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Ciuro M, Sangiorgio M, Cacciato V, Cantone G, Fichera C, Salvatorelli L, Magro G, Leanza G, Vecchio M, Valle MS, Gulino R. Mitigating the Functional Deficit after Neurotoxic Motoneuronal Loss by an Inhibitor of Mitochondrial Fission. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7059. [PMID: 39000168 PMCID: PMC11241433 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137059] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an extremely complex neurodegenerative disease involving different cell types, but motoneuronal loss represents its main pathological feature. Moreover, compensatory plastic changes taking place in parallel to neurodegeneration are likely to affect the timing of ALS onset and progression and, interestingly, they might represent a promising target for disease-modifying treatments. Therefore, a simplified animal model mimicking motoneuronal loss without the other pathological aspects of ALS has been established by means of intramuscular injection of cholera toxin-B saporin (CTB-Sap), which is a targeted neurotoxin able to kill motoneurons by retrograde suicide transport. Previous studies employing the mouse CTB-Sap model have proven that spontaneous motor recovery is possible after a subtotal removal of a spinal motoneuronal pool. Although these kinds of plastic changes are not enough to counteract the functional effects of the progressive motoneuron degeneration, it would nevertheless represent a promising target for treatments aiming to postpone ALS onset and/or delay disease progression. Herein, the mouse CTB-Sap model has been used to test the efficacy of mitochondrial division inhibitor 1 (Mdivi-1) as a tool to counteract the CTB-Sap toxicity and/or to promote neuroplasticity. The homeostasis of mitochondrial fission/fusion dynamics is indeed important for cell integrity, and it could be affected during neurodegeneration. Lesioned mice were treated with Mdivi-1 and then examined by a series of behavioral test and histological analyses. The results have shown that the drug may be capable of reducing functional deficits after the lesion and promoting synaptic plasticity and neuroprotection, thus representing a putative translational approach for motoneuron disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ciuro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.C.); (M.S.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (C.F.); (M.V.); (M.S.V.)
| | - Maria Sangiorgio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.C.); (M.S.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (C.F.); (M.V.); (M.S.V.)
| | - Valeria Cacciato
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.C.); (M.S.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (C.F.); (M.V.); (M.S.V.)
| | - Giuliano Cantone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.C.); (M.S.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (C.F.); (M.V.); (M.S.V.)
| | - Carlo Fichera
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.C.); (M.S.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (C.F.); (M.V.); (M.S.V.)
| | - Lucia Salvatorelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Gaetano Magro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Giampiero Leanza
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy;
| | - Michele Vecchio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.C.); (M.S.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (C.F.); (M.V.); (M.S.V.)
| | - Maria Stella Valle
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.C.); (M.S.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (C.F.); (M.V.); (M.S.V.)
| | - Rosario Gulino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.C.); (M.S.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (C.F.); (M.V.); (M.S.V.)
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Gulino R. Synaptic Dysfunction and Plasticity in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054613. [PMID: 36902042 PMCID: PMC10003601 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence has supported the hypothesis that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a multi-step disease, as the onset of symptoms occurs after sequential exposure to a defined number of risk factors. Despite the lack of precise identification of these disease determinants, it is known that genetic mutations may contribute to one or more of the steps leading to ALS onset, the remaining being linked to environmental factors and lifestyle. It also appears evident that compensatory plastic changes taking place at all levels of the nervous system during ALS etiopathogenesis may likely counteract the functional effects of neurodegeneration and affect the timing of disease onset and progression. Functional and structural events of synaptic plasticity probably represent the main mechanisms underlying this adaptive capability, causing a significant, although partial and transient, resiliency of the nervous system affected by a neurodegenerative disease. On the other hand, the failure of synaptic functions and plasticity may be part of the pathological process. The aim of this review was to summarize what it is known today about the controversial involvement of synapses in ALS etiopathogenesis, and an analysis of the literature, although not exhaustive, confirmed that synaptic dysfunction is an early pathogenetic process in ALS. Moreover, it appears that adequate modulation of structural and functional synaptic plasticity may likely support function sparing and delay disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Gulino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Physiology Section, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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3
