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Tripathi U, Rosh I, Ben Ezer R, Nayak R, Hussein Y, Choudhary A, Djamus J, Manole A, Houlden H, Gage FH, Stern S. Upregulated ECM genes and increased synaptic activity in Parkinson's human DA neurons with PINK1/ PRKN mutations. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2024; 10:103. [PMID: 38762512 PMCID: PMC11102563 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-024-00715-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease. Primary symptoms of PD arise with the loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the Substantia Nigra Pars Compacta, but PD also affects the hippocampus and cortex, usually in its later stage. Approximately 15% of PD cases are familial with a genetic mutation. Two of the most associated genes with autosomal recessive (AR) early-onset familial PD are PINK1 and PRKN. In vitro studies of these genetic mutations are needed to understand the neurophysiological changes in patients' neurons that may contribute to neurodegeneration. In this work, we generated and differentiated DA and hippocampal neurons from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived from two patients with a double mutation in their PINK1 and PRKN (one homozygous and one heterozygous) genes and assessed their neurophysiology compared to two healthy controls. We showed that the synaptic activity of PD neurons generated from patients with the PINK1 and PRKN mutations is impaired in the hippocampus and dopaminergic neurons. Mutant dopaminergic neurons had enhanced excitatory post-synaptic activity. In addition, DA neurons with the homozygous mutation of PINK1 exhibited more pronounced electrophysiological differences compared to the control neurons. Signaling network analysis of RNA sequencing results revealed that Focal adhesion and ECM receptor pathway were the top two upregulated pathways in the mutant PD neurons. Our findings reveal that the phenotypes linked to PINK1 and PRKN mutations differ from those from other PD mutations, suggesting a unique interplay between these two mutations that drives different PD mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utkarsh Tripathi
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Idan Rosh
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ran Ben Ezer
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ritu Nayak
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yara Hussein
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ashwani Choudhary
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Jose Djamus
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Andreea Manole
- Laboratory of Genetics, Gage, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Henry Houlden
- UCL queen square institute of neurology, University College London, London, England
| | - Fred H Gage
- Laboratory of Genetics, Gage, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Shani Stern
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
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2
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Wu Y, Meng X, Cheng WY, Yan Z, Li K, Wang J, Jiang T, Zhou F, Wong KH, Zhong C, Dong Y, Gao S. Can pluripotent/multipotent stem cells reverse Parkinson's disease progression? Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1210447. [PMID: 38356648 PMCID: PMC10864507 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1210447] [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: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by continuous and selective degeneration or death of dopamine neurons in the midbrain, leading to dysfunction of the nigrostriatal neural circuits. Current clinical treatments for PD include drug treatment and surgery, which provide short-term relief of symptoms but are associated with many side effects and cannot reverse the progression of PD. Pluripotent/multipotent stem cells possess a self-renewal capacity and the potential to differentiate into dopaminergic neurons. Transplantation of pluripotent/multipotent stem cells or dopaminergic neurons derived from these cells is a promising strategy for the complete repair of damaged neural circuits in PD. This article reviews and summarizes the current preclinical/clinical treatments for PD, their efficacies, and the advantages/disadvantages of various stem cells, including pluripotent and multipotent stem cells, to provide a detailed overview of how these cells can be applied in the treatment of PD, as well as the challenges and bottlenecks that need to be overcome in future translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongkang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Evaluation and Sports Intervention, Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangtian Meng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wai-Yin Cheng
- Research Institute for Future Food, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhichao Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Keqin Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianfang Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Eighth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Navy Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ka-Hing Wong
- Research Institute for Future Food, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chunlong Zhong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Dong
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Evaluation and Sports Intervention, Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shane Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Adegunsoye A, Gonzales NM, Gilad Y. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in Disease Biology and the Evidence for Their In Vitro Utility. Annu Rev Genet 2023; 57:341-360. [PMID: 37708421 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genet-022123-090319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Many human phenotypes are impossible to recapitulate in model organisms or immortalized human cell lines. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer a way to study disease mechanisms in a variety of differentiated cell types while circumventing ethical and practical issues associated with finite tissue sources and postmortem states. Here, we discuss the broad utility of iPSCs in genetic medicine and describe how they are being used to study musculoskeletal, pulmonary, neurologic, and cardiac phenotypes. We summarize the particular challenges presented by each organ system and describe how iPSC models are being used to address them. Finally, we discuss emerging iPSC-derived organoid models and the potential value that they can bring to studies of human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayodeji Adegunsoye
- Genetics, Genomics, and Systems Biology, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care, and the Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA;
| | - Natalia M Gonzales
- Section of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; ,
| | - Yoav Gilad
- Section of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; ,
