr K, Piasecki P, Marczak Ł, Wojciechowski P, Kurkowiak M, Płoski R, Rydzanicz M, Handschuh L, Jungverdorben J, Brüstle O, Figlerowicz M, Figiel M. Altered Levels of Proteins and Phosphoproteins, in the Absence of Early Causative Transcriptional Changes, Shape the Molecular Pathogenesis in the Brain of Young Presymptomatic Ki91 SCA3/MJD Mouse. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:8168-8202. [PMID: 31201651 PMCID: PMC6834541 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01643-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3/MJD) is a polyQ neurodegenerative disease where the presymptomatic phase of pathogenesis is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the molecular network of transcriptomic and proteomic triggers in young presymptomatic SCA3/MJD brain from Ki91 knock-in mouse. We found that transcriptional dysregulations resulting from mutant ataxin-3 are not occurring in young Ki91 mice, while old Ki91 mice and also postmitotic patient SCA3 neurons demonstrate the late transcriptomic changes. Unlike the lack of early mRNA changes, we have identified numerous early changes of total proteins and phosphoproteins in 2-month-old Ki91 mouse cortex and cerebellum. We discovered the network of processes in presymptomatic SCA3 with three main groups of disturbed processes comprising altered proteins: (I) modulation of protein levels and DNA damage (Pabpc1, Ddb1, Nedd8), (II) formation of neuronal cellular structures (Tubb3, Nefh, p-Tau), and (III) neuronal function affected by processes following perturbed cytoskeletal formation (Mt-Co3, Stx1b, p-Syn1). Phosphoproteins downregulate in the young Ki91 mouse brain and their phosphosites are associated with kinases that interact with ATXN3 such as casein kinase, Camk2, and kinases controlled by another Atxn3 interactor p21 such as Gsk3, Pka, and Cdk kinases. We conclude that the onset of SCA3 pathology occurs without altered transcript level and is characterized by changed levels of proteins responsible for termination of translation, DNA damage, spliceosome, and protein phosphorylation. This disturbs global cellular processes such as cytoskeleton and transport of vesicles and mitochondria along axons causing energy deficit and neurodegeneration also manifesting in an altered level of transcripts at later ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalina Wiatr
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Z. Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznań, Poland
| | - Piotr Piasecki
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Z. Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznań, Poland
| | - Łukasz Marczak
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Z. Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznań, Poland
| | - Paweł Wojciechowski
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Z. Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznań, Poland.,Institute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology, Poznań, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Kurkowiak
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Z. Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznań, Poland
| | - Rafał Płoski
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Luiza Handschuh
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Z. Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznań, Poland
| | - Johannes Jungverdorben
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, LIFE & BRAIN Center, University of Bonn School of Medicine & University Hospital Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Oliver Brüstle
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, LIFE & BRAIN Center, University of Bonn School of Medicine & University Hospital Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marek Figlerowicz
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Z. Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznań, Poland
| | - Maciej Figiel
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Z. Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznań, Poland.
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31
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Buijsen RAM, Toonen LJA, Gardiner SL, van Roon-Mom WMC. Genetics, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Progress in Polyglutamine Spinocerebellar Ataxias. Neurotherapeutics 2019; 16:263-286. [PMID: 30607747 PMCID: PMC6554265 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-018-00696-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxias (ADCAs) are a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by degeneration of the cerebellum and its connections. All ADCAs have progressive ataxia as their main clinical feature, frequently accompanied by dysarthria and oculomotor deficits. The most common spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are 6 polyglutamine (polyQ) SCAs. These diseases are all caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the coding region of a gene. Currently, no curative treatment is available for any of the polyQ SCAs, but increasing knowledge on the genetics and the pathological mechanisms of these polyQ SCAs has provided promising therapeutic targets to potentially slow disease progression. Potential treatments can be divided into pharmacological and gene therapies that target the toxic downstream effects, gene therapies that target the polyQ SCA genes, and stem cell replacement therapies. Here, we will provide a review on the genetics, mechanisms, and therapeutic progress in polyglutamine spinocerebellar ataxias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald A M Buijsen
- Department of Human Genetics, LUMC, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Lodewijk J A Toonen
- Department of Human Genetics, LUMC, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah L Gardiner
- Department of Human Genetics, LUMC, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, LUMC, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
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32
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Krauss S, Evert BO. The Role of MicroRNAs in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3. J Mol Biol 2019; 431:1729-1742. [PMID: 30664869 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
More than 90% of the human genome are transcribed as non-coding RNAs. While it is still under debate if all these non-coding transcripts are functional, there is emerging evidence that RNA has several important functions in addition to coding for proteins. For example, microRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulatory RNAs that control gene expression in various biological processes and human diseases. In spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), a devastating neurodegenerative disease, miRNAs are involved in the disease process at different levels, including the deregulation of components of the general miRNA biogenesis machinery, as well as in the cell type-specific control of the expression of the SCA3 disease protein and other SCA3 disease-relevant proteins. However, it remains difficult to predict whether these changes are a cause or a consequence of the neurodegenerative process in SCA3. Further studies using standardized procedures for the analysis of miRNA expression and larger sample numbers are required to enhance our understanding of the miRNA-mediated processes involved in SCA3 disease and may enable the development of miRNA-based therapeutics. In this review, we summarize the findings of independent studies highlighting both the disease-related and cytoprotective roles of miRNAs that have been implicated so far in the disease process of SCA3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sybille Krauss
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Sigmund-Freud-Street 27, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Bernd O Evert
- Department of Neurology, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Street 25, 53127 Bonn, Germany.
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33
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Neueder A. RNA-Mediated Disease Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Disorders. J Mol Biol 2018; 431:1780-1791. [PMID: 30597161 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2018.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
RNA is accurately entangled in virtually all pathways that maintain cellular homeostasis. To name but a few, RNA is the "messenger" between DNA encoded information and the resulting proteins. Furthermore, RNAs regulate diverse processes by forming DNA::RNA or RNA::RNA interactions. Finally, RNA itself can be the scaffold for ribonucleoprotein complexes, for example, ribosomes or cellular bodies. Consequently, disruption of any of these processes can lead to disease. This review describes known and emerging RNA-based disease mechanisms like interference with regular splicing, the anomalous appearance of RNA-protein complexes and uncommon RNA species, as well as non-canonical translation. Due to the complexity and entanglement of the above-mentioned pathways, only few drugs are available that target RNA-based disease mechanisms. However, advances in our understanding how RNA is involved in and modulates cellular homeostasis might pave the way to novel treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Neueder
- Experimental Neurology, Department of Neurology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
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34
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Neueder A, Dumas AA, Benjamin AC, Bates GP. Regulatory mechanisms of incomplete huntingtin mRNA splicing. Nat Commun 2018; 9:3955. [PMID: 30262848 PMCID: PMC6160442 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06281-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease is caused by a CAG repeat expansion in exon 1 of the HTT gene. We have previously shown that exon 1 HTT does not always splice to exon 2 producing a small transcript (HTTexon1) that encodes the highly pathogenic exon 1 HTT protein. The mechanisms by which this incomplete splicing occurs are unknown. Here, we have generated a minigene system that recapitulates the CAG repeat-length dependence of HTTexon1 production, and has allowed us to define the regions of intron 1 necessary for incomplete splicing. We show that manipulation of the expression levels of the splicing factor SRSF6, predicted to bind CAG repeats, modulates this aberrant splicing event and also demonstrate that RNA polymerase II transcription speed regulates the levels of HTTexon1 production. Understanding the mechanisms by which this pathogenic exon 1 HTT is generated may provide the basis for the development of strategies to prevent its production. Incomplete splicing of HTT results in the production of the highly pathogenic exon 1 HTT protein. Here the authors identify the necessary intronic regions and the underlying mechanisms that contribute to this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Neueder
- UCL Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and Dementia Research Institute, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK. .,Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, 89081, Germany.
