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Hosseini K, Fallahi J, Razban V, Sirat RZ, Varasteh M, Tarhriz V. Overview of clinical, molecular, and therapeutic features of Niemann-Pick disease (types A, B, and C): Focus on therapeutic approaches. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e4028. [PMID: 38715125 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.4028] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Niemann-Pick disease (NPD) is another type of metabolic disorder that is classified as lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs). The main cause of the disease is mutation in the SMPD1 (type A and B) or NPC1 or NPC2 (type C) genes, which lead to the accumulation of lipid substrates in the lysosomes of the liver, brain, spleen, lung, and bone marrow cells. This is followed by multiple cell damage, dysfunction of lysosomes, and finally dysfunction of body organs. So far, about 346, 575, and 30 mutations have been reported in SMPD1, NPC1, and NPC2 genes, respectively. Depending on the type of mutation and the clinical symptoms of the disease, the treatment will be different. The general aim of the current study is to review the clinical and molecular characteristics of patients with NPD and study various treatment methods for this disease with a focus on gene therapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamran Hosseini
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Jafar Fallahi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Vahid Razban
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | | | - Vahideh Tarhriz
- Cardiovascular Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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2
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Eberwein AE, Kulkarni SS, Rushton E, Broadie K. Glycosphingolipids are linked to elevated neurotransmission and neurodegeneration in a Drosophila model of Niemann Pick type C. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm050206. [PMID: 37815467 PMCID: PMC10581387 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050206] [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: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The lipid storage disease Niemann Pick type C (NPC) causes neurodegeneration owing primarily to loss of NPC1. Here, we employed a Drosophila model to test links between glycosphingolipids, neurotransmission and neurodegeneration. We found that Npc1a nulls had elevated neurotransmission at the glutamatergic neuromuscular junction (NMJ), which was phenocopied in brainiac (brn) mutants, impairing mannosyl glucosylceramide (MacCer) glycosylation. Npc1a; brn double mutants had the same elevated synaptic transmission, suggesting that Npc1a and brn function within the same pathway. Glucosylceramide (GlcCer) synthase inhibition with miglustat prevented elevated neurotransmission in Npc1a and brn mutants, further suggesting epistasis. Synaptic MacCer did not accumulate in the NPC model, but GlcCer levels were increased, suggesting that GlcCer is responsible for the elevated synaptic transmission. Null Npc1a mutants had heightened neurodegeneration, but no significant motor neuron or glial cell death, indicating that dying cells are interneurons and that elevated neurotransmission precedes neurodegeneration. Glycosphingolipid synthesis mutants also had greatly heightened neurodegeneration, with similar neurodegeneration in Npc1a; brn double mutants, again suggesting that Npc1a and brn function in the same pathway. These findings indicate causal links between glycosphingolipid-dependent neurotransmission and neurodegeneration in this NPC disease model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E. Eberwein
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University and Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Swarat S. Kulkarni
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University and Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Emma Rushton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University and Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Kendal Broadie
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University and Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University and Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University and Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University and Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
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Álvarez A, Gutiérrez D, Chandía-Cristi A, Yáñez M, Zanlungo S. c-Abl kinase at the crossroads of healthy synaptic remodeling and synaptic dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:237-243. [PMID: 35900397 PMCID: PMC9396477 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.346540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Our ability to learn and remember depends on the active formation, remodeling, and elimination of synapses. Thus, the development and growth of synapses as well as their weakening and elimination are essential for neuronal rewiring. The structural reorganization of synaptic complexes, changes in actin cytoskeleton and organelle dynamics, as well as modulation of gene expression, determine synaptic plasticity. It has been proposed that dysregulation of these key synaptic homeostatic processes underlies the synaptic dysfunction observed in many neurodegenerative diseases. Much is known about downstream signaling of activated N-methyl-D-aspartate and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoazolepropionate receptors; however, other signaling pathways can also contribute to synaptic plasticity and long-lasting changes in learning and memory. The non-receptor tyrosine kinase c-Abl (ABL1) is a key signal transducer of intra and extracellular signals, and it shuttles between the cytoplasm and the nucleus. This review focuses on c-Abl and its synaptic and neuronal functions. Here, we discuss the evidence showing that the activation of c-Abl can be detrimental to neurons, promoting the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Nevertheless, c-Abl activity seems to be in a pivotal balance between healthy synaptic plasticity, regulating dendritic spines remodeling and gene expression after cognitive training, and synaptic dysfunction and loss in neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, c-Abl genetic ablation not only improves learning and memory and modulates the brain genetic program of trained mice, but its absence provides dendritic spines resiliency against damage. Therefore, the present review has been designed to elucidate the common links between c-Abl regulation of structural changes that involve the actin cytoskeleton and organelles dynamics, and the transcriptional program activated during synaptic plasticity. By summarizing the recent discoveries on c-Abl functions, we aim to provide an overview of how its inhibition could be a potentially fruitful treatment to improve degenerative outcomes and delay memory loss.
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Vallés AS, Barrantes FJ. The synaptic lipidome in health and disease. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2022; 1864:184033. [PMID: 35964712 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2022.184033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Adequate homeostasis of lipid, protein and carbohydrate metabolism is essential for cells to perform highly specific tasks in our organism, and the brain, with its uniquely high energetic requirements, posesses singular characteristics. Some of these are related to its extraordinary dotation of synapses, the specialized subcelluar structures where signal transmission between neurons occurs in the central nervous system. The post-synaptic compartment of excitatory synapses, the dendritic spine, harbors key molecules involved in neurotransmission tightly packed within a minute volume of a few femtoliters. The spine is further compartmentalized into nanodomains that facilitate the execution of temporo-spatially separate functions in the synapse. Lipids play important roles in this structural and functional compartmentalization and in mechanisms that impact on synaptic transmission. This review analyzes the structural and dynamic processes involving lipids at the synapse, highlighting the importance of their homeostatic balance for the physiology of this complex and highly specialized structure, and underscoring the pathologies associated with disbalances of lipid metabolism, particularly in the perinatal and late adulthood periods of life. Although small variations of the lipid profile in the brain take place throughout the adult lifespan, the pathophysiological consequences are clinically manifested mostly during late adulthood. Disturbances in lipid homeostasis in the perinatal period leads to alterations during nervous system development, while in late adulthood they favor the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sofia Vallés
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (UNS-CONICET), 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina.
| | - Francisco J Barrantes
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biomedical Research (BIOMED), UCA-CONICET, Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo 1600, Buenos Aires C1107AAZ, Argentina.
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Elevated granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and hematopoietic stem cell mobilization in Niemann-Pick Type C1 disease. J Lipid Res 2022; 63:100167. [PMID: 35007562 PMCID: PMC8953690 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2021.100167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick Type C1 (NPC1) disease is a progressive lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations of the NPC1 gene. While neurodegeneration is the most severe symptom, a large proportion of NPC1 patients also present with splenomegaly, which has been attributed to cholesterol and glycosphingolipid accumulation in late endosomes and lysosomes. However, recent data also reveal an increase in the inflammatory monocyte subset in the Npc1nih mouse model expressing a Npc1-null allele. We evaluated the contribution of hematopoietic cells to splenomegaly in NPC1 disease under conditions of hypercholesterolemia. We transplanted Npc1nih (Npc1 null-mutation) or Npc1wt bone marrow into Ldlr-/- mice and fed these mice a cholesterol-rich Western-type diet (WTD). At 9 weeks after bone marrow transplant (BMT), on a chow diet, the Npc1 null-mutation increased plasma granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) by twofold and caused mild neutrophilia. At 18 weeks after BMT, including 9 weeks of WTD feeding, the Npc1 mutation increased G-csf mRNA levels by ∼5-fold in splenic monocytes/macrophages accompanied by a ∼4-fold increase in splenic neutrophils compared to controls. We also observed ∼5-fold increased long-term and short-term hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the spleen, and a ∼30-75% decrease of these populations in BM, reflecting HSC mobilization, presumably downstream of elevated G-CSF. In line with these data, four patients with NPC1 disease showed higher plasma G-CSF compared to age- and gender-matched healthy controls. In conclusion, we show elevated G-CSF levels and HSC mobilization in the setting of an Npc1-null mutation, and propose that this contributes to splenomegaly in patients with NPC1 disease.
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Abstract
Niemann-Pick disease type C (NP-C) is a severe neurovisceral lipid storage disease that results in the accumulation of unesterified cholesterol in lysosomes or endosomes. The clinical presentations of NP-C are variable which include visceral symptoms, neurologic symptoms and psychiatric symptoms. Psychosis is the most common psychiatric manifestation of NP-C and is indistinguishable from a typical psychosis presentation of schizophrenia. The common psychotic presentations in NP-C include visual hallucinations, delusions, auditory hallucinations and thought disorders. Psychosis symptoms are more common in adult or adolescent-onset forms compared with pediatric-onset forms. The underlying pathophysiology of psychosis in NP-C is most probably due to dysconnectivity particularly between frontotemporal connectivity and subcortical structures. NP-C sometimes is mistaken for schizophrenia which causes delay in treatment due to lack of awareness and literature review. This review aims to summarize the relevant case reports on psychosis symptoms in NP-C and discuss the genetics and pathophysiology underlying the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leong Tung Ong
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Cariati I, Masuelli L, Bei R, Tancredi V, Frank C, D’Arcangelo G. Neurodegeneration in Niemann-Pick Type C Disease: An Updated Review on Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Approaches to Counteract Brain and Cognitive Impairment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126600. [PMID: 34202978 PMCID: PMC8234817 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Niemann–Pick type C (NPC) disease is an autosomal recessive storage disorder, characterized by abnormal sequestration of unesterified cholesterol in the late endo-lysosomal system of cells. Progressive neurological deterioration and the onset of symptoms, such as ataxia, seizures, cognitive decline, and severe dementia, are pathognomonic features of the disease. In addition, different pathological similarities, including degeneration of hippocampal and cortical neurons, hyperphosphorylated tau, and neurofibrillary tangle formation, have been identified between NPC disease and other neurodegenerative pathologies. However, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are not yet well understood, and even a real cure to counteract neurodegeneration has not been identified. Therefore, the combination of current pharmacological therapies, represented by miglustat and cyclodextrin, and non-pharmacological approaches, such as physical exercise and appropriate diet, could represent a strategy to improve the quality of life of NPC patients. Based on this evidence, in our review we focused on the neurodegenerative aspects of NPC disease, summarizing the current knowledge on the molecular and biochemical mechanisms responsible for cognitive impairment, and suggesting physical exercise and nutritional treatments as additional non-pharmacologic approaches to reduce the progression and neurodegenerative course of NPC disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Cariati
- Medical-Surgical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Virginia Tancredi
- Department of Systems Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
- Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Frank
- UniCamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Via di Sant’Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giovanna D’Arcangelo
- Department of Systems Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
- Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Griñán-Ferré C, Companys-Alemany J, Jarné-Ferrer J, Codony S, González-Castillo C, Ortuño-Sahagún D, Vilageliu L, Grinberg D, Vázquez S, Pallàs M. Inhibition of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Ameliorates Phenotype and Cognitive Abilities in a Murine Model of Niemann Pick Type C Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3409. [PMID: 33810307 PMCID: PMC8036710 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073409] [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: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease is a rare autosomal recessive inherited childhood neurodegenerative disease characterized by the accumulation of cholesterol and glycosphingolipids, involving the autophagy-lysosome system. Inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), an enzyme that metabolizes epoxy fatty acids (EpFAs) to 12-diols, exerts beneficial effects in modulating inflammation and autophagy, critical features of the NPC disease. This study aims to evaluate the effects of UB-EV-52, an sEH inhibitor (sEHi), in an NPC mouse model (Npc) by administering it for 4 weeks (5 mg/kg/day). Behavioral and cognitive tests (open-field test (OF)), elevated plus maze (EPM), novel object recognition test (NORT) and object location test (OLT) demonstrated that the treatment produced an improvement in short- and long-term memory as well as in spatial memory. Furthermore, UB-EV-52 treatment increased body weight and lifespan by 25% and reduced gene expression of the inflammatory markers (i.e., Il-1β and Mcp1) and enhanced oxidative stress (OS) markers (iNOS and Hmox1) in the treated Npc mice group. As for autophagic markers, surprisingly, we found significantly reduced levels of LC3B-II/LC3B-I ratio and significantly reduced brain protein levels of lysosomal-associated membrane protein-1 (LAMP-1) in treated Npc mice group compared to untreated ones in hippocampal tissue. Lipid profile analysis showed a significant reduction of lipid storage in the liver and some slight changes in homogenated brain tissue in the treated NPC mice compared to the untreated groups. Therefore, our results suggest that pharmacological inhibition of sEH ameliorates most of the characteristic features of NPC mice, demonstrating that sEH can be considered a potential therapeutic target for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Griñán-Ferré
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Section and Institute of Neuroscience, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (C.G.-F.); (J.C.-A.); (J.J.-F.)
| | - Júlia Companys-Alemany
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Section and Institute of Neuroscience, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (C.G.-F.); (J.C.-A.); (J.J.-F.)
| | - Júlia Jarné-Ferrer
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Section and Institute of Neuroscience, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (C.G.-F.); (J.C.-A.); (J.J.-F.)
| | - Sandra Codony
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (CSIC, Associated Unit), Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (S.C.); (S.V.)
| | - Celia González-Castillo
- Tecnológico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Campus Guadalajara, Zapopan, 45201 Jalisco, Mexico;
| | - Daniel Ortuño-Sahagún
- Laboratorio de Neuroinmunobiología Molecular, Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas (IICB), Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud (CUCS), Universidad de Guadalajara, Jalisco 44340, Mexico;
| | - Lluïsa Vilageliu
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (L.V.); (D.G.)
- Institut de Biomedicina de la UB (IBUB)-Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IRSJD), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Grinberg
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (L.V.); (D.G.)
- Institut de Biomedicina de la UB (IBUB)-Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IRSJD), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Santiago Vázquez
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (CSIC, Associated Unit), Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (S.C.); (S.V.)
| | - Mercè Pallàs
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Section and Institute of Neuroscience, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (C.G.-F.); (J.C.-A.); (J.J.-F.)
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9
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Rebiai R, Givogri MI, Gowrishankar S, Cologna SM, Alford ST, Bongarzone ER. Synaptic Function and Dysfunction in Lysosomal Storage Diseases. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:619777. [PMID: 33746713 PMCID: PMC7978225 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.619777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) with neurological involvement are inherited genetic diseases of the metabolism characterized by lysosomal dysfunction and the accumulation of undegraded substrates altering glial and neuronal function. Often, patients with neurological manifestations present with damage to the gray and white matter and irreversible neuronal decline. The use of animal models of LSDs has greatly facilitated studying and identifying potential mechanisms of neuronal dysfunction, including alterations in availability and function of synaptic proteins, modifications of membrane structure, deficits in docking, exocytosis, recycling of synaptic vesicles, and inflammation-mediated remodeling of synapses. Although some extrapolations from findings in adult-onset conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease have been reported, the pathogenetic mechanisms underpinning cognitive deficits in LSDs are still largely unclear. Without being fully inclusive, the goal of this mini-review is to present a discussion on possible mechanisms leading to synaptic dysfunction in LSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rima Rebiai
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Maria I. Givogri
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Swetha Gowrishankar
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Stephania M. Cologna
- Department of Chemistry, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Simon T. Alford
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ernesto R. Bongarzone
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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Holzmann C, Witt M, Rolfs A, Antipova V, Wree A. Gender-Specific Effects of Two Treatment Strategies in a Mouse Model of Niemann-Pick Disease Type C1. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052539. [PMID: 33802605 PMCID: PMC7962008 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In a mouse model of Niemann-Pick disease type C1 (NPC1), a combination therapy (COMBI) of miglustat (MIGLU), the neurosteroid allopregnanolone (ALLO) and the cyclic oligosaccharide 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPßCD) has previously resulted in, among other things, significantly improved motor function. The present study was designed to compare the therapeutic effects of the COMBI therapy with that of MIGLU or HPßCD alone on body and brain weight and the behavior of NPC1−/− mice in a larger cohort, with special reference to gender differences. A total of 117 NPC1−/− and 123 NPC1+/+ mice underwent either COMBI, MIGLU only, HPßCD only, or vehicle treatment (Sham), or received no treatment at all (None). In male and female NPC1−/− mice, all treatments led to decreased loss of body weight and, partly, brain weight. Concerning motor coordination, as revealed by the accelerod test, male NPC1−/− mice benefited from COMBI treatment, whereas female mice benefited from COMBI, MIGLU, and HPßCD treatment. As seen in the open field test, the reduced locomotor activity of male and female NPC1−/− mice was not significantly ameliorated in either treatment group. Our results suggest that in NPC1−/− mice, each drug treatment scheme had a beneficial effect on at least some of the parameters evaluated compared with Sham-treated mice. Only in COMBI-treated male and female NPC+/+ mice were drug effects seen in reduced body and brain weights. Upon COMBI treatment, the increased dosage of drugs necessary for anesthesia in Sham-treated male and female NPC1−/− mice was almost completely reduced only in the female groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Holzmann
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Rostock University Medical Center, D-18057 Rostock, Germany;
- Centre of Transdisciplinary Neuroscience Rostock, D-18147 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Martin Witt
- Centre of Transdisciplinary Neuroscience Rostock, D-18147 Rostock, Germany;
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, D-18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Arndt Rolfs
- Centogene AG, Rostock, Am Strande 7, 18055 Rostock, Germany;
- University of Rostock, 18055 Rostock, Germany
| | - Veronica Antipova
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, D-18057 Rostock, Germany;
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Macroscopic and Clinical Anatomy, Medical University of Graz, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Wree
- Centre of Transdisciplinary Neuroscience Rostock, D-18147 Rostock, Germany;
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, D-18057 Rostock, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-381-494-8429
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11
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Woolley SA, Tsimnadis ER, Lenghaus C, Healy PJ, Walker K, Morton A, Khatkar MS, Elliott A, Kaya E, Hoerner C, Priestman DA, Shepherd D, Platt FM, Porebski BT, Willet CE, O’Rourke BA, Tammen I. Molecular basis for a new bovine model of Niemann-Pick type C disease. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238697. [PMID: 32970694 PMCID: PMC7514041 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick type C disease is a lysosomal storage disease affecting primarily the nervous system that results in premature death. Here we present the first report and investigation of Niemann-Pick type C disease in Australian Angus/Angus-cross calves. After a preliminary diagnosis of Niemann-Pick type C, samples from two affected calves and two obligate carriers were analysed using single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping and homozygosity mapping, and NPC1 was considered as a positional candidate gene. A likely causal missense variant on chromosome 24 in the NPC1 gene (NM_174758.2:c.2969C>G) was identified by Sanger sequencing of cDNA. SIFT analysis, protein alignment and protein modelling predicted the variant to be deleterious to protein function. Segregation of the variant with disease was confirmed in two additional affected calves and two obligate carrier dams. Genotyping of 403 animals from the original herd identified an estimated allele frequency of 3.5%. The Niemann-Pick type C phenotype was additionally confirmed via biochemical analysis of Lysotracker Green, cholesterol, sphingosine and glycosphingolipids in fibroblast cell cultures originating from two affected calves. The identification of a novel missense variant for Niemann-Pick type C disease in Angus/Angus-cross cattle will enable improved breeding and management of this disease in at-risk populations. The results from this study offer a unique opportunity to further the knowledge of human Niemann-Pick type C disease through the potential availability of a bovine model of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shernae A. Woolley
- Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
| | - Emily R. Tsimnadis
- Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Keith Walker
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Mehar S. Khatkar
- Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
| | - Annette Elliott
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle, NSW, Australia
| | - Ecem Kaya
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Clarisse Hoerner
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - David A. Priestman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Dawn Shepherd
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Frances M. Platt
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ben T. Porebski
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Cali E. Willet
- The University of Sydney, Sydney Informatics Hub Core Research Facilities, Darlington, NSW, Australia
| | - Brendon A. O’Rourke
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle, NSW, Australia
| | - Imke Tammen
- Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
- * E-mail:
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12
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Effects of Different Continuous Aerobic Training Protocols in a Heterozygous Mouse Model of Niemann-Pick Type C Disease. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2020; 5:jfmk5030053. [PMID: 33467268 PMCID: PMC7739240 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk5030053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The positive effects of physical activity on cognitive functions are widely known. Aerobic training is known to promote the expression of neurotrophins, thus inducing an increase in the development and survival of neurons, as well as enhancing synaptic plasticity. Based on this evidence, in the present study, we analyze the effects of two different types of aerobic training, progressive continuous (PC) and varying continuous (VC), on synaptic and muscular plasticity in heterozygous mice carrying the genetic mutation for Niemann-Pick type C disease. We also analyze the effects on synaptic plasticity by extracellular recordings in vitro in mouse hippocampal slices, while the morphological structure of muscle tissue was studied by transmission electron microscopy. Our results show a modulation of synaptic plasticity that varies according to the type of training protocol used, and only the VC protocol administered twice a week, has a significantly positive effect on long-term potentiation. On the contrary, ultrastructural analysis of muscle tissue shows an improvement in cellular conditions in all trained mice. These results confirm the beneficial effects of exercise on quality of life, supporting the hypothesis that physical activity could represent an alternative therapeutic strategy for patients with Niemann-Pick type C disease.
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13
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Pallone G, Palmieri M, Cariati I, Bei R, Masuelli L, D'Arcangelo G, Tancredi V. Different continuous training modalities result in distinctive effects on muscle structure, plasticity and function. Biomed Rep 2020; 12:267-275. [PMID: 32257190 DOI: 10.3892/br.2020.1283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of training on muscle structure are dependent on adaptive changes induced by different intensities of physical exercise. Evidence has shown that aerobic training is able to induce adaptive changes to muscle structure based on intensity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of different methods of continuous aerobic training in mice using functional, morphological and biomolecular approaches. The continuous aerobic training methods used in the present study were uniform continuous training (UC), varying continuous training (VC) and progressive continuous training (PC). Mice were made to run 3 times a week for 12 weeks on a motorized RotaRod, following one of the three different training methods at different speeds. The results of the present study demonstrated that the various training methods had different effects on sarcomere length. Ultrastructural analysis demonstrated that UC training resulted in a shortening of sarcomere length, PC training resulted in an elongation of sarcomere length and VC training showed similar sarcomere length when compared with the control sedentary group. Additionally, succinate dehydrogenase complex flavoprotein subunit A levels in muscle tissue following VC training were higher compared with UC and PC training. Overall, the present study showed that varying exercise methods resulted in different types of muscle plasticity, and that the VC protocol resulted in increased coordination and strength endurance in the functional tests, in agreement with the ultrastructural and biochemical profile. These observations support the view that VC training may be more efficient in increasing performance and may thus form the basis of training regimens when an improvement of motor efficiency is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Pallone
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, I-00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Mattia Palmieri
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, I-00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Ida Cariati
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, I-00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, I-00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna D'Arcangelo
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, I-00133 Rome, Italy.,Centre of Space Bio-medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, I-00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Virginia Tancredi
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, I-00133 Rome, Italy.,Centre of Space Bio-medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, I-00133 Rome, Italy
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14
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Belfiore M, Cariati I, Matteucci A, Gaddini L, Macchia G, Fioravanti R, Frank C, Tancredi V, D'Arcangelo G, Diociaiuti M. Calcitonin native prefibrillar oligomers but not monomers induce membrane damage that triggers NMDA-mediated Ca 2+-influx, LTP impairment and neurotoxicity. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5144. [PMID: 30914688 PMCID: PMC6435710 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41462-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid protein misfolding results in a self-assembling aggregation process, characterized by the formation of typical aggregates. The attention is focused on pre-fibrillar oligomers (PFOs), formed in the early stages and supposed to be neurotoxic. PFOs structure may change due to their instability and different experimental protocols. Consequently, it is difficult to ascertain which aggregation species are actually neurotoxic. We used salmon Calcitonin (sCT) as an amyloid model whose slow aggregation rate allowed to prepare stable samples without photochemical cross-linking. Intracellular Ca2+ rise plays a fundamental role in amyloid protein-induced neurodegerations. Two paradigms have been explored: (i) the "membrane permeabilization" due to the formation of amyloid pores or other types of membrane damage; (ii) "receptor-mediated" modulation of Ca2+ channels. In the present paper, we tested the effects of native sCT PFOs- with respect to Monomer-enriched solutions in neurons characterized by an increasing degree of differentiation, in terms of -Ca2+-influx, cellular viability, -Long-Term Potentiation impairment, Post-Synaptic Densities and synaptophysin expression. Results indicated that PFOs-, but not Monomer-enriched solutions, induced abnormal -Ca2+-influx, which could only in part be ascribed to NMDAR activation. Thus, we propose an innovative neurotoxicity mechanism for amyloid proteins where "membrane permeabilization" and "receptor-mediated" paradigms coexist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Belfiore
- National Center for Rare Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Ida Cariati
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Matteucci
- National Center for Drug Research and Evalutation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Gaddini
- National Center for Drug Research and Evalutation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Raoul Fioravanti
- National Center for Rare Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.,Chemistry Department, University "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Frank
- National Center for Rare Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Virginia Tancredi
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marco Diociaiuti
- National Center for Rare Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
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15
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Psychiatric and Cognitive Symptoms Associated with Niemann-Pick Type C Disease: Neurobiology and Management. CNS Drugs 2019; 33:125-142. [PMID: 30632019 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-018-0599-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a lysosomal storage disorder that presents with a spectrum of clinical manifestations from infancy and childhood or in early or mid-adulthood. Progressive neurological symptoms including ataxia, dystonia and vertical gaze palsy are a hallmark of the disease, and psychiatric symptoms such as psychosis and mood disorders are common. These latter symptoms often present early in the course of NPC and thus these patients are often diagnosed with a major psychotic or affective disorder before neurological and cognitive signs present and the diagnosis is revised. The commonalities and characteristics of psychotic symptoms in both NPC and schizophrenia may share neuronal pathways and mechanisms and provide potential targets for research in both disorders. The neurobiology of NPC and its relationship to the pattern of neuropsychiatric and cognitive symptoms is described in this review. A number of neurobiological models are proposed as mechanisms by which NPC causes psychiatric and cognitive symptoms, informed from models proposed in schizophrenia and other metabolic disorders. There are a number of symptomatic and illness-modifying treatments for NPC currently available. The current evidence is discussed; focussing on two medications which have shown promise, miglustat and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin.
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16
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Niemann-Pick type C disease: The atypical sphingolipidosis. Adv Biol Regul 2018; 70:82-88. [PMID: 30205942 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease is a lysosomal storage disorder resulting from mutations in either the NPC1 (95%) or NPC2 (5%) genes. NPC typically presents in childhood with visceral lipid accumulation and complex progressive neurodegeneration characterized by cerebellar ataxia, dysphagia, and dementia, resulting in a shortened lifespan. While cholesterol is widely acknowledged as the principal storage lipid in NPC, multiple species of sphingolipids accumulate as well. This accumulation of sphingolipids led to the initial assumption that NPC disease was caused by a deficiency in a sphingolipid catabolism enzyme, similar to sphingomyelinase deficiencies with which it shares a family name. It took about half a century to determine that NPC was in fact caused by a cholesterol trafficking defect, and still as we approach a century after the initial identification of the disease, the mechanisms by which sphingolipids accumulate remain poorly understood. Here we focus on the defects of sphingolipid catabolism in the endolysosomal compartment and how they contribute to the biology and pathology observed in NPC disease. This review highlights the need for further work on understanding and possibly developing treatments to correct the accumulation of sphingolipids in addition to cholesterol in this currently untreatable disease.
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17
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Benussi A, Cotelli MS, Padovani A, Borroni B. Recent neuroimaging, neurophysiological, and neuropathological advances for the understanding of NPC. F1000Res 2018; 7:194. [PMID: 29511534 PMCID: PMC5814740 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.12361.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Niemann–Pick disease type C (NPC) is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder with extensive biological, molecular, and clinical heterogeneity. Recently, numerous studies have tried to shed light on the pathophysiology of the disease, highlighting possible disease pathways common to other neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia, and identifying possible candidate biomarkers for disease staging and response to treatment. Miglustat, which reversibly inhibits glycosphingolipid synthesis, has been licensed in the European Union and elsewhere for the treatment of NPC in both children and adults. A number of ongoing clinical trials might hold promise for the development of new treatments for NPC. The objective of the present work is to review and evaluate recent literature data in order to highlight the latest neuroimaging, neurophysiological, and neuropathological advances for the understanding of NPC pathophysiology. Furthermore, ongoing developments in disease-modifying treatments will be briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Benussi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa, 11, 25123 Brescia BS, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Padovani
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa, 11, 25123 Brescia BS, Italy
| | - Barbara Borroni
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa, 11, 25123 Brescia BS, Italy
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18
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Abstract
The nervous system is vulnerable to intrinsic and extrinsic metabolic perturbations. In particular, the cerebellum, with its large Purkinje cells and its high density of neurons and glial cells, has high metabolic demand and is highly vulnerable to metabolic derangements. As a result, many disorders of intermediary metabolism will preferentially and sometimes selectively target the cerebellum. However, many of these disorders present in a multisystem fashion with ataxia being a part of the neurologic symptom complex. The presentation of these disorders depends on the time of onset and type of metabolic derangement. Early infantile or intrauterine-onset diseases will present in a young child typically with global hypotonia and both nystagmus and ataxia become more apparent later in life, while later-onset diseases usually present primarily with ataxia. It is important to note that the majority of these disorders are progressive if they are untreated. This chapter provides a review of acquired and genetic metabolic disorders that target the cerebellum, and discusses their diagnostic evaluation and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Y Ismail
- Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hiroshi Mitoma
- Department of Medical Education, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ali Fatemi
- Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States.
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19
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De Domenico E, D'Arcangelo G, Faraoni I, Palmieri M, Tancredi V, Graziani G, Grimaldi P, Tentori L. Modulation of GDF11 expression and synaptic plasticity by age and training. Oncotarget 2017; 8:57991-58002. [PMID: 28938532 PMCID: PMC5601628 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The Growth Differentiation Factor 11 (GDF11) has been controversially involved in the aging/rejuvenation process. To clarify whether GDF11 is differently expressed during aging, we have evaluated GDF11 levels in skeletal muscles and hippocampi of young and old mice, sedentary or subjected to a 12-weeks triweekly training protocol. The results of real-time PCR and Western blot analyses indicate that skeletal muscles of sedentary old mice express higher levels of GDF11 compared to young animals (p < 0.05). Conversely, in hippocampi no significant differences of GDF11 expression are detected. Analysis of long-term potentiation, a synaptic plasticity phenomenon, reveals that population spikes in response to a tetanic stimulus are significantly higher in sedentary young mice than in old animals (p < 0.01). Training induces a significant improvement of long-term potentiation in both young and old animals (p < 0.05), an increase (p < 0.05) of skeletal muscle GDF11 levels in young mice and a reduction of GDF11 expression in hippocampi of old mice (p < 0.05). Overall, data suggest that GDF11 can be considered an aging biomarker for skeletal muscles. Moreover, physical exercise has a positive impact on long-term potentiation in both young and old mice, while it has variable effects on GDF11 expression depending on age and on the tissue analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela De Domenico
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Isabella Faraoni
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Mattia Palmieri
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Virginia Tancredi
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Grazia Graziani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Grimaldi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucio Tentori
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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20
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Garcia-Gil M, Pierucci F, Vestri A, Meacci E. Crosstalk between sphingolipids and vitamin D3: potential role in the nervous system. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:605-627. [PMID: 28127747 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids are both structural and bioactive compounds. In particular, ceramide and sphingosine 1-phosphate regulate cell fate, inflammation and excitability. 1-α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2 D3 ) is known to play an important physiological role in growth and differentiation in a variety of cell types, including neural cells, through genomic actions mediated by its specific receptor, and non-genomic effects that result in the activation of specific signalling pathways. 1,25(OH)2 D3 and sphingolipids, in particular sphingosine 1-phosphate, share many common effectors, including calcium regulation, growth factors and inflammatory cytokines, but it is still not known whether they can act synergistically. Alterations in the signalling and concentrations of sphingolipids and 1,25(OH)2 D3 have been found in neurodegenerative diseases and fingolimod, a structural analogue of sphingosine, has been approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. This review, after a brief description of the role of sphingolipids and 1,25(OH)2 D3 , will focus on the potential crosstalk between sphingolipids and 1,25(OH)2 D3 in neural cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Garcia-Gil
