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Vaia Y, Bruschi F, Tagi VM, Tosi M, Montanari C, Zuccotti G, Tonduti D, Verduci E. Microbiota gut-brain axis: implications for pediatric-onset leukodystrophies. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1417981. [PMID: 39070252 PMCID: PMC11272617 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1417981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are a group of diseases characterized by progressive degeneration of the nervous system, leading to a gradual loss of previously acquired motor, sensory and/or cognitive functions. Leukodystrophies are amongst the most frequent childhood-onset neurodegenerative diseases and primarily affect the white matter of the brain, often resulting in neuro-motor disability. Notably, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and complications, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and dysphagia, significantly impact patients' quality of life, highlighting the need for comprehensive management strategies. Gut dysbiosis, characterized by microbial imbalance, has been implicated in various GI disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. This narrative review explores the intricate relationship between GI symptoms, Gut Microbiota (GM), and neurodegeneration. Emerging evidence underscores the profound influence of GM on neurological functions via the microbiota gut-brain axis. Animal models have demonstrated alterations in GM composition associated with neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Our single-centre experience reveals a high prevalence of GI symptoms in leukodystrophy population, emphasizing the importance of gastroenterological assessment and nutritional intervention in affected children. The bidirectional relationship between GI disorders and neurodegeneration suggests a potential role of gut dysbiosis in disease progression. Prospective studies investigating the GM in leukodystrophies are essential to understand the role of gut-brain axis dysfunction in disease progression and identify novel therapeutic targets. In conclusion, elucidating the interplay between GI disorders, GM, and neurodegeneration holds promise for precision treatments aimed at improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ylenia Vaia
- C.O.A.L.A. (Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Leukodystrophies), Unit of Pediatric Neurology, V. Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Bruschi
- C.O.A.L.A. (Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Leukodystrophies), Unit of Pediatric Neurology, V. Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Maria Tagi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, V. Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Tosi
- Department of Pediatrics, V. Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Montanari
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, V. Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, V. Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Tonduti
- C.O.A.L.A. (Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Leukodystrophies), Unit of Pediatric Neurology, V. Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Elvira Verduci
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Metabolic Diseases Unit, Department of Pediatrics, V. Buzzi Children’s Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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2
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Rutherford HA, Candeias D, Duncan CJA, Renshaw SA, Hamilton N. Macrophage transplantation rescues RNASET2-deficient leukodystrophy by replacing deficient microglia in a zebrafish model. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2321496121. [PMID: 38753517 PMCID: PMC11126979 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2321496121] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
RNASET2-deficient leukodystrophy is a rare infantile white matter disorder mimicking a viral infection and resulting in severe psychomotor impairments. Despite its severity, there is little understanding of cellular mechanisms of pathogenesis and no treatments. Recent research using the rnaset2 mutant zebrafish model has suggested that microglia may be the drivers of the neuropathology, due to their failure to digest apoptotic debris during neurodevelopment. Therefore, we developed a strategy for microglial replacement through transplantation of adult whole kidney marrow-derived macrophages into embryonic hosts. Using live imaging, we revealed that transplant-derived macrophages can engraft within host brains and express microglia-specific markers, suggesting the adoption of a microglial phenotype. Tissue-clearing strategies revealed the persistence of transplanted cells in host brains beyond embryonic stages. We demonstrated that transplanted cells clear apoptotic cells within the brain, as well as rescue overactivation of the antiviral response otherwise seen in mutant larvae. RNA sequencing at the point of peak transplant-derived cell engraftment confirms that transplantation can reduce the brain-wide immune response and particularly, the antiviral response, in rnaset2-deficient brains. Crucially, this reduction in neuroinflammation resulted in behavioral rescue-restoring rnaset2 mutant motor activity to wild-type (WT) levels in embryonic and juvenile stages. Together, these findings demonstrate the role of microglia as the cellular drivers of neuropathology in rnaset2 mutants and that macrophage transplantation is a viable strategy for microglial replacement in the zebrafish. Therefore, microglia-targeted interventions may have therapeutic benefits in RNASET2-deficient leukodystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly A. Rutherford
- Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, SheffieldS10 2RX, United Kingdom
- Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, SheffieldS10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - Diogo Candeias
- Department of Biology, University of York, YorkYO10 5DD, United Kingdom
- York Biomedical research Institute, University of York, YorkYO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher J. A. Duncan
- Immunology and Inflammation Theme, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, NewcastleNE2 4HH, United Kingdom
- Department of Infection and Tropical Medicine, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals National Health Services Foundation Trust, NewcastleNE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen A. Renshaw
- Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, SheffieldS10 2RX, United Kingdom
- Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, SheffieldS10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - Noémie Hamilton
- Department of Biology, University of York, YorkYO10 5DD, United Kingdom
- York Biomedical research Institute, University of York, YorkYO10 5DD, United Kingdom
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3
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Khan D, Ramachandiran I, Vasu K, China A, Khan K, Cumbo F, Halawani D, Terenzi F, Zin I, Long B, Costain G, Blaser S, Carnevale A, Gogonea V, Dutta R, Blankenberg D, Yoon G, Fox PL. Homozygous EPRS1 missense variant causing hypomyelinating leukodystrophy-15 alters variant-distal mRNA m 6A site accessibility. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4284. [PMID: 38769304 PMCID: PMC11106242 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48549-x] [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: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypomyelinating leukodystrophy (HLD) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by defective central nervous system myelination. Exome sequencing of two siblings with severe cognitive and motor impairment and progressive hypomyelination characteristic of HLD revealed homozygosity for a missense single-nucleotide variant (SNV) in EPRS1 (c.4444 C > A; p.Pro1482Thr), encoding glutamyl-prolyl-tRNA synthetase, consistent with HLD15. Patient lymphoblastoid cell lines express markedly reduced EPRS1 protein due to dual defects in nuclear export and cytoplasmic translation of variant EPRS1 mRNA. Variant mRNA exhibits reduced METTL3 methyltransferase-mediated writing of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and reduced reading by YTHDC1 and YTHDF1/3 required for efficient mRNA nuclear export and translation, respectively. In contrast to current models, the variant does not alter the sequence of m6A target sites, but instead reduces their accessibility for modification. The defect was rescued by antisense morpholinos predicted to expose m6A sites on target EPRS1 mRNA, or by m6A modification of the mRNA by METTL3-dCas13b, a targeted RNA methylation editor. Our bioinformatic analysis predicts widespread occurrence of SNVs associated with human health and disease that similarly alter accessibility of distal mRNA m6A sites. These results reveal a new RNA-dependent etiologic mechanism by which SNVs can influence gene expression and disease, consequently generating opportunities for personalized, RNA-based therapeutics targeting these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debjit Khan
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Iyappan Ramachandiran
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Kommireddy Vasu
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Arnab China
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Krishnendu Khan
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Fabio Cumbo
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Dalia Halawani
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Fulvia Terenzi
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Isaac Zin
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Briana Long
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Gregory Costain
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Susan Blaser
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Division of Neuroradiology, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amanda Carnevale
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Valentin Gogonea
- Department of Chemistry, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ranjan Dutta
- Department of Neuroscience, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Daniel Blankenberg
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Grace Yoon
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Paul L Fox
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Shim G, Romero-Morales AI, Sripathy SR, Maher BJ. Utilizing hiPSC-derived oligodendrocytes to study myelin pathophysiology in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 17:1322813. [PMID: 38273973 PMCID: PMC10808804 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1322813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Oligodendrocytes play a crucial role in our central nervous system (CNS) by myelinating axons for faster action potential conduction, protecting axons from degeneration, structuring the position of ion channels, and providing nutrients to neurons. Oligodendrocyte dysfunction and/or dysmyelination can contribute to a range of neurodegenerative diseases and neuropsychiatric disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Leukodystrophy (LD), Schizophrenia (SCZ), and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Common characteristics identified across these disorders were either an inability of oligodendrocytes to remyelinate after degeneration or defects in oligodendrocyte development and maturation. Unfortunately, the causal mechanisms of oligodendrocyte dysfunction are still uncertain, and therapeutic targets remain elusive. Many studies rely on the use of animal models to identify the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind these disorders, however, such studies face species-specific challenges and therefore lack translatability. The use of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to model neurological diseases is becoming a powerful new tool, improving our understanding of pathophysiology and capacity to explore therapeutic targets. Here, we focus on the application of hiPSC-derived oligodendrocyte model systems to model disorders caused by oligodendrocyte dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Shim
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Alejandra I. Romero-Morales
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, United States
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Srinidhi R. Sripathy
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Brady J. Maher
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, United States
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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5
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Shih HY, Raas Q, Bonkowsky JL. Progress in leukodystrophies with zebrafish. Dev Growth Differ 2024; 66:21-34. [PMID: 38239149 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12907] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Inherited leukodystrophies are genetic disorders characterized by abnormal white matter in the central nervous system. Although individually rare, there are more than 400 distinct types of leukodystrophies with a cumulative incidence of 1 in 4500 live births. The pathophysiology of most leukodystrophies is poorly understood, there are treatments for only a few, and there is significant morbidity and mortality, suggesting a critical need for improvements in this field. A variety of animal, cell, and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived models have been developed for leukodystrophies, but with significant limitations in all models. Many leukodystrophies lack animal models, and extant models often show no or mixed recapitulation of key phenotypes. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have become increasingly used as disease models for studying leukodystrophies due to their early onset of disease phenotypes and conservation of molecular and neurobiological mechanisms. Here, we focus on reviewing new zebrafish disease models for leukodystrophy or models with recent progress. This includes discussion of leukodystrophy with vanishing white matter disease, X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, Zellweger spectrum disorders and peroxisomal disorders, PSAP deficiency, metachromatic leukodystrophy, Krabbe disease, hypomyelinating leukodystrophy-8/4H leukodystrophy, Aicardi-Goutières syndrome, RNASET2-deficient cystic leukoencephalopathy, hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with spheroids-1 (CSF1R-related leukoencephalopathy), and ultra-rare leukodystrophies. Zebrafish models offer important potentials for the leukodystrophy field, including testing of new variants in known genes; establishing causation of newly discovered genes; and early lead compound identification for therapies. There are also unrealized opportunities to use humanized zebrafish models which have been sparsely explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Yu Shih
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Utah Tech University, Saint George, Utah, USA
- Center for Precision & Functional Genomics, Utah Tech University, Saint George, Utah, USA
| | - Quentin Raas
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Laboratory of Translational Research for Neurological Disorders, Imagine Institute, Université de Paris, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | - Joshua L Bonkowsky
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Center for Personalized Medicine, Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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6
