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Golia MT, Frigerio R, Pucci S, Sironi F, Margotta C, Pasetto L, Testori C, Berrone E, Ingravalle F, Chiari M, Gori A, Duchi R, Perota A, Bergamaschi L, D'Angelo A, Cagnotti G, Galli C, Corona C, Bonetto V, Bendotti C, Cretich M, Colombo SF, Verderio C. Changes in glial cell activation and extracellular vesicles production precede the onset of disease symptoms in transgenic hSOD1 G93A pigs. Exp Neurol 2024; 374:114716. [PMID: 38331161 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
SOD1 gene is associated with progressive motor neuron degeneration in the familiar forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Although studies on mutant human SOD1 transgenic rodent models have provided important insights into disease pathogenesis, they have not led to the discovery of early biomarkers or effective therapies in human disease. The recent generation of a transgenic swine model expressing the human pathological hSOD1G93A gene, which recapitulates the course of human disease, represents an interesting tool for the identification of early disease mechanisms and diagnostic biomarkers. Here, we analyze the activation state of CNS cells in transgenic pigs during the disease course and investigate whether changes in neuronal and glial cell activation state can be reflected by the amount of extracellular vesicles they release in biological fluids. To assess the activation state of neural cells, we performed a biochemical characterization of neurons and glial cells in the spinal cords of hSOD1G93A pigs during the disease course. Quantification of EVs of CNS cell origin was performed in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma of transgenic pigs at different disease stages by Western blot and peptide microarray analyses. We report an early activation of oligodendrocytes in hSOD1G93A transgenic tissue followed by astrocyte and microglia activation, especially in animals with motor symptoms. At late asymptomatic stage, EV production from astrocytes and microglia is increased in the cerebrospinal fluid, but not in the plasma, of transgenic pigs reflecting donor cell activation in the spinal cord. Estimation of EV production by biochemical analyses is corroborated by direct quantification of neuron- and microglia-derived EVs in the cerebrospinal fluid by a Membrane Sensing Peptide enabled on-chip analysis that provides fast results and low sample consumption. Collectively, our data indicate that alteration in astrocytic EV production precedes the onset of disease symptoms in the hSODG93A swine model, mirroring donor cell activation in the spinal cord, and suggest that EV measurements from the cells first activated in the ALS pig model, i.e. OPCs, may further improve early disease detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Golia
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Neuroscience (IN-CNR), Via Raoul Follereau 3, 20854 Vedano al Lambro, Italy
| | - Roberto Frigerio
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Chemical Science and Technologies (SCITEC-CNR), Via Mario Bianco 9, 20131 Milan, Italy
| | - Susanna Pucci
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Neuroscience (IN-CNR), Via Raoul Follereau 3, 20854 Vedano al Lambro, Italy
| | - Francesca Sironi
- Research Center for ALS, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri, 2, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Cassandra Margotta
- Research Center for ALS, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri, 2, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Laura Pasetto
- Research Center for ALS, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri, 2, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Camilla Testori
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - Elena Berrone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - Francesco Ingravalle
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - Marcella Chiari
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Chemical Science and Technologies (SCITEC-CNR), Via Mario Bianco 9, 20131 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gori
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Chemical Science and Technologies (SCITEC-CNR), Via Mario Bianco 9, 20131 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Duchi
- Avantea, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, Via Porcellasco 7/F, 26100 Cremona, Italy
| | - Andrea Perota
- Avantea, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, Via Porcellasco 7/F, 26100 Cremona, Italy
| | - Luca Bergamaschi
- Avantea, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, Via Porcellasco 7/F, 26100 Cremona, Italy
| | - Antonio D'Angelo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Torino, Italy
| | - Giulia Cagnotti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Torino, Italy
| | - Cesare Galli
- Avantea, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, Via Porcellasco 7/F, 26100 Cremona, Italy
| | - Cristiano Corona
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - Valentina Bonetto
- Research Center for ALS, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri, 2, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Caterina Bendotti
- Research Center for ALS, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri, 2, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Marina Cretich
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Chemical Science and Technologies (SCITEC-CNR), Via Mario Bianco 9, 20131 Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Francesca Colombo
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Neuroscience (IN-CNR), Via Raoul Follereau 3, 20854 Vedano al Lambro, Italy
| | - Claudia Verderio
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Neuroscience (IN-CNR), Via Raoul Follereau 3, 20854 Vedano al Lambro, Italy.
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Guo Y, Guan T, Yu Q, Sanghai N, Shafiq K, Li M, Jiao X, Na D, Zhang G, Kong J. ALS-linked SOD1 mutations impair mitochondrial-derived vesicle formation and accelerate aging. Redox Biol 2024; 69:102972. [PMID: 38056310 PMCID: PMC10746562 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS) is regarded as the dominant theory for aging. While compelling correlative data have been generated to support the OS theory, a direct cause-and-effect relationship between the accumulation of oxidation-mediated damage and aging has not been firmly established. Superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) is a primary antioxidant in all cells. It is, however, susceptible to oxidation due to OS and gains toxic properties to cells. This study investigates the role of oxidized SOD1 derived from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) linked SOD1 mutations in cell senescence and aging. Herein, we have shown that the cell line NSC34 expressing the G93A mutation of human SOD1 (hSOD1G93A) entered premature senescence as evidenced by a decreased number of the 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU)-positive cells. There was an upregulation of cellular senescence markers compared to cells expressing the wild-type human SOD1 (hSOD1WT). Transgenic mice carrying the hSOD1G93A gene showed aging phenotypes at an early age (135 days) with high levels of P53 and P16 but low levels of SIRT1 and SIRT6 compared with age-matched hSOD1WT transgenic mice. Notably, the levels of oxidized SOD1 were significantly elevated in both the senescent NSC34 cells and 135-day hSOD1G93A mice. Selective removal of oxidized SOD1 by our CT4-directed autophagy significantly decelerated aging, indicating that oxidized SOD1 is a causal factor of aging. Intriguingly, mitochondria malfunctioned in both senescent NSC34 cells and middle-aged hSODG93A transgenic mice. They exhibited increased production of mitochondrial-derived vesicles (MDVs) in response to mild OS in mutant humanSOD1 (hSOD1) transgenic mice at a younger age; however, the mitochondrial response gradually declined with aging. In conclusion, our data show that oxidized SOD1 derived from ALS-linked SOD1 mutants is a causal factor for cellular senescence and aging. Compromised mitochondrial responsiveness to OS may serve as an indicator of premature aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Guo
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Canada; Department of Forensic Medicine, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Teng Guan
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Canada
| | - Qiang Yu
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Canada
| | - Nitesh Sanghai
- College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Science, University of Manitoba, Canada
| | - Kashfia Shafiq
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Canada
| | - Meiyu Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Xin Jiao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Donghui Na
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Guohui Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China.
| | - Jiming Kong
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Canada.
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Patel RB, Bajpai AK, Thirumurugan K. Differential Expression of MicroRNAs and Predicted Drug Target in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. J Mol Neurosci 2023; 73:375-390. [PMID: 37249795 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-023-02124-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a rare type of neurodegenerative disease. It shows progressive degradation of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. At present, there is no treatment available that can completely cure ALS. The available treatments can only increase a patient's life span by a few months. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs), a sub-class of small non-coding RNAs have been shown to play an essential role in the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of ALS. Our study focuses on analyzing differential miRNA profiles and predicting drug targets in ALS using bioinformatics and computational approach. The study identifies eight highly differentially expressed miRNAs in ALS patients, four of which are novel. We identified 42 hub genes for these eight highly expressed miRNAs with Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) as a candidate gene among them for highly expressed down-regulated miRNA, hsa-miR-455-3p using protein-protein interaction network and Cytoscape analysis. A novel association has been found between hsa-miR-455-3p/APP/serotonergic pathway using KEGG pathway analysis. Also, molecular docking studies have revealed curcumin as a potential drug target that may be used for the treatment of ALS. Thus, the present study has identified four novel miRNA biomarkers: hsa-miR-3613-5p, hsa-miR-24, hsa-miR-3064-5p, and hsa-miR-4455. There is a formation of a novel axis, hsa-miR-455-3p/APP/serotonergic pathway, and curcumin is predicted as a potential drug target for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riya Ben Patel
- #412J, Structural Biology Lab, Pearl Research Park, School of Biosciences & Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore-632014, India
| | - Akhilesh Kumar Bajpai
- Department of Genetics, Genomics, and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
| | - Kavitha Thirumurugan
- #412J, Structural Biology Lab, Pearl Research Park, School of Biosciences & Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore-632014, India.
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Handley EE, Reale LA, Chuckowree JA, Dyer MS, Barnett GL, Clark CM, Bennett W, Dickson TC, Blizzard CA. Estrogen Enhances Dendrite Spine Function and Recovers Deficits in Neuroplasticity in the prpTDP-43A315T Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:2962-2976. [PMID: 35249200 PMCID: PMC9016039 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02742-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
AbstractAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) attacks the corticomotor system, with motor cortex function affected early in disease. Younger females have a lower relative risk of succumbing to ALS than males and older females, implicating a role for female sex hormones in disease progression. However, the mechanisms driving this dimorphic incidence are still largely unknown. We endeavoured to determine if estrogen mitigates disease progression and pathogenesis, focussing upon the dendritic spine as a site of action. Using two-photon live imaging we identify, in the prpTDP-43A315T mouse model of ALS, that dendritic spines in the male motor cortex have a reduced capacity for remodelling than their wild-type controls. In contrast, females show higher capacity for remodelling, with peak plasticity corresponding to highest estrogen levels during the estrous cycle. Estrogen manipulation through ovariectomies and estrogen replacement with 17β estradiol in vivo was found to significantly alter spine density and mitigate disease severity. Collectively, these findings reveal that synpatic plasticity is reduced in ALS, which can be amelioriated with estrogen, in conjuction with improved disease outcomes.