| | - Anaelle A Dumas
- UCL Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and Dementia Research Institute, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Agnesska C Benjamin
- UCL Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and Dementia Research Institute, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Gillian P Bates
- UCL Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and Dementia Research Institute, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
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35
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McLoughlin HS, Moore LR, Chopra R, Komlo R, McKenzie M, Blumenstein KG, Zhao H, Kordasiewicz HB, Shakkottai VG, Paulson HL. Oligonucleotide therapy mitigates disease in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 mice. Ann Neurol 2018; 84:64-77. [PMID: 29908063 PMCID: PMC6119475 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), also known as Machado-Joseph disease, is the most common dominantly inherited ataxia. Despite advances in understanding this CAG repeat/polyglutamine expansion disease, there are still no therapies to alter its progressive fatal course. Here, we investigate whether an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) targeting the SCA3 disease gene, ATXN3, can prevent molecular, neuropathological, electrophysiological, and behavioral features of the disease in a mouse model of SCA3. METHODS The top ATXN3-targeting ASO from an in vivo screen was injected intracerebroventricularly into early symptomatic transgenic SCA3 mice that express the full human disease gene and recapitulate key disease features. Following a single ASO treatment at 8 weeks of age, mice were evaluated longitudinally for ATXN3 suppression and rescue of disease-associated pathological changes. Mice receiving an additional repeat injection at 21 weeks were evaluated longitudinally up to 29 weeks for motor performance. RESULTS The ATXN3-targeting ASO achieved sustained reduction of polyglutamine-expanded ATXN3 up to 8 weeks after treatment and prevented oligomeric and nuclear accumulation of ATXN3 up to at least 14 weeks after treatment. Longitudinal ASO therapy rescued motor impairment in SCA3 mice, and this rescue was associated with a recovery of defects in Purkinje neuron firing frequency and afterhyperpolarization. INTERPRETATION This preclinical study established efficacy of ATXN3-targeted ASOs as a disease-modifying therapeutic strategy for SCA3. These results support further efforts to develop ASOs for human clinical trials in this polyglutamine disease as well as in other dominantly inherited disorders caused by toxic gain of function. Ann Neurol 2018;83:64-77.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lauren R. Moore
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA
| | - Ravi Chopra
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA
| | - Robert Komlo
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA
| | - Megan McKenzie
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA
| | - Kate G. Blumenstein
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA
| | - Hien Zhao
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
| | | | | | - Henry L. Paulson
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA
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36
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Toonen LJA, Overzier M, Evers MM, Leon LG, van der Zeeuw SAJ, Mei H, Kielbasa SM, Goeman JJ, Hettne KM, Magnusson OT, Poirel M, Seyer A, 't Hoen PAC, van Roon-Mom WMC. Transcriptional profiling and biomarker identification reveal tissue specific effects of expanded ataxin-3 in a spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 mouse model. Mol Neurodegener 2018; 13:31. [PMID: 29929540 PMCID: PMC6013885 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-018-0261-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by expansion of the polyglutamine repeat in the ataxin-3 protein. Expression of mutant ataxin-3 is known to result in transcriptional dysregulation, which can contribute to the cellular toxicity and neurodegeneration. Since the exact causative mechanisms underlying this process have not been fully elucidated, gene expression analyses in brains of transgenic SCA3 mouse models may provide useful insights. Methods Here we characterised the MJD84.2 SCA3 mouse model expressing the mutant human ataxin-3 gene using a multi-omics approach on brain and blood. Gene expression changes in brainstem, cerebellum, striatum and cortex were used to study pathological changes in brain, while blood gene expression and metabolites/lipids levels were examined as potential biomarkers for disease. Results Despite normal motor performance at 17.5 months of age, transcriptional changes in brain tissue of the SCA3 mice were observed. Most transcriptional changes occurred in brainstem and striatum, whilst cerebellum and cortex were only modestly affected. The most significantly altered genes in SCA3 mouse brain were Tmc3, Zfp488, Car2, and Chdh. Based on the transcriptional changes, α-adrenergic and CREB pathways were most consistently altered for combined analysis of the four brain regions. When examining individual brain regions, axon guidance and synaptic transmission pathways were most strongly altered in striatum, whilst brainstem presented with strongest alterations in the pi-3 k cascade and cholesterol biosynthesis pathways. Similar to other neurodegenerative diseases, reduced levels of tryptophan and increased levels of ceramides, di- and triglycerides were observed in SCA3 mouse blood. Conclusions The observed transcriptional changes in SCA3 mouse brain reveal parallels with previous reported neuropathology in patients, but also shows brain region specific effects as well as involvement of adrenergic signalling and CREB pathway changes in SCA3. Importantly, the transcriptional changes occur prior to onset of motor- and coordination deficits. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13024-018-0261-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lodewijk J A Toonen
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maurice Overzier
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Melvin M Evers
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leticia G Leon
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, University of Pisa, Ospedale di Cisanello, Edificio 6 via Paradisa, 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sander A J van der Zeeuw
- Sequencing Analysis Support Core, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hailiang Mei
- Sequencing Analysis Support Core, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Szymon M Kielbasa
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jelle J Goeman
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Kristina M Hettne
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Peter A C 't Hoen
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Centre for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Willeke M C van Roon-Mom
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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