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Potenza RL, Armida M, Popoli P. Can Some Anticancer Drugs Be Repurposed to Treat Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis? A Brief Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1751. [PMID: 38339026 PMCID: PMC10855887 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare progressive motor neuron disease that, due to its high complexity, still lacks effective treatments. Development of a new drug is a highly costly and time-consuming process, and the repositioning of approved drugs can represent an efficient strategy to provide therapeutic opportunities. This is particularly true for rare diseases, which are characterised by small patient populations and therefore attract little commercial interest. Based on the overlap between the biological background of cancer and neurodegeneration, the repurposing of antineoplastic drugs for ALS has been suggested. The objective of this narrative review was to summarise the current experimental evidence on the use of approved anticancer drugs in ALS. Specifically, anticancer drugs belonging to different classes were found to act on mechanisms involved in the ALS pathogenesis, and some of them proved to exert beneficial effects in ALS models. However, additional studies are necessary to confirm the real therapeutic potential of anticancer drugs for repositioning in ALS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Luisa Potenza
- National Centre for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.A.); (P.P.)
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Miao Y, Xie L, Song J, Cai X, Yang J, Ma X, Chen S, Xie P. Unraveling the causes of sarcopenia: Roles of neuromuscular junction impairment and mitochondrial dysfunction. Physiol Rep 2024; 12:e15917. [PMID: 38225199 PMCID: PMC10789655 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15917] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Sarcopenia is a systemic skeletal muscle disease characterized by a decline in skeletal muscle mass and function. Originally defined as an age-associated condition, sarcopenia presently also encompasses muscular atrophy due to various pathological factors, such as intensive care unit-acquired weakness, inactivity, and malnutrition. The exact pathogenesis of sarcopenia is still unknown; herein, we review the pathological roles of the neuromuscular junction and mitochondria in this condition. Sarcopenia is caused by complex and interdependent pathophysiological mechanisms, including aging, neuromuscular junction impairment, mitochondrial dysfunction, insulin resistance, lipotoxicity, endocrine factors, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Among these, neuromuscular junction instability and mitochondrial dysfunction are particularly significant. Dysfunction in neuromuscular junction can lead to muscle weakness or paralysis. Mitochondria, which are plentiful in neurons and muscle fibers, play an important role in neuromuscular junction transmission. Therefore, impairments in both mitochondria and neuromuscular junction may be one of the key pathophysiological mechanisms leading to sarcopenia. Moreover, this article explores the structural and functional alterations in the neuromuscular junction and mitochondria in sarcopenia, suggesting that a deeper understanding of these changes could provide valuable insights for the prevention or treatment of sarcopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Miao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine of the Third Affiliated Hospital (The First People's Hospital of Zunyi)Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyiChina
| | - Leiyu Xie
- Department of Critical Care Medicine of the Third Affiliated Hospital (The First People's Hospital of Zunyi)Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyiChina
| | - Jiamei Song
- Department of Nursing of Affiliated HospitalZunyi Medical UniversityZunyiChina
| | - Xing Cai
- Department of Critical Care Medicine of the Third Affiliated Hospital (The First People's Hospital of Zunyi)Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyiChina
| | - Jinghe Yang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine of the Third Affiliated Hospital (The First People's Hospital of Zunyi)Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyiChina
- Department of The First Clinical CollegeZunyi Medical UniversityZunyiChina
| | - Xinglong Ma
- Department of Critical Care Medicine of the Third Affiliated Hospital (The First People's Hospital of Zunyi)Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyiChina
| | - Shaolin Chen
- Department of Nursing of Affiliated HospitalZunyi Medical UniversityZunyiChina
| | - Peng Xie
- Department of Critical Care Medicine of the Third Affiliated Hospital (The First People's Hospital of Zunyi)Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyiChina
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Systematic review and meta-analysis on microRNAs in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Brain Res Bull 2023; 194:82-89. [PMID: 36681253 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) exhibit a crucial role in the pathogenesis and progress of neurodegenerative disorders. Recent studies have shown abnormal levels of miRNA expression in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Clinical data also confirmed that miRNAs in these patients are inconsistent across studies. A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of current studies can help recognize the important roles of miRNAs during ALS development. Therefore, we initially aimed to perform a systematic literature review on the muscle or serum miRNAs in patients with ALS and healthy individuals. Subsequently, we quantitatively summarized the clinical data of muscle or serum miRNA of patients with ALS and healthy individuals using a meta-analytical technique. 11 studies comprising 281 patients with ALS and 244 healthy control (HC) controls were identified from PubMed and Web of Science for meta-analysis. A systematic review revealed that miRNA levels are closely associated with the occurrence of ALS disease. The expression levels of the most relevant miRNAs were either increased or decreased. The random-effects meta-analysis indicated that the levels of miR-206, miR-133b, and miR-338-3p were significantly elevated in patients with ALS than in HC subjects. By contrast, there was no significant differences in the miR-133a levels between patients with ALS and HC subjects. Collectively, our outcomes demonstrated that serum miR-206, miR-133b, and miR-338-3p were significantly increased in patients with ALS. We speculated that the increased expression levels of miR-206, miR-133b and miR-338-3p are potential promising biomarkers for ALS.
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Liu J, Yang J. Mitochondria-associated membranes: A hub for neurodegenerative diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 149:112890. [PMID: 35367757 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, organelles could coordinate complex mechanisms of signaling transduction metabolism and gene expression through their functional interactions. The functional domain between ER and mitochondria, called mitochondria-associated membranes (MAM), is closely associated with various physiological functions including intracellular lipid transport, Ca2+ transfer, mitochondria function maintenance, and autophagosome formation. In addition, more evidence suggests that MAM modulate cellular functions in health and disease. Studies have also demonstrated the association of MAM with numerous diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, viral infection, obesity, and diabetes. In fact, recent evidence revealed a close relationship of MAM with Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and other neurodegenerative diseases. In this view, elucidating the role of MAM in neurodegenerative diseases is particularly important. This review will focus the main tethering protein complexes of MAM and functions of MAM. Besides, the role of MAM in the regulation of neurodegenerative diseases and the potential molecular mechanisms is introduced to provide a new understanding of the pathogenesis of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxuan Liu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, NO.77 Puhe road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jinghua Yang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, NO.77 Puhe road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China.
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Gómez-Romero L, Alvarez-Suarez DE, Hernández-Lemus E, Ponce-Castañeda MV, Tovar H. The regulatory landscape of retinoblastoma: a pathway analysis perspective. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:220031. [PMID: 35620002 PMCID: PMC9114937 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.220031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Retinoblastoma (Rb) is a rare intraocular tumour in early childhood, with an approximate incidence of 1 in 18 000 live births. Experimental studies for Rb are complex due to the challenges associated with obtaining a normal retina to contrast with diseased tissue. In this work, we reanalyse a dataset that contains normal retina samples. We identified the individual genes whose expression is different in Rb in contrast with normal tissue, determined the pathways whose global expression pattern is more distant from the global expression observed in normal tissue, and finally, we identified which transcription factors regulate the highest number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and proposed as transcriptional master regulators (TMRs). The enrichment of DEGs in the phototransduction and retrograde endocannabinoid signalling pathways could be associated with abnormal behaviour of the processes leading to cellular differentiation and cellular proliferation. On the other hand, the TMRs nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 2 and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 gamma are involved in hepatocyte differentiation. Therefore, the enrichment of aberrant expression in these transcription factors could suggest an abnormal retina development that could be involved in Rb origin and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gómez-Romero
- Computational Genomics Division, National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Diana E. Alvarez-Suarez
- Medical Research Unit in Infectious Diseases, Hospital de Pediatría, CMN SXXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico
- Pharmacology Department, CINVESTAV, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Enrique Hernández-Lemus
- Computational Genomics Division, National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN), Mexico City, Mexico
- Center for Complexity Sciences, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - M. Verónica Ponce-Castañeda
- Medical Research Unit in Infectious Diseases, Hospital de Pediatría, CMN SXXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Hugo Tovar
- Computational Genomics Division, National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN), Mexico City, Mexico
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Ruffo P, Perrone B, Conforti FL. SOD-1 Variants in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Systematic Re-Evaluation According to ACMG-AMP Guidelines. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13030537. [PMID: 35328090 PMCID: PMC8955492 DOI: 10.3390/genes13030537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common type of motor neuron disease whose causes are unclear. The first ALS gene associated with the autosomal dominant form of the disease was SOD1. This gene has a high rate of rare variants, and an appropriate classification is essential for a correct ALS diagnosis. In this study, we re-evaluated the classification of all previously reported SOD1 variants (n = 202) from ALSoD, project MinE, and in-house databases by applying the ACMG-AMP criteria to ALS. New bioinformatics analysis, frequency rating, and a thorough search for functional studies were performed. We also proposed adjusting criteria strength describing how to apply them to SOD1 variants. Most of the previously reported variants have been reclassified as likely pathogenic and pathogenic based on the modified weight of the PS3 criterion, highlighting how in vivo or in vitro functional studies are determining their interpretation and classification. Furthermore, this study reveals the concordance and discordance of annotations between open databases, indicating the need for expert review to adapt the study of variants to a specific disease. Indeed, in complex diseases, such as ALS, the oligogenic inheritance, the presence of genes that act as risk factors and the reduced penetration must be considered. Overall, the diagnosis of ALS remains clinical, and improving variant classification could support genetic data as diagnostic criteria.
