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Gianferrari G, Cuoghi Costantini R, Crippa V, Carra S, Bonetto V, Pansarasa O, Cereda C, Zucchi E, Martinelli I, Simonini C, Vicini R, Fini N, Trojsi F, Passaniti C, Ticozzi N, Doretti A, Diamanti L, Fiamingo G, Conte A, Dalla Bella E, D'Errico E, Scarian E, Pasetto L, Antoniani F, Galli V, Casarotto E, D'Amico R, Poletti A, Mandrioli J. Colchicine treatment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: safety, biological and clinical effects in a randomized clinical trial. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae304. [PMID: 39291166 PMCID: PMC11406549 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
In preclinical studies, the anti-inflammatory drug colchicine, which has never been tested in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, enhanced the expression of autophagy factors and inhibited accumulation of transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 kDa, a known histopathological marker of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This multicentre, randomized, double-blind trial enrolled patients with probable or definite amyotrophic lateral sclerosis who experienced symptom onset within the past 18 months. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive colchicine at a dose of 0.005 mg/kg/day, 0.01 mg/kg/day or placebo for a treatment period of 30 weeks. The number of positive responders, defined as patients with a decrease lesser than 4 points in the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised total score during the 30-week treatment period, was the primary outcome. Disease progression, survival, safety and quality of life at the end of treatment were the secondary clinical outcomes. Secondary biological outcomes included changes from baseline to treatment end of stress granule and autophagy responses, transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 kDa, neurofilament accumulation and extracellular vesicle secretion, between the colchicine and placebo groups. Fifty-four patients were randomized to receive colchicine (n = 18 for each colchicine arm) or placebo (n = 18). The number of positive responders did not differ between the placebo and colchicine groups: 2 out of 18 patients (11.1%) in the placebo group, 5 out of 18 patients (27.8%) in the colchicine 0.005 mg/kg/day group (odds ratio = 3.1, 97.5% confidence interval 0.4-37.2, P = 0.22) and 1 out of 18 patients (5.6%) in the colchicine 0.01 mg/kg/day group (odds ratio = 0.5, 97.5% confidence interval 0.01-10.2, P = 0.55). During treatment, a slower Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised decline was detected in patients receiving colchicine 0.005 mg/kg/day (mean difference = 0.53, 97.5% confidence interval 0.07-0.99, P = 0.011). Eight patients experienced adverse events in placebo arm (44.4%), three in colchicine 0.005 mg/kg/day (16.7%) and seven in colchicine 0.01 mg/kg/day arm (35.9%). The differences in adverse events were not statistically significant. In conclusion, colchicine treatment was safe for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. Further studies are required to better understand mechanisms of action and clinical effects of colchicine in this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Gianferrari
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena 41121, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Modena 41126, Italy
| | - Riccardo Cuoghi Costantini
- Unit of Statistical and Methodological Support to Clinical Research, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Modena 41121, Italy
| | - Valeria Crippa
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan 20122, Italy
- Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2027, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan 20122, Italy
| | - Serena Carra
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena 41121, Italy
| | - Valentina Bonetto
- Research Center for ALS, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan 20156, Italy
| | - Orietta Pansarasa
- Cellular Model and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Cristina Cereda
- Department of Pediatrics, Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, 'V. Buzzi' Children's Hospital, Milan 20154, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Zucchi
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Modena 41126, Italy
- Neurosciences PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena 41121, Italy
| | - Ilaria Martinelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Modena 41126, Italy
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena 41121, Italy
| | - Cecilia Simonini
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Modena 41126, Italy
| | - Roberto Vicini
- Unit of Statistical and Methodological Support to Clinical Research, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Modena 41121, Italy
| | - Nicola Fini
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Modena 41126, Italy
| | - Francesca Trojsi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, ALS Center, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Carla Passaniti
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, ALS Center, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Nicola Ticozzi
- Department of Neurology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan 20149, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, 'Dino Ferrari' Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan 20122, Italy
| | - Alberto Doretti
- Department of Neurology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan 20149, Italy
| | - Luca Diamanti
- Neuroncology and Neuroinflammation Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fiamingo
- Neuroncology and Neuroinflammation Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Amelia Conte
- Department of Aging, Neurological, Orthopedic and Head-Neck Sciences, Adult NEMO Clinical Center, Unit of Neurology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Eleonora Dalla Bella
- 3rd Neurology Unit and Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Eustachio D'Errico
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, ALS Center, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari 70124, Italy
| | - Eveljn Scarian
- Cellular Model and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Laura Pasetto
- Research Center for ALS, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan 20156, Italy
| | - Francesco Antoniani
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena 41121, Italy
| | - Veronica Galli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena 41121, Italy
| | - Elena Casarotto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan 20122, Italy
- Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2027, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan 20122, Italy
| | - Roberto D'Amico
- Unit of Statistical and Methodological Support to Clinical Research, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Modena 41121, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena 41124, Italy
| | - Angelo Poletti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan 20122, Italy
- Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2027, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan 20122, Italy
| | - Jessica Mandrioli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena 41121, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Modena 41126, Italy
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Reddy CN, Nuthakki VK, Sharma A, Malik S, Tabassum M, Kumar R, Choudhary S, Iqbal F, Tufail Z, Mondhe DM, Kumar A, Bharate SB. Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Colchicine─Aryl/Alkyl Amine Hybrids as Potential Noncytotoxic Cholinesterase Inhibitors: Identification of SBN-284 as a Dual Inhibitor of Cholinesterases and NLRP3 Inflammasome. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:2779-2794. [PMID: 39056181 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00153] [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] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Colchicine, one of the oldest anti-inflammatory natural products still used clinically, inhibits NF-κB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Despite its cytotoxicity and narrow therapeutic range, colchicine continues to intrigue medicinal chemists exploring its anti-inflammatory potential. This study aimed to investigate the colchicine scaffold for its role in Alzheimer's disease by targeting neuroinflammation and cholinesterases. Molecular docking revealed that colchicine's hydrophobic trimethoxyphenyl framework can potentially bind to the peripheral anionic site of cholinesterases. Hybrid structures combining colchicine with aryl/alkyl amines were designed to bind both peripheral and catalytic sites of cholinesterases. We describe here the design, synthesis, and in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of these colchicine-aryl/alkyl amine hybrids, along with their in silico interactions with the cholinesterase active site gorge. Nontoxic analogs demonstrating strong cholinesterase binding affinity were further evaluated for their anticholinesterase and antineuroinflammatory activities. The colchicine-donepezil hybrid, SBN-284 (3x), inhibited both acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase as well as the NLRP3 inflammasome complex at low micromolar concentrations. It achieved this through noncompetitive inhibition, occupying the active site gorge and interacting with both peripheral and catalytic anionic sites of cholinesterases. Analog 3x was shown to cross the blood-brain barrier and exhibited no toxicity to neuronal cells, primary macrophages, or epithelial fR2 cells. These findings highlight the potential of this lead compound for further preclinical investigation as a promising anti-Alzheimer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chilakala Nagarjuna Reddy
- Natural Products & Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Vijay K Nuthakki
- Natural Products & Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Ankita Sharma
- Natural Products & Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Sumera Malik
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Misbah Tabassum
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Rajesh Kumar
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Sushil Choudhary
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Fiza Iqbal
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Ziya Tufail
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Dilip M Mondhe
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Ajay Kumar
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Sandip B Bharate
- Natural Products & Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
- Department of Natural Products & Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Hyderabad 500007, India
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Gentile F, Maranzano A, Verde F, Bettoni V, Colombo E, Doretti A, Olivero M, Scheveger F, Colombrita C, Bulgarelli I, Spinelli EG, Torresani E, Messina S, Maderna L, Agosta F, Morelli C, Filippi M, Silani V, Ticozzi N. The value of routine blood work-up in clinical stratification and prognosis of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol 2024; 271:794-803. [PMID: 37801095 PMCID: PMC10827966 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12015-3] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an unmet need in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to provide specific biomarkers for the disease. Due to their easy availability, we aimed to investigate whether routine blood parameters provide useful clues for phenotypic classification and disease prognosis. METHODS We analyzed a large inpatient cohort of 836 ALS patients who underwent deep phenotyping with evaluation of the clinical and neurophysiological burden of upper (UMN) and lower (LMN) motor neuron signs. Disability and progression rate were measured through the revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) and its changes during time. Cox regression analysis was performed to assess survival associations. RESULTS Creatinine significantly correlated with LMN damage (r = 0.38), active (r = 0.18) and chronic (r = 0.24) denervation and baseline ALSFRS-R (r = 0.33). Creatine kinase (CK), alanine (ALT) and aspartate (AST) transaminases correlated with active (r = 0.35, r = 0.27, r = 0.24) and chronic (r = 0.37, r = 0.20, r = 0.19) denervation, while albumin and C-reactive protein significantly correlated with LMN score (r = 0.20 and r = 0.17). Disease progression rate showed correlations with chloride (r = -0.19) and potassium levels (r = -0.16). After adjustment for known prognostic factors, total protein [HR 0.70 (95% CI 0.57-0.86)], creatinine [HR 0.86 (95% CI 0.81-0.92)], chloride [HR 0.95 (95% CI 0.92-0.99)], lactate dehydrogenase [HR 0.99 (95% CI 0.99-0.99)], and AST [HR 1.02 (95% CI 1.01-1.02)] were independently associated with survival. CONCLUSIONS Creatinine is a reliable biomarker for ALS, associated with clinical features, disability and survival. Markers of nutrition/inflammation may offer additional prognostic information and partially correlate with clinical features. AST and chloride could further assist in predicting progression rate and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Gentile
- Neurology Residency Program, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Maranzano
- Department of Neurology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, P. Le Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Verde
- Department of Neurology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, P. Le Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, "Dino Ferrari" Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Bettoni
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Eleonora Colombo
- Department of Neurology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, P. Le Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Doretti
- Department of Neurology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, P. Le Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Olivero
- Neurology Residency Program, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Colombrita
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Microbiology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bulgarelli
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Microbiology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Edoardo Gioele Spinelli
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Erminio Torresani
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Microbiology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Messina
- Department of Neurology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, P. Le Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Maderna
- Department of Neurology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, P. Le Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Agosta
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Morelli
- Department of Neurology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, P. Le Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neurophysiology Service, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Silani
- Department of Neurology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, P. Le Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, "Dino Ferrari" Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Ticozzi
- Department of Neurology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, P. Le Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, "Dino Ferrari" Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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4
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Litvinov VV, Freynd GG. [Clinical and morphologic characterization of Pick's dementia: case report and review of the literature]. Arkh Patol 2024; 86:51-57. [PMID: 39073543 DOI: 10.17116/patol20248604151] [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] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Diseases morphologically characterized by frontotemporal lobar degeneration have relatively recently been considered as a group of frontotemporal dementias. This group is characterized by a tendency to early clinical onset of dementia, common genetic and morphological features, as well as a possible association with diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and atypical parkinsonism syndrome. Historically, Pick's dementia (Pick's disease) was described as the first of the frontotemporal dementias, which is morphologically characterized by the presence of argyrophilic Pick's bodies represented by 3R-tau protein in the neurons of the cerebral cortex. Despite the characteristic clinical and morphological picture due to the relative rarity, the diagnosis of Pick's dementia is infrequently made by both clinicians and pathologists. The article presents current data on frontotemporal dementia. A case of Pick's dementia with characteristic clinical manifestations in the form of early onset of behavioral and personality disorders, as well as specific morphological changes in the brain, is described.