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Malani SN, Acharya S, Shukla S. Current and Future Developments in Imaging and Treatment of White Matter Disease: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e51030. [PMID: 38264375 PMCID: PMC10804206 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The elderly often suffer from "mild" dementia due to white matter disease, which is another name for repeated brain infarctions. The degeneration of white matter, which links various parts of the brain to the spinal cord, is the root cause of this disorder, which develops with age. Dementia, imbalance, and movement problems are symptoms of this degenerative disease that worsen with age. This research's goal is to study current therapy options and identify methods for early diagnosis of white matter illness. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement for meta-analyses and systematic reviews served as the basis for our literature review. Results from the search in ScienceDirect and Medline/Pubmed led to the finalization of 33 studies. The complex relationship between white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) and neurological disorders is the subject of this comprehensive review, which sheds light on the varied terrain of WMH studies by highlighting their consequences and developing evaluation techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagar N Malani
- Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to Be University), Wardha, IND
| | - Sourya Acharya
- Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to Be University), Wardha, IND
| | - Samarth Shukla
- Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to Be University), Wardha, IND
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Hamilton N, Allen C, Reynolds S. Longitudinal MRI brain studies in live adult zebrafish. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2023; 36:e4891. [PMID: 36504415 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) has been successfully used for decades in developmental studies and disease modelling. The remarkable uptake of zebrafish as a model system is partly due to its transparency during the early weeks of its development, allowing in vivo imaging of cellular and molecular processes. However, this key advantage wears off when tissues become opaque as the animal reaches juvenile and adult stages, rendering access to tissues for live imaging and longitudinal studies difficult. Here we provide a novel approach to image and assess tissue integrity of adult zebrafish using MRI on live zebrafish suitable for longitudinal studies. We built a 3D-printed life support chamber and designed a protocol-directed sedation regime to recover adult zebrafish after scanning in a 9.4 T MRI scanner. Our life support chamber is cheap and easy to create using 3D printing, allowing other groups to copy our template for quick setup. Additionally, we optimized the delivery of contrast agent to enhance brain signals in order to refine current delivery, usually delivered intravenously in rodents. We show here that immersion in gadolinium was a viable alternative to intraperitoneal injection to reduce T1 relaxation times. This resulted in protocol refinement as per the 3Rs guidelines and improved image contrast in adult zebrafish disease models. In conclusion, we provide here a detailed methodology to allow longitudinal studies of brain tissue integrity of adult zebrafish, combining safe and efficient delivery of contrast agent and live MRI. This technique can be used to bridge the gap between in vivo studies and longitudinal brain analysis in adult zebrafish, and can be applied to the ever-growing number of adult zebrafish models of ageing and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémie Hamilton
- The Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Claire Allen
- The Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Steven Reynolds
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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8
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Lanciotti A, Brignone MS, Macioce P, Visentin S, Ambrosini E. Human iPSC-Derived Astrocytes: A Powerful Tool to Study Primary Astrocyte Dysfunction in the Pathogenesis of Rare Leukodystrophies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010274. [PMID: 35008700 PMCID: PMC8745131 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are very versatile cells, endowed with multitasking capacities to ensure brain homeostasis maintenance from brain development to adult life. It has become increasingly evident that astrocytes play a central role in many central nervous system pathologies, not only as regulators of defensive responses against brain insults but also as primary culprits of the disease onset and progression. This is particularly evident in some rare leukodystrophies (LDs) where white matter/myelin deterioration is due to primary astrocyte dysfunctions. Understanding the molecular defects causing these LDs may help clarify astrocyte contribution to myelin formation/maintenance and favor the identification of possible therapeutic targets for LDs and other CNS demyelinating diseases. To date, the pathogenic mechanisms of these LDs are poorly known due to the rarity of the pathological tissue and the failure of the animal models to fully recapitulate the human diseases. Thus, the development of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) from patient fibroblasts and their differentiation into astrocytes is a promising approach to overcome these issues. In this review, we discuss the primary role of astrocytes in LD pathogenesis, the experimental models currently available and the advantages, future evolutions, perspectives, and limitations of hiPSC to study pathologies implying astrocyte dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Lanciotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.B.); (P.M.)
| | - Maria Stefania Brignone
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.B.); (P.M.)
| | - Pompeo Macioce
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.B.); (P.M.)