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Quintero-Espinosa DA, Velez-Pardo C, Jimenez-Del-Rio M. High Yield of Functional Dopamine-like Neurons Obtained in NeuroForsk 2.0 Medium to Study Acute and Chronic Rotenone Effects on Oxidative Stress, Autophagy, and Apoptosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15744. [PMID: 37958728 PMCID: PMC10647258 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Several efforts to develop new protocols to differentiate in in vitro human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) into dopamine (DA) neurons have been reported. We have formulated NeuroForsk 2.0 medium containing fibroblast growth factor type beta (FGFb), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), melatonin, purmorphamine, and forskolin. We report for the first time that menstrual stromal cells (MenSCs) cultured in NeuroForsk 2.0 medium for 7 days transdifferentiated into DA-like neurons (DALNs) expressing specific DA lineage markers tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells (TH+) and DA transporter-positive (DAT+) cells and were responsive to DA-induced transient Ca2+ influx. To test the usefulness of this medium, DALNs were exposed to rotenone (ROT), a naturally occurring organic neurotoxin used extensively to chemically induce an in vitro model of Parkinson's disease (PD), which is a movement disorder characterized by the specific loss of DA neurons. We wanted to determine whether ROT induces apoptotic cell death and autophagy pathway under acute or chronic conditions in DALNs. Here, we report that acute ROT exposure induced several molecular changes in DALNS. ROT induced a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), high expression of parkin (PRKN), and high colocalization of dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) with the mitochondrial translocase of the outer membrane of mitochondria 20 (TOMM20) protein. Acute ROT also induced the appearance of DJ-1Cys106-SO3, as evidenced by the generation of H2O2 and oxidative stress (OS) damage. Remarkably, ROT triggered the phosphorylation of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) at residue Ser935 and phosphorylation of α-Syn at residue Ser129, a pathological indicator. ROT induced the accumulation of lipidated microtubule-associated protein 1B-light chain 3 (LC3B), a highly specific marker of autophagosomes. Finally, ROT induced cleaved caspase 3 (CC3), a marker of activated caspase 3 (CASP3) in apoptotic DALNs compared to untreated DANLs. However, the chronic condition was better at inducing the accumulation of lysosomes than the acute condition. Importantly, the inhibitor of the LRRK2 kinase PF-06447475 (PF-475) almost completely blunted ROT-induced apoptosis and reduced ROT-induced accumulation of lysosomes in both acute and chronic conditions in DALNs. Our data suggest that LRRK2 kinase regulated both apoptotic cell death and autophagy in DALNs under OS. Given that defects in mitochondrial complex I activity are commonly observed in PD, ROT works well as a chemical model of PD in both acute and chronic conditions. Therefore, prevention and treatment therapy should be guided to relieve DALNs from mitochondrial damage and OS, two of the most important triggers in the apoptotic cell death of DALNs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marlene Jimenez-Del-Rio
- Neuroscience Research Group, Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia, University Research Headquarters, Calle 62#52-59, Building 1, Laboratory 411/412, Medellin 050010, Colombia; (D.A.Q.-E.); (C.V.-P.)
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Toh HSY, Choo XY, Sun AX. Midbrain organoids-development and applications in Parkinson's disease. OXFORD OPEN NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 2:kvad009. [PMID: 38596240 PMCID: PMC10913847 DOI: 10.1093/oons/kvad009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Human brain development is spatially and temporally complex. Insufficient access to human brain tissue and inadequacy of animal models has limited the study of brain development and neurodegenerative diseases. Recent advancements of brain organoid technology have created novel opportunities to model human-specific neurodevelopment and brain diseases. In this review, we discuss the use of brain organoids to model the midbrain and Parkinson's disease. We critically evaluate the extent of recapitulation of PD pathology by organoids and discuss areas of future development that may lead to the model to become a next-generation, personalized therapeutic strategy for PD and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary S Y Toh
- Neuroscience & Behavioural Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore
| | - Xin Yi Choo
- Neuroscience & Behavioural Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore
| | - Alfred Xuyang Sun
- Neuroscience & Behavioural Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore
- National Neuroscience Institute, 11 Jln Tan Tock Seng, Singapore
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6
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Thanaskody K, Jusop AS, Tye GJ, Wan Kamarul Zaman WS, Dass SA, Nordin F. MSCs vs. iPSCs: Potential in therapeutic applications. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1005926. [PMID: 36407112 PMCID: PMC9666898 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1005926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past 2 decades, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have attracted a lot of interest as a unique therapeutic approach for a variety of diseases. MSCs are capable of self-renewal and multilineage differentiation capacity, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties allowing it to play a role in regenerative medicine. Furthermore, MSCs are low in tumorigenicity and immune privileged, which permits the use of allogeneic MSCs for therapies that eliminate the need to collect MSCs directly from patients. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be generated from adult cells through gene reprogramming with ectopic expression of specific pluripotency factors. Advancement in iPS technology avoids the destruction of embryos to make pluripotent cells, making it free of ethical concerns. iPSCs can self-renew and develop into a plethora of specialized cells making it a useful resource for regenerative medicine as they may be created from any human source. MSCs have also been used to treat individuals infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. MSCs have undergone more clinical trials than iPSCs due to high tumorigenicity, which can trigger oncogenic transformation. In this review, we discussed the overview of mesenchymal stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. We briefly present therapeutic approaches and COVID-19-related diseases using MSCs and iPSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalaiselvaan Thanaskody
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Faculty of Medicine, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Amirah Syamimi Jusop
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Faculty of Medicine, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Gee Jun Tye
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Malaysia
| | - Wan Safwani Wan Kamarul Zaman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,Centre for Innovation in Medical Engineering (CIME), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sylvia Annabel Dass
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Malaysia
| | - Fazlina Nordin
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Faculty of Medicine, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,*Correspondence: Fazlina Nordin,
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7
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Sen T, Thummer RP. CRISPR and iPSCs: Recent Developments and Future Perspectives in Neurodegenerative Disease Modelling, Research, and Therapeutics. Neurotox Res 2022; 40:1597-1623. [PMID: 36044181 PMCID: PMC9428373 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-022-00564-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are prominent causes of pain, suffering, and death worldwide. