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Balestrino M, Adriano E, Alì PA, Pardini M. Selective Alteration of the Left Arcuate Fasciculus in Two Patients Affected by Creatine Transporter Deficiency. Brain Sci 2024; 14:337. [PMID: 38671990 PMCID: PMC11048612 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14040337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: In hereditary creatine transporter deficiency (CTD), there is an absence of creatine in the brain and neurological symptoms are present, including severe language impairment. However, the pathological changes caused by creatine deficiency that generate neuropsychological symptoms have been poorly studied. (2) Aims: To investigate if the language impairment in CTD is underpinned by possible pathological changes. (3) Methods: We used MRI tractography to investigate the trophism of the left arcuate fasciculus, a white matter bundle connecting Wernicke's and Broca's language areas that is specifically relevant for language establishment and maintenance, in two patients (28 and 18 y.o.). (4) Results: The T1 and T2 MRI imaging results were unremarkable, but the left arcuate fasciculus showed a marked decrease in mean fractional anisotropy (FA) compared to healthy controls. In contrast, the FA values in the corticospinal tract were similar to those of healthy controls. Although white matter atrophy has been reported in CTD, this is the first report to show a selective abnormality of the language-relevant arcuate fasciculus, suggesting a possible region-specific impact of creatine deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Balestrino
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal and Child Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (E.A.); (P.A.A.); (M.P.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Enrico Adriano
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal and Child Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (E.A.); (P.A.A.); (M.P.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Alessandro Alì
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal and Child Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (E.A.); (P.A.A.); (M.P.)
| | - Matteo Pardini
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal and Child Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (E.A.); (P.A.A.); (M.P.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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2
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Sugimoto C, Perna MK, Regan SL, Tepe EA, Liou R, Fritz AL, Williams MT, Vorhees CV, Skelton MR. A Gad2 specific Slc6a8 deletion recapitulates the contextual and cued freezing deficits seen in Slc6a8 -/y mice. Brain Res 2024; 1825:148690. [PMID: 38030104 PMCID: PMC10875619 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148690] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
The creatine (Cr)-phosphocreatine shuttle is essential for ATP homeostasis. In humans, the absence of brain Cr causes significant intellectual disability, epilepsy, and language delay. Mutations of the creatine transporter (SLC6A8) are the most common cause of Cr deficiency. In rodents, Slc6a8 deletion causes deficits in spatial learning, novel object recognition (NOR), as well as in contextual and cued freezing. The mechanisms that underlie these cognitive deficits are not known. Due to the heterogeneous nature of the brain, it is important to determine which systems are affected by a loss of Cr. In this study, we generated mice lacking Slc6a8 in GABAergic neurons by crossing Slc6a8FL mice with Gad2-Cre mice. These Gad2-specific Slc6a8 knockout (cKO) mice, along with the ubiquitous Slc6a8 KO (Slc6a8-/y), Gad2-Cre+, and wild-type (WT) mice were tested in the Morris water maze, NOR, conditioned freezing, and the radial water maze. Similar to the Slc6a8-/y mice, cKO mice had reduced contextual and cued freezing compared with WT mice. The cKO mice had a mild spatial learning deficit during the reversal phase of the MWM, however they were not as pronounced as in Slc6a8-/y mice. In NOR, the Gad2-Cre mice spent less time with the novel object, similar to the reduced novel time in the cKO mice. There were no changes in radial water maze performance. Slc6a8 deletion in GABAergic neurons is sufficient to recapitulate the conditioned freezing deficits seen in Slc6a8-/y mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiho Sugimoto
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States
| | - Marla K Perna
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States.
| | - Samantha L Regan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States.
| | - Erin A Tepe
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States
| | - Rosalyn Liou
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States.
| | - Adam L Fritz
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States
| | - Michael T Williams
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States.
| | - Charles V Vorhees
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States.
| | - Matthew R Skelton
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States.
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Bonilla DA, Moreno Y, Rawson ES, Forero DA, Stout JR, Kerksick CM, Roberts MD, Kreider RB. A Convergent Functional Genomics Analysis to Identify Biological Regulators Mediating Effects of Creatine Supplementation. Nutrients 2021; 13:2521. [PMID: 34444681 PMCID: PMC8397972 DOI: 10.3390/nu13082521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Creatine (Cr) and phosphocreatine (PCr) are physiologically essential molecules for life, given they serve as rapid and localized support of energy- and mechanical-dependent processes. This evolutionary advantage is based on the action of creatine kinase (CK) isozymes that connect places of ATP synthesis with sites of ATP consumption (the CK/PCr system). Supplementation with creatine monohydrate (CrM) can enhance this system, resulting in well-known ergogenic effects and potential health or therapeutic benefits. In spite of our vast knowledge about these molecules, no integrative analysis of molecular mechanisms under a systems biology approach has been performed to date; thus, we aimed to perform for the first time a convergent functional genomics analysis to identify biological regulators mediating the effects of Cr supplementation in health and disease. A total of 35 differentially expressed genes were analyzed. We identified top-ranked pathways and biological processes mediating the effects of Cr supplementation. The impact of CrM on miRNAs merits more research. We also cautiously suggest two dose-response functional pathways (kinase- and ubiquitin-driven) for the regulation of the Cr uptake. Our functional enrichment analysis, the knowledge-based pathway reconstruction, and the identification of hub nodes provide meaningful information for future studies. This work contributes to a better understanding of the well-reported benefits of Cr in sports and its potential in health and disease conditions, although further clinical research is needed to validate the proposed mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego A. Bonilla
- Research Division, Dynamical Business & Science Society—DBSS International SAS, Bogotá 110861, Colombia;
- Research Group in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas, Bogotá 110311, Colombia
- Research Group in Physical Activity, Sports and Health Sciences (GICAFS), Universidad de Córdoba, Montería 230002, Colombia
- kDNA Genomics, Joxe Mari Korta Research Center, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Yurany Moreno
- Research Division, Dynamical Business & Science Society—DBSS International SAS, Bogotá 110861, Colombia;
- Research Group in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas, Bogotá 110311, Colombia
| | - Eric S. Rawson
- Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Science, Messiah University, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, USA;
| | - Diego A. Forero
- Professional Program in Sport Training, School of Health and Sport Sciences, Fundación Universitaria del Área Andina, Bogotá 111221, Colombia;
| | - Jeffrey R. Stout
- Physiology of Work and Exercise Response (POWER) Laboratory, Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA;
| | - Chad M. Kerksick
- Exercise and Performance Nutrition Laboratory, School of Health Sciences, Lindenwood University, Saint Charles, MO 63301, USA;
| | - Michael D. Roberts
- School of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA;
- Edward via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Richard B. Kreider
- Exercise & Sport Nutrition Laboratory, Human Clinical Research Facility, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA;
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Sadanandan N, Di Santo S, Widmer HR. Another win for endothelial progenitor cells: Endothelial progenitor cell-derived conditioned medium promotes proliferation and exerts neuroprotection in cultured neuronal progenitor cells. Brain Circ 2019; 5:106-111. [PMID: 31620656 PMCID: PMC6785943 DOI: 10.4103/bc.bc_41_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Progress in stem cell research demonstrates stem cells' potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Stem cells have proliferative/differentiative properties and produce a variety of paracrine factors that can potentially be used to regenerate nervous tissue. Previous studies have shown the positive regenerative effects of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), and thus, they may be used as a tool for regeneration. A study by Di Santo et al. explored whether EPC-derived conditioned medium (EPC-CM) promotes the survival of cultured striatal progenitor cells and attempted to find the paracrine factors and signaling pathways involved with EPC-CM's effects. The neuronal progenitor cells that were cultured with EPC-CM had much higher densities of GABA-immunoreactive (GABA-ir) neurons. It was shown that phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/AKT and mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK signaling pathways are involved in the proliferation of GABAergic neurons, as inhibition of these pathways decreased GABAergic densities. In addition, the results suggest that paracrine factors from EPC, both proteinaceous and lipidic, significantly elevated the viability and/or differentiation in the cultures. Importantly, it was found that EPC-CM provided neuroprotection against toxins from 3-nitropropionic acid. In sum, EPC-CM engendered proliferation and regeneration of the cultured striatal cells through paracrine factors and imparted neuroprotection. Furthermore, the effects of EPC-CM may generate a cell-free therapeutic strategy to address neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Sadanandan
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, College of Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Stefano Di Santo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurocenter and Regenerative Neuroscience Cluster, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hans Rudolf Widmer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurocenter and Regenerative Neuroscience Cluster, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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5
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Santo SD, Seiler S, Andres R, Widmer HR. Endothelial Progenitor Cells Conditioned Medium Supports Number of GABAergic Neurons and Exerts Neuroprotection in Cultured Striatal Neuronal Progenitor Cells. Cell Transplant 2019; 28:367-378. [PMID: 31017468 PMCID: PMC6628568 DOI: 10.1177/0963689719835192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence that stem and progenitor cells exert regenerative actions by means of paracrine factors. In line with these notions, we recently demonstrated that endothelial progenitor cell (EPC)-derived conditioned medium (EPC-CM) substantially increased viability of brain microvascular cells. In the present study, we aimed at investigating whether EPC-CM supports cell survival of cultured striatal progenitor cells. For that purpose, primary cultures from fetal rat embryonic (E14) ganglionic eminence were prepared and grown for 7 days in vitro (DIV). EPC-CM was administered from DIV5–7. Treatment of the striatal cultures with EPC-CM resulted in significantly increased densities of GABA-immunoreactive (-ir) neurons. Inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, but not of the ROCK pathway, significantly attenuated the EPC-CM induced increase in GABA-ir cell densities. Similar results were observed when EPC-CM was subjected to proteolytic digestion and lipid extraction. Furthermore, inhibition of translation abolished the EPC-CM induced effects. Importantly, EPC-CM displayed neuroprotection against 3-nitropropionic acid induced toxicity. These findings demonstrate that EPC-derived paracrine factors substantially promote survival and/or differentiation of cultured striatal progenitor cells involving both proteinaceous factors and lipidic factors. In sum, EPC-CM constituents might lead to a novel cell-free therapeutic strategy to challenge neuronal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Di Santo
- 1 Department of Neurosurgery, Bern University Hospital, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Seiler
- 1 Department of Neurosurgery, Bern University Hospital, Switzerland
| | - Robert Andres
- 1 Department of Neurosurgery, Bern University Hospital, Switzerland
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Balestrino M, Adriano E. Beyond sports: Efficacy and safety of creatine supplementation in pathological or paraphysiological conditions of brain and muscle. Med Res Rev 2019; 39:2427-2459. [PMID: 31012130 DOI: 10.1002/med.21590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Creatine is pivotal in energy metabolism of muscle and brain cells, both in physiological and in pathological conditions. Additionally, creatine facilitates the differentiation of muscle and neuronal cells. Evidence of effectiveness of creatine supplementation in improving several clinical conditions is now substantial, and we review it in this paper. In hereditary diseases where its synthesis is impaired, creatine has a disease-modifying capacity, especially when started soon after birth. Strong evidence, including a Cochrane meta-analysis, shows that it improves muscular strength and general well-being in muscular dystrophies. Significant evidence exists also of its effectiveness in secondary prevention of statin myopathy and of treatment-resistant depression in women. Vegetarians and vegans do not consume any dietary creatine and must synthesize all they need, spending most of their methylation capacity. Nevertheless, they have a lower muscular concentration of creatine. Creatine supplementation has proved effective in increasing muscular and neuropsychological performance in vegetarians or vegans and should, therefore, be recommended especially in those of them who are athletes, heavy-duty laborers or who undergo intense mental effort. Convincing evidence also exists of creatine effectiveness in muscular atrophy and sarcopenia in the elderly, and in brain energy shortage (mental fatigue, sleep deprivation, environmental hypoxia as in mountain climbing, and advanced age). Furthermore, we review more randomized, placebo-controlled trials showing that creatine supplementation is safe up to 20 g/d, with a possible caveat only in people with kidney disease. We trust that the evidence we review will be translated into clinical practice and will spur more research on these subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Balestrino
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Riabilitazione, Oftalmologia, Genetica e Scienze Materno-Infantili (DINOGMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,Clinica Neurologica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Enrico Adriano
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Riabilitazione, Oftalmologia, Genetica e Scienze Materno-Infantili (DINOGMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
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7
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Gong L, Cao L, Shen Z, Shao L, Gao S, Zhang C, Lu J, Li W. Materials for Neural Differentiation, Trans-Differentiation, and Modeling of Neurological Disease. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2018; 30:e1705684. [PMID: 29573284 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201705684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Neuron regeneration from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) differentiation or somatic cells trans-differentiation is a promising approach for cell replacement in neurodegenerative diseases and provides a powerful tool for investigating neural development, modeling neurological diseases, and uncovering the mechanisms that underlie diseases. Advancing the materials that are applied in neural differentiation and trans-differentiation promotes the safety, efficiency, and efficacy of neuron regeneration. In the neural differentiation process, matrix materials, either natural or synthetic, not only provide a structural and biochemical support for the monolayer or three-dimensional (3D) cultured cells but also assist in cell adhesion and cell-to-cell communication. They play important roles in directing the differentiation of PSCs into neural cells and modeling neurological diseases. For the trans-differentiation of neural cells, several materials have been used to make the conversion feasible for future therapy. Here, the most current applications of materials for neural differentiation for PSCs, neuronal trans-differentiation, and neurological disease modeling is summarized and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Gong
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Lining Cao
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zhenmin Shen
- The VIP Department, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Li Shao
- The VIP Department, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Shaorong Gao
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jianfeng Lu
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Weida Li
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
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8
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Cameron JM, Levandovskiy V, Roberts W, Anagnostou E, Scherer S, Loh A, Schulze A. Variability of Creatine Metabolism Genes in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18081665. [PMID: 28758966 PMCID: PMC5578055 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18081665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Creatine deficiency syndrome (CDS) comprises three separate enzyme deficiencies with overlapping clinical presentations: arginine:glycine amidinotransferase (GATM gene, glycine amidinotransferase), guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT gene), and creatine transporter deficiency (SLC6A8 gene, solute carrier family 6 member 8). CDS presents with developmental delays/regression, intellectual disability, speech and language impairment, autistic behaviour, epileptic seizures, treatment-refractory epilepsy, and extrapyramidal movement disorders; symptoms that are also evident in children with autism. The objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that genetic variability in creatine metabolism genes is associated with autism. We sequenced GATM, GAMT and SLC6A8 genes in 166 patients with autism (coding sequence, introns and adjacent untranslated regions). A total of 29, 16 and 25 variants were identified in each gene, respectively. Four variants were novel in GATM, and 5 in SLC6A8 (not present in the 1000 Genomes, Exome Sequencing Project (ESP) or Exome Aggregation Consortium (ExAC) databases). A single variant in each gene was identified as non-synonymous, and computationally predicted to be potentially damaging. Nine variants in GATM were shown to have a lower minor allele frequency (MAF) in the autism population than in the 1000 Genomes database, specifically in the East Asian population (Fisher’s exact test). Two variants also had lower MAFs in the European population. In summary, there were no apparent associations of variants in GAMT and SLC6A8 genes with autism. The data implying there could be a lower association of some specific GATM gene variants with autism is an observation that would need to be corroborated in a larger group of autism patients, and with sub-populations of Asian ethnicities. Overall, our findings suggest that the genetic variability of creatine synthesis/transport is unlikely to play a part in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie M Cameron
- Genetics and Genome Biology, Peter Gilgan Center for Research and Learning, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada.
| | - Valeriy Levandovskiy
- Genetics and Genome Biology, Peter Gilgan Center for Research and Learning, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada.
| | - Wendy Roberts
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada.
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, 150 Kigour Rd, Toronto, ON M4G 1R8, Canada.
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada.
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, 150 Kigour Rd, Toronto, ON M4G 1R8, Canada.
| | - Stephen Scherer
- Genetics and Genome Biology, Peter Gilgan Center for Research and Learning, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada.
- The Centre for Applied Genomics and Genetics and Genome Biology, the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada.
- McLaughlin Centre and Department of Molecular Genetics, 686 Bay Street, 13th Floor, Peter Gilgan Center for Research and Learning, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada.
| | - Alvin Loh
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada.
- Surrey Place Center, 2 Surrey Place, Toronto, ON M5S 2C2, Canada.
| | - Andreas Schulze
- Genetics and Genome Biology, Peter Gilgan Center for Research and Learning, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada.