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Affiliation(s)
- V V Litvinov
- Perm State Medical University named after academician E.A. Wagner, Perm, Russia
| | - G G Freynd
- Perm State Medical University named after academician E.A. Wagner, Perm, Russia
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Babazadeh A, Rayner SL, Lee A, Chung RS. TDP-43 as a therapeutic target in neurodegenerative diseases: Focusing on motor neuron disease and frontotemporal dementia. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 92:102085. [PMID: 37813308 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102085] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
A common feature of adult-onset neurodegenerative diseases is the presence of characteristic pathological accumulations of specific proteins. These pathological protein depositions can vary in their protein composition, cell-type distribution, and intracellular (or extracellular) location. For example, abnormal cytoplasmic protein deposits which consist of the TDP-43 protein are found within motor neurons in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, a common form of motor neuron disease) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The presence of these insoluble intracellular TDP-43 inclusions suggests that restoring TDP-43 homeostasis represents a potential therapeutical strategy, which has been demonstrated in alleviating neurodegenerative symptoms in cell and animal models of ALS/FTD. We have reviewed the mechanisms that lead to disrupted TDP-43 homeostasis and discussed how small molecule-based therapies could be applied in modulating these mechanisms. This review covers recent advancements and challenges in small molecule-based therapies that could be used to clear pathological forms of TDP-43 through various protein homeostasis mechanisms and advance the way towards finding effective therapeutical drug discoveries for neurodegenerative diseases characterized by TDP-43 proteinopathies, especially ALS and FTD. We also consider the wider insight of these therapeutic strategies for other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afshin Babazadeh
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Stephanie L Rayner
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Albert Lee
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Roger S Chung
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
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6
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Ferreira PA. Nucleocytoplasmic transport at the crossroads of proteostasis, neurodegeneration and neuroprotection. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:2567-2589. [PMID: 37597509 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Nucleocytoplasmic transport comprises the multistep assembly, transport, and disassembly of protein and RNA cargoes entering and exiting nuclear pores. Accruing evidence supports that impairments to nucleocytoplasmic transport are a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases. These impairments cause dysregulations in nucleocytoplasmic partitioning and proteostasis of nuclear transport receptors and client substrates that promote intracellular deposits - another hallmark of neurodegeneration. Disturbances in liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) between dense and dilute phases of biomolecules implicated in nucleocytoplasmic transport promote micrometer-scale coacervates, leading to proteinaceous aggregates. This Review provides historical and emerging principles of LLPS at the interface of nucleocytoplasmic transport, proteostasis, aging and noxious insults, whose dysregulations promote intracellular aggregates. E3 SUMO-protein ligase Ranbp2 constitutes the cytoplasmic filaments of nuclear pores, where it acts as a molecular hub for rate-limiting steps of nucleocytoplasmic transport. A vignette is provided on the roles of Ranbp2 in nucleocytoplasmic transport and at the intersection of proteostasis in the survival of photoreceptor and motor neurons under homeostatic and pathophysiological environments. Current unmet clinical needs are highlighted, including therapeutics aiming to manipulate aggregation-dissolution models of purported neurotoxicity in neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo A Ferreira
- Department of Ophthalmology, Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, NC, Durham, USA
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7
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Venediktov AA, Bushueva OY, Kudryavtseva VA, Kuzmin EA, Moiseeva AV, Baldycheva A, Meglinski I, Piavchenko GA. Closest horizons of Hsp70 engagement to manage neurodegeneration. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1230436. [PMID: 37795273 PMCID: PMC10546621 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1230436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Our review seeks to elucidate the current state-of-the-art in studies of 70-kilodalton-weighed heat shock proteins (Hsp70) in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). The family has already been shown to play a crucial role in pathological aggregation for a wide spectrum of brain pathologies. However, a slender boundary between a big body of fundamental data and its implementation has only recently been crossed. Currently, we are witnessing an anticipated advancement in the domain with dozens of studies published every month. In this review, we briefly summarize scattered results regarding the role of Hsp70 in the most common NDs including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We also bridge translational studies and clinical trials to portray the output for medical practice. Available options to regulate Hsp70 activity in NDs are outlined, too.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem A. Venediktov
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga Yu Bushueva
- Laboratory of Genomic Research, Research Institute for Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology, Kursk State Medical University, Kursk, Russia
| | - Varvara A. Kudryavtseva
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Egor A. Kuzmin
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Aleksandra V. Moiseeva
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Baldycheva
- STEMM Laboratory, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Igor Meglinski
- Department of Physics, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Gennadii A. Piavchenko
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
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Watanabe Y, Taguchi K, Tanaka M. Roles of Stress Response in Autophagy Processes and Aging-Related Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13804. [PMID: 37762105 PMCID: PMC10531041 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The heat shock factor 1 (HSF1)-mediated stress response pathway and autophagy processes play important roles in the maintenance of proteostasis. Autophagy processes are subdivided into three subtypes: macroautophagy, chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA), and microautophagy. Recently, molecular chaperones and co-factors were shown to be involved in the selective degradation of substrates by these three autophagy processes. This evidence suggests that autophagy processes are regulated in a coordinated manner by the HSF1-mediated stress response pathway. Recently, various studies have demonstrated that proteostasis pathways including HSF1 and autophagy are implicated in longevity. Furthermore, they serve as therapeutic targets for aging-related diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. In the future, these studies will underpin the development of therapies against various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihisa Watanabe
- Department of Basic Geriatrics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamikyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Katsutoshi Taguchi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 601-0841, Japan; (K.T.); (M.T.)
| | - Masaki Tanaka
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 601-0841, Japan; (K.T.); (M.T.)