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Ciuro M, Sangiorgio M, Leanza G, Gulino R. A Meta-Analysis Study of SOD1-Mutant Mouse Models of ALS to Analyse the Determinants of Disease Onset and Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010216. [PMID: 36613659 PMCID: PMC9820332 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A complex interaction between genetic and external factors determines the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Epidemiological studies on large patient cohorts have suggested that ALS is a multi-step disease, as symptom onset occurs only after exposure to a sequence of risk factors. Although the exact nature of these determinants remains to be clarified, it seems clear that: (i) genetic mutations may be responsible for one or more of these steps; (ii) other risk factors are probably linked to environment and/or to lifestyle, and (iii) compensatory plastic changes taking place during the ALS etiopathogenesis probably affect the timing of onset and progression of disease. Current knowledge on ALS mechanisms and therapeutic targets, derives mainly from studies involving superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) transgenic mice; therefore, it would be fundamental to verify whether a multi-step disease concept can also be applied to these animal models. With this aim, a meta-analysis study has been performed using a collection of primary studies (n = 137), selected according to the following criteria: (1) the studies should employ SOD1 transgenic mice; (2) the studies should entail the presence of a disease-modifying experimental manipulation; (3) the studies should make use of Kaplan-Meier plots showing the distribution of symptom onset and lifespan. Then, using a subset of this study collection (n = 94), the effects of treatments on key molecular mechanisms, as well as on the onset and progression of disease have been analysed in a large population of mice. The results are consistent with a multi-step etiopathogenesis of disease in ALS mice (including two to six steps, depending on the particular SOD1 mutation), closely resembling that observed in patient cohorts, and revealed an interesting relationship between molecular mechanisms and disease manifestation. Thus, SOD1 mouse models may be considered of high predictive value to understand the determinants of disease onset and progression, as well as to identify targets for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ciuro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Physiology Section, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Sangiorgio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Physiology Section, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giampiero Leanza
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Molecular Preclinical and Translational Imaging Research Centre—IMPRonTE, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Rosario Gulino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Physiology Section, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Molecular Preclinical and Translational Imaging Research Centre—IMPRonTE, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Vicario N, Spitale FM, Tibullo D, Giallongo C, Amorini AM, Scandura G, Spoto G, Saab MW, D'Aprile S, Alberghina C, Mangione R, Bernstock JD, Botta C, Gulisano M, Buratti E, Leanza G, Zorec R, Vecchio M, Di Rosa M, Li Volti G, Lazzarino G, Parenti R, Gulino R. Clobetasol promotes neuromuscular plasticity in mice after motoneuronal loss via sonic hedgehog signaling, immunomodulation and metabolic rebalancing. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:625. [PMID: 34135312 PMCID: PMC8209072 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03907-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Motoneuronal loss is the main feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, although pathogenesis is extremely complex involving both neural and muscle cells. In order to translationally engage the sonic hedgehog pathway, which is a promising target for neural regeneration, recent studies have reported on the neuroprotective effects of clobetasol, an FDA-approved glucocorticoid, able to activate this pathway via smoothened. Herein we sought to examine functional, cellular, and metabolic effects of clobetasol in a neurotoxic mouse model of spinal motoneuronal loss. We found that clobetasol reduces muscle denervation and motor impairments in part by restoring sonic hedgehog signaling and supporting spinal plasticity. These effects were coupled with reduced pro-inflammatory microglia and reactive astrogliosis, reduced muscle atrophy, and support of mitochondrial integrity and metabolism. Our results suggest that clobetasol stimulates a series of compensatory processes and therefore represents a translational approach for intractable denervating and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nunzio Vicario
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy.
- Molecular Preclinical and Translational Imaging Research Centre - IMPRonTE, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy.
| | - Federica M Spitale
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Daniele Tibullo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Cesarina Giallongo
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Angela M Amorini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Grazia Scandura
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Graziana Spoto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Miriam W Saab
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Simona D'Aprile
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Cristiana Alberghina
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Renata Mangione
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensive and Perioperative Clinics, Catholic University of Rome, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Joshua D Bernstock
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Cirino Botta
- Hematology Unit, Annunziata Hospital, 87100, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Massimo Gulisano
- Molecular Preclinical and Translational Imaging Research Centre - IMPRonTE, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Emanuele Buratti
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giampiero Leanza
- Molecular Preclinical and Translational Imaging Research Centre - IMPRonTE, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Robert Zorec
- Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Celica Biomedical, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology - Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Michele Vecchio
- Rehabilitation Unit, AOU Policlinico G. Rodolico, 95123, Catania, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences,Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Michelino Di Rosa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Li Volti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lazzarino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosalba Parenti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy.