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Goncharova PS, Davydova TK, Popova TE, Novitsky MA, Petrova MM, Gavrilyuk OA, Al-Zamil M, Zhukova NG, Nasyrova RF, Shnayder NA. Nutrient Effects on Motor Neurons and the Risk of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Nutrients 2021; 13:3804. [PMID: 34836059 PMCID: PMC8622539 DOI: 10.3390/nu13113804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable chronic progressive neurodegenerative disease with the progressive degeneration of motor neurons in the motor cortex and lower motor neurons in the spinal cord and the brain stem. The etiology and pathogenesis of ALS are being actively studied, but there is still no single concept. The study of ALS risk factors can help to understand the mechanism of this disease development and, possibly, slow down the rate of its progression in patients and also reduce the risk of its development in people with a predisposition toward familial ALS. The interest of researchers and clinicians in the protective role of nutrients in the development of ALS has been increasing in recent years. However, the role of some of them is not well-understood or disputed. The objective of this review is to analyze studies on the role of nutrients as environmental factors affecting the risk of developing ALS and the rate of motor neuron degeneration progression. METHODS We searched the PubMed, Springer, Clinical keys, Google Scholar, and E-Library databases for publications using keywords and their combinations. We analyzed all the available studies published in 2010-2020. DISCUSSION We analyzed 39 studies, including randomized clinical trials, clinical cases, and meta-analyses, involving ALS patients and studies on animal models of ALS. This review demonstrated that the following vitamins are the most significant protectors of ALS development: vitamin B12, vitamin E > vitamin C > vitamin B1, vitamin B9 > vitamin D > vitamin B2, vitamin B6 > vitamin A, and vitamin B7. In addition, this review indicates that the role of foods with a high content of cholesterol, polyunsaturated fatty acids, urates, and purines plays a big part in ALS development. CONCLUSION The inclusion of vitamins and a ketogenic diet in disease-modifying ALS therapy can reduce the progression rate of motor neuron degeneration and slow the rate of disease progression, but the approach to nutrient selection must be personalized. The roles of vitamins C, D, and B7 as ALS protectors need further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polina S. Goncharova
- Center of Personalized Psychiatry and Neurology, V.M. Bekhterev National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Neurology, 192019 Saint-Petersburg, Russia; (P.S.G.); (M.A.N.)
| | - Tatiana K. Davydova
- Center of Neurogenerative Disorders, Yakut Science Centre of Complex Medical Problems, 677000 Yakutsk, Russia; (T.K.D.); (T.E.P.)
| | - Tatiana E. Popova
- Center of Neurogenerative Disorders, Yakut Science Centre of Complex Medical Problems, 677000 Yakutsk, Russia; (T.K.D.); (T.E.P.)
| | - Maxim A. Novitsky
- Center of Personalized Psychiatry and Neurology, V.M. Bekhterev National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Neurology, 192019 Saint-Petersburg, Russia; (P.S.G.); (M.A.N.)
| | - Marina M. Petrova
- Center for Collective Using “Molecular and Cell Technologies”, V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia; (M.M.P.); (O.A.G.)
| | - Oksana A. Gavrilyuk
- Center for Collective Using “Molecular and Cell Technologies”, V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia; (M.M.P.); (O.A.G.)
| | - Mustafa Al-Zamil
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Continuing Medical Education, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, 117198 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Natalia G. Zhukova
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Siberian State Medical University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia;
| | - Regina F. Nasyrova
- Center of Personalized Psychiatry and Neurology, V.M. Bekhterev National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Neurology, 192019 Saint-Petersburg, Russia; (P.S.G.); (M.A.N.)
| | - Natalia A. Shnayder
- Center of Personalized Psychiatry and Neurology, V.M. Bekhterev National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Neurology, 192019 Saint-Petersburg, Russia; (P.S.G.); (M.A.N.)
- Center for Collective Using “Molecular and Cell Technologies”, V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia; (M.M.P.); (O.A.G.)
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Fernández-Ruiz J, de Lago E, Rodríguez-Cueto C, Moro MA. Recent advances in the pathogenesis and therapeutics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:1253-1256. [PMID: 33638898 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- IUIN, CIBERNED and IRYCIS, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva de Lago
- IUIN, CIBERNED and IRYCIS, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Rodríguez-Cueto
- IUIN, CIBERNED and IRYCIS, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - María A Moro
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, IUIN and I+12, Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
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