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9
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Ponticelli C, Moroni G, Reggiani F. Autophagy and podocytopathy. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2023; 38:1931-1939. [PMID: 36708169 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfad024] [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: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a complex process of lysosomal-dependent degradation of unwanted cellular material. In response to endogenous or exogenous stimuli, autophagy is induced and regulated by two kinases: the AMP activated kinase and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Cells activated by Unc-51-like kinase 1 form a double membrane complex that sequesters the cargo (phagophore) and elongates producing spherical vesicles (autophagosomes). These reach and fuse with lysosomes, which degrade the cargo (autolysosomes). The resulting macromolecules are released back and recycled in the cytosol for reuse. In the podocyte, autophagy is a homeostatic mechanism that contributes to the formation and preservation of the morphological and functional integrity of actin cytoskeleton. Podocytes, fenestrated endothelial cells and glomerular basement membrane compose the glomerular filtration barrier. Podocyte damage may cause dysfunction of the glomerular barrier, proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis in different glomerular diseases and particularly in so-called podocytopathies, namely minimal change disease and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Several drugs and molecules may activate autophagic function in murine models. Among them, aldosterone inhibitors, mineralocorticoid inhibitors and vitamin D3 were proven to protect podocyte from injury and reduce proteinuria in clinical studies. However, no clinical trial with autophagy regulators in podocytopathies has been conducted. Caution is needed with other autophagy activators, such as mTOR inhibitors and metformin, because of potential adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriella Moroni
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Reggiani
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
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10
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Kinger S, Dubey AR, Kumar P, Jagtap YA, Choudhary A, Kumar A, Prajapati VK, Dhiman R, Mishra A. Molecular Chaperones' Potential against Defective Proteostasis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091302. [PMID: 37174703 PMCID: PMC10177248 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neuronal degenerative condition identified via a build-up of mutant aberrantly folded proteins. The native folding of polypeptides is mediated by molecular chaperones, preventing their pathogenic aggregation. The mutant protein expression in ALS is linked with the entrapment and depletion of chaperone capacity. The lack of a thorough understanding of chaperones' involvement in ALS pathogenesis presents a significant challenge in its treatment. Here, we review how the accumulation of the ALS-linked mutant FUS, TDP-43, SOD1, and C9orf72 proteins damage cellular homeostasis mechanisms leading to neuronal loss. Further, we discuss how the HSP70 and DNAJ family co-chaperones can act as potential targets for reducing misfolded protein accumulation in ALS. Moreover, small HSPB1 and HSPB8 chaperones can facilitate neuroprotection and prevent stress-associated misfolded protein apoptosis. Designing therapeutic strategies by pharmacologically enhancing cellular chaperone capacity to reduce mutant protein proteotoxic effects on ALS pathomechanisms can be a considerable advancement. Chaperones, apart from directly interacting with misfolded proteins for protein quality control, can also filter their toxicity by initiating strong stress-response pathways, modulating transcriptional expression profiles, and promoting anti-apoptotic functions. Overall, these properties of chaperones make them an attractive target for gaining fundamental insights into misfolded protein disorders and designing more effective therapies against ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Kinger
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur 342037, India
| | - Ankur Rakesh Dubey
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur 342037, India
| | - Prashant Kumar
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur 342037, India
| | - Yuvraj Anandrao Jagtap
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur 342037, India
| | - Akash Choudhary
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur 342037, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- Discipline of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol, Indore 453552, India
| | - Vijay Kumar Prajapati
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer 305817, India
| | - Rohan Dhiman
- Laboratory of Mycobacterial Immunology, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela 769008, India
| | - Amit Mishra
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur 342037, India
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11
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Martinez-Gonzalez L, Martinez A. Emerging clinical investigational drugs for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:141-160. [PMID: 36762798 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2178416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by motoneuron death with a median survival time of 3-5 years since disease onset. There are no effective treatments to date. However, a variety of innovative investigational drugs and biological-based therapies are under clinical development. AREAS COVERED This review provides an overview of the clinical investigational small molecules as well as a brief summary of the biological-based therapies that are currently undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of ALS. All the data were obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov (registered through November 1). EXPERT OPINION Drug discovery for ALS is an active and evolving field, where many investigational clinical drugs are in different trials. There are several mechanisms of action supporting all these new therapies, although proteostasis is gaining stage. Probably, small orally bioavailable molecules able to recover functional TDP-43 homeostasis may have solid chances to modify ALS progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loreto Martinez-Gonzalez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas "Margarita Salas"-CSIC, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Martinez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas "Margarita Salas"-CSIC, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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12
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Barbo M, Ravnik-Glavač M. Extracellular Vesicles as Potential Biomarkers in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14020325. [PMID: 36833252 PMCID: PMC9956314 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is described as a fatal and rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by the degeneration of upper motor neurons in the primary motor cortex and lower motor neurons of the brainstem and spinal cord. Due to ALS's slowly progressive characteristic, which is often accompanied by other neurological comorbidities, its diagnosis remains challenging. Perturbations in vesicle-mediated transport and autophagy as well as cell-autonomous disease initiation in glutamatergic neurons have been revealed in ALS. The use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) may be key in accessing pathologically relevant tissues for ALS, as EVs can cross the blood-brain barrier and be isolated from the blood. The number and content of EVs may provide indications of the disease pathogenesis, its stage, and prognosis. In this review, we collected a recent study aiming at the identification of EVs as a biomarker of ALS with respect to the size, quantity, and content of EVs in the biological fluids of patients compared to controls.
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13
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Tedesco B, Vendredy L, Timmerman V, Poletti A. The chaperone-assisted selective autophagy complex dynamics and dysfunctions. Autophagy 2023:1-23. [PMID: 36594740 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2022.2160564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Each protein must be synthesized with the correct amino acid sequence, folded into its native structure, and transported to a relevant subcellular location and protein complex. If any of these steps fail, the cell has the capacity to break down aberrant proteins to maintain protein homeostasis (also called proteostasis). All cells possess a set of well-characterized protein quality control systems to minimize protein misfolding and the damage it might cause. Autophagy, a conserved pathway for the degradation of long-lived proteins, aggregates, and damaged organelles, was initially characterized as a bulk degradation pathway. However, it is now clear that autophagy also contributes to intracellular homeostasis by selectively degrading cargo material. One of the pathways involved in the selective removal of damaged and misfolded proteins is chaperone-assisted selective autophagy (CASA). The CASA complex is composed of three main proteins (HSPA, HSPB8 and BAG3), essential to maintain protein homeostasis in muscle and neuronal cells. A failure in the CASA complex, caused by mutations in the respective coding genes, can lead to (cardio)myopathies and neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we summarize our current understanding of the CASA complex and its dynamics. We also briefly discuss how CASA complex proteins are involved in disease and may represent an interesting therapeutic target.Abbreviation ALP: autophagy lysosomal pathway; ALS: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; AMOTL1: angiomotin like 1; ARP2/3: actin related protein 2/3; BAG: BAG cochaperone; BAG3: BAG cochaperone 3; CASA: chaperone-assisted selective autophagy; CMA: chaperone-mediated autophagy; DNAJ/HSP40: DnaJ heat shock protein family (Hsp40); DRiPs: defective ribosomal products; EIF2A/eIF2α: eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2A; EIF2AK1/HRI: eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha kinase 1; GABARAP: GABA type A receptor-associated protein; HDAC6: histone deacetylase 6; HSP: heat shock protein; HSPA/HSP70: heat shock protein family A (Hsp70); HSP90: heat shock protein 90; HSPB8: heat shock protein family B (small) member 8; IPV: isoleucine-proline-valine; ISR: integrated stress response; KEAP1: kelch like ECH associated protein 1; LAMP2A: lysosomal associated membrane protein 2A; LATS1: large tumor suppressor kinase 1; LIR: LC3-interacting region; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; MTOC: microtubule organizing center; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; NFKB/NF-κB: nuclear factor kappa B; NFE2L2: NFE2 like bZIP transcription factor 2; PLCG/PLCγ: phospholipase C gamma; polyQ: polyglutamine; PQC: protein quality control; PxxP: proline-rich; RAN translation: repeat-associated non-AUG translation; SG: stress granule; SOD1: superoxide dismutase 1; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; STUB1/CHIP: STIP1 homology and U-box containing protein 1; STK: serine/threonine kinase; SYNPO: synaptopodin; TBP: TATA-box binding protein; TARDBP/TDP-43: TAR DNA binding protein; TFEB: transcription factor EB; TPR: tetratricopeptide repeats; TSC1: TSC complex subunit 1; UBA: ubiquitin associated; UPS: ubiquitin-proteasome system; WW: tryptophan-tryptophan; WWTR1: WW domain containing transcription regulator 1; YAP1: Yes1 associated transcriptional regulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Tedesco
- Laboratory of Experimental Biology, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2027, Università degli studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Leen Vendredy
- Peripheral Neuropathy Research Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute Born Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Vincent Timmerman
- Peripheral Neuropathy Research Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute Born Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Angelo Poletti
- Laboratory of Experimental Biology, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2027, Università degli studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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14
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Chierichetti M, Cerretani M, Ciammaichella A, Crippa V, Rusmini P, Ferrari V, Tedesco B, Casarotto E, Cozzi M, Mina F, Pramaggiore P, Galbiati M, Piccolella M, Bresciani A, Cristofani R, Poletti A. Identification of HSPB8 modulators counteracting misfolded protein accumulation in neurodegenerative diseases. Life Sci 2022; 322:121323. [PMID: 36574942 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The small Heat Shock Protein B8 (HSPB8) is the core component of the chaperone-assisted selective autophagy (CASA) complex. This complex selectively targets, transports, and tags misfolded proteins for their recognition by autophagic receptors and insertion into autophagosome for clearance. CASA is essential to maintain intracellular proteostasis, especially in heart, muscle, and brain often exposed to various types of cell stresses. In neurons, HSPB8 protects against neurotoxicity caused by misfolded proteins in several models of neurodegenerative diseases; by facilitating autophagy, HSPB8 assists misfolded protein degradation also counteracting proteasome overwhelming and inhibition. MATERIALS AND METHODS To enhance HSPB8 protective activity, we screened a library of approximately 120,000 small molecules to identify compounds capable of increasing HSPB8 gene transcription, translation, or protein stability. We found 83 compounds active in preliminary dose-response assays and further classified them in 19 chemical classes by medicinal chemists' visual inspection. Of these 19 prototypes, 14 induced HSPB8 mRNA and protein levels in SH-SY5Y cells. KEY FINDINGS Out of these 14, 3 successfully reduced the aggregation propensity of a disease-associated mutant misfolded Superoxide Dismutase 1 (SOD1) protein in a flow cytometry-based "aggregation assay" [Flow cytometric analysis of Inclusions and Trafficking" (FloIT)] and induced the expression (mRNA and protein) of some autophagy receptors. Notably, the 3 hits were inactive in HSPB8-depleted cells, confirming that their protective activity is mediated by and requires HSPB8. SIGNIFICANCE Thus, these compounds may be highly relevant for a therapeutic approach in several human disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases, in which enhancement of CASA exerts beneficial activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Chierichetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Cerretani
- Department of Translational and Discovery Research, IRBM S.p.A., Via Pontina Km 30,600, 00071 Pomezia, Roma, Italy
| | - Alina Ciammaichella
- Department of Drug Discovery, IRBM S.p.A., Via Pontina Km 30,600, 00071 Pomezia, Roma, Italy
| | - Valeria Crippa
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Rusmini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Ferrari
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Tedesco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Casarotto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Cozzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Mina
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Pramaggiore
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariarita Galbiati
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Margherita Piccolella
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Bresciani
- Department of Translational and Discovery Research, IRBM S.p.A., Via Pontina Km 30,600, 00071 Pomezia, Roma, Italy
| | - Riccardo Cristofani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Angelo Poletti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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15
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Jiang J, Wang Y, Deng M. New developments and opportunities in drugs being trialed for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis from 2020 to 2022. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1054006. [PMID: 36518658 PMCID: PMC9742490 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1054006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. In the recent past, there have been just two drugs approved for treatment, riluzole and edaravone, which only prolong survival by a few months. However, there are many novel experimental drugs in development. In this review, we summarize 53 new drugs that have been evaluated in clinical trials from 2020 to 2022, which we have classified into eight mechanistic groups (anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-excitotoxicity, regulated integrated stress response, neurotrophic factors and neuroprotection, anti-aggregation, gene therapy and other). Six were tested in phase 1 studies, 31 were in phase 2 studies, three failed in phase 3 studies and stopped further development, and the remaining 13 drugs were being tested in phase 3 studies, including methylcobalamin, masitinib, MN-166, verdiperstat, memantine, AMX0035, trazodone, CNM-Au8, pridopidine, SLS-005, IONN363, tofersen, and reldesemtiv. Among them, five drugs, including methylcobalamin, masitinib, AMX0035, CNM-Au8, and tofersen, have shown potent therapeutic effects in clinical trials. Recently, AMX0035 has been the third medicine approved by the FDA for the treatment of ALS after riluzole and edaravone.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Min Deng
- Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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16
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Tedesco B, Ferrari V, Cozzi M, Chierichetti M, Casarotto E, Pramaggiore P, Mina F, Piccolella M, Cristofani R, Crippa V, Rusmini P, Galbiati M, Poletti A. The role of autophagy-lysosomal pathway in motor neuron diseases. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:1489-1503. [PMID: 36111809 PMCID: PMC9704526 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Motor neuron diseases (MNDs) include a broad group of diseases in which neurodegeneration mainly affects upper and/or lower motor neurons (MNs). Although the involvement of specific MNs, symptoms, age of onset, and progression differ in MNDs, the main pathogenic mechanism common to most MNDs is represented by proteostasis alteration and proteotoxicity. This pathomechanism may be directly related to mutations in genes encoding proteins involved in the protein quality control system, particularly the autophagy-lysosomal pathway (ALP). Alternatively, proteostasis alteration can be caused by aberrant proteins that tend to misfold and to aggregate, two related processes that, over time, cannot be properly handled by the ALP. Here, we summarize the main ALP features, focusing on different routes utilized to deliver substrates to the lysosome and how the various ALP pathways intersect with the intracellular trafficking of membranes and vesicles. Next, we provide an overview of the mutated genes that have been found associated with MNDs, how these gene products are involved in different steps of ALP and related processes. Finally, we discuss how autophagy can be considered a valid therapeutic target for MNDs treatment focusing on traditional autophagy modulators and on emerging approaches to overcome their limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Tedesco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Ferrari
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Marta Cozzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Marta Chierichetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Elena Casarotto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Pramaggiore
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Mina
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Margherita Piccolella
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Riccardo Cristofani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Valeria Crippa
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Rusmini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Mariarita Galbiati
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Angelo Poletti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
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17
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The Role of Small Heat Shock Proteins in Protein Misfolding Associated Motoneuron Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911759. [PMID: 36233058 PMCID: PMC9569637 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Motoneuron diseases (MNDs) are neurodegenerative conditions associated with death of upper and/or lower motoneurons (MNs). Proteostasis alteration is a pathogenic mechanism involved in many MNDs and is due to the excessive presence of misfolded and aggregated proteins. Protein misfolding may be the product of gene mutations, or due to defects in the translation process, or to stress agents; all these conditions may alter the native conformation of proteins making them prone to aggregate. Alternatively, mutations in members of the protein quality control (PQC) system may determine a loss of function of the proteostasis network. This causes an impairment in the capability to handle and remove aberrant or damaged proteins. The PQC system consists of the degradative pathways, which are the autophagy and the proteasome, and a network of chaperones and co-chaperones. Among these components, Heat Shock Protein 70 represents the main factor in substrate triage to folding, refolding, or degradation, and it is assisted in this task by a subclass of the chaperone network, the small heat shock protein (sHSPs/HSPBs) family. HSPBs take part in proteostasis by bridging misfolded and aggregated proteins to the HSP70 machinery and to the degradative pathways, facilitating refolding or clearance of the potentially toxic proteins. Because of its activity against proteostasis alteration, the chaperone system plays a relevant role in the protection against proteotoxicity in MNDs. Here, we discuss the role of HSPBs in MNDs and which HSPBs may represent a valid target for therapeutic purposes.
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18
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Khamaysa M, Pradat PF. Status of ALS Treatment, Insights into Therapeutic Challenges and Dilemmas. J Pers Med 2022; 12:1601. [PMID: 36294741 PMCID: PMC9605458 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12101601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an extremely heterogeneous disease of motor neurons that eventually leads to death. Despite impressive advances in understanding the genetic, molecular, and pathological mechanisms of the disease, the only drug approved to date by both the FDA and EMA is riluzole, with a modest effect on survival. In this opinion view paper, we will discuss how to address some challenges for drug development in ALS at the conceptual, technological, and methodological levels. In addition, socioeconomic and ethical issues related to the legitimate need of patients to benefit quickly from new treatments will also be addressed. In conclusion, this brief review takes a more optimistic view, given the recent approval of two new drugs in some countries and the development of targeted gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Khamaysa
- Laboratoire d’Imagerie Biomédicale, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Pierre-François Pradat
- Laboratoire d’Imagerie Biomédicale, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, 75006 Paris, France
- Centre Référent SLA, Département de Neurologie, AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France
- Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, C-TRIC, Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry-Londonderry BT47 6SB, UK
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19
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Hayes LR, Kalab P. Emerging Therapies and Novel Targets for TDP-43 Proteinopathy in ALS/FTD. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:1061-1084. [PMID: 35790708 PMCID: PMC9587158 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01260-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear clearance and cytoplasmic mislocalization of the essential RNA binding protein, TDP-43, is a pathologic hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, and related neurodegenerative disorders collectively termed "TDP-43 proteinopathies." TDP-43 mislocalization causes neurodegeneration through both loss and gain of function mechanisms. Loss of TDP-43 nuclear RNA processing function destabilizes the transcriptome by multiple mechanisms including disruption of pre-mRNA splicing, the failure of repression of cryptic exons, and retrotransposon activation. The accumulation of cytoplasmic TDP-43, which is prone to aberrant liquid-liquid phase separation and aggregation, traps TDP-43 in the cytoplasm and disrupts a host of downstream processes including the trafficking of RNA granules, local translation within axons, and mitochondrial function. In this review, we will discuss the TDP-43 therapy development pipeline, beginning with therapies in current and upcoming clinical trials, which are primarily focused on accelerating the clearance of TDP-43 aggregates. Then, we will look ahead to emerging strategies from preclinical studies, first from high-throughput genetic and pharmacologic screens, and finally from mechanistic studies focused on the upstream cause(s) of TDP-43 disruption in ALS/FTD. These include modulation of stress granule dynamics, TDP-43 nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, RNA metabolism, and correction of aberrant splicing events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey R Hayes
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Dept. of Neurology, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Petr Kalab
- Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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20
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Cozzi M, Ferrari V. Autophagy Dysfunction in ALS: from Transport to Protein Degradation. J Mol Neurosci 2022; 72:1456-1481. [PMID: 35708843 PMCID: PMC9293831 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-022-02029-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting upper and lower motor neurons (MNs). Since the identification of the first ALS mutation in 1993, more than 40 genes have been associated with the disorder. The most frequent genetic causes of ALS are represented by mutated genes whose products challenge proteostasis, becoming unable to properly fold and consequently aggregating into inclusions that impose proteotoxic stress on affected cells. In this context, increasing evidence supports the central role played by autophagy dysfunctions in the pathogenesis of ALS. Indeed, in early stages of disease, high levels of proteins involved in autophagy are present in ALS MNs; but at the same time, with neurodegeneration progression, autophagy-mediated degradation decreases, often as a result of the accumulation of toxic protein aggregates in affected cells. Autophagy is a complex multistep pathway that has a central role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Several proteins are involved in its tight regulation, and importantly a relevant fraction of ALS-related genes encodes products that directly take part in autophagy, further underlining the relevance of this key protein degradation system in disease onset and progression. In this review, we report the most relevant findings concerning ALS genes whose products are involved in the several steps of the autophagic pathway, from phagophore formation to autophagosome maturation and transport and finally to substrate degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Cozzi
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Farmacologiche E Biomolecolari, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Veronica Ferrari
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Farmacologiche E Biomolecolari, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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21
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Ojaimi YA, Dangoumau A, Alarcan H, Hergesheimer R, Vourc'h P, Corcia P, Lanznaster D, Blasco H. TAR DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): a promising therapeutic target. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:575-592. [PMID: 35652285 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2083958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that lacks an effective treatment. Aggregates of the TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43) are observed in 97% of all ALS cases, thus making this protein a major therapeutic target in ALS. . AREAS COVERED The authors describe the major cellular functions of TDP-43 and the features and consequences of TDP-43 proteinopathy. Drawing from fundamental and preclinical studies on cellular and animal TDP-43 models of ALS and selected clinical trials, the major pathways that have been targeted for the mitigation of TDP-43 pathology in ALS are discussed. The authors provide insights on the approaches targeting the tendency of TDP-43 for aggregation, defective nucleocytoplasmic transport, dysfunctional proteostasis, abnormal stress granule dynamics, and pathological post-translational modifications of TDP-43. EXPERT OPINION The complexity of ALS and TDP-43 proteinopathy generates challenges for the development of novel therapeutic approaches. However, the critical involvement of TDP-43 in the initiation and progression of ALS, makes it a promising therapeutic target. Further research should be centered on the development of precision strategies, consideration of patient subgroups, the prevention of the mislocalization of TDP-43 and restoration of the lost functions of TPD-43. .
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hugo Alarcan
- UMR 1253 iBrain, Université de Tours, Tours, France.,Laboratoire de biochimie et biologie moléculaire, CHRU Bretonneau, Tours, France
| | | | - Patrick Vourc'h
- UMR 1253 iBrain, Université de Tours, Tours, France.,Laboratoire de biochimie et biologie moléculaire, CHRU Bretonneau, Tours, France
| | - Philippe Corcia
- Laboratoire de biochimie et biologie moléculaire, CHRU Bretonneau, Tours, France.,Service de neurologie, CHRU Bretonneau, Tours, France
| | | | - Hélène Blasco
- UMR 1253 iBrain, Université de Tours, Tours, France.,Laboratoire de biochimie et biologie moléculaire, CHRU Bretonneau, Tours, France
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22
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Sever B, Ciftci H, DeMirci H, Sever H, Ocak F, Yulug B, Tateishi H, Tateishi T, Otsuka M, Fujita M, Başak AN. Comprehensive Research on Past and Future Therapeutic Strategies Devoted to Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:2400. [PMID: 35269543 PMCID: PMC8910198 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly debilitating fatal neurodegenerative disorder, causing muscle atrophy and weakness, which leads to paralysis and eventual death. ALS has a multifaceted nature affected by many pathological mechanisms, including oxidative stress (also via protein aggregation), mitochondrial dysfunction, glutamate-induced excitotoxicity, apoptosis, neuroinflammation, axonal degeneration, skeletal muscle deterioration and viruses. This complexity is a major obstacle in defeating ALS. At present, riluzole and edaravone are the only drugs that have passed clinical trials for the treatment of ALS, notwithstanding that they showed modest benefits in a limited population of ALS. A dextromethorphan hydrobromide and quinidine sulfate combination was also approved to treat pseudobulbar affect (PBA) in the course of ALS. Globally, there is a struggle to prevent or alleviate the symptoms of this neurodegenerative disease, including implementation of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), CRISPR-9/Cas technique, non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) or ALS-on-a-chip technology. Additionally, researchers have synthesized and screened new compounds to be effective in ALS beyond the drug repurposing strategy. Despite all these efforts, ALS treatment is largely limited to palliative care, and there is a strong need for new therapeutics to be developed. This review focuses on and discusses which therapeutic strategies have been followed so far and what can be done in the future for the treatment of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belgin Sever
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, Eskisehir 26470, Turkey;
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan; (H.C.); (H.T.); (M.O.)
| | - Halilibrahim Ciftci
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan; (H.C.); (H.T.); (M.O.)
- Department of Drug Discovery, Science Farm Ltd., Kumamoto 862-0976, Japan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey;
| | - Hasan DeMirci
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey;
| | - Hilal Sever
- Ministry of Health, Istanbul Training and Research Hospital, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic, Istanbul 34098, Turkey;
| | - Firdevs Ocak
- Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli 41001, Turkey;
| | - Burak Yulug
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Alaaddin Keykubat University, Alanya 07425, Turkey;
| | - Hiroshi Tateishi
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan; (H.C.); (H.T.); (M.O.)
| | - Takahisa Tateishi
- Division of Respirology, Neurology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan;
| | - Masami Otsuka
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan; (H.C.); (H.T.); (M.O.)
- Department of Drug Discovery, Science Farm Ltd., Kumamoto 862-0976, Japan
| | - Mikako Fujita
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan; (H.C.); (H.T.); (M.O.)
| | - Ayşe Nazlı Başak
- Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation, Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory (KUTTAM-NDAL), Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
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23
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Tarantino N, Canfora I, Camerino GM, Pierno S. Therapeutic Targets in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Focus on Ion Channels and Skeletal Muscle. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030415. [PMID: 35159225 PMCID: PMC8834084 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease caused by progressive loss of motor neurons, which severely compromises skeletal muscle function. Evidence shows that muscle may act as a molecular powerhouse, whose final signals generate in patients a progressive loss of voluntary muscle function and weakness leading to paralysis. This pathology is the result of a complex cascade of events that involves a crosstalk among motor neurons, glia, and muscles, and evolves through the action of converging toxic mechanisms. In fact, mitochondrial dysfunction, which leads to oxidative stress, is one of the mechanisms causing cell death. It is a common denominator for the two existing forms of the disease: sporadic and familial. Other factors include excitotoxicity, inflammation, and protein aggregation. Currently, there are limited cures. The only approved drug for therapy is riluzole, that modestly prolongs survival, with edaravone now waiting for new clinical trial aimed to clarify its efficacy. Thus, there is a need of effective treatments to reverse the damage in this devastating pathology. Many drugs have been already tested in clinical trials and are currently under investigation. This review summarizes the already tested drugs aimed at restoring muscle-nerve cross-talk and on new treatment options targeting this tissue.