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Han R, Liang J, Zhou B. Glucose Metabolic Dysfunction in Neurodegenerative Diseases-New Mechanistic Insights and the Potential of Hypoxia as a Prospective Therapy Targeting Metabolic Reprogramming. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5887. [PMID: 34072616 PMCID: PMC8198281 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucose is the main circulating energy substrate for the adult brain. Owing to the high energy demand of nerve cells, glucose is actively oxidized to produce ATP and has a synergistic effect with mitochondria in metabolic pathways. The dysfunction of glucose metabolism inevitably disturbs the normal functioning of neurons, which is widely observed in neurodegenerative disease. Understanding the mechanisms of metabolic adaptation during disease progression has become a major focus of research, and interventions in these processes may relieve the neurons from degenerative stress. In this review, we highlight evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction, decreased glucose uptake, and diminished glucose metabolism in different neurodegeneration models such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington's disease (HD). We also discuss how hypoxia, a metabolic reprogramming strategy linked to glucose metabolism in tumor cells and normal brain cells, and summarize the evidence for hypoxia as a putative therapy for general neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongrong Han
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Interdisciplinary Innovation Institute of Medicine and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China; (R.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Jing Liang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Interdisciplinary Innovation Institute of Medicine and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China; (R.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Bing Zhou
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Interdisciplinary Innovation Institute of Medicine and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China; (R.H.); (J.L.)
- School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
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6
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Keon M, Musrie B, Dinger M, Brennan SE, Santos J, Saksena NK. Destination Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Neurol 2021; 12:596006. [PMID: 33854469 PMCID: PMC8039771 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.596006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a prototypical neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons both in the brain and spinal cord. The constantly evolving nature of ALS represents a fundamental dimension of individual differences that underlie this disorder, yet it involves multiple levels of functional entities that alternate in different directions and finally converge functionally to define ALS disease progression. ALS may start from a single entity and gradually becomes multifactorial. However, the functional convergence of these diverse entities in eventually defining ALS progression is poorly understood. Various hypotheses have been proposed without any consensus between the for-and-against schools of thought. The present review aims to capture explanatory hierarchy both in terms of hypotheses and mechanisms to provide better insights on how they functionally connect. We can then integrate them within a common functional frame of reference for a better understanding of ALS and defining future treatments and possible therapeutic strategies. Here, we provide a philosophical understanding of how early leads are crucial to understanding the endpoints in ALS, because invariably, all early symptomatic leads are underpinned by neurodegeneration at the cellular, molecular and genomic levels. Consolidation of these ideas could be applied to other neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) and guide further critical thinking to unveil their roadmap of destination ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt Keon
- GenieUs Genomics Pty Ltd., Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Marcel Dinger
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Jerran Santos
- Advanced Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Biology Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Kawakami I, Arai T, Hasegawa M. The basis of clinicopathological heterogeneity in TDP-43 proteinopathy. Acta Neuropathol 2019; 138:751-770. [PMID: 31555895 PMCID: PMC6800885 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-019-02077-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) was identified as a major disease-associated component in the brain of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as well as the largest subset of patients with frontotemporal lobar degeneration with ubiquitinated inclusions (FTLD-U), which characteristically exhibits cytoplasmic inclusions that are positive for ubiquitin but negative for tau and α-synuclein. TDP-43 pathology occurs in distinct brain regions, involves disparate brain networks, and features accumulation of misfolded proteins in various cell types and in different neuroanatomical regions. The clinical phenotypes of ALS and FTLD-TDP (FTLD with abnormal intracellular accumulations of TDP-43) correlate with characteristic distribution patterns of the underlying pathology across specific brain regions with disease progression. Recent studies support the idea that pathological protein spreads from neuron to neuron via axonal transport in a hierarchical manner. However, little is known to date about the basis of the selective cellular and regional vulnerability, although the information would have important implications for the development of targeted and personalized therapies. Here, we aim to summarize recent advances in the neuropathology, genetics and animal models of TDP-43 proteinopathy, and their relationship to clinical phenotypes for the underlying selective neuronal and regional susceptibilities. Finally, we attempt to integrate these findings into the emerging picture of TDP-43 proteinopathy, and to highlight key issues for future therapy and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ito Kawakami
- Dementia Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6, Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
- Department of Neuropathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital and Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuaki Arai
- Dementia Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6, Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan.
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.
| | - Masato Hasegawa
- Dementia Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6, Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan.
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Jiang T, Handley E, Brizuela M, Dawkins E, Lewis KEA, Clark RM, Dickson TC, Blizzard CA. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mutant TDP-43 may cause synaptic dysfunction through altered dendritic spine function. Dis Model Mech 2019; 12:dmm.038109. [PMID: 31036551 PMCID: PMC6550035 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.038109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered cortical excitability and synapse dysfunction are early pathogenic events in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients and animal models. Recent studies propose an important role for TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43), the mislocalization and aggregation of which are key pathological features of ALS. However, the relationship between ALS-linked TDP-43 mutations, excitability and synaptic function is not fully understood. Here, we investigate the role of ALS-linked mutant TDP-43 in synapse formation by examining the morphological, immunocytochemical and excitability profile of transgenic mouse primary cortical pyramidal neurons that over-express human TDP-43A315T. In TDP-43A315T cortical neurons, dendritic spine density was significantly reduced compared to wild-type controls. TDP-43A315T over-expression increased the total levels of the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropinionic acid (AMPA) glutamate receptor subunit GluR1, yet the localization of GluR1 to the dendritic spine was reduced. These postsynaptic changes were coupled with a decrease in the amount of the presynaptic marker synaptophysin that colocalized with dendritic spines. Interestingly, action potential generation was reduced in TDP-43A315T pyramidal neurons. This work reveals a crucial effect of the over-expression mutation TDP-43A315T on the formation of synaptic structures and the recruitment of GluR1 to the synaptic membrane. This pathogenic effect may be mediated by cytoplasmic mislocalization of TDP-43A315T. Loss of synaptic GluR1, and reduced excitability within pyramidal neurons, implicates hypoexcitability and attenuated synaptic function in the pathogenic decline of neuronal function in TDP-43-associated ALS. Further studies into the mechanisms underlying AMPA receptor-mediated excitability changes within the ALS cortical circuitry may yield novel therapeutic targets for treatment of this devastating disease. Summary: Loss of synaptic GluR1, and reduced excitability within pyramidal neurons, implicates hypoexcitability and attenuated synaptic function in the pathogenic decline of neuronal function in TDP-43-associated ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongcui Jiang
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Medical Sciences Precinct, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Emily Handley
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Medical Sciences Precinct, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Mariana Brizuela
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Medical Sciences Precinct, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Edgar Dawkins
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Medical Sciences Precinct, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Katherine E A Lewis
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Medical Sciences Precinct, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Rosemary M Clark
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Medical Sciences Precinct, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Tracey C Dickson
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Medical Sciences Precinct, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Catherine A Blizzard
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Medical Sciences Precinct, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
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9
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Motor neuron degeneration, severe myopathy and TDP-43 increase in a transgenic pig model of SOD1-linked familiar ALS. Neurobiol Dis 2018; 124:263-275. [PMID: 30471417 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neural disorder gradually leading to paralysis of the whole body. Alterations in superoxide dismutase SOD1 gene have been linked with several variants of familial ALS. Here, we investigated a transgenic (Tg) cloned swine model expressing the human pathological hSOD1G93A allele. As in patients, these Tg pigs transmitted the disease to the progeny with an autosomal dominant trait and showed ALS onset from about 27 months of age. Post mortem analysis revealed motor neuron (MN) degeneration, gliosis and hSOD1 protein aggregates in brainstem and spinal cord. Severe skeletal muscle pathology including necrosis and inflammation was observed at the end stage, as well. Remarkably, as in human patients, these Tg pigs showed a quite long presymptomatic phase in which gradually increasing amounts of TDP-43 were detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Thus, this transgenic swine model opens the unique opportunity to investigate ALS biomarkers even before disease onset other than testing novel drugs and possible medical devices.
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10
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Clark RM, Brizuela M, Blizzard CA, Dickson TC. Reduced Excitability and Increased Neurite Complexity of Cortical Interneurons in a Familial Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:328. [PMID: 30323744 PMCID: PMC6172321 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortical interneurons play a crucial role in regulating inhibitory-excitatory balance in brain circuits, filtering synaptic information and dictating the activity of pyramidal cells through the release of GABA. In the fatal motor neuron (MN) disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), an imbalance between excitation and inhibition is an early event in the motor cortex, preceding the development of overt clinical symptoms. Patients with both sporadic and familial forms of the disease exhibit reduced cortical inhibition, including patients with mutations in the copper/zinc superoxide-dismutase-1 (SOD1) gene. In this study, we investigated the influence of the familial disease-causing hSOD1-G93A ALS mutation on cortical interneurons in neuronal networks. We performed whole-cell patch-clamp recordings and neurobiotin tracing from GFP positive interneurons in primary cortical cultures derived from Gad67-GFP::hSOD1G93A mouse embryos. Targeted recordings revealed no overt differences in the passive properties of Gad67-GFP::hSOD1G93A interneurons, however the peak outward current was significantly diminished and cells were less excitable compared to Gad67-GFP::WT controls. Post hoc neurite reconstruction identified a significantly increased morphological complexity of the Gad67-GFP::hSOD1G93A interneuron neurite arbor compared to Gad67-GFP::WT controls. Our results from the SOD1 model suggest that cortical interneurons have electrophysiological and morphological alterations that could contribute to attenuated inhibitory function in the disease. Determining if these phenomena are driven by the network or represent intrinsic alteration of the interneuron may help explain the emergence of inhibitory susceptibility and ultimately disrupted excitability, in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary M Clark
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Mariana Brizuela
- Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Catherine A Blizzard
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Tracey C Dickson
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
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11
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Hamzeiy H, Savaş D, Tunca C, Şen NE, Gündoğdu Eken A, Şahbaz I, Calini D, Tiloca C, Ticozzi N, Ratti A, Silani V, Başak AN. Elevated Global DNA Methylation Is Not Exclusive to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Is Also Observed in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Types 1 and 2. NEURODEGENER DIS 2018; 18:38-48. [PMID: 29428949 DOI: 10.1159/000486201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult-onset neurological disorders are caused and influenced by a multitude of different factors, including epigenetic modifications. Here, using an ELISA kit selected upon careful testing, we investigated global 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) levels in sporadic and familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (sALS and fALS), spinocerebellar ataxia types 1 and 2 (SCA1 and SCA2), Huntington's disease, Friedreich's ataxia, and myotonic dystrophy type 1. We report a significant elevation in global 5-mC levels of about 2-7% on average for sALS (p < 0.01 [F(1, 243) = 9.159, p = 0.0027]) and various forms of fALS along with SCA1 (p < 0.01 [F(1, 83) = 11.285], p = 0.0012) and SCA2 (p < 0.001 [F(1, 122) = 29.996, p = 0.0001]) when compared to age- and sex-matched healthy controls. C9orf72 expansion carrier ALS patients exhibit the highest global 5-mC levels along with C9orf72 promoter hypermethylation. We failed to measure global 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) levels in blood, probably due to the very low levels of 5-hmC and the limitations of the commercially available ELISA kits. Our results point towards a role for epigenetics modification in ALS, SCA1, and SCA2, and help conclude a dispute on the global 5-mC levels in sALS blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Hamzeiy
- Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation, Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory (NDAL), Molecular Biology and Genetics Department, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Doruk Savaş
- Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation, Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory (NDAL), Molecular Biology and Genetics Department, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ceren Tunca
- Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation, Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory (NDAL), Molecular Biology and Genetics Department, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nesli Ece Şen
- Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation, Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory (NDAL), Molecular Biology and Genetics Department, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aslı Gündoğdu Eken
- Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation, Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory (NDAL), Molecular Biology and Genetics Department, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Irmak Şahbaz
- Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation, Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory (NDAL), Molecular Biology and Genetics Department, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Daniela Calini
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cinzia Tiloca
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Ticozzi
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, "Dino Ferrari" Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonia Ratti
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, "Dino Ferrari" Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Silani
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, "Dino Ferrari" Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - A Nazlı Başak
- Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation, Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory (NDAL), Molecular Biology and Genetics Department, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey
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12
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Lembke KM, Morton DB. Exploring the Interaction of Drosophila TDP-43 and the Type II Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel, Cacophony, in Regulating Motor Function and Behavior. J Exp Neurosci 2017; 11:1179069517740892. [PMID: 29162978 PMCID: PMC5692131 DOI: 10.1177/1179069517740892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common adult onset motor neurodegenerative disease. The cause of the disease remains obscure, and as such there is no effective treatment or cure. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases are frequently characterized by dysfunction of the RNA-binding protein, TDP-43. Using model systems to understand the mechanisms underlying TDP-43 dysfunction should accelerate identification of therapeutic targets. A recent report has shown that motor defects caused by the deletion of the Drosophila TDP-43 ortholog, tbph, are not driven by changes in the physiology at the neuromuscular junction. Rather, defective motor burst rhythmicity and coordination, displayed by tbph mutants, are rescued by genetically restoring a voltage-gated calcium channel to either motor neurons or just a single pair of neurons in the brain. If these effects are mirrored in human TDP-43 proteinopathies, these observations could open new avenues to investigate alternative therapeutic targets for these neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayly M Lembke
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Department of Integrative Biosciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - David B Morton
- Department of Integrative Biosciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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13
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Clark RM, Blizzard CA, Young KM, King AE, Dickson TC. Calretinin and Neuropeptide Y interneurons are differentially altered in the motor cortex of the SOD1 G93A mouse model of ALS. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44461. [PMID: 28294153 PMCID: PMC5353592 DOI: 10.1038/srep44461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates an excitatory/inhibitory imbalance may have a critical role in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Impaired inhibitory circuitry is consistently reported in the motor cortex of both familial and sporadic patients, closely associated with cortical hyperexcitability and ALS onset. Inhibitory network dysfunction is presumably mediated by intra-cortical inhibitory interneurons, however, the exact cell types responsible are yet to be identified. In this study we demonstrate dynamic changes in the number of calretinin- (CR) and neuropeptide Y-expressing (NPY) interneurons in the motor cortex of the familial hSOD1G93A ALS mouse model, suggesting their potential involvement in motor neuron circuitry defects. We show that the density of NPY-populations is significantly decreased by ~17% at symptom onset (8 weeks), and by end-stage disease (20 weeks) is significantly increased by ~30%. Conversely, the density of CR-populations is progressively reduced during later symptomatic stages (~31%) to end-stage (~36%), while CR-expressing interneurons also show alteration of neurite branching patterns at symptom onset. We conclude that a differential capacity for interneurons exists in the ALS motor cortex, which may not be a static phenomenon, but involves early dynamic changes throughout disease, implicating specific inhibitory circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary M Clark
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, 7000, Australia
| | - Catherine A Blizzard
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, 7000, Australia
| | - Kaylene M Young
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, 7000, Australia
| | - Anna E King
- Wicking Dementia Research &Education Centre2, University of Tasmania, Hobart, 7000, Australia
| | - Tracey C Dickson
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, 7000, Australia
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14
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Neurofilaments as Biomarkers for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164625. [PMID: 27732645 PMCID: PMC5061412 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To allow early diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression, there is a need for biomarkers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Neurofilaments (NF) are emerging protein biomarkers in other neurological diseases, and are of possible use in ALS. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to evaluate the utility of NF levels as blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker in patients with ALS. METHODS A systematic search of Pubmed, Embase and Scopus was performed. Methodological quality assessment was applied to refine the final search results. Meta-analysis of the data was performed. RESULTS Level of NF heavy chain and light chains were significantly elevated in the CSF of ALS patients compared to healthy controls/controls without parenchymal central nervous system (CNS) involvement and ALS mimic disease patients. NF light chain level in CSF was higher in ALS patients than in neurological patients with CNS involvement (SMD = 1.352, P = 0.01). NF light chain concentration in blood was higher in ALS patients than healthy controls/controls without CNS involvement (SMD = 1.448, P<0.0001). NF heavy chain levels in CSF were negatively correlated disease duration and ALSFRS-R ((r = -0.447, P<0.0001; r = -0.486, P<0.0001). NF light chain levels in CSF were negatively correlated with disease duration (r = -0.273, P = 0.011). CONCLUSION NF heavy and light chain levels have potential use as a marker of neural degeneration in ALS, but are not specific for the disease, and are more likely to be used as measures of disease progression.