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
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9
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Creatine Enhances Mitochondrial-Mediated Oligodendrocyte Survival After Demyelinating Injury. J Neurosci 2017; 37:1479-1492. [PMID: 28069926 PMCID: PMC5299567 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1941-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Revised: 12/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic oligodendrocyte loss, which occurs in the demyelinating disorder multiple sclerosis (MS), contributes to axonal dysfunction and neurodegeneration. Current therapies are able to reduce MS severity, but do not prevent transition into the progressive phase of the disease, which is characterized by chronic neurodegeneration. Therefore, pharmacological compounds that promote oligodendrocyte survival could be beneficial for neuroprotection in MS. Here, we investigated the role of creatine, an organic acid involved in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) buffering, in oligodendrocyte function. We found that creatine increased mitochondrial ATP production directly in oligodendrocyte lineage cell cultures and exerted robust protection on oligodendrocytes by preventing cell death in both naive and lipopolysaccharide-treated mixed glia. Moreover, lysolecithin-mediated demyelination in mice deficient in the creatine-synthesizing enzyme guanidinoacetate-methyltransferase (Gamt) did not affect oligodendrocyte precursor cell recruitment, but resulted in exacerbated apoptosis of regenerated oligodendrocytes in central nervous system (CNS) lesions. Remarkably, creatine administration into Gamt-deficient and wild-type mice with demyelinating injury reduced oligodendrocyte apoptosis, thereby increasing oligodendrocyte density and myelin basic protein staining in CNS lesions. We found that creatine did not affect the recruitment of macrophages/microglia into lesions, suggesting that creatine affects oligodendrocyte survival independently of inflammation. Together, our results demonstrate a novel function for creatine in promoting oligodendrocyte viability during CNS remyelination.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We report that creatine enhances oligodendrocyte mitochondrial function and protects against caspase-dependent oligodendrocyte apoptosis during CNS remyelination. This work has important implications for the development of therapeutic targets for diseases characterized by oligodendrocyte death, including multiple sclerosis.
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Andres RH, Wallimann T, Widmer HR. Creatine supplementation improves neural progenitor cell survival in Huntington's disease. Brain Circ 2016; 2:133-137. [PMID: 30276289 PMCID: PMC6126277 DOI: 10.4103/2394-8108.192519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that striatal transplantation of neural stem cells (NSCs) and neural progenitor cells (NPCs) may be an appealing and valuable system for treating Huntington's disease. Nevertheless, for a neural replacement to become an effective translational treatment for Huntington's disease, a certain number of difficulties must be addressed, including how to improve the integration of transplanted cell grafts with the host tissue, to elevate the survival rates of transplanted cells, and to ensure their directed differentiation into specific neuronal phenotypes. Research focusing on the translational applications of creatine (Cr) supplementation in NSC and NPC cell replacement therapies continues to offer promising results, pointing to Cr as a factor with the potential to improve cell graft survivability and encourage differentiation toward GABAergic phenotypes in models of striatal transplantation. Here, we evaluate research examining the outcomes of Cr supplementation and how the timing of supplementation regimes may affect their efficacy. The recent studies indicate that Cr's effects vary according to the developmental stage of the cells being treated, noting the dynamic differences in creatine kinase expression over the developmental stages of differentiating NPCs. This research continues to move Cr supplementation closer to the widespread clinical application and suggests such techniques warrant further examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Andres
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Berne, Inselspital, CH-3010 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Theo Wallimann
- Department of Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hans R Widmer
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Berne, Inselspital, CH-3010 Berne, Switzerland
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11
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Andres RH, Ducray AD, Andereggen L, Hohl T, Schlattner U, Wallimann T, Widmer HR. The effects of creatine supplementation on striatal neural progenitor cells depend on developmental stage. Amino Acids 2016; 48:1913-27. [PMID: 27129463 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-016-2238-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Transplantation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) is a promising experimental therapy for Huntington's disease (HD). The variables responsible for the success of this approach, including selection of the optimal developmental stage of the grafted cells, are however largely unknown. Supporting cellular energy metabolism by creatine (Cr) supplementation is a clinically translatable method for improving cell transplantation strategies. The present study aims at investigating differences between early (E14) and late (E18) developmental stages of rat striatal NPCs in vitro. NPCs were isolated from E14 and E18 embryos and cultured for 7 days with or without Cr [5 mM]. Chronic treatment significantly increased the percentage of GABA-immunoreactive neurons as compared to untreated controls, both in the E14 (170.4 ± 4.7 %) and the E18 groups (129.3 ± 9.3 %). This effect was greater in E14 cultures (p < 0.05). Similarly, short-term treatment for 24 h resulted in increased induction (p < 0.05) of the GABA-ergic phenotype in E14 (163.0 ± 10.4 %), compared to E18 cultures (133.3 ± 9.5 %). Total neuronal cell numbers and general viability were not affected by Cr (p > 0.05). Protective effects of Cr against a metabolic insult were equal in E14 and E18 NPCs (p > 0.05). Cr exposure promoted morphological differentiation of GABA-ergic neurons, including neurite length in both groups (p < 0.05), but the number of branching points was increased only in the E18 group (p < 0.05). Our results demonstrate that the role of Cr as a GABA-ergic differentiation factor depends on the developmental stage of striatal NPCs, while Cr-mediated neuroprotection is not significantly influenced. These findings have potential implications for optimizing future cell replacement strategies in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Andres
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Berne, Inselspital, Freiburgstrasse 10, 3010, Berne, Switzerland
| | - Angelique D Ducray
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Berne, Inselspital, Freiburgstrasse 10, 3010, Berne, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Andereggen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Berne, Inselspital, Freiburgstrasse 10, 3010, Berne, Switzerland.,Department of Neurosurgery and F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Tabea Hohl
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Berne, Inselspital, Freiburgstrasse 10, 3010, Berne, Switzerland
| | - Uwe Schlattner
- Laboratory of Fundamental and Applied Bioenergetics, Université Grenoble Alpes, BP53, 38041, Grenoble Cedex, France.,Inserm, U1055, BP53, 38041, Grenoble Cedex, France
| | - Theo Wallimann
- Professor emeritus, formerly at Institute of Cell Biology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Schafmattstrasse 18, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hans R Widmer
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Berne, Inselspital, Freiburgstrasse 10, 3010, Berne, Switzerland.
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Creatine Enhances Transdifferentiation of Bone Marrow Stromal Cell-Derived Neural Stem Cell Into GABAergic Neuron-Like Cells Characterized With Differential Gene Expression. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:1978-1991. [PMID: 26910814 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-9782-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Creatine was reported to induce bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) into GABAergic neuron-like cells (GNLC). In a previous study, creatine was used as a single inducer for BMSC into GNLC with low yield. In this study, BMSC-derived neurospheres (NS) have been used in generating GABAergic phenotype. The BMSC were isolated from adult rats and used in generating neurospheres and used for producing neural stem cells (NSC). A combination of all-trans-retinoic acid (RA), the ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), and creatine was used in order to improve the yield of GNLC. We also used other protocols for the transdifferentiation including RA alone; RA and creatine; RA and CNTF; and RA, CNTF, and creatine. The BMSC, NSC, and GNLC were characterized by specific markers. The activity of the GNLC was evaluated using FM1-43. The isolated BMSC expressed Oct4, fibronectin, and CD44. The NS were immunoreactive to nestin and SOX2, the NSC were immunoreactive to nestin, NF68 and NF160, while the GNLC were immunoreactive to GAD1/2, VGAT, GABA, and synaptophysin. Oct4 and c-MYC, pluripotency genes, were expressed in the BMSC, while SOX2 and c-MYC were expressed in the NSC. The activity of GNLC indicates that the synaptic vesicles were released upon stimulation. The conclusion is that the combination of RA, CNTF, and creatine induced differentiation of neurosphere-derived NSC into GNLC within 1 week. This protocol gives higher yield than the other protocols used in this study. The mechanism of induction was clearly associated with several differential pluripotent genes.
