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Pennuto M, Pandey UB, Polanco MJ. Insulin-like growth factor 1 signaling in motor neuron and polyglutamine diseases: From molecular pathogenesis to therapeutic perspectives. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 57:100821. [PMID: 32006533 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The pleiotropic peptide insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I) regulates human body homeostasis and cell growth. IGF-I activates two major signaling pathways, namely phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) and Ras/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), which contribute to brain development, metabolism and function as well as to neuronal maintenance and survival. In this review, we discuss the general and tissue-specific effects of the IGF-I pathways. In addition, we present a comprehensive overview examining the role of IGF-I in neurodegenerative diseases, such as spinal and muscular atrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and polyglutamine diseases. In each disease, we analyze the disturbances of the IGF-I pathway, the modification of the disease protein by IGF-I signaling, and the therapeutic strategies based on the use of IGF-I developed to date. Lastly, we highlight present and future considerations in the use of IGF-I for the treatment of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pennuto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences (DBS), University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Via Orus 2, 35129 Padova, Italy; Padova Neuroscience Center (PNC), 35131 Padova, Italy; Myology Center (CIR-Myo), 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - Udai Bhan Pandey
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - María José Polanco
- Department of Pharmaceutic and Health Science, University San Pablo CEU, Campus Montepríncipe, 28925 Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain.
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Paré B, Gros-Louis F. Potential skin involvement in ALS: revisiting Charcot's observation - a review of skin abnormalities in ALS. Rev Neurosci 2018; 28:551-572. [PMID: 28343168 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2017-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons of the brain and spinal cord, leading to progressive paralysis and death. Interestingly, many skin changes have been reported in ALS patients, but never as yet fully explained. These observations could be due to the common embryonic origin of the skin and neural tissue known as the ectodermal germ layer. Following the first observation in ALS patients' skin by Dr Charcot in the 19th century, in the absence of bedsores unlike other bedridden patients, other morphological and molecular changes have been observed. Thus, the skin could be of interest in the study of ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. This review summarizes skin changes reported in the literature over the years and discusses about a novel in vitro ALS tissue-engineered skin model, derived from patients, for the study of ALS.
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Chen Y, Liu XH, Wu JJ, Ren HM, Wang J, Ding ZT, Jiang YP. Proteomic analysis of cerebrospinal fluid in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Exp Ther Med 2016; 11:2095-2106. [PMID: 27284291 PMCID: PMC4887813 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2016.3210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study used comparative proteomic analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients in order to identify proteins that may act as diagnostic biomarkers and indicators of the pathogenesis of ALS. This analysis was performed using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) technology, coupled with 2-dimensional liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery software was utilized for bioinformatic analysis of the data. Following this, western blotting was performed in order to examine the expression of 3 candidate proteins in ALS patients compared with healthy individuals [as a normal control (NC) group] or patients with other neurological disease (OND); these proteins were insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-2), glutamate receptor 4 (GRIA4) and leucine-rich α-2-glycoprotein 1 (LRG1). Clinical data, including gender, age, disease duration and ALS functional rating scale (ALSFRS-R) score, were also collected in the ALS patients. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed between the clinical data and the results of western blot analysis. A total of 248 distinct proteins were identified in the ALS and NC groups, amongst which a significant difference could be identified in 35 proteins; of these, 21 proteins were downregulated and 14 were upregulated. These differentially-expressed proteins were thus revealed to be associated with ALS. The western blot analysis confirmed a proportion of the data attained in the iTRAQ analysis, revealing the differential protein expression of IGF-2 and GRIA4 between the ALS and NC groups. IGF-2 was significantly downregulated in ALS patients (P=0.017) and GRIA4 was significantly upregulated (P=0.016). These results were subsequently validated in the 35-patient ALS and OND groups (P=0.002), but no significant difference was identified in LRG1 expression between these groups. GRIA4 protein expression was higher in male than female patients and was positively correlated with the ALSFRS-R score, meaning that GRIA4 expression was negatively correlated with the severity of ALS, while IGF-2 and LRG1 expression did not correlate with any clinical data. The present study thus demonstrated that GRIA4 expression levels, as a marker of severity, may be used as a reference for the timing of treatment, and that IGF-2 may serve as an effective biomarker of ALS progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Chen
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Hui Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Jun Wu
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Hui-Ming Ren
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Zheng-Tong Ding
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Ping Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
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IGF-1R Reduction Triggers Neuroprotective Signaling Pathways in Spinal Muscular Atrophy Mice. J Neurosci 2015; 35:12063-79. [PMID: 26311784 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0608-15.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disease characterized by the selective loss of spinal motor neurons due to the depletion of the survival of motor neuron (SMN) protein. No therapy is currently available for SMA, which represents the leading genetic cause of death in childhood. In the present study, we report that insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (Igf-1r) gene expression is enhanced in the spinal cords of SMA-like mice. The reduction of expression, either at the physiological (through physical exercise) or genetic level, resulted in the following: (1) a significant improvement in lifespan and motor behavior, (2) a significant motor neuron protection, and (3) an increase in SMN expression in spinal cord and skeletal muscles through both transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms. Furthermore, we have found that reducing IGF-1R expression is sufficient to restore intracellular signaling pathway activation profile lying downstream of IGF-1R, resulting in both the powerful activation of the neuroprotective AKT/CREB pathway and the inhibition of the ERK and JAK pathways. Therefore, reducing rather than enhancing the IGF-1 pathway could constitute a useful strategy to limit neurodegeneration in SMA. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Recent evidence of IGF-1 axis alteration in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a very severe neurodegenerative disease affecting specifically the motor neurons, have triggered a renewed interest in insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) pathway activation as a potential therapeutic approach for motor neuron diseases. The present study challenges this point of view and brings the alternative hypothesis that reducing rather than enhancing the IGF-1 signaling pathway exerts a neuroprotective effect in SMA. Furthermore, the present data substantiate a newly emerging concept that the modulation of IGF-1 receptor expression is a key event selectively determining the activation level of intracellular pathways that lie downstream of the receptor. This aspect should be considered when designing IGF-1-based treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Deidda I, Galizzi G, Passantino R, Cascio C, Russo D, Colletti T, La Bella V, Guarneri P. Expression of vesicle-associated membrane-protein-associated protein B cleavage products in peripheral blood leukocytes and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Eur J Neurol 2013; 21:478-85. [PMID: 24372953 DOI: 10.1111/ene.12334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Vesicle-associated membrane-protein-associated protein B (VAPB) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) resident protein participating in ER function, vesicle trafficking, calcium homeostasis and lipid transport. Its N-terminal domain, named MSP, is cleaved and secreted, serving as an extracellular ligand. VAPB mutations are linked to autosomal-dominant motor neuron diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) type 8. An altered VAPB function is also suspected in sporadic ALS (SALS). METHODS The expression pattern of VAPB cleavage and secreted products in the peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of SALS patients and neurological controls was assessed. PBL from healthy controls were also analyzed. Assays were carried out through western blotting, using an anti-VAPB (N-terminal) antibody. RESULTS Two VAPB fragments containing the MSP domain (17 kDa and 14 kDa molecular sizes) were identified in PBL of SALS and controls, with no significant differences amongst groups. In CSF, only the 14 kDa VAPB MSP fragment was expressed and a corresponding VAPA fragment was not detected. The CSF VAPB fragment was absent in 58.7% of SALS patients, of whom 79.2% were bulbar onset (P = 0.001, bulbar versus spinal). CONCLUSIONS The absence of the CSF VAPB MSP fragment from most bulbar-onset SALS patients suggests a specific alteration of brain-derived VAPB cleavage and secretion in this group of patients, and hints at a role of VAPB in the pathophysiology of this motor neuron disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Deidda
- Neuroscience Unit, CNR Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, Palermo, Italy
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Li H, Miao J, Zhao G, Wu D, Liu B, Wei X, Cao S, Gu H, Zhang Y, Wang L, Fan Y, Yuan Z. Different expression patterns of growth factors in rat fetuses with spina bifida aperta after in utero mesenchymal stromal cell transplantation. Cytotherapy 2013; 16:319-30. [PMID: 24364908 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2013.