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24
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Gao CQ, Zhou YK, Xin XH, Min H, Du PF. DDA-SKF: Predicting Drug-Disease Associations Using Similarity Kernel Fusion. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:784171. [PMID: 35095495 PMCID: PMC8792612 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.784171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug repositioning provides a promising and efficient strategy to discover potential associations between drugs and diseases. Many systematic computational drug-repositioning methods have been introduced, which are based on various similarities of drugs and diseases. In this work, we proposed a new computational model, DDA-SKF (drug-disease associations prediction using similarity kernels fusion), which can predict novel drug indications by utilizing similarity kernel fusion (SKF) and Laplacian regularized least squares (LapRLS) algorithms. DDA-SKF integrated multiple similarities of drugs and diseases. The prediction performances of DDA-SKF are better, or at least comparable, to all state-of-the-art methods. The DDA-SKF can work without sufficient similarity information between drug indications. This allows us to predict new purpose for orphan drugs. The source code and benchmarking datasets are deposited in a GitHub repository (https://github.com/GCQ2119216031/DDA-SKF).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Pu-Feng Du
- College of Intelligence and Computing, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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25
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Pampalakis G, Angelis G, Zingkou E, Vekrellis K, Sotiropoulou G. A chemogenomic approach is required for effective treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e657. [PMID: 35064780 PMCID: PMC8783349 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
ALS is a fatal untreatable disease involving degeneration of motor neurons. Μultiple causative genes encoding proteins with versatile functions have been identified indicating that diverse biological pathways lead to ALS. Chemical entities still represent a promising choice to delay ALS progression, attenuate symptoms and/or increase life expectancy, but also gene-based and stem cell-based therapies are in the process of development, and some are tested in clinical trials. Various compounds proved effective in transgenic models overexpressing distinct ALS causative genes unfortunately though, they showed no efficacy in clinical trials. Notably, while animal models provide a uniform genetic background for preclinical testing, ALS patients are not stratified, and the distinct genetic forms of ALS are treated as one group, which could explain the observed discrepancies between treating genetically homogeneous mice and quite heterogeneous patient cohorts. We suggest that chemical entity-genotype correlation should be exploited to guide patient stratification for pharmacotherapy, that is administered drugs should be selected based on the ALS genetic background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Pampalakis
- Department of Pharmacology - Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Angelis
- Department of Pharmacology - Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, Rion-Patras, Greece
| | - Eleni Zingkou
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, Rion-Patras, Greece
| | - Kostas Vekrellis
- Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Sotiropoulou
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, Rion-Patras, Greece
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26
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Hommen F, Bilican S, Vilchez D. Protein clearance strategies for disease intervention. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2021; 129:141-172. [PMID: 34689261 PMCID: PMC8541819 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-021-02431-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Protein homeostasis, or proteostasis, is essential for cell function and viability. Unwanted, damaged, misfolded and aggregated proteins are degraded by the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) and the autophagy-lysosome pathway. Growing evidence indicates that alterations in these major proteolytic mechanisms lead to a demise in proteostasis, contributing to the onset and development of distinct diseases. Indeed, dysregulation of the UPS or autophagy is linked to several neurodegenerative, infectious and inflammatory disorders as well as cancer. Thus, modulation of protein clearance pathways is a promising approach for therapeutics. In this review, we discuss recent findings and open questions on how targeting proteolytic mechanisms could be applied for disease intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Hommen
- Cologne Excellence Cluster for Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Joseph Stelzmann Strasse 26, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Saygın Bilican
- Cologne Excellence Cluster for Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Joseph Stelzmann Strasse 26, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - David Vilchez
- Cologne Excellence Cluster for Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Joseph Stelzmann Strasse 26, 50931, Cologne, Germany. .,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany. .,Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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27
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Nakamura R, Kurihara M, Ogawa N, Kitamura A, Yamakawa I, Bamba S, Sanada M, Sasaki M, Urushitani M. Prognostic prediction by hypermetabolism varies depending on the nutritional status in early amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17943. [PMID: 34504168 PMCID: PMC8429558 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97196-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To examine whether hypermetabolism could predict the prognosis of early amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients with differing nutritional profiles. This single-center, retrospective study examined the prognosis of ALS patients with hypermetabolism in relation to their nutritional status at hospitalization. The metabolic state was estimated by the ratio of measured resting energy expenditure (mREE) to lean soft tissue mass (LSTM) (mREE/LSTM), wherein patients with ratios ≥ 38 were defined as hypermetabolic. Malnutrition was defined as %ideal body weight < 0.9. Forty-eight patients were enrolled in this study. The hypermetabolic group had shorter survival in the normal-weight group but more prolonged survival in the malnutrition group. Multiplication of nutritional and metabolic factors, such as [(body mass index (BMI) − 19.8) × (mREE/LSTM − 38)], designated as BMI-muscle metabolism index (BMM index), successfully predicted the prognosis in the group with a high BMM index (≥ 1), which showed shorter survival and a faster rate of weight loss and functional decline. Multivariate analysis using the Cox model showed high BMM index was an independent poor prognostic factor (hazard ratio: 4.05; p = 0.025). Prognostic prediction by hypermetabolism varies depending on the nutritional status in ALS, and the BMM index is a consistent prognostic factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryutaro Nakamura
- Department of Neurology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta-Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan
| | - Mika Kurihara
- Division of Clinical Nutrition, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta-Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Ogawa
- Department of Neurology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta-Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan
| | - Akihiro Kitamura
- Department of Neurology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta-Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan
| | - Isamu Yamakawa
- Department of Neurology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta-Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan
| | - Shigeki Bamba
- Division of Clinical Nutrition, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta-Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Sanada
- Department of Neurology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta-Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan
| | - Masaya Sasaki
- Division of Clinical Nutrition, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta-Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan
| | - Makoto Urushitani
- Department of Neurology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta-Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan.
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28
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Central Nervous System Cell-Derived Exosomes in Neurodegenerative Diseases. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:9965564. [PMID: 34336127 PMCID: PMC8294976 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9965564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Exosomes are a type of extracellular vesicles secreted by almost all kinds of mammalian cells that shuttle "cargo" from one cell to another, indicative of its role in cell-to-cell transportation. Interestingly, exosomes are known to undergo alterations or serve as a pathway in multiple diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases. In the central nervous system (CNS), exosomes originating from neurons or glia cells contribute to or inhibit the progression of CNS-related diseases in special ways. In lieu of this, the current study investigated the effect of CNS cell-derived exosomes on different neurodegenerative diseases.
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29
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Darling AL, Shorter J. Combating deleterious phase transitions in neurodegenerative disease. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2021; 1868:118984. [PMID: 33549703 PMCID: PMC7965345 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2021.118984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Protein aggregation is a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the mechanism that induces pathogenic aggregation is not well understood. Recently, it has emerged that several of the pathological proteins found in an aggregated or mislocalized state in neurodegenerative diseases are also able to undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) under physiological conditions. Although these phase transitions are likely important for various physiological functions, neurodegenerative disease-related mutations and conditions can alter the LLPS behavior of these proteins, which can elicit toxicity. Therefore, therapeutics that antagonize aberrant LLPS may be able to mitigate toxicity and aggregation that is ubiquitous in neurodegenerative disease. Here, we discuss the mechanisms by which aberrant protein phase transitions may contribute to neurodegenerative disease. We also outline potential therapeutic strategies to counter deleterious phases. State without borders: Membrane-less organelles and liquid-liquid phase transitions edited by Vladimir N Uversky.
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Affiliation(s)
- April L Darling
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - James Shorter
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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30
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Cristofani R, Piccolella M, Crippa V, Tedesco B, Montagnani Marelli M, Poletti A, Moretti RM. The Role of HSPB8, a Component of the Chaperone-Assisted Selective Autophagy Machinery, in Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:335. [PMID: 33562660 PMCID: PMC7915307 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The cellular response to cancer-induced stress is one of the major aspects regulating cancer development and progression. The Heat Shock Protein B8 (HSPB8) is a small chaperone involved in chaperone-assisted selective autophagy (CASA). CASA promotes the selective degradation of proteins to counteract cell stress such as tumor-induced stress. HSPB8 is also involved in (i) the cell division machinery regulating chromosome segregation and cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase and (ii) inflammation regulating dendritic cell maturation and cytokine production. HSPB8 expression and role are tumor-specific, showing a dual and opposite role. Interestingly, HSPB8 may be involved in the acquisition of chemoresistance to drugs. Despite the fact the mechanisms of HSPB8-mediated CASA activation in tumors need further studies, HSPB8 could represent an important factor in cancer induction and progression and it may be a potential target for anticancer treatment in specific types of cancer. In this review, we will discuss the molecular mechanism underlying HSPB8 roles in normal and cancer conditions. The basic mechanisms involved in anti- and pro-tumoral activities of HSPB8 are deeply discussed together with the pathways that modulate HSPB8 expression, in order to outline molecules with a beneficial effect for cancer cell growth, migration, and death.