- Molecular Preclinical and Translational Imaging Research Centre - IMPRonTE, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy.
| | - Rosario Gulino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy.
- Molecular Preclinical and Translational Imaging Research Centre - IMPRonTE, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy.
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5
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Spitale FM, Vicario N, Rosa MD, Tibullo D, Vecchio M, Gulino R, Parenti R. Increased expression of connexin 43 in a mouse model of spinal motoneuronal loss. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:12598-12608. [PMID: 32579130 PMCID: PMC7377853 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is one of the most common motoneuronal disease, characterized by motoneuronal loss and progressive paralysis. Despite research efforts, ALS remains a fatal disease, with a survival of 2-5 years after disease onset. Numerous gene mutations have been correlated with both sporadic (sALS) and familiar forms of the disease, but the pathophysiological mechanisms of ALS onset and progression are still largely uncertain. However, a common profile is emerging in ALS pathological features, including misfolded protein accumulation and a cross-talk between neuroinflammatory and degenerative processes. In particular, astrocytes and microglial cells have been proposed as detrimental influencers of perineuronal microenvironment, and this role may be exerted via gap junctions (GJs)- and hemichannels (HCs)-mediated communications. Herein we investigated the role of the main astroglial GJs-forming connexin, Cx43, in human ALS and the effects of focal spinal cord motoneuronal depletion onto the resident glial cells and Cx43 levels. Our data support the hypothesis that motoneuronal depletion may affect glial activity, which in turn results in reactive Cx43 expression, further promoting neuronal suffering and degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Maria Spitale
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Nunzio Vicario
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Michelino Di Rosa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Daniele Tibullo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Michele Vecchio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy.,Rehabilitation Unit, "AOU Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Rosario Gulino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Rosalba Parenti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
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Giusto E, Codrich M, Leo G, Francardo V, Coradazzi M, Parenti R, Gulisano M, Vicario N, Gulino R, Leanza G. Compensatory changes in degenerating spinal motoneurons sustain functional sparing in the SOD1‐G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Comp Neurol 2019; 528:231-243. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.24751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Giusto
- B.R.A.I.N. Laboratory for Neurogenesis and Repair, Department of Life Sciences University of Trieste Trieste Italy
| | - Marta Codrich
- B.R.A.I.N. Laboratory for Neurogenesis and Repair, Department of Life Sciences University of Trieste Trieste Italy
| | - Gioacchino Leo
- B.R.A.I.N. Laboratory for Neurogenesis and Repair, Department of Life Sciences University of Trieste Trieste Italy
| | - Veronica Francardo
- B.R.A.I.N. Laboratory for Neurogenesis and Repair, Department of Life Sciences University of Trieste Trieste Italy
| | - Marino Coradazzi
- B.R.A.I.N. Laboratory for Neurogenesis and Repair, Department of Life Sciences University of Trieste Trieste Italy
| | - Rosalba Parenti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Physiology Section University of Catania Catania Italy
- Molecular Preclinical and Translational Imaging Research Centre ‐ IMPRonTE University of Catania Italy
| | - Massimo Gulisano
- Molecular Preclinical and Translational Imaging Research Centre ‐ IMPRonTE University of Catania Italy
- Department of Drug Sciences University of Catania Catania Italy
| | - Nunzio Vicario
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Physiology Section University of Catania Catania Italy
| | - Rosario Gulino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Physiology Section University of Catania Catania Italy
- Molecular Preclinical and Translational Imaging Research Centre ‐ IMPRonTE University of Catania Italy
| | - Giampiero Leanza
- B.R.A.I.N. Laboratory for Neurogenesis and Repair, Department of Life Sciences University of Trieste Trieste Italy
- Molecular Preclinical and Translational Imaging Research Centre ‐ IMPRonTE University of Catania Italy
- Department of Drug Sciences University of Catania Catania Italy
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Vicario N, Bernstock JD, Spitale FM, Giallongo C, Giunta MAS, Li Volti G, Gulisano M, Leanza G, Tibullo D, Parenti R, Gulino R. Clobetasol Modulates Adult Neural Stem Cell Growth via Canonical Hedgehog Pathway Activation. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20081991. [PMID: 31018557 PMCID: PMC6514872 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20081991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling is a key pathway within the central nervous system (CNS), during both development and adulthood, and its activation via the 7-transmembrane protein Smoothened (Smo) may promote neuroprotection and restoration during neurodegenerative disorders. Shh signaling may also be activated by selected glucocorticoids such as clobetasol, fluocinonide and fluticasone, which therefore act as Smo agonists and hold potential utility for regenerative medicine. However, despite its potential role in neurodegenerative diseases, the impact of Smo-modulation induced by these glucocorticoids on adult neural stem cells (NSCs) and the underlying signaling mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Smo agonists (i.e., purmorphamine) and antagonists (i.e., cyclopamine) as well as of glucocorticoids (i.e., clobetasol, fluocinonide and fluticasone) on NSCs in terms of proliferation and clonal expansion. Purmorphamine treatment significantly increased NSC proliferation and clonal expansion via GLI-Kruppel family member 1 (Gli1) nuclear translocation and such effects were prevented by cyclopamine co-treatment. Clobetasol treatment exhibited an equivalent pharmacological effect. Moreover, cellular thermal shift assay suggested that clobetasol induces the canonical Smo-dependent activation of Shh signaling, as confirmed by Gli1 nuclear translocation and also by cyclopamine co-treatment, which abolished these effects. Finally, fluocinonide and fluticasone as well as control glucocorticoids (i.e., prednisone, corticosterone and dexamethasone) showed no significant effects on NSCs proliferation and clonal expansion. In conclusion, our data suggest that Shh may represent a druggable target system to drive neuroprotection and promote restorative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nunzio Vicario
- Lab of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Joshua D Bernstock
- Medical Scientist Training Program, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Federica M Spitale
- Lab of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Cesarina Giallongo
- Division of Hematology, "A.O.U. Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Maria A S Giunta
- Lab of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Li Volti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Massimo Gulisano
- Lab of Synthetic and Systems Biology, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Giampiero Leanza
- Lab of Neurogenesis and Repair, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Daniele Tibullo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Rosalba Parenti
- Lab of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Rosario Gulino
- Lab of Neurophysiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
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Gulino R, Vicario N, Giunta MAS, Spoto G, Calabrese G, Vecchio M, Gulisano M, Leanza G, Parenti R. Neuromuscular Plasticity in a Mouse Neurotoxic Model of Spinal Motoneuronal Loss. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20061500. [PMID: 30917493 PMCID: PMC6471664 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the relevant research efforts, the causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are still unknown and no effective cure is available. Many authors suggest that ALS is a multi-system disease caused by a network failure instead of a cell-autonomous pathology restricted to motoneurons. Although motoneuronal loss is the critical hallmark of ALS given their specific vulnerability, other cell populations, including muscle and glial cells, are involved in disease onset and progression, but unraveling their specific role and crosstalk requires further investigation. In particular, little is known about the plastic changes of the degenerating motor system. These spontaneous compensatory processes are unable to halt the disease progression, but their elucidation and possible use as a therapeutic target represents an important aim of ALS research. Genetic animal models of disease represent useful tools to validate proven hypotheses or to test potential therapies, and the conception of novel hypotheses about ALS causes or the study of pathogenic mechanisms may be advantaged by the use of relatively simple in vivo models recapitulating specific aspects of the disease, thus avoiding the inclusion of too many confounding factors in an experimental setting. Here, we used a neurotoxic model of spinal motoneuron depletion induced by injection of cholera toxin-B saporin in the gastrocnemius muscle to investigate the possible occurrence of compensatory changes in both the muscle and spinal cord. The results showed that, following the lesion, the skeletal muscle became atrophic and displayed electromyographic activity similar to that observed in ALS patients. Moreover, the changes in muscle fiber morphology were different from that observed in ALS models, thus suggesting that some muscular effects of disease may be primary effects instead of being simply caused by denervation. Notably, we found plastic changes in the surviving motoneurons that can produce a functional restoration probably similar to the compensatory changes occurring in disease. These changes could be at least partially driven by glutamatergic signaling, and astrocytes contacting the surviving motoneurons may support this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Gulino
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy.
| | - Nunzio Vicario
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy.
| | - Maria A S Giunta
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy.
| | - Graziana Spoto
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Calabrese
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy.
| | - Michele Vecchio
- Rehabilitation Unit, "AOU Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele" and Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy.
| | - Massimo Gulisano
- Laboratory of Synthetic and Systems Biology, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95125, Italy.
| | - Giampiero Leanza
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis and Repair, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95125, Italy.
| | - Rosalba Parenti
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy.
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Zhu L, Tang T, Fan R, Luo JK, Cui HJ, Zhang CH, Peng WJ, Sun P, Xiong XG, Wang Y. Xuefu Zhuyu decoction improves neurological dysfunction by increasing synapsin expression after traumatic brain injury. Neural Regen Res 2018; 13:1417-1424. [PMID: 30106054 PMCID: PMC6108199 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.235297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Xuefu Zhuyu decoction has been used for treating traumatic brain injury and improving post-traumatic dysfunction, but its mechanism of action needs further investigation. This study established rat models of traumatic brain injury by controlled cortical impact. Rat models were intragastrically administered 9 and 18 g/kg Xuefu Zhuyu decoction once a day for 14 or 21 days. Changes in neurological function were assessed by modified neurological severity scores and the Morris water maze. Immunohistochemistry, western blot assay, and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction were used to analyze synapsin protein and mRNA expression at the injury site of rats. Our results showed that Xuefu Zhuyu decoction visibly improved neurological function of rats with traumatic brain injury. These changes were accompanied by increased expression of synaptophysin, synapsin I, and postsynaptic density protein-95 protein and mRNA in a dose-dependent manner. These findings indicate that Xuefu Zhuyu decoction increases synapsin expression and improves neurological deficits after traumatic brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhu
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Tao Tang
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Rong Fan
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jie-Kun Luo
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Han-Jin Cui
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Chun-Hu Zhang
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Wei-Jun Peng
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Peng Sun
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xin-Gui Xiong
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
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Neuroplasticity and Repair in Rodent Neurotoxic Models of Spinal Motoneuron Disease. Neural Plast 2016; 2016:2769735. [PMID: 26862439 PMCID: PMC4735933 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2769735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Revised: 07/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Retrogradely transported toxins are widely used to set up protocols for selective lesioning of the nervous system. These methods could be collectively named "molecular neurosurgery" because they are able to destroy specific types of neurons by using targeted neurotoxins. Lectins such as ricin, volkensin, or modeccin and neuropeptide- or antibody-conjugated saporin represent the most effective toxins used for neuronal lesioning. Some of these specific neurotoxins could be used to induce selective depletion of spinal motoneurons. In this review, we extensively describe two rodent models of motoneuron degeneration induced by volkensin or cholera toxin-B saporin. In particular, we focus on the possible experimental use of these models to mimic neurodegenerative diseases, to dissect the molecular mechanisms of neuroplastic changes underlying the spontaneous functional recovery after motoneuron death, and finally to test different strategies of neural repair. The potential clinical applications of these approaches are also discussed.
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11
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Novel Mechanisms of Spinal Cord Plasticity in a Mouse Model of Motoneuron Disease. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:654637. [PMID: 26064939 PMCID: PMC4433663 DOI: 10.1155/2015/654637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A hopeful spinal cord repairing strategy involves the activation of neural precursor cells. Unfortunately, their ability to generate neurons after injury appears limited. Another process promoting functional recovery is synaptic plasticity. We have previously studied some mechanisms of spinal plasticity involving BDNF, Shh, Notch-1, Numb, and Noggin, by using a mouse model of motoneuron depletion induced by cholera toxin-B saporin. TDP-43 is a nuclear RNA/DNA binding protein involved in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Interestingly, TDP-43 could be localized at the synapse and affect synaptic strength. Here, we would like to deepen the investigation of this model of spinal plasticity. After lesion, we observed a glial reaction and an activity-dependent modification of Shh, Noggin, and Numb proteins. By using multivariate regression models, we found that Shh and Noggin could affect motor performance and that these proteins could be associated with both TDP-43 and Numb. Our data suggest that TDP-43 is likely an important regulator of synaptic plasticity, probably in collaboration with other proteins involved in both neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. Moreover, given the rapidly increasing knowledge about spinal cord plasticity, we believe that further efforts to achieve spinal cord repair by stimulating the intrinsic potential of spinal cord will produce interesting results.
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12
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Ahmed MM, Dhanasekaran AR, Block A, Tong S, Costa ACS, Gardiner KJ. Protein profiles associated with context fear conditioning and their modulation by memantine. Mol Cell Proteomics 2014; 13:919-37. [PMID: 24469516 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m113.035568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Analysis of the molecular basis of learning and memory has revealed details of the roles played by many genes and the proteins they encode. Because most individual studies focus on a small number of proteins, many complexities of the relationships among proteins and their dynamic responses to stimulation are not known. We have used the technique of reverse phase protein arrays (RPPA) to assess the levels of more than 80 proteins/protein modifications in subcellular fractions from hippocampus and cortex of mice trained in Context Fear Conditioning (CFC). Proteins include components of signaling pathways, several encoded by immediate early genes or involved in apoptosis and inflammation, and subunits of glutamate receptors. At one hour after training, levels of more than half the proteins had changed in one or more fractions, among them multiple components of the Mitogen-activated protein kinase, MAPK, and Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin, MTOR, pathways, subunits of glutamate receptors, and the NOTCH pathway modulator, NUMB homolog (Drosophila). Levels of 37 proteins changed in the nuclear fraction of hippocampus alone. Abnormalities in levels of thirteen proteins analyzed have been reported in brains of patients with Alzheimer's Disease. We therefore further investigated the protein profiles of mice treated with memantine, a drug approved for treatment of AD. In hippocampus, memantine alone induced many changes similar to those seen after CFC and altered the levels of seven proteins associated with Alzheimer's Disease abnormalities. Lastly, to further explore the relevance of these datasets, we superimposed responses to CFC and memantine onto components of the long term potentiation pathway, a process subserving learning and memory formation. Fourteen components of the long term potentiation pathway and 26 proteins interacting with components responded to CFC and/or memantine. Together, these datasets provide a novel view of the diversity and complexity in protein responses and interactions following normal learning.
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Gulino R, Gulisano M. Noggin and Sonic hedgehog are involved in compensatory changes within the motoneuron-depleted mouse spinal cord. J Neurol Sci 2013; 332:102-9. [PMID: 23859181 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2013.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2013] [Revised: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog and Noggin are morphogenetic factors involved in neural induction and ventralization of the neural tube, but recent findings suggest that they could participate in regeneration and functional recovery after injury. Here, in order to verify if these mechanisms could occur in the spinal cord and involve synaptic plasticity, we measured the expression levels of Sonic hedgehog, Noggin, Choline Acetyltransferase, Synapsin-I and Glutamate receptor subunits (GluR1, GluR2, GluR4), in a motoneuron-depleted mouse spinal cord lesion model obtained by intramuscular injection of Cholera toxin-B saporin. The lesion caused differential expression changes of the analyzed proteins. Moreover, motor performance was found correlated with Sonic hedgehog and Noggin expression in lesioned animals. The results also suggest that Sonic hedgehog could collaborate in modulating synaptic plasticity. Together, these findings confirm that the injured mammalian spinal cord has intrinsic potential for repair and that some proteins classically involved in development, such as Sonic hedgehog and Noggin could have important roles in regeneration and functional restoration, by mechanisms including synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Gulino
- Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, Catania, Italy.
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Gulino R, Gulisano M. Involvement of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and sonic hedgehog in the spinal cord plasticity after neurotoxic partial removal of lumbar motoneurons. Neurosci Res 2012; 73:238-47. [PMID: 22579680 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2012.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2011] [Revised: 04/24/2012] [Accepted: 04/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Adult mammals could spontaneously achieve a partial sensory-motor recovery after spinal cord injury, by mechanisms including synaptic plasticity. We previously showed that this recovery is associated to the expression of synapsin-I, and that sonic hedgehog and Notch-1 could be also involved in plasticity. The role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glutamate receptors in regulating synaptic efficacy has been explored in the last decade but, although these mechanisms are now well-defined in the brain, the molecular mechanisms underlying the so called "spinal learning" are still less clear. Here, we measured the expression levels of choline acetyltransferase, synapsin-I, sonic hedgehog, Notch-1, glutamate receptor subunits (GluR1, GluR2, GluR4, NMDAR1) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, in a motoneuron-depleted mouse spinal lesion model obtained by intramuscular injection of cholera toxin-B saporin. The lesion caused the down-regulation of the majority of analysed proteins. Moreover, we found that in lesioned but not in control spinal tissue, synapsin-I expression is associated to that of both brain-derived neurotrophic factor and sonic hedgehog, whereas GluR2 expression is linked to that of Shh. These results suggest that brain-derived neurotrophic factor and sonic hedgehog could collaborate in modulating synaptic plasticity after the removal of motoneurons, by a mechanism involving both pre- and post-synaptic processes. Interestingly, the involvement of sonic hedgehog showed here is novel, and offers new routes to address spinal cord plasticity and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Gulino
- Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, I95125 Catania, Italy.
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