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood 'Nutraceuticals and Food for Health', University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Federica Pierucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', Molecular and Applied Biology Research Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Interuniversitary Miology Institutes, Italy
| | - Ambra Vestri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', Molecular and Applied Biology Research Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Interuniversitary Miology Institutes, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Meacci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', Molecular and Applied Biology Research Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Interuniversitary Miology Institutes, Italy
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21
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Benussi A, Cotelli MS, Cosseddu M, Bertasi V, Turla M, Salsano E, Dardis A, Padovani A, Borroni B. Preliminary Results on Long-Term Potentiation-Like Cortical Plasticity and Cholinergic Dysfunction After Miglustat Treatment in Niemann-Pick Disease Type C. JIMD Rep 2017; 36:19-27. [PMID: 28092091 DOI: 10.1007/8904_2016_33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder, which manifests clinically with a wide range of neurological signs and symptoms. We assessed multiple neurological, neuropsychological and neurophysiological biomarkers using a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) multi-paradigm approach in two patients with NPC carrying a homozygous mutation in the NPC1 gene, and in two heterozygous family members.We assessed short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), intracortical facilitation (ICF), long-interval intracortical inhibition (LICI), short-latency afferent inhibition (SAI) and long-term potentiation (LTP)-like cortical plasticity with a paired associative stimulation (PAS) protocol.Baseline SAI and LTP-like plasticity were impaired in both patients with NPC and in the symptomatic heterozygous NPC1 gene mutation carrier. Only a limited decrease in SICI and ICF was observed, while LICI was within normal range in all subjects at baseline. After 12 months of treatment with miglustat, a considerable improvement in SAI and LTP-like plasticity was observed in both patients with NPC. In conclusion, these biomarkers could help to confirm the diagnosis of NPC, and may give an indication of prognostic outcomes in pharmacological trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Benussi
- Centre for Ageing Brain and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Neurology Unit, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Maura Cosseddu
- Centre for Ageing Brain and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Neurology Unit, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, Brescia, Italy
| | | | | | - Ettore Salsano
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta", Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Dardis
- University Hospital "Santa Maria della Misericordia", Udine, Italy
| | - Alessandro Padovani
- Centre for Ageing Brain and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Neurology Unit, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, Brescia, Italy
| | - Barbara Borroni
- Centre for Ageing Brain and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Neurology Unit, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, Brescia, Italy.
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22
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Schlegel V, Thieme M, Holzmann C, Witt M, Grittner U, Rolfs A, Wree A. Pharmacologic Treatment Assigned for Niemann Pick Type C1 Disease Partly Changes Behavioral Traits in Wild-Type Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:E1866. [PMID: 27834854 PMCID: PMC5133866 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17111866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick Type C1 (NPC1) is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder characterized by accumulation of cholesterol and glycosphingolipids. Previously, we demonstrated that BALB/c-npc1nihNpc1-/- mice treated with miglustat, cyclodextrin and allopregnanolone generally performed better than untreated Npc1-/- animals. Unexpectedly, they also seemed to accomplish motor tests better than their sham-treated wild-type littermates. However, combination-treated mutant mice displayed worse cognition performance compared to sham-treated ones. To evaluate effects of these drugs in healthy BALB/c mice, we here analyzed pharmacologic effects on motor and cognitive behavior of wild-type mice. For combination treatment mice were injected with allopregnanolone/cyclodextrin weekly, starting at P7. Miglustat injections were performed daily from P10 till P23. Starting at P23, miglustat was embedded in the chow. Other mice were treated with miglustat only, or sham-treated. The battery of behavioral tests consisted of accelerod, Morris water maze, elevated plus maze, open field and hot-plate tests. Motor capabilities and spontaneous motor behavior were unaltered in both drug-treated groups. Miglustat-treated wild-type mice displayed impaired spatial learning compared to sham- and combination-treated mice. Both combination- and miglustat-treated mice showed enhanced anxiety in the elevated plus maze compared to sham-treated mice. Additionally, combination treatment as well as miglustat alone significantly reduced brain weight, whereas only combination treatment reduced body weight significantly. Our results suggest that allopregnanolone/cyclodextrin ameliorate most side effects of miglustat in wild-type mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Schlegel
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Rostock, 18055 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Markus Thieme
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Rostock, 18055 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Carsten Holzmann
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Martin Witt
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Rostock, 18055 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Ulrike Grittner
- Department for Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Arndt Rolfs
- Albrecht-Kossel Institute for Neuroregeneration, Rostock University Medical Center, 18147 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Andreas Wree
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Rostock, 18055 Rostock, Germany.
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