| | - Sergio Visentin
- National Center for Research and Preclinical and Clinical Evaluation of Drugs, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy;
| | - Elena Ambrosini
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.B.); (P.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-064-990-2037
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9
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Manor J, Chung H, Bhagwat PK, Wangler MF. ABCD1 and X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy: A disease with a markedly variable phenotype showing conserved neurobiology in animal models. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:3170-3181. [PMID: 34716609 PMCID: PMC9665428 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a phenotypically heterogeneous disorder involving defective peroxisomal β-oxidation of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), due to mutation in the ABCD1 gene. X-ALD is the most common peroxisomal inborn error of metabolism and confers a high degree of morbidity and mortality. Remarkably, a subset of patients exhibit a cerebral form with inflammatory invasion of the central nervous system and extensive demyelination, while in others only dying-back axonopathy or even isolated adrenal insufficiency is seen, without genotype-phenotype correlation. X-ALD's biochemical signature is marked elevation of VLCFAs in blood, a finding that has been utilized for massive newborn screening for early diagnosis. Investigational gene therapy approaches hold promises for improved outcomes. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease remain poorly understood, limiting investigation of targeted therapeutic options. Animal models for the disease recapitulate the biochemical signature of VLCFA accumulation and demonstrate mitochondrially generated reactive oxygen species, oxidative damage, increased glial death, and axonal damage. Most strikingly, however, cerebral invasion of leukocytes and demyelination were not observed in any animal model for X-ALD, reflecting upon pathological processes that are yet to be discovered. This review summarizes the current disease models in animals, the lessons learned from these models, and the gaps that remained to be filled in order to assist in therapeutic investigations for ALD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Manor
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hyunglok Chung
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Pranjali K. Bhagwat
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michael F. Wangler
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
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10
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Sherman LS, Su W, Johnson AL, Peterson SM, Cullin C, Lavinder T, Ferguson B, Lewis AD. A novel non-human primate model of Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 158:105465. [PMID: 34364975 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD) is a severe hypomyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) linked to mutations in the proteolipid protein-1 (PLP1) gene. Although there are multiple animal models of PMD, few of them fully mimic the human disease. Here, we report three spontaneous cases of male neonatal rhesus macaques with the clinical symptoms of hypomyelinating disease, including intention tremors, progressively worsening motor dysfunction, and nystagmus. These animals demonstrated a paucity of CNS myelination accompanied by reactive astrogliosis, and a lack of PLP1 expression throughout white matter. Genetic analysis revealed that these animals were related to one another and that their parents carried a rare, hemizygous missense variant in exon 5 of the PLP1 gene. These animals therefore represent the first reported non-human primate model of PMD, providing a novel and valuable opportunity for preclinical studies that aim to promote myelination in pediatric hypomyelinating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larry S Sherman
- Divisions of Neuroscience Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, United States of America; Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America.
| | - Weiping Su
- Divisions of Neuroscience Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, United States of America
| | - Amanda L Johnson
- Divisions of Comparative Medicine Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, United States of America
| | - Samuel M Peterson
- Divisions of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, United States of America
| | - Cassandra Cullin
- Divisions of Comparative Medicine Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, United States of America
| | - Tiffany Lavinder
- Divisions of Comparative Medicine Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, United States of America
| | - Betsy Ferguson
- Divisions of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, United States of America
| | - Anne D Lewis
- Divisions of Comparative Medicine Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, United States of America.
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Berdowski WM, Sanderson LE, van Ham TJ. The multicellular interplay of microglia in health and disease: lessons from leukodystrophy. Dis Model Mech 2021; 14:dmm048925. [PMID: 34282843 PMCID: PMC8319551 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.048925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia are highly dynamic cells crucial for developing and maintaining lifelong brain function and health through their many interactions with essentially all cellular components of the central nervous system. The frequent connection of microglia to leukodystrophies, genetic disorders of the white matter, has highlighted their involvement in the maintenance of white matter integrity. However, the mechanisms that underlie their putative roles in these processes remain largely uncharacterized. Microglia have also been gaining attention as possible therapeutic targets for many neurological conditions, increasing the demand to understand their broad spectrum of functions and the impact of their dysregulation. In this Review, we compare the pathological features of two groups of genetic leukodystrophies: those in which microglial dysfunction holds a central role, termed 'microgliopathies', and those in which lysosomal or peroxisomal defects are considered to be the primary driver. The latter are suspected to have notable microglia involvement, as some affected individuals benefit from microglia-replenishing therapy. Based on overlapping pathology, we discuss multiple ways through which aberrant microglia could lead to white matter defects and brain dysfunction. We propose that the study of leukodystrophies, and their extensively multicellular pathology, will benefit from complementing analyses of human patient material with the examination of cellular dynamics in vivo using animal models, such as zebrafish. Together, this will yield important insight into the cell biological mechanisms of microglial impact in the central nervous system, particularly in the development and maintenance of myelin, that will facilitate the development of new, and refinement of existing, therapeutic options for a range of brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tjakko J. van Ham