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31
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Falzone YM, Russo T, Domi T, Pozzi L, Quattrini A, Filippi M, Riva N. Current application of neurofilaments in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and future perspectives. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:1985-1991. [PMID: 33642372 PMCID: PMC8343335 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.308072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor neuron disease includes a heterogeneous group of relentless progressive neurological disorders defined and characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is the most common and aggressive form of motor neuron disease with no effective treatment so far. Unfortunately, diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers are lacking in clinical practice. Neurofilaments are fundamental structural components of the axons and neurofilament light chain and phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain can be measured in both cerebrospinal fluid and serum. Neurofilament light chain and phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain levels are elevated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, reflecting the extensive damage of motor neurons and axons. Hence, neurofilaments are now increasingly recognized as the most promising candidate biomarker in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The potential usefulness of neurofilaments regards various aspects, including diagnosis, prognosis, patient stratification in clinical trials and evaluation of treatment response. In this review paper, we review the body of literature about neurofilaments measurement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We also discuss the open issues concerning the use of neurofilaments clinical practice, as no overall guideline exists to date; finally, we address the most recent evidence and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Matteo Falzone
- Neuropathology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute; Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Tommaso Russo
- Neuropathology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute; Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Teuta Domi
- Neuropathology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Pozzi
- Neuropathology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Quattrini
- Neuropathology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Unit; Neurophysiology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute; Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute; Vita-Salute San Rafaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Nilo Riva
- Neuropathology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute; Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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Cappella M, Pradat PF, Querin G, Biferi MG. Beyond the Traditional Clinical Trials for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and The Future Impact of Gene Therapy. J Neuromuscul Dis 2021; 8:25-38. [PMID: 33074186 PMCID: PMC7902976 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-200531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating and incurable motor neuron (MN) disorder affecting both upper and lower MNs. Despite impressive advances in the understanding of the disease’s pathological mechanism, classical pharmacological clinical trials failed to provide an efficient cure for ALS over the past twenty years. Two different gene therapy approaches were recently approved for the monogenic disease Spinal muscular atrophy, characterized by degeneration of lower MNs. This milestone suggests that gene therapy-based therapeutic solutions could be effective for the treatment of ALS. This review summarizes the possible reasons for the failure of traditional clinical trials for ALS. It provides then a focus on the advent of gene therapy approaches for hereditary forms of ALS. Specifically, it describes clinical use of antisense oligonucleotides in three familial forms of ALS, caused by mutations in SOD1, C9orf72 and FUS genes, respectively.. Clinical and pre-clinical studies based on AAV-mediated gene therapy approaches for both familial and sporadic ALS cases are presented as well. Overall, this overview highlights the potential of gene therapy as a transforming technology that will have a huge impact on treatment perspective for ALS patients and on the design of future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Cappella
- INSERM, Institute of Myology, Centre of Research in Myology, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Pierre-François Pradat
- INSERM, CNRS, Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,APHP, Département de Neurologie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Centre référent SLA, Paris, France.,Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute Ulster University, C-TRIC, Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry/Londonderry, United Kingdom
| | - Giorgia Querin
- INSERM, Institute of Myology, Centre of Research in Myology, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,Association Institut de Myologie, Plateforme Essais Cliniques Adultes, Paris, France.,APHP, Service de Neuromyologie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Maria Grazia Biferi
- INSERM, Institute of Myology, Centre of Research in Myology, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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Vassileff N, Cheng L, Hill AF. Extracellular vesicles - propagators of neuropathology and sources of potential biomarkers and therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:133/23/jcs243139. [PMID: 33310868 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.243139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterised by the irreversible degeneration of neurons in the central or peripheral nervous systems. These include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and prion diseases. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), a type of EV involved in cellular communication, have been well documented as propagating neurodegenerative diseases. These sEVs carry cargo, such as proteins and RNA, to recipient cells but are also capable of promoting protein misfolding, thus actively contributing to the progression of these diseases. sEV secretion is also a compensatory process for lysosomal dysfunction in the affected cells, despite inadvertently propagating disease to recipient cells. Despite this, sEV miRNAs have biomarker potential for the early diagnosis of these diseases, while stem cell-derived sEVs and those generated through exogenous assistance demonstrate the greatest therapeutic potential. This Review will highlight novel advancements in the involvement of sEVs as propagators of neuropathology, biomarkers and potential therapeutics in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Vassileff
- The Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - Lesley Cheng
- The Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - Andrew F Hill
- The Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3083, Australia
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Gittings LM, Sattler R. Recent advances in understanding amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and emerging therapies. Fac Rev 2020; 9:12. [PMID: 33659944 PMCID: PMC7886072 DOI: 10.12703/b/9-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons and subsequent progressive loss of muscle function. Within the last decade, significant progress has been made in the understanding of the etiology and pathobiology of the disease; however, treatment options remain limited and only two drugs, which exert a modest effect on survival, are approved for ALS treatment in the US. Therefore, the search for effective ALS therapies continues, and over 60 clinical trials are in progress for patients with ALS and other therapeutics are at the pre-clinical stage of development. Recent advances in understanding the genetics, pathology, and molecular mechanisms of ALS have led to the identification of novel targets and strategies that are being used in emerging ALS therapeutic interventions. Here, we review the current status and mechanisms of action of a selection of emerging ALS therapies in pre-clinical or early clinical development, including gene therapy, immunotherapy, and strategies that target neuroinflammation, phase separation, and protein clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Gittings
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Rita Sattler
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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35
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Zucchi E, Bonetto V, Sorarù G, Martinelli I, Parchi P, Liguori R, Mandrioli J. Neurofilaments in motor neuron disorders: towards promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Mol Neurodegener 2020; 15:58. [PMID: 33059698 PMCID: PMC7559190 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-020-00406-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are etiologically and biologically heterogeneous diseases. The pathobiology of motor neuron degeneration is still largely unknown, and no effective therapy is available. Heterogeneity and lack of specific disease biomarkers have been appointed as leading reasons for past clinical trial failure, and biomarker discovery is pivotal in today's MND research agenda.In the last decade, neurofilaments (NFs) have emerged as promising biomarkers for the clinical assessment of neurodegeneration. NFs are scaffolding proteins with predominant structural functions contributing to the axonal cytoskeleton of myelinated axons. NFs are released in CSF and peripheral blood as a consequence of axonal degeneration, irrespective of the primary causal event. Due to the current availability of highly-sensitive automated technologies capable of precisely quantify proteins in biofluids in the femtomolar range, it is now possible to reliably measure NFs not only in CSF but also in blood.In this review, we will discuss how NFs are impacting research and clinical management in ALS and other MNDs. Besides contributing to the diagnosis at early stages by differentiating between MNDs with different clinical evolution and severity, NFs may provide a useful tool for the early enrolment of patients in clinical trials. Due to their stability across the disease, NFs convey prognostic information and, on a larger scale, help to stratify patients in homogenous groups. Shortcomings of NFs assessment in biofluids will also be discussed according to the available literature in the attempt to predict the most appropriate use of the biomarker in the MND clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Zucchi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Valentina Bonetto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianni Sorarù
- Neuromuscular Center, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.,Clinica Neurologica, Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Ilaria Martinelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Piero Parchi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche, Ospedale Bellaria, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rocco Liguori
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche, Ospedale Bellaria, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Jessica Mandrioli
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Modena, Modena, Italy.
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Wang Y, Patani R. Novel therapeutic targets for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: ribonucleoproteins and cellular autonomy. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:971-984. [PMID: 32746659 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1805734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating disease with a lifetime risk of approximately 1:400. It is incurable and invariably fatal. Average survival is between 3 and 5 years and patients become increasingly paralyzed, losing the ability to speak, eat, and breathe. Therapies in development either (i) target specific familial forms of ALS (comprising a minority of around 10% of cases) or ii) emanate from (over)reliance on animal models or non-human/non-neuronal cell models. There is a desperate and unmet clinical need for effective treatments. Deciphering the primacy and relative contributions of defective protein homeostasis and RNA metabolism in ALS across different model systems will facilitate the identification of putative therapeutic targets. AREAS COVERED This review examines the putative common primary molecular events that lead to ALS pathogenesis. We focus on deregulated RNA metabolism, protein mislocalization/pathological aggregation and the role of glia in ALS-related motor neuron degeneration. Finally, we describe promising targets for therapeutic evaluation. EXPERT OPINION Moving forward, an effective strategy could be achieved by a poly-therapeutic approach which targets both deregulated RNA metabolism and protein dyshomeostasis in the relevant cell types, at the appropriate phase of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Wang
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London , London, UK.,Human Stem Cells and Neurodegeneration Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute , London, UK
| | - Rickie Patani
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London , London, UK.,Human Stem Cells and Neurodegeneration Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute , London, UK
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Kukharsky MS, Skvortsova VI, Bachurin SO, Buchman VL. In a search for efficient treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Old drugs for new approaches. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:2804-2822. [DOI: 10.1002/med.21725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michail S. Kukharsky
- Faculty of Medical Biology Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University Moscow Russian Federation
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds Russian Academy of Sciences Moscow Region Russian Federation
| | - Veronika I. Skvortsova
- Faculty of Medical Biology Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University Moscow Russian Federation
| | - Sergey O. Bachurin
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds Russian Academy of Sciences Moscow Region Russian Federation
| | - Vladimir L. Buchman
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds Russian Academy of Sciences Moscow Region Russian Federation
- School of Biosciences Cardiff University Cardiff United Kingdom
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38
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Cristofani R, Crippa V, Cicardi ME, Tedesco B, Ferrari V, Chierichetti M, Casarotto E, Piccolella M, Messi E, Galbiati M, Rusmini P, Poletti A. A Crucial Role for the Protein Quality Control System in Motor Neuron Diseases. Front Aging Neurosci 2020; 12:191. [PMID: 32792938 PMCID: PMC7385251 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.00191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are fatal diseases characterized by loss of motor neurons in the brain cortex, in the bulbar region, and/or in the anterior horns of the spinal cord. While generally sporadic, inherited forms linked to mutant genes encoding altered RNA/protein products have also been described. Several different mechanisms have been found altered or dysfunctional in MNDs, like the protein quality control (PQC) system. In this review, we will discuss how the PQC system is affected in two MNDs—spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)—and how this affects the clearance of aberrantly folded proteins, which accumulate in motor neurons, inducing dysfunctions and their death. In addition, we will discuss how the PQC system can be targeted to restore proper cell function, enhancing the survival of affected cells in MNDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Cristofani
- Laboratorio di Biologia Applicata, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Crippa
- Laboratorio di Biologia Applicata, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Cicardi
- Laboratorio di Biologia Applicata, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Barbara Tedesco
- Laboratorio di Biologia Applicata, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Ferrari
- Laboratorio di Biologia Applicata, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Chierichetti
- Laboratorio di Biologia Applicata, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Casarotto
- Laboratorio di Biologia Applicata, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Margherita Piccolella
- Laboratorio di Biologia Applicata, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elio Messi
- Laboratorio di Biologia Applicata, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariarita Galbiati
- Laboratorio di Biologia Applicata, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Rusmini
- Laboratorio di Biologia Applicata, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Poletti
- Laboratorio di Biologia Applicata, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CEND), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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39
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Revealing the Proteome of Motor Cortex Derived Extracellular Vesicles Isolated from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Human Postmortem Tissues. Cells 2020; 9:cells9071709. [PMID: 32708779 PMCID: PMC7407138 DOI: 10.3390/cells9071709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the deposition of misfolded proteins in the motor cortex and motor neurons. Although a multitude of ALS-associated mutated proteins have been identified, several have been linked to small extracellular vesicles such as exosomes involved in cell-cell communication. This study aims to determine the proteome of extracellular vesicles isolated from the motor cortex of ALS subjects and to identify novel ALS-associated deregulated proteins. Motor cortex extracellular vesicles (MCEVs) were isolated from human postmortem ALS (n = 10) and neurological control (NC, n = 5) motor cortex brain tissues and the MCEVs protein content subsequently underwent mass spectrometry analysis, allowing for a panel of ALS-associated proteins to be identified. This panel consists of 16 statistically significant differentially packaged proteins identified in the ALS MCEVs. This includes several upregulated RNA-binding proteins which were determined through pathway analysis to be associated with stress granule dynamics. The identification of these RNA-binding proteins in the ALS MCEVs suggests there may be a relationship between ALS-associated stress granules and ALS MCEV packaging, highlighting a potential role for small extracellular vesicles such as exosomes in the pathogenesis of ALS and as potential peripheral biomarkers for ALS.
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40
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Malik R, Wiedau M. Therapeutic Approaches Targeting Protein Aggregation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:98. [PMID: 32581709 PMCID: PMC7296057 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disease that targets motor neurons (MNs) in the brain and spinal cord. It leads to gradual loss of motor signals to muscles leading to atrophy and weakness. Most patients do not survive for more than 3–5 years after disease onset. Current ALS treatments provide only a small delay of disease progression. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to explore new therapeutic approaches. One of the major hindrances in achieving this goal is poor understanding of causes of the disease. ALS has complex pathophysiological mechanisms in its genetic and sporadic forms. Protein aggregates are a common hallmark of ALS regardless of cause making protein pathways attractive therapeutic targets in ALS. Here, we provide an overview of compounds in different stages of pharmacological development and their protein pathway targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravinder Malik
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Martina Wiedau
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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41
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Xue YC, Ng CS, Xiang P, Liu H, Zhang K, Mohamud Y, Luo H. Dysregulation of RNA-Binding Proteins in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:78. [PMID: 32547363 PMCID: PMC7273501 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic analyses of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have revealed a strong association between mutations in genes encoding many RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), including TARDBP, FUS, hnRNPA1, hnRNPA2B1, MATR3, ATXN2, TAF15, TIA-1, and EWSR1, and disease onset/progression. RBPs are a group of evolutionally conserved proteins that participate in multiple steps of RNA metabolism, including splicing, polyadenylation, mRNA stability, localization, and translation. Dysregulation of RBPs, as a consequence of gene mutations, impaired nucleocytoplasmic trafficking, posttranslational modification (PTM), aggregation, and sequestration by abnormal RNA foci, has been shown to be involved in neurodegeneration and the development of ALS. While the exact mechanism by which dysregulated RBPs contribute to ALS remains elusive, emerging evidence supports the notion that both a loss of function and/or a gain of toxic function of these ALS-linked RBPs play a significant role in disease pathogenesis through facilitating abnormal protein interaction, causing aberrant RNA metabolism, and by disturbing ribonucleoprotein granule dynamics and phase transition. In this review article, we summarize the current knowledge on the molecular mechanism by which RBPs are dysregulated and the influence of defective RBPs on cellular homeostasis during the development of ALS. The strategies of ongoing clinical trials targeting RBPs and/or relevant processes are also discussed in the present review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Chao Xue
- Centre for Heart and Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Chen Seng Ng
- Centre for Heart and Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Pinhao Xiang
- Centre for Heart and Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Huitao Liu
- Centre for Heart and Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kevin Zhang
- Centre for Heart and Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Yasir Mohamud
- Centre for Heart and Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Honglin Luo
- Centre for Heart and Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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42
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Kaleağasıoğlu F, Ali DM, Berger MR. Multiple Facets of Autophagy and the Emerging Role of Alkylphosphocholines as Autophagy Modulators. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:547. [PMID: 32410999 PMCID: PMC7201076 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a highly conserved multistep process and functions as passage for degrading and recycling protein aggregates and defective organelles in eukaryotic cells. Based on the nature of these materials, their size and degradation rate, four types of autophagy have been described, i.e. chaperone mediated autophagy, microautophagy, macroautophagy, and selective autophagy. One of the major regulators of this process is mTOR, which inhibits the downstream pathway of autophagy following the activation of its complex 1 (mTORC1). Alkylphosphocholine (APC) derivatives represent a novel class of antineoplastic agents that inhibit the serine-threonine kinase Akt (i.e. protein kinase B), which mediates cell survival and cause cell cycle arrest. They induce autophagy through inhibition of the Akt/mTOR cascade. They interfere with phospholipid turnover and thus modify signaling chains, which start from the cell membrane and modulate PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Ras-Raf-MAPK/ERK and SAPK/JNK pathways. APCs include miltefosine, perifosine, and erufosine, which represent the first-, second- and third generation of this class, respectively. In a high fraction of human cancers, constitutively active oncoprotein Akt1 suppresses autophagy in vitro and in vivo. mTOR is a down-stream target for Akt, the activation of which suppresses autophagy. However, treatment with APC derivatives will lead to dephosphorylation (hence deactivation) of mTOR and thus induces autophagy. Autophagy is a double-edged sword and may result in chemotherapeutic resistance as well as cancer cell death when apoptotic pathways are inactive. APCs display differential autophagy induction capabilities in different cancer cell types. Therefore, autophagy-dependent cellular responses need to be well understood in order to improve the chemotherapeutic outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferda Kaleağasıoğlu
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Doaa M. Ali
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Martin R. Berger
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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43
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Cristofani R, Rusmini P, Galbiati M, Cicardi ME, Ferrari V, Tedesco B, Casarotto E, Chierichetti M, Messi E, Piccolella M, Carra S, Crippa V, Poletti A. The Regulation of the Small Heat Shock Protein B8 in Misfolding Protein Diseases Causing Motoneuronal and Muscle Cell Death. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:796. [PMID: 31427919 PMCID: PMC6688727 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Misfolding protein diseases are a wide class of disorders in which the aberrantly folded protein aggregates accumulate in affected cells. In the brain and in the skeletal muscle, misfolded protein accumulation induces a variety of cell dysfunctions that frequently lead to cell death. In motoneuron diseases (MNDs), misfolded proteins accumulate primarily in motoneurons, glial cells and/or skeletal muscle cells, altering motor function. The deleterious effects of misfolded proteins can be counteracted by the activity of the protein quality control (PQC) system, composed of chaperone proteins and degradative systems. Here, we focus on a PQC system component: heat shock protein family B (small) member 8 (HSPB8), a chaperone induced by harmful stressful events, including proteotoxicity. In motoneuron and muscle cells, misfolded proteins activate HSPB8 transcription and enhance HSPB8 levels, which contributes to prevent aggregate formation and their harmful effects. HSPB8 acts not only as a chaperone, but also facilitates the autophagy process, to enable the efficient clearance of the misfolded proteins. HSPB8 acts as a dimer bound to the HSP70 co-chaperone BAG3, a scaffold protein that is also capable of binding to HSP70 (associated with the E3-ligase CHIP) and dynein. When this complex is formed, it is transported by dynein to the microtubule organization center (MTOC), where aggresomes are formed. Here, misfolded proteins are engulfed into nascent autophagosomes to be degraded via the chaperone-assisted selective autophagy (CASA). When CASA is insufficient or impaired, HSP70 and CHIP associate with an alternative co-chaperone, BAG1, which routes misfolded proteins to the proteasome for degradation. The finely tuned equilibrium between proteasome and CASA activity is thought to be crucial for maintaining the functional cell homeostasis during proteotoxic stresses, which in turn is essential for cell survival. This fine equilibrium seems to be altered in MNDs, like Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), contributing to the onset and the progression of disease. Here, we will review how misfolded proteins may affect the PQC system and how the proper activity of this system can be restored by boosting or regulating HSPB8 activity, with the aim to ameliorate disease progression in these two fatal MNDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Cristofani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Centro di Eccellenza Sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Rusmini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Centro di Eccellenza Sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariarita Galbiati
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Centro di Eccellenza Sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Cicardi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Centro di Eccellenza Sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Ferrari
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Centro di Eccellenza Sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Tedesco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Centro di Eccellenza Sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Casarotto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Centro di Eccellenza Sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Chierichetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Centro di Eccellenza Sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elio Messi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Centro di Eccellenza Sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Margherita Piccolella
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Centro di Eccellenza Sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Serena Carra
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Metaboliche e Neuroscienze, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Valeria Crippa
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Centro di Eccellenza Sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Poletti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Centro di Eccellenza Sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Centro Interuniversitario Sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Roma Tor Vergata, Milan, Italy
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