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13
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Balestrino M, Sarocchi M, Adriano E, Spallarossa P. Potential of creatine or phosphocreatine supplementation in cerebrovascular disease and in ischemic heart disease. Amino Acids 2016; 48:1955-67. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-016-2173-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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14
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New insights into the trophic and cytoprotective effects of creatine in in vitro and in vivo models of cell maturation. Amino Acids 2016; 48:1897-911. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-015-2161-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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15
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Schulze A, Bauman M, Tsai ACH, Reynolds A, Roberts W, Anagnostou E, Cameron J, Nozzolillo AA, Chen S, Kyriakopoulou L, Scherer SW, Loh A. Prevalence of Creatine Deficiency Syndromes in Children With Nonsyndromic Autism. Pediatrics 2016; 137:peds.2015-2672. [PMID: 26684475 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2015-2672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Creatine deficiency may play a role in the neurobiology of autism and may represent a treatable cause of autism. The goal of the study was to ascertain the prevalence of creatine deficiency syndromes (CDSs) in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS In a prospective multicenter study, 443 children were investigated after a confirmed diagnosis of ASD. Random spot urine screening for creatine metabolites (creatine, guanidinoacetate, creatinine, and arginine) with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and second-tier testing with high-performance liquid chromatography methodology was followed by recall testing in 24-hour urines and confirmatory testing by Sanger-based DNA sequencing of GAMT, GATM, and SLC6A8 genes. Additional diagnostic tests included plasma creatine metabolites and in vivo brain proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The creatine metabolites in spot urine in the autism group were compared with 128 healthy controls controlled for age. RESULTS In 443 subjects with ASD investigated for CDS, we had 0 events (event: 0, 95% confidence interval 0-0.0068), therefore with 95% confidence the prevalence of CDS is <7 in 1000 children with ASD. The autism and control groups did not vary in terms of creatine metabolites (P > .0125) in urine. CONCLUSION Our study revealed a very low prevalence of CDS in children with nonsyndromic ASD and no obvious association between creatine metabolites and autism. Unlike our study population, we expect more frequent CDS among children with severe developmental delay, speech impairment, seizures, and movement disorders in addition to impairments in social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Schulze
- Genetics and Genome Biology, Peter Gilgan Center for Research and Learning, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada;
| | - Margaret Bauman
- Lurie Center for Autism, MassGeneral Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anne Chun-Hui Tsai
- Colorado University Medical School, Aurora, Colorado; Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Ann Reynolds
- Colorado University Medical School, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Wendy Roberts
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessie Cameron
- Genetics and Genome Biology, Peter Gilgan Center for Research and Learning, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alixandra A Nozzolillo
- Clinical and Translational Science Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shiyi Chen
- Clinical Research Services, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lianna Kyriakopoulou
- Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine, Biochemical Genetics Laboratory, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen W Scherer
- Genetics and Genome Biology, Peter Gilgan Center for Research and Learning, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics and McLaughlin Centre, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alvin Loh
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Surrey Place Center, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Kolpakova ME, Veselkina OS, Vlasov TD. Creatine in Cell Metabolism and Its Protective Action in Cerebral Ischemia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s11055-015-0098-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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17
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Darabi S, Tiraihi T, Delshad A, Sadeghizadeh M. A new multistep induction protocol for the transdifferentiation of bone marrow stromal stem cells into GABAergic neuron-like cells. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2013; 17:8-14. [PMID: 23279829 DOI: 10.6091/ibj.1112.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bone marrow stromal stem cells (BMSC) are appropriate source of multipotent stem cells that are ideally suited for use in various cell-based therapies. It can be differentiated into neuronal-like cells under appropriate conditions. This study examined the effectiveness of co-stimulation of creatine and retinoic acid in increasing the differentiation of BMSC into GABAergic neuron-like cells (GNLC). METHODS BMSC isolated from the femurs and tibias of adult rats were cultured in DMEM/F12 medium supplemented with 10% FBS, pre-induced using β-mercaptoethanol β-ME) and induced using retinoic acid (RA) and creatine. Immunostaining of neurofilament 200 kDa, neurofilament 160 kDa, nestin, fibronectin, Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) 65/67 were used to evaluate the transdifferentiation of BMSC into GNLC and to evaluate the effectiveness of pre-induction and induction assays. The expression of genes that encode fibronectin, octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct-4), GAD 65/67 and the vesicular GABA transporter was examined in BMSC and GNLC by using RT-PCR assays during transdifferentiation of BMSC into GLNC. RESULTS Co-stimulation with RA and creatine during the induction stage doubled the rates of GABAergic differentiation compared with induction using creatine alone, resulting in a 71.6% yield for GLNC. RT-PCR showed no expression of Oct-4 and fibronectin after the induction stage. CONCLUSION The results of this study showed that the application of β-ME, RA, and creatine induced the transdifferentiation of BMSC into GLNC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahram Darabi
- Dept. of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Taki Tiraihi
- Dept. of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.,Shefa Neurosciences Research Center, Khatam Al-Anbia Hospital,Tehran, Iran
| | - AliReza Delshad
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Sadeghizadeh
- Dept. of Genetics, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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18
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Mohammad-Gharibani P, Tiraihi T, Delshad A, Arabkheradmand J, Taheri T. Improvement of contusive spinal cord injury in rats by co-transplantation of gamma-aminobutyric acid-ergic cells and bone marrow stromal cells. Cytotherapy 2013; 15:1073-85. [PMID: 23806239 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2013.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2013] [Revised: 04/25/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Cell therapy is considered a promising option for treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI). The purpose of this study is to use combined therapy of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and BMSC-derived gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic inhibitory neurotransmitter cells (BDGCs) for the contusion model of SCI in rats. METHODS BDGCs were prepared from BMSCs by pre-inducing them with β-mercaptoethanol followed by retinoic acid and then inducing them by creatine. They were immunostained with BMSC, proneuronal, neural and GABA markers. The BDGCs were intraspinally transplanted into the contused rats, whereas the BMSCs were delivered intravenously. The animals were sacrificed after 12 weeks. RESULTS The Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan test showed improvement in the animals with the combined therapy compared with the untreated animals, the animals treated with GABAergic cells only and the animals that received BMSCs. The immunohistochemistry analysis of the tissue sections prepared from the animals receiving the combined therapy showed that the transplanted cells were engrafted and integrated into the injured spinal cord; in addition, a significant reduction was seen in the cavitation. CONCLUSIONS The study shows that the combination of GABAergic cells with BMSCs can improve SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payam Mohammad-Gharibani
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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19
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Helguera P, Seiglie J, Rodriguez J, Hanna M, Helguera G, Busciglio J. Adaptive downregulation of mitochondrial function in down syndrome. Cell Metab 2013; 17:132-40. [PMID: 23312288 PMCID: PMC3580189 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2012.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2012] [Revised: 09/19/2012] [Accepted: 12/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are common features of Down syndrome (DS). However, the underlying mechanisms are not known. We investigated the relationship between abnormal energy metabolism and oxidative stress with transcriptional and functional changes in DS cells. Impaired mitochondrial activity correlated with altered mitochondrial morphology. Increasing fusion capacity prevented morphological but not functional alterations in DS mitochondria. Sustained stimulation restored mitochondrial functional parameters but increased reactive oxygen species production and cell damage, suggesting that reduced DS mitochondrial activity is an adaptive response for avoiding injury and preserving basic cellular functions. Network analysis of genes overexpressed in DS cells demonstrated functional integration in pathways involved in energy metabolism and oxidative stress. Thus, although preventing extensive oxidative damage, mitochondrial downregulation may contribute to increased susceptibility of individuals with DS to clinical conditions in which altered energy metabolism may play a role, such as Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and some types of autistic spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Helguera
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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20
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Valayannopoulos V, Boddaert N, Chabli A, Barbier V, Desguerre I, Philippe A, Afenjar A, Mazzuca M, Cheillan D, Munnich A, de Keyzer Y, Jakobs C, Salomons GS, de Lonlay P. Treatment by oral creatine, L-arginine and L-glycine in six severely affected patients with creatine transporter defect. J Inherit Metab Dis 2012; 35:151-7. [PMID: 21660517 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-011-9358-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2011] [Revised: 05/11/2011] [Accepted: 05/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND X-linked cerebral creatine deficiency is caused by the deficiency of the creatine transporter (CTP) encoded by the SLC6A8 gene. PATIENTS AND METHODS We report here a series of six patients with severe CTP deficiency, four males and two females; clinical presentations include mild to severe mental retardation (6/6), associated with psychiatric symptoms (5/6: autistic behaviour, chronic hallucinatory psychosis), seizures (2/6) and muscular symptoms (2/4 males). Diagnosis was suspected upon elevated urinary creatine/creatinine (except in one of the female patients) and on a markedly decreased creatine peak on magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Diagnosis was confirmed by molecular analysis that identified four novel mutations not reported so far, including a mutation found twice in two male patients. All patients were treated successively and according to the same protocol by creatine alone then combined to its precursors, L-glycine and L-arginine for 42 months. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION In our patients, creatine supplementation alone or with its precursors L-glycine and L-arginine showed benefit only in the muscular symptoms of the disease and no improvement in the cognitive and psychiatric manifestations and did not modify brain creatine content on MRS of male and female CTP deficient patients. New treatment strategies are required including creatine derivatives transported independently from CTP or using alternative pathways and transporters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassili Valayannopoulos
- Reference Center for Inherited Metabolic Disorders (MaMEA), Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Paris Descartes University, 149 Rue de Sèvres, 75743 Paris Cedex, France.