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2012] [Revised: 10/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS In a previous study, we successfully devised a prenatal surgical approach and transplanted mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to fetal rat spinal column to treat retinoic acid-induced neural tube defects in rat. Our results show that MSCs survived, migrated and differentiated into neural lineage cells. We intended to study various growth factor expressions in rat fetal spinal cords with spina bifida aperta after in utero MSC transplantation and the effect of in vivo growth factor introduction for prenatal spina bifida treatment. METHODS Pregnant rats were treated with retinoic acid on embryonic day 10 and then received fetal surgery for MSC transplantation and/or lentiviral epidermal growth factor (EGF) injection on embryonic day 16; various growth factor expression in spinal cords from embryonic day 20 fetuses were analyzed by means of quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling analysis was performed to observe spinal tissue apoptosis. RESULTS Growth factor expression was dysregulated in spinal cords with spina bifida. After MSC transplantation, we observed significantly increased expression of EGF, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-8, FGF-2 and FGF-20 in the MSC transplantation group compared with blank injection; Furthermore, EGF expression positively correlated with surviving MSC amounts. Expression of other growth factors was not significantly different. In vivo EGF introduction reduced spinal tissue apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that intrinsic EGF and FGF-2, FGF-8 and FGF-20 might affect the in vivo fate of transplanted MSCs in a fetal rat spina bifida model. In vivo EGF introduction together with MSC transplantation might serve as a new strategy for prenatal spina bifida treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jianing Miao
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Guifeng Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Di Wu
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaowei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Songying Cao
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hui Gu
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lili Wang
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yang Fan
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhengwei Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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Puche JE, Castilla-Cortázar I. Human conditions of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) deficiency. J Transl Med 2012; 10:224. [PMID: 23148873 PMCID: PMC3543345 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-10-224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2012] [Accepted: 11/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is a polypeptide hormone produced mainly by the liver in response to the endocrine GH stimulus, but it is also secreted by multiple tissues for autocrine/paracrine purposes. IGF-I is partly responsible for systemic GH activities although it possesses a wide number of own properties (anabolic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective actions). IGF-I is a closely regulated hormone. Consequently, its logical therapeutical applications seems to be limited to restore physiological circulating levels in order to recover the clinical consequences of IGF-I deficiency, conditions where, despite continuous discrepancies, IGF-I treatment has never been related to oncogenesis. Currently the best characterized conditions of IGF-I deficiency are Laron Syndrome, in children; liver cirrhosis, in adults; aging including age-related-cardiovascular and neurological diseases; and more recently, intrauterine growth restriction. The aim of this review is to summarize the increasing list of roles of IGF-I, both in physiological and pathological conditions, underlying that its potential therapeutical options seem to be limited to those proven states of local or systemic IGF-I deficiency as a replacement treatment, rather than increasing its level upper the normal range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan E Puche
- Applied Molecular Medicine Institute (IMMA), School of Medicine, Department of Medical Physiology, Universidad CEU San Pablo, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inma Castilla-Cortázar
- Applied Molecular Medicine Institute (IMMA), School of Medicine, Department of Medical Physiology, Universidad CEU San Pablo, Madrid, Spain
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Lunetta C, Serafini M, Prelle A, Magni P, Dozio E, Ruscica M, Sassone J, Colciago C, Moggio M, Corbo M, Silani V. Impaired expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 system in skeletal muscle of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. Muscle Nerve 2012; 45:200-8. [PMID: 22246875 PMCID: PMC3306791 DOI: 10.1002/mus.22288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Adult muscle fibers are a source of growth factors, including insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). These factors influence neuronal survival, axonal growth, and maintenance of synaptic connections. Methods We investigated the components of the IGF system in skeletal muscle samples obtained from 17 sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients (sALS) and 29 control subjects (17 with normal muscle and 12 with denervated muscle unrelated to ALS). Results The muscle expression of IGF-1 and IGF-binding proteins 3, 4, and 5 (IGF-BP3, -4, and -5, respectively), assessed by immunohistochemistry, was differently decreased in sALS compared with both control groups; conversely, IGF-1 receptor β subunit (IGF-1Rβ) was significantly increased. Western blot analysis confirmed the severe reduction of IGF-1, IGF-BP3, and -BP5 with the increment of IGF-1Rβ in sALS. Conclusion In this study we describe the abnormal expression of the IGF-1 system in skeletal muscle of sALS patients that could participate in motor neuron degeneration and should be taken into account when developing treatments with IGF-1. Muscle Nerve, 2012
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Lunetta