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15
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Blizzard CA, Lee KM, Dickson TC. Inducing Chronic Excitotoxicity in the Mouse Spinal Cord to Investigate Lower Motor Neuron Degeneration. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:76. [PMID: 26973454 PMCID: PMC4773442 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the methodology for the chronic delivery of an excitotoxin to the mouse spinal cord via surgically implanted osmotic mini-pumps. Previous studies have investigated the effect of chronic application of excitotoxins in the rat, however there has been little translation of this model to the mouse. Using mice that express yellow fluorescent protein (YFP), motor neuron and neuromuscular junction alterations can be investigate following targeted, long-term (28 days) exposure to the α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor excitotoxin, kainic acid. By targeting the L3-4 region of the lumbar spinal cord, with insertion of an intrathecal catheter into the subarachnoid space at L5, chronic application of the kainic acid results in slow excitotoxic death in the anterior ventral horn, with a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the number of SMI-32 immunopositive neurons present after 28 days infusion. Use of the Thy1-YFP mice provides unrivaled visualization of the neuromuscular junction and enables the resultant distal degeneration in skeletal muscle to be observed. Both neuromuscular junction retraction at the gastrocnemius muscle and axonal fragmentation in the sciatic nerve were observed after chronic infusion of kainic acid for 28 days. Lower motor neuron, and distal neuromuscular junction, degeneration are pathological hallmarks of the devastating neurodegenerative disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This mouse model will be advantageous for increasing our understanding of how the pathophysiological phenomena associated with this disease can lead to lower motor neuron loss and distal pathology, as well as providing a robust in vivo platform to test therapeutic interventions directed at excitotoxic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A. Blizzard
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of TasmaniaHobart, TAS, Australia
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16
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Tabor L, Gaziano J, Watts S, Robison R, Plowman EK. Defining Swallowing-Related Quality of Life Profiles in Individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Dysphagia 2016; 31:376-82. [PMID: 26837611 DOI: 10.1007/s00455-015-9686-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Although it is known that dysphagia contributes to significant malnutrition, pneumonia, and mortality in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), it remains unclear how swallowing impairment impacts quality of life in this vulnerable patient population. The aim of the current study was to (1) delineate swallow-related quality of life (SR-QOL) profiles in individuals with ALS and (2) evaluate relationships between SR-QOL, degree of swallowing impairment, and ALS global disease progression. Eighty-one ALS patients underwent a standardized videofluoroscopic swallow study and completed the swallowing quality of life (SWAL-QOL) instrument and ALS functional rating scale-revised (ALSFRS-R). Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS) scores were derived by a blinded rater. Correlation analyses and a between groups ANOVA (safe vs. penetrators vs. aspirators) were performed. Mean SWAL-QOL score for this cohort was 75.94 indicating a moderate degree of SR-QOL impairment with fatigue, eating duration, and communication representing the most affected domains. Correlations were revealed between the SWAL-QOL and (1) PAS (r = -0.39, p < 0.001) and (2) ALSFRS-R (r = 0.23, p < 0.05). Mean (SD) SWAL-QOL scores for safe versus penetrator versus aspirator groups were 81.2 (2.3) versus 77 (3.4) versus 58.7 (5.9), respectively, with a main effect observed [F(2,78) = 9.71, p < 0.001]. Post hoc testing revealed lower SWAL-QOL scores for aspirators versus safe swallowers (p < 0.001) and aspirators versus penetrators (p < 0.001). Overall, SR-QOL was moderately reduced in this cohort of ALS patients and profoundly impacted in ALS aspirators and individuals with advanced disease. These findings highlight the importance of early multidisciplinary intervention to not only avoid malnutrition, weight loss, and pulmonary sequelae but also the associated reduced QOL seen in these individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Tabor
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, 1225 Center Drive, P.O. Box 100185, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
- Neuromotor Speech and Swallowing Restoration Laboratory, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.