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Gualano B, Roschel H, Lancha AH, Brightbill CE, Rawson ES. In sickness and in health: the widespread application of creatine supplementation. Amino Acids 2011; 43:519-29. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-011-1132-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2011] [Accepted: 10/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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22
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Sartini S, Sestili P, Colombo E, Martinelli C, Bartolini F, Ciuffoli S, Lattanzi D, Sisti D, Cuppini R. Creatine affects in vitro electrophysiological maturation of neuroblasts and protects them from oxidative stress. J Neurosci Res 2011; 90:435-46. [PMID: 21948019 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.22762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2011] [Revised: 06/29/2011] [Accepted: 07/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Creatine (Cr) is a very popular ergogenic molecule that has recently been shown to have antioxidant properties. The effectiveness of Cr supplementation in treating neurological diseases and Cr deficiency syndromes has been demonstrated, and experimental reports suggest that it plays an important role in CNS development. In spite of this body of evidence, the role of Cr in functional and structural neuronal differentiation is still poorly understood. Here we used electrophysiological, morphological, and biochemical approaches to study the effects of Cr supplementation on in vitro differentiation of spinal neuroblasts under standard conditions or subjected to oxidative stress, a status closely related to perinatal hypoxia-ischemia, a severe condition for developing brain. Cr supplementation (10 and 20 mM) completely prevented the viability decrease and neurite development impairment induced by radical attack, as well as nonprotein sulphydryl antioxidant pool depletion. Similar results were obtained using the antioxidant trolox. Furthermore, Cr supplementation induced a significant and dose-dependent anticipation of Na(+) and K(+) current expression during the period of in vitro network building. Consistently with the latter finding, higher excitability, expressed as number of spikes following depolarization, was found in supplemented neuroblasts. All effects were dependent on the cytosolic fraction of Cr, as shown using a membrane Cr-transporter blocker. Our results indicate that Cr protects differentiating neuroblasts against oxidative insults and, moreover, affects their in vitro electrophysiological maturation, suggesting possibly relevant effects of dietary Cr supplementation on developing CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Sartini
- Department of Earth, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
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Schlachter EK, Widmer HR, Bregy A, Lönnfors-Weitzel T, Vajtai I, Corazza N, Bernau VJP, Weitzel T, Mordasini P, Slotboom J, Herrmann G, Bogni S, Hofmann H, Frenz M, Reinert M. Metabolic pathway and distribution of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles: in vivo study. Int J Nanomedicine 2011; 6:1793-800. [PMID: 21980242 PMCID: PMC3184939 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s23638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Experimental tissue fusion benefits from the selective heating of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) under high frequency irradiation. However, the metabolic pathways of SPIONs for tissue fusion remain unknown. Hence, the goal of this in vivo study was to analyze the distribution of SPIONs in different organs by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histological analysis after a SPION-containing patch implantation. Methods: SPION-containing patches were implanted in rats. Three animal groups were studied histologically over six months. Degradation assessment of the SPION-albumin patch was performed in vivo using MRI for iron content localization and biodistribution. Results: No SPION degradation or accumulation into the reticuloendothelial system was detected by MRI, MRI relaxometry, or histology, outside the area of the implantation patch. Concentrations from 0.01 μg/mL to 25 μg/mL were found to be hyperintense in T1-like gradient echo sequences. The best differentiation of concentrations was found in T2 relaxometry, susceptibility-sensitive gradient echo sequences, and in high repetition time T2 images. Qualitative and semiquantitative visualization of small concentrations and accumulation of SPIONs by MRI are feasible. In histological liver samples, Kupffer cells were significantly correlated with postimplantation time, but no differences were observed between sham-treated and induction/no induction groups. Transmission electron microscopy showed local uptake of SPIONs in macrophages and cells of the reticuloendothelial system. Apoptosis staining using caspase showed no increased toxicity compared with sham-treated tissue. Implanted SPION patches were relatively inert with slow, progressive local degradation over the six-month period. No distant structural alterations in the studied tissue could be observed. Conclusion: Systemic bioavailability may play a role in specific SPION implant toxicity and therefore the local degradation process is a further aspect to be assessed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva K Schlachter
- Department of Neurosurgery, InselspitalBern, 3010 Berne, Switzerland
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Andres RH, Horie N, Slikker W, Keren-Gill H, Zhan K, Sun G, Manley NC, Pereira MP, Sheikh LA, McMillan EL, Schaar BT, Svendsen CN, Bliss TM, Steinberg GK. Human neural stem cells enhance structural plasticity and axonal transport in the ischaemic brain. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 134:1777-89. [PMID: 21616972 PMCID: PMC3102243 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awr094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 242] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell transplantation promises new hope for the treatment of stroke although significant questions remain about how the grafted cells elicit their effects. One hypothesis is that transplanted stem cells enhance endogenous repair mechanisms activated after cerebral ischaemia. Recognizing that bilateral reorganization of surviving circuits is associated with recovery after stroke, we investigated the ability of transplanted human neural progenitor cells to enhance this structural plasticity. Our results show the first evidence that human neural progenitor cell treatment can significantly increase dendritic plasticity in both the ipsi- and contralesional cortex and this coincides with stem cell-induced functional recovery. Moreover, stem cell-grafted rats demonstrated increased corticocortical, corticostriatal, corticothalamic and corticospinal axonal rewiring from the contralesional side; with the transcallosal and corticospinal axonal sprouting correlating with functional recovery. Furthermore, we demonstrate that axonal transport, which is critical for both proper axonal function and axonal sprouting, is inhibited by stroke and that this is rescued by the stem cell treatment, thus identifying another novel potential mechanism of action of transplanted cells. Finally, we established in vitro co-culture assays in which these stem cells mimicked the effects observed in vivo. Through immunodepletion studies, we identified vascular endothelial growth factor, thrombospondins 1 and 2, and slit as mediators partially responsible for stem cell-induced effects on dendritic sprouting, axonal plasticity and axonal transport in vitro. Thus, we postulate that human neural progenitor cells aid recovery after stroke through secretion of factors that enhance brain repair and plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Andres
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford Stroke Centre, Stanford Institute for Neuro-Innovation and Translational Neurosciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 1201 Welch Road, Stanford, CA 94305-5487, USA
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D’Anci KE, Allen PJ, Kanarek RB. A Potential Role for Creatine in Drug Abuse? Mol Neurobiol 2011; 44:136-41. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-011-8176-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2010] [Accepted: 02/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Singh AK, Gupta S, Jiang Y, Younus M, Ramzan M. In vitro Neurogenesis from Neural Progenitor Cells Isolated from the Hippocampus Region of the Brain of Adult Rats Exposed to Ethanol during Early Development through Their Alcohol-Drinking Mothers. Alcohol Alcohol 2009; 44:185-98. [DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agn109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
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Abstract
A large body of evidence from postmortem brain tissue and genetic analysis in humans and biochemical and pathological studies in animal models (transgenic and toxin) of neurodegeneration suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction is a common pathological mechanism. Mitochondrial dysfunction from oxidative stress, mitochondrial DNA deletions, pathological mutations, altered mitochondrial morphology, and interaction of pathogenic proteins with mitochondria leads to neuronal demise. Therefore, therapeutic approaches targeting mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage hold great promise in neurodegenerative diseases. This review discusses the potential therapeutic efficacy of creatine, coenzyme Q10, idebenone, synthetic triterpenoids, and mitochondrial targeted antioxidants (MitoQ) and peptides (SS-31) in in vitro studies and in animal models of Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease. We have also reviewed the current status of clinical trials of creatine, coenzyme Q10, idebenone, and MitoQ in neurodegenerative disorders. Further, we discuss newly identified therapeutic targets, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma-coactivator and sirtuins, which provide promise for future therapeutic developments in neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajnish K Chaturvedi