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Rutherford HA, Kasher PR, Hamilton N. Dirty Fish Versus Squeaky Clean Mice: Dissecting Interspecies Differences Between Animal Models of Interferonopathy. Front Immunol 2021; 11:623650. [PMID: 33519829 PMCID: PMC7843416 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.623650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases are rare but often devastating disorders, underpinned by abnormal immune function. While some autoimmune disorders are thought to be triggered by a burden of infection throughout life, others are thought to be genetic in origin. Among these heritable disorders are the type I interferonopathies, including the rare Mendelian childhood-onset encephalitis Aicardi-Goutières syndrome. Patients with Aicardi Goutières syndrome are born with defects in enzymes responsible for nucleic acid metabolism and develop devastating white matter abnormalities resembling congenital cytomegalovirus brain infection. In some cases, common infections preceded the onset of the disease, suggesting immune stimulation as a potential trigger. Thus, the antiviral immune response has been actively studied in an attempt to provide clues on the pathological mechanisms and inform on the development of therapies. Animal models have been fundamental in deciphering biological mechanisms in human health and disease. Multiple rodent and zebrafish models are available to study type I interferonopathies, which have advanced our understanding of the human disease by identifying key pathological pathways and cellular drivers. However, striking differences in phenotype have also emerged between these vertebrate models, with zebrafish models recapitulating key features of the human neuropathology often lacking in rodents. In this review, we compare rodent and zebrafish models, and summarize how they have advanced our understanding of the pathological mechanisms in Aicardi Goutières syndrome and similar disorders. We highlight recent discoveries on the impact of laboratory environments on immune stimulation and how this may inform the differences in pathological severity between mouse and zebrafish models of type I interferonopathies. Understanding how these differences arise will inform the improvement of animal disease modeling to accelerate progress in the development of therapies for these devastating childhood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly A. Rutherford
- The Bateson Centre, Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Paul R. Kasher
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Northern Care Alliance & University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Noémie Hamilton
- The Bateson Centre, Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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Hamilton N, Rutherford HA, Petts JJ, Isles HM, Weber T, Henneke M, Gärtner J, Dunning MJ, Renshaw SA. The failure of microglia to digest developmental apoptotic cells contributes to the pathology of RNASET2-deficient leukoencephalopathy. Glia 2020; 68:1531-1545. [PMID: 32212285 PMCID: PMC8647916 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The contribution of microglia in neurological disorders is emerging as a leading disease driver rather than a consequence of pathology. RNAseT2‐deficient leukoencephalopathy is a severe childhood white matter disorder affecting patients in their first year of life and mimicking a cytomegalovirus brain infection. The early onset and resemblance of the symptoms to a viral infection suggest an inflammatory and embryonic origin of the pathology. There are no treatments available for this disease as our understanding of the cellular drivers of the pathology are still unknown. In this study, using a zebrafish mutant for the orthologous rnaset2 gene, we have identified an inflammatory signature in early development and an antiviral immune response in mature adult brains. Using the optical transparency and the ex utero development of the zebrafish larvae we studied immune cell behavior during brain development and identified abnormal microglia as an early marker of pathology. Live imaging and electron microscopy identified that mutant microglia displayed an engorged morphology and were filled with undigested apoptotic cells and undigested substrate. Using microglia‐specific depletion and rescue experiments, we identified microglia as drivers of this embryonic phenotype and potential key cellular player in the pathology of RNAseT2‐deficient leukoencephalopathy. Our zebrafish model also presented with reduced survival and locomotor defects, therefore recapitulating many aspects of the human disease. Our study therefore placed our rnaset2 mutant at the forefront of leukodystrophy preclinical models and highlighted tissue‐specific approaches as future therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémie Hamilton
- The Bateson Centre, Department of Infection, Immunity and Cadiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Holly A Rutherford
- The Bateson Centre, Department of Infection, Immunity and Cadiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jessica J Petts
- The Bateson Centre, Department of Infection, Immunity and Cadiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Hannah M Isles
- The Bateson Centre, Department of Infection, Immunity and Cadiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Thomas Weber
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Marco Henneke
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jutta Gärtner
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mark J Dunning
- The Bioinformatics Core, Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Stephen A Renshaw
- The Bateson Centre, Department of Infection, Immunity and Cadiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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