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Dino Ferrari Center, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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Schapira AHV, Hillbom M. Publishing changes and information delivery in the clinical neurosciences. Eur J Neurol 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2011.03594.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Kawabe K, Yoshii Y, Ikeda K, Iwasaki Y. Interleukin-17 and -23 levels in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Acta Neurol Scand 2011; 124:293; author reply 294. [PMID: 21943036 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2011.01501.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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A randomized controlled clinical trial of growth hormone in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: clinical, neuroimaging, and hormonal results. J Neurol 2011; 259:132-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00415-011-6146-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2011] [Accepted: 06/13/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Celebi B, Mantovani D, Pineault N. Irradiated Mesenchymal Stem Cells improve the ex vivo expansion of Hematopoietic Progenitors by partly mimicking the bone marrow endosteal environment. J Immunol Methods 2011; 370:93-103. [PMID: 21699899 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2011.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2011] [Revised: 04/19/2011] [Accepted: 06/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) regulate the growth and differentiation of Hematopoietic Progenitor cells (HPCs) through the release of soluble factors or through their differentiation into osteoblasts. We recently demonstrated that expansion of megakaryocyte (MK) progenitors ex vivo had reached a plateau when CD34(+) cells were grown with two optimized cytokine cocktails developed for the growth of MK. Hence, we sought to determine whether co-culture of CD34(+) cells with Bone Marrow (BM) MSCs could further increase the expansion of myeloid and MK progenitors. First, we tested the impact of cell-cell contact and pre-irradiation treatment of the MSCs to identify the condition that best supports HPC expansion. This screen revealed that HPC expansions were generally greater in the non-contact conditions, and that pre-irradiation of the MSCs appeared to be of added benefits. Improved expansion of both myeloid and MK progenitors in co-culture with irradiated MSCs without contact was subsequently confirmed. Next, cytokine array profiling was carried out to investigate why irradiation promoted progenitor expansion. This revealed that the levels of as many as 33 factors were potentially altered. ELISA confirmed the significant up regulation of NT-3 and IGFBP-2. Since, these factors are known to be released by and important for osteogenic and endothelial cells, we investigated and confirmed that irradiation of MSCs induced their rapid differentiation into osteogenic-like cells, but not into endothelial-like cells. Supporting this finding, expansions of myeloid and MK progenitors were increased when CD34(+) cells were co-culture with MSCs-derived osteoblasts. Altogether, these results indicate that the improved expansion of HPCs obtained with irradiated MSCs is due in part to their differentiation into osteoblast-like cells, thereby recreating an endosteal-like environment that provides improved support for HPCs expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betül Celebi
- Hema-Quebec, Research & Development Department, Quebec City, PQ, Canada, G1V 5C3
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Motor neuron-immune interactions: the vicious circle of ALS. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2010; 117:981-1000. [PMID: 20552235 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-010-0429-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2010] [Accepted: 05/22/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Because microglial cells, the resident macrophages of the CNS, react to any lesion of the nervous system, they have for long been regarded as potential players in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the most common motor neuron disease in the adult. In recent years, this microglial reaction to motor neuron injury, in particular, and the innate immune response, in general, has been implicated in the progression of the disease, in mouse models of ALS. The mechanisms by which microglial cells influence motor neuron death in ALS are still largely unknown. Microglial activation increases over the course of the disease and is associated with an alteration in the production of toxic factors and also neurotrophic factors. Adding to the microglial/macrophage response to motor neuron degeneration, the adaptive immune system can likewise influence the disease process. Exploring these motor neuron-immune interactions could lead to a better understanding in the physiopathology of ALS to find new pathways to slow down motor neuron degeneration.
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Henriques A, Pitzer C, Schneider A. Neurotrophic growth factors for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: where do we stand? Front Neurosci 2010; 4:32. [PMID: 20592948 PMCID: PMC2902233 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2010.00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2010] [Accepted: 05/07/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that results in progressive loss of motoneurons, motor weakness and death within 3–5 years after disease onset. Therapeutic options remain limited despite substantial number of approaches that have been tested clinically. Many neurotrophic growth factors are known to promote the survival of neurons and foster regeneration in the central nervous system. Various neurotrophic factors have been investigated pre-clinically and clinically for the treatment of ALS. Although pre-clinical data appeared promising, no neurotrophic factors succeeded yet in a clinical phase III trial. In this review we discuss the rationale behind those factors, possible reasons for clinical failures, and argue for a renewal of hope in this powerful class of drugs for the treatment of ALS.
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