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
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Andres RH, Choi R, Steinberg GK, Guzman R. Potential of adult neural stem cells in stroke therapy. Regen Med 2008; 3:893-905. [DOI: 10.2217/17460751.3.6.893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite state-of-the-art therapy, clinical outcome after stroke remains poor, with many patients left permanently disabled and dependent on care. Stem cell therapy has evolved as a promising new therapeutic avenue for the treatment of stroke in experimental studies, and recent clinical trials have proven its feasibility and safety in patients. Replacement of damaged cells and restoration of function can be accomplished by transplantation of different cell types, such as embryonic, fetal or adult stem cells, human fetal tissue and genetically engineered cell lines. Adult neural stem cells offer the advantage of avoiding the ethical problems associated with embryonic or fetal stem cells and can be harvested as autologous grafts from the individual patients. Furthermore, stimulation of endogenous adult stem cell-mediated repair mechanisms in the brain might offer new avenues for stroke therapy without the necessity of transplantation. However, important scientific issues need to be addressed to advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the critical steps in cell-based repair to allow the introduction of these experimental techniques into clinical practice. This review describes up-to-date experimental concepts using adult neural stem cells for the treatment of stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Andres
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, R211, Stanford, CA 94305-5327, USA
| | - Raymond Choi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, R211, Stanford, CA 94305-5327, USA
| | - Gary K Steinberg
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, R211, Stanford, CA 94305-5327, USA
| | - Raphael Guzman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, R211, Stanford, CA 94305-5327, USA
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Schober MS, Chidlow G, Wood JP, Casson RJ. Bioenergetic-based neuroprotection and glaucoma. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2008; 36:377-85. [PMID: 18700928 DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-9071.2008.01740.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a pressure-sensitive optic neuropathy which results in the death of retinal ganglion cells and causes associated loss of vision. Presently, the only accepted treatment strategy is to lower the intraocular pressure; however, for some patients this is insufficient to prevent progressive disease. Although the pathogenesis of POAG remains unclear, there is considerable evidence that energy failure at the optic nerve head may be involved. Neuroprotection, a strategy which directly enhances the survival of neurons, is desirable, but remains clinically elusive. One particular form of neuroprotection involves the notion of enhancing the energy supply of neurons. These 'bioenergetic' methods of neuroprotection have proven successful in animal models of other neurodegenerative diseases and conditions, including Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and traumatic brain injury, but have been relatively unexplored in glaucoma models. This review focuses on some of the potential approaches for bioenergetic neuroprotection in the retina, including increasing the energy buffering capacity of damaged cells, decreasing the permeability of the mitochondrial membrane pore and free radical scavenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Schober
- South Australian Institute of Ophthalmology, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
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Functions and effects of creatine in the central nervous system. Brain Res Bull 2008; 76:329-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2008.02.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 254] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2007] [Revised: 02/15/2008] [Accepted: 02/25/2008] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Vercauteren FGG, Flores G, Ma W, Chabot JG, Geenen L, Clerens S, Fazel A, Bergeron JJM, Srivastava LK, Arckens L, Quirion R. An organelle proteomic method to study neurotransmission-related proteins, applied to a neurodevelopmental model of schizophrenia. Proteomics 2008; 7:3569-79. [PMID: 17907268 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.200700379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Limited information is currently available on molecular events that underlie schizophrenia-like behaviors in animal models. Accordingly, we developed an organelle proteomic approach enabling the study of neurotransmission-related proteins in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of postpubertal (postnatal day 60 (PD60)) neonatally ventral hippocampal (nVH) lesioned rats, an extensively used neurodevelopmental model of schizophrenia-like behaviors. The PFC was chosen because of its purported role in the etiology of the disease. Statistical analysis of 392 reproducible spots on 2-D organelle proteomic patterns revealed significant changes in intensity of 18 proteinous spots in plasma membrane-enriched fractions obtained from postpubertal nVH lesioned rats compared to controls. Mass spectrometric analysis and database searching allowed the identification of a single protein in each of the nine differential spots, including proteins of low abundance, such as neurocalcin delta. Most of the identified dysregulated proteins, including clathrin light chain B, syntaxin binding protein 1b and visinin-like protein 1 are known to be linked to various neurotransmitter systems and to play key roles in plasma membrane receptor expression and recycling as well as synaptic vesicle exocytosis/recycling. Organelle proteomic approaches have hence proved to be most useful to identify key proteins linked to a given behavior in animal models of brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freya G G Vercauteren
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Andres RH, Guzman R, Ducray AD, Mordasini P, Gera A, Barth A, Widmer HR, Steinberg GK. Cell replacement therapy for intracerebral hemorrhage. Neurosurg Focus 2008; 24:E16. [DOI: 10.3171/foc/2008/24/3-4/e15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
✓ Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), for which no effective treatment strategy is currently available, constitutes one of the most devastating forms of stroke. As a result, developing therapeutic options for ICH is of great interest to the medical community. The 3 potential therapies that have the most promise are cell replacement therapy, enhancing endogenous repair mechanisms, and utilizing various neuroprotective drugs. Replacement of damaged cells and restoration of function can be accomplished by transplantation of cells derived from different sources, such as embryonic or somatic stem cells, umbilical cord blood, and genetically modified cell lines. Early experimental data showing the benefits of cell transplantation on functional recovery after ICH have been promising. Nevertheless, several studies have focused on another therapeutic avenue, investigating novel ways to activate and direct endogenous repair mechanisms in the central nervous system, through exposure to specific neuronal growth factors or by inactivating inhibitory molecules. Lastly, neuroprotective drugs may offer an additional tool for improving neuronal survival in the perihematomal area. However, a number of scientific issues must be addressed before these experimental techniques can be translated into clinical therapy. In this review, the authors outline the recent advances in the basic science of treatment strategies for ICH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H. Andres
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, California
- 2Departments of Neurosurgery and
| | - Raphael Guzman
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, California
| | | | - Pasquale Mordasini
- 2Departments of Neurosurgery and
- 3Neuroradiology, University of Berne, Inselspital, CH-3010 Berne, Switzerland; and
| | - Atul Gera
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, California
| | - Alain Barth
- 4Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Graz, A-8036 Graz, Austria
| | | | - Gary K. Steinberg
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, California
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Wyss M, Braissant O, Pischel I, Salomons GS, Schulze A, Stockler S, Wallimann T. Creatine and creatine kinase in health and disease--a bright future ahead? Subcell Biochem 2007; 46:309-34. [PMID: 18652084 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4020-6486-9_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Many links are reported or suspected between the functioning of creatine, phosphocreatine, the creatine kinase isoenzymes or the creatine biosynthesis enzymes on one hand, and health or disease on the other hand. The aim of the present book was to outline our current understanding on many of these links. In this chapter, we summarize the main messages and conclusions presented in this book. In addition, we refer to a number of recent publications that highlight the pleiotropy in physiological functions of creatine and creatine kinase, and which suggest that numerous discoveries on new functions of this system are still ahead of us. Finally, we present our views on the most promising future avenues of research to deepen our knowledge on creatine and creatine kinase. In particular, we elaborate on how state-of-the-art high-throughput analytical ("omics") technologies and systems biology approaches may be used successfully to unravel the complex network of interdependent physiological functions related to creatine and creatine kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Wyss
- DSM Nutritional Products Ltd., Biotechnology R&D, Bldg. 203/17B, P.O. Box 3255, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
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Deldicque L, Theisen D, Bertrand L, Hespel P, Hue L, Francaux M. Creatine enhances differentiation of myogenic C2C12cells by activating both p38 and Akt/PKB pathways. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2007; 293:C1263-71. [PMID: 17652429 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00162.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In myogenic C2C12cells, 5 mM creatine increased the incorporation of labeled [35S]methionine into sarcoplasmic (+20%, P < 0.05) and myofibrillar proteins (+50%, P < 0.01). Creatine also promoted the fusion of myoblasts assessed by an increased number of nuclei incorporated within myotubes (+40%, P < 0.001). Expression of myosin heavy chain type II (+1,300%, P < 0.001), troponin T (+65%, P < 0.01), and titin (+40%, P < 0.05) was enhanced by creatine. Mannitol, taurine, and β-alanine did not mimic the effect of creatine, ruling out an osmolarity-dependent mechanism. The addition of rapamycin, the inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin/70-kDa ribosomal S6 protein kinase (mTOR/p70s6k) pathway, and SB 202190, the inhibitor of p38, completely blocked differentiation in control cells, and creatine did not reverse this inhibition, suggesting that the mTOR/p70s6kand p38 pathways could be potentially involved in the effect induced by creatine on differentiation. Creatine upregulated phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt/PKB; +60%, P < 0.001), glycogen synthase kinase-3 (+70%, P < 0.001), and p70s6k(+50%, P < 0.001). Creatine also affected the phosphorylation state of p38 (−50% at 24 h and +70% at 96 h, P < 0.05) as well as the nuclear content of its downstream targets myocyte enhancer factor-2 (−55% at 48 h and +170% at 96 h, P < 0.05) and MyoD (+60%, P < 0.01). In conclusion, this study points out the involvement of the p38 and the Akt/PKB-p70s6kpathways in the enhanced differentiation induced by creatine in C2C12cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Deldicque
- Department of Physical Education and Rehabilitation, Université Catholique de Louvain, Place Pierre de Coubertin 1, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
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Lenz H, Schmidt M, Welge V, Kueper T, Schlattner U, Wallimann T, Elsässer HP, Wittern KP, Wenck H, Staeb F, Blatt T. Inhibition of cytosolic and mitochondrial creatine kinase by siRNA in HaCaT- and HeLaS3-cells affects cell viability and mitochondrial morphology. Mol Cell Biochem 2007; 306:153-62. [PMID: 17660950 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-007-9565-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2007] [Accepted: 07/12/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The creatine kinase (CK) system is essential for cellular energetics in tissues or cells with high and fluctuating energy requirements. Creatine itself is known to protect cells from stress-induced injury. By using an siRNA approach to silence the CK isoenzymes in human keratinocyte HaCaT cells, expressing low levels of cytoplasmic CK and high levels of mitochondrial CK, as well as HeLa cancer cells, expressing high levels of cytoplasmic CK and low levels of mitochondrial CK, we successfully lowered the respective CK expression levels and studied the effects of either abolishing cytosolic brain-type BB-CK or ubiquitous mitochondrial uMi-CK in these cells. In both cell lines, targeting the dominant CK isoform by the respective siRNAs had the strongest effect on overall CK activity. However, irrespective of the expression level in both cell lines, inhibition of the mitochondrial CK isoform generally caused the strongest decline in cell viability and cell proliferation. These findings are congruent with electron microscopic data showing substantial alteration of mitochondrial morphology as well as mitochondrial membrane topology after targeting uMi-CK in both cell lines. Only for the rate of apoptosis, it was the least expressed CK present in each of the cell lines whose inhibition led to the highest proportion of apoptotic cells, i.e., downregulation of uMi-CK in case of HeLaS3 and BB-CK in case of HaCaT cells. We conclude from these data that a major phenotype is linked to reduction of mitochondrial CK alone or in combination with cytosolic CK, and that this effect is independent of the relative expression levels of Mi-CK in the cell type considered. The mitochondrial CK isoform appears to play the most crucial role in maintaining cell viability by stabilizing contact sites between inner and outer mitochondrial membranes and maintaining local metabolite channeling, thus avoiding transition pore opening which eventually results in activation of caspase cell-death pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger Lenz
- R&D, Beiersdorf AG, Unnastrasse 48, 20245 Hamburg, Germany.
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Ducray AD, Schläppi JA, Qualls R, Andres RH, Seiler RW, Schlattner U, Wallimann T, Widmer HR. Creatine treatment promotes differentiation of GABA-ergic neuronal precursors in cultured fetal rat spinal cord. J Neurosci Res 2007; 85:1863-75. [PMID: 17526013 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.21337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Creatine is a substrate of cytosolic and mitochondrial creatine kinases. Its supplementation augments cellular levels of creatine and phosphocreatine, the rate of ATP resynthesis, and improves the function of the creatine kinase energy shuttle. High cytoplasmatic total creatine levels have been reported to be neuroprotective by inhibiting apoptosis. In addition, creatine has direct antioxidant effects, which may be of importance in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In the present study, we investigated the effects of creatine [5 mM] on survival and differentiation of cultured GABA-immunoreactive (-ir) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-ir rat spinal cord neurons. Furthermore, we addressed the neuroprotective potential of creatine supplementation against 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) induced toxicity. General cell survival and total neuronal cell density were not altered by chronic creatine treatment. We found, however, after chronic creatine and short-term creatine exposure a significantly higher density of GABA-ir neurons hinting to a differentiation-inducing mechanism of creatine. This notion is further supported by a significant higher content of GAD after creatine exposure. Creatine supplementation also exerted a partial, but significant neuroprotection for GABA-ir neurons against 3-NP induced toxicity. Interestingly, chronic creatine treatment did not alter cell density of ChAT-ir neurons but promoted their morphologic differentiation. Cell soma size and number of primary neurites per neuron were increased significantly after creatine supplementation. Taken together, creatine supplementation promoted the differentiation or the survival of GABAergic neurons and resulted in partial neuroprotection against 3-NP induced toxicity. The data suggest that creatine may play a critical role during development of spinal cord neurons.
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Prass K, Royl G, Lindauer U, Freyer D, Megow D, Dirnagl U, Stöckler-Ipsiroglu G, Wallimann T, Priller J. Improved reperfusion and neuroprotection by creatine in a mouse model of stroke. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2007; 27:452-9. [PMID: 16773141 DOI: 10.1038/sj.jcbfm.9600351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Stroke leads to energy failure and subsequent neuronal cell loss. Creatine and phosphocreatine constitute a cellular energy buffering and transport system, and dietary creatine supplementation was shown to protect neurons in several models of neurodegeneration. Although creatine has recently been found to reduce infarct size after cerebral ischemia in mice, the mechanisms of neuroprotection remained unclear. We provide evidence for augmented cerebral blood flow (CBF) after stroke in creatine-treated mice using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based technique of CBF measurement (flow-sensitive alternating inversion recovery-MRI). Moreover, improved vasodilatory responses were detected in isolated middle cerebral arteries obtained from creatine-treated animals. After 3 weeks of dietary creatine supplementation, minor changes in brain creatine, phosphocreatine, adenosine triphosphate, adenosine diphosphate and adenosine monophosphate levels were detected, which did not reach statistical significance. However, we found a 40% reduction in infarct volume after transient focal cerebral ischemia. Our data suggest that creatine-mediated neuroprotection can occur independent of changes in the bioenergetic status of brain tissue, but may involve improved cerebrovascular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Prass
- Department of Experimental Neurology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Ducray AD, Qualls R, Schlattner U, Andres RH, Dreher E, Seiler RW, Wallimann T, Widmer HR. Creatine promotes the GABAergic phenotype in human fetal spinal cord cultures. Brain Res 2006; 1137:50-7. [PMID: 17223088 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.12.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2006] [Revised: 11/24/2006] [Accepted: 12/14/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated the expression pattern of cytosolic brain specific-BB-CK and ubiquitous mitochondrial-creatine kinases (uMt-CK) in developing human spinal cord. Consequently, we studied the effects of creatine treatment on cultured fetal human spinal cord tissue. We found that both CK isoforms were expressed in fetal spinal cord at all time points investigated (5 to 11.5 weeks post conception) and correspondingly specific CK activity was detected. Chronic creatine exposure resulted in significantly higher densities of GABA-immunoreactive neurons in the cultures, while total neuronal cell density was not altered, suggesting a differentiation inducing mechanism of creatine supplementation. Taken together, our observations favour the view that the creatine phosphocreatine system plays an important role in the developing CNS.
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Alfieri RR, Bonelli MA, Cavazzoni A, Brigotti M, Fumarola C, Sestili P, Mozzoni P, De Palma G, Mutti A, Carnicelli D, Vacondio F, Silva C, Borghetti AF, Wheeler KP, Petronini PG. Creatine as a compatible osmolyte in muscle cells exposed to hypertonic stress. J Physiol 2006; 576:391-401. [PMID: 16873409 PMCID: PMC1890352 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2006.115006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure of C2C12 muscle cells to hypertonic stress induced an increase in cell content of creatine transporter mRNA and of creatine transport activity, which peaked after about 24 h incubation at 0.45 osmol (kg H(2)O)(-1). This induction of transport activity was prevented by addition of either cycloheximide, to inhibit protein synthesis, or of actinomycin D, to inhibit RNA synthesis. Creatine uptake by these cells is largely Na(+) dependent and kinetic analysis revealed that its increase under hypertonic conditions resulted from an increase in V(max) of the Na(+)-dependent component, with no significant change in the K(m) value of about 75 mumol l(-1). Quantitative real-time PCR revealed a more than threefold increase in the expression of creatine transporter mRNA in cells exposed to hypertonicity. Creatine supplementation significantly enhanced survival of C2C12 cells incubated under hypertonic conditions and its effect was similar to that obtained with the well known compatible osmolytes, betaine, taurine and myo-inositol. This effect seemed not to be linked to the energy status of the C2C12 cells because hypertonic incubation caused a decrease in their ATP content, with or without the addition of creatine at 20 mmol l(-1) to the medium. This induction of creatine transport activity by hypertonicity is not confined to muscle cells: a similar induction was shown in porcine endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta R Alfieri
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, JMS Building, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK
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Ducray A, Kipfer S, Huber AW, Andres RH, Seiler RW, Schlattner U, Wallimann T, Widmer HR. Creatine and neurotrophin-4/5 promote survival of nitric oxide synthase-expressing interneurons in striatal cultures. Neurosci Lett 2006; 395:57-62. [PMID: 16314046 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2005.10.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2005] [Revised: 10/10/2005] [Accepted: 10/19/2005] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) mediates a variety of physiological functions in the central nervous system and acts as an important developmental regulator. Striatal interneurons expressing neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) have been described to be relatively spared from the progressive cell loss in Huntington's disease (HD). We have recently shown that creatine, which supports the phosphagen energy system, induces the differentiation of GABAergic cells in cultured striatal tissue. Moreover, neurotrophin-4/5 (NT-4/5) has been found to promote the survival and differentiation of cultured striatal neurons. In the present study, we assessed the effects of creatine and NT-4/5 on nNOS-immunoreactive (-ir) neurons of E14 rat ganglionic eminences grown for 1 week in culture. Chronic administration of creatine [5mM], NT-4/5 [10ng/ml], or a combination of both factors significantly increased numbers of nNOS-ir neurons. NT-4/5 exposure also robustly increased levels of nNOS protein. Interestingly, only NT-4/5 and combined treatment significantly increased general viability but no effects were seen for creatine supplementation alone. In addition, NT-4/5 and combined treatment resulted in a significant larger soma size and number of primary neurites of nNOS-ir neurons while creatine administration alone exerted no effects. Double-immunolabeling studies revealed that all nNOS-ir cells co-localized with GABA. In summary, our findings suggest that creatine and NT-4/5 affect differentiation and/or survival of striatal nNOS-ir GABAergic interneurons. These findings provide novel insights into the biology of developing striatal neurons and highlight the potential of both creatine and NT-4/5 as therapeutics for HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angélique Ducray
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Bern, Inselspital, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
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Ducray A, Krebs SH, Schaller B, Seiler RW, Meyer M, Widmer HR. GDNF family ligands display distinct action profiles on cultured GABAergic and serotonergic neurons of rat ventral mesencephalon. Brain Res 2006; 1069:104-12. [PMID: 16380100 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2005.11.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2005] [Revised: 11/08/2005] [Accepted: 11/11/2005] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin (NRTN), artemin (ARTN) and persephin (PSPN), known as the GDNF family ligands (GFLs), influence the development, survival and differentiation of cultured dopaminergic neurons from ventral mesencephalon (VM). Detailed knowledge about the effects of GFLs on other neuronal populations in the VM is essential for their potential application as therapeutic molecules for Parkinson's disease. Hence, in a comparative study, we investigated the effects of GFLs on cell densities and morphological differentiation of gamma-aminobutyric acid-immunoreactive (GABA-ir) and serotonin-ir (5-HT-ir) neurons in primary cultures of E14 rat VM. We observed that all GFLs [10 ng/ml] significantly increased GABA-ir cell densities (1.6-fold) as well as neurite length/neuron. However, only GDNF significantly increased the number of primary neurites/neuron, and none of the GFLs affected soma size of GABA-ir neurons. In contrast, only NRTN treatment significantly increased 5-HT-ir cells densities at 10 ng/ml (1.3-fold), while an augmentation was seen for GDNF and PSPN at 100 ng/ml (2.4-fold and 1.7-fold, respectively). ARTN had no effect on 5-HT-ir cell densities. Morphological analysis of 5-HT-ir neurons revealed a significant increase of soma size, number of primary neurites/neuron and neurite length/neuron after GDNF exposure, while PSPN only affected soma size, and NRTN and ARTN failed to exert any effect. In conclusion, we identified GFLs as effective neurotrophic factors for VM GABAergic and serotonergic neurons, demonstrating characteristic individual action profiles emphasizing their important and distinct roles during brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angélique Ducray
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
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Bürklen TS, Schlattner U, Homayouni R, Gough K, Rak M, Szeghalmi A, Wallimann T. The creatine kinase/creatine connection to Alzheimer's disease: CK-inactivation, APP-CK complexes and focal creatine deposits. J Biomed Biotechnol 2006; 2006:35936. [PMID: 17047305 PMCID: PMC1510941 DOI: 10.1155/jbb/2006/35936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2005] [Revised: 02/28/2006] [Accepted: 02/28/2006] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytosolic brain-type creatine kinase (BB-CK), which is coexpressed with ubiquitous mitochondrial uMtCK, is significantly inactivated by oxidation, in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Since CK has been shown to play a fundamental role in cellular energetics of the brain, any disturbance of this enzyme may exasperate the AD disease process. Mutations in amyloid precursor protein (APP) are associated with early onset AD and result in abnormal processing of APP, and accumulation of A beta peptide, the main constituent of amyloid plaques in AD brain. Recent data on a direct interaction between APP and the precursor of uMtCK support an emerging relationship between AD, cellular energy levels and mitochondrial function. In addition, recently discovered creatine (Cr) deposits in the brain of transgenic AD mice, as well as in the hippocampus from AD patients, indicate a direct link between perturbed energy state, Cr metabolism and AD. Here, we review the roles of Cr and Cr-related enzymes and consider the potential value of supplementation with Cr, a potent neuroprotective substance. As a hypothesis, we consider whether Cr, if given at an early time point of the disease, may prevent or delay the course of AD-related neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja S. Bürklen
- Institute of Cell Biology, ETH Zurich,
Hönggerberg HPM, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Uwe Schlattner
- Institute of Cell Biology, ETH Zurich,
Hönggerberg HPM, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Fundamental and Applied Bioenergetics,
INSERM E0221, Joseph Fourier University, 38041 Grenoble, Cedex 9, France
| | - Ramin Homayouni
- Department of Neurology, University of Tennessee
Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Kathleen Gough
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba,
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 2N2
| | - Margaret Rak
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba,
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 2N2
| | - Adriana Szeghalmi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba,
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 2N2
| | - Theo Wallimann
- Institute of Cell Biology, ETH Zurich,
Hönggerberg HPM, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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Kasparová S, Sumbalová Z, Bystrický P, Kucharská J, Liptaj T, Mlynárik V, Gvozdjáková A. Effect of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E on brain energy metabolism in the animal model of Huntington's disease. Neurochem Int 2005; 48:93-9. [PMID: 16290265 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2005.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2005] [Accepted: 09/15/2005] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The neuropathological and clinical symptoms of Huntington's disease (HD) can be simulated in animal model with systemic administration of 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP). Energy defects in HD could be ameliorated by administration of coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)), creatine, or nicotinamid. We studied the activity of creatine kinase (CK) and the function of mitochondrial respiratory chain in the brain of aged rats administered with 3-NP with and without previous application of antioxidants CoQ(10)+vitamin E. We used dynamic and steady-state methods of in vivo phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((31)P MRS) for determination of the pseudo-first order rate constant (k(for)) of the forward CK reaction, the phosphocreatine (PCr) to adenosinetriphosphate (ATP) ratio, intracellular pH(i) and Mg(i)(2+) content in the brain. The respiratory chain function of isolated mitochondria was assessed polarographically; the concentration of CoQ(10) and alpha-tocopherol by HPLC. We found significant elevation of k(for) in brains of 3-NP rats, reflecting increased rate of CK reaction in cytosol. The function of respiratory chain in the presence of succinate was severely diminished. The activity of cytochromeoxidase and mitochondrial concentration of CoQ(10) was unaltered; tissue content of CoQ(10) was decreased in 3-NP rats. Antioxidants CoQ(10)+vitamin E prevented increase of k(for) and the decrease of CoQ(10) content in brain tissue, but were ineffective to prevent the decline of respiratory chain function. We suppose that increased activity of CK system could be compensatory to decreased mitochondrial ATP production, and CoQ(10)+vitamin E could prevent the increase of k(for) after 3-NP treatment likely by activity of CoQ(10) outside the mitochondria. Results of our experiments contributed to elucidation of mechanism of beneficial effect of CoQ(10) administration in HD and showed that the rate constant of CK is a sensitive indicator of brain energy disorder reflecting therapeutic effect of drugs that could be used as a new in vivo biomarker of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svatava Kasparová
- Central Laboratory of NMR Spectroscopy, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology, Bratislava, Radlinského 9, SK-812 37 Bratislava, Slovakia.
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