| | - Joy Gaziano
- Joy McCann Center for Voice and Swallowing Disorders, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA
| | - Stephanie Watts
- Joy McCann Center for Voice and Swallowing Disorders, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA
| | - Raele Robison
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, 1225 Center Drive, P.O. Box 100185, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
- Neuromotor Speech and Swallowing Restoration Laboratory, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Emily K Plowman
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, 1225 Center Drive, P.O. Box 100185, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
- Neuromotor Speech and Swallowing Restoration Laboratory, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
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17
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Unilateral progressive muscular atrophy with fast symptoms progression. Neurol Neurochir Pol 2016; 50:52-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pjnns.2015.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Revised: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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18
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Clark R, Blizzard C, Dickson T. Inhibitory dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: future therapeutic opportunities. Neurodegener Dis Manag 2015; 5:511-25. [DOI: 10.2217/nmt.15.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, motor neuron hyperexcitability and inhibitory dysfunction is emerging as a potential causative link in the dysfunction and degeneration of the motoneuronal circuitry that characterizes the disease. Interneurons, as key regulators of excitability, may mediate much of this imbalance, yet we know little about the way in which inhibitory deficits perturb excitability. In this review, we explore inhibitory control of excitability and the potential contribution of altered inhibition to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease processes and vulnerabilities, identifying important windows of therapeutic opportunity and potential interventions, specifically targeting inhibitory control at key disease stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary Clark
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Catherine Blizzard
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Tracey Dickson
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia
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19
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Kaus A, Sareen D. ALS Patient Stem Cells for Unveiling Disease Signatures of Motoneuron Susceptibility: Perspectives on the Deadly Mitochondria, ER Stress and Calcium Triad. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:448. [PMID: 26635528 PMCID: PMC4652136 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a largely sporadic progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting upper and lower motoneurons (MNs) whose specific etiology is incompletely understood. Mutations in superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1), TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TARDBP/TDP-43) and C9orf72, have been identified in subsets of familial and sporadic patients. Key associated molecular and neuropathological features include ubiquitinated TDP-43 inclusions, stress granules, aggregated dipeptide proteins from mutant C9orf72 transcripts, altered mitochondrial ultrastructure, dysregulated calcium homeostasis, oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and an unfolded protein response (UPR). Such impairments have been documented in ALS animal models; however, whether these mechanisms are initiating factors or later consequential events leading to MN vulnerability in ALS patients is debatable. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a valuable tool that could resolve this “chicken or egg” causality dilemma. Relevant systems for probing pathophysiologically affected cells from large numbers of ALS patients and discovering phenotypic disease signatures of early MN susceptibility are described. Performing unbiased ‘OMICS and high-throughput screening in relevant neural cells from a cohort of ALS patient iPSCs, and rescuing mitochondrial and ER stress impairments, can identify targeted therapeutics for increasing MN longevity in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjoscha Kaus
- Board of Governors-Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles, CA, USA ; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Dhruv Sareen
- Board of Governors-Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles, CA, USA ; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles, CA, USA ; iPSC Core, The David and Janet Polak Stem Cell Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles, CA, USA
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20
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Smith KS, Rush RA, Rogers ML. Characterization and changes in neurotrophin receptor p75-Expressing motor neurons in SOD1(G93A) G1H mice [corrected]. J Comp Neurol 2015; 523:1664-82. [PMID: 25711805 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Revised: 02/17/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mice with high numbers of the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase-1 G93A transgene (SOD1(G93A) G1H) have become the most commonly used animal model to study amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This study investigated changes in size, numbers, and cell stress/death markers of motor neuron numbers in G1H mice that re-express the common p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR). SOD1(G93A) G1H mice and age-matched C57BL/6J controls at 60, 80, 100, 120 days and end stage/140 days were analyzed for p75NTR, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and cleaved caspase-3. In addition, motor neuron counts and soma sizes were recorded. Motor neurons re-expressing p75NTR in SOD1(G93A) G1H mice were first observed at 80 days, and this continued to 140 days, peaking at 100-120 days at ∼5%. The soma area of motor neurons re-expressing p75NTR was always 600-800 µm(2) , suggesting that these are alpha motor neurons, which was confirmed after examination of somas post injection of a retrogradely transported antibody to p75NTR in 110-day-old SOD1(G93A) G1H mice. In motor neurons not re-expressing p75NTR, the frequency of small soma 200-400 µm2 motor neurons increased, whereas the larger 600-900 µm2 motor neurons decreased with progression, indicating that large motor neurons were dying off and shrinking in the process. There was minimal coexpression of p75NTR with ATF3, a marker for cell stress, but 85% coexpressed the apoptotic marker cleaved caspase-3. These findings indicate that in SOD1(G93A) G1H mice, p75NTR re-expression is detectable from 80 days in a small population of large motor neurons that represent 5% of the total motor neurons. Furthermore, p75NTR re-expression occurs in larger alpha motor neurons that express cleaved caspsase-3 and are destined to die.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin S Smith
- Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Human Physiology, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, 5001
| | - Robert A Rush
- Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Human Physiology, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, 5001
| | - Mary-Louise Rogers
- Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Human Physiology, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, 5001
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21
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Banerji J. Asparaginase treatment side-effects may be due to genes with homopolymeric Asn codons (Review-Hypothesis). Int J Mol Med 2015; 36:607-26. [PMID: 26178806 PMCID: PMC4533780 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2015.2285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The present treatment of childhood T-cell leukemias involves the systemic administration of prokary-otic L-asparaginase (ASNase), which depletes plasma Asparagine (Asn) and inhibits protein synthesis. The mechanism of therapeutic action of ASNase is poorly understood, as are the etiologies of the side-effects incurred by treatment. Protein expression from genes bearing Asn homopolymeric coding regions (N-hCR) may be particularly susceptible to Asn level fluctuation. In mammals, N-hCR are rare, short and conserved. In humans, misfunctions of genes encoding N-hCR are associated with a cluster of disorders that mimic ASNase therapy side-effects which include impaired glycemic control, dislipidemia, pancreatitis, compromised vascular integrity, and neurological dysfunction. This paper proposes that dysregulation of Asn homeostasis, potentially even by ASNase produced by the microbiome, may contribute to several clinically important syndromes by altering expression of N-hCR bearing genes. By altering amino acid abundance and modulating ribosome translocation rates at codon repeats, the microbiomic environment may contribute to genome decoding and to shaping the proteome. We suggest that impaired translation at poly Asn codons elevates diabetes risk and severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Banerji
- Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, MGH, Simches Research Center, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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22
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Turner MR, Swash M. The expanding syndrome of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a clinical and molecular odyssey. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2015; 86:667-73. [PMID: 25644224 PMCID: PMC4453495 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2014-308946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in understanding amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have delivered new questions. Disappointingly, the initial enthusiasm for transgenic mouse models of the disease has not been followed by rapid advances in therapy or prevention. Monogenic models may have inadvertently masked the true complexity of the human disease. ALS has evolved into a multisystem disorder, involving a final common pathway accessible via multiple upstream aetiological tributaries. Nonetheless, there is a common clinical core to ALS, as clear today as it was to Charcot and others. We stress the continuing relevance of clinical observations amid the increasing molecular complexity of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin R Turner
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Michael Swash
- Queen Mary University of London, London, UK University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
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23
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Blizzard CA, Southam KA, Dawkins E, Lewis KE, King AE, Clark JA, Dickson TC. Identifying the primary site of pathogenesis in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - vulnerability of lower motor neurons to proximal excitotoxicity. Dis Model Mech 2015; 8:215-24. [PMID: 25740331 PMCID: PMC4348560 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.018606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a desperate need for targeted therapeutic interventions that slow the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a disorder with heterogeneous onset, which then leads to common final pathways involving multiple neuronal compartments that span both the central and peripheral nervous system. It is believed that excitotoxic mechanisms might play an important role in motor neuron death in ALS. However, little is known about the mechanisms by which excitotoxicity might lead to the neuromuscular junction degeneration that characterizes ALS, or about the site at which this excitotoxic cascade is initiated. Using a novel compartmentalised model of site-specific excitotoxin exposure in lower motor neurons in vitro, we found that spinal motor neurons are vulnerable to somatodendritic, but not axonal, excitotoxin exposure. Thus, we developed a model of somatodendritic excitotoxicity in vivo using osmotic mini pumps in Thy-1-YFP mice. We demonstrated that in vivo cell body excitotoxin exposure leads to significant motor neuron death and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) retraction. Using confocal real-time live imaging of the gastrocnemius muscle, we found that NMJ remodelling preceded excitotoxin-induced NMJ degeneration. These findings suggest that excitotoxicity in the spinal cord of individuals with ALS might result in a die-forward mechanism of motor neuron death from the cell body outward, leading to initial distal plasticity, followed by subsequent pathology and degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Blizzard
- Menzies Research Institute Tasmania, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Katherine A Southam
- Menzies Research Institute Tasmania, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Edgar Dawkins
- Menzies Research Institute Tasmania, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Katherine E Lewis
- Menzies Research Institute Tasmania, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Anna E King
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Jayden A Clark
- Menzies Research Institute Tasmania, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Tracey C Dickson
- Menzies Research Institute Tasmania, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
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24
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Carrì MT, Valle C, Bozzo F, Cozzolino M. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage: importance in non-SOD1 ALS. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:41. [PMID: 25741238 PMCID: PMC4330888 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well known that mitochondrial damage (MD) is both the major contributor to oxidative stress (OS) (the condition arising from unbalance between production and removal of reactive oxygen species) and one of the major consequences of OS, because of the high dependance of mitochondrial function on redox-sensitive targets such as intact membranes. Conditions in which neuronal cells are not able to cope with MD and OS seem to lead or contribute to several neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), at least in the most studied superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1)-linked genetic variant. As summarized in this review, new evidence indicates that MD and OS play a role also in non-SOD1 ALS and thus they may represent a target for therapy despite previous failures in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Carrì
- Department of Biology, Università di Roma Tor Vergata Rome, Italy ; Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS Rome, Italy
| | - Cristiana Valle
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS Rome, Italy ; Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, IBCN, National Research Council, CNR Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Bozzo
- Department of Biology, Università di Roma Tor Vergata Rome, Italy ; Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Cozzolino
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, CNR, Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases Rome, Italy
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Brichta L, Greengard P. Molecular determinants of selective dopaminergic vulnerability in Parkinson's disease: an update. Front Neuroanat 2014; 8:152. [PMID: 25565977 PMCID: PMC4266033 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2014.00152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) are attributed to the selective death of distinct neuronal cell populations. Interestingly, in many of these conditions, a specific subset of neurons is extremely prone to degeneration while other, very similar neurons are less affected or even spared for many years. In Parkinson’s disease (PD), the motor manifestations are primarily linked to the selective, progressive loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). In contrast, the very similar DA neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) demonstrate a much lower degree of degeneration. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the phenomenon of differential DA vulnerability in PD has proven extremely challenging. Moreover, an increasing number of studies demonstrate that considerable molecular and electrophysiologic heterogeneity exists among the DA neurons within the SNpc as well as those within the VTA, adding yet another layer of complexity to the selective DA vulnerability observed in PD. The discovery of key pathways that regulate this differential susceptibility of DA neurons to degeneration holds great potential for the discovery of novel drug targets and the development of promising neuroprotective treatment strategies. This review provides an update on the molecular basis of the differential vulnerability of midbrain DA neurons in PD and highlights the most recent developments in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Brichta
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Rockefeller University New York, NY, USA
| | - Paul Greengard
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Rockefeller University New York, NY, USA
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RNA-Binding Proteins Associated Molecular Mechanisms of Motor Neuron Degeneration Pathogenesis. Mol Biotechnol 2014; 56:779-86. [DOI: 10.1007/s12033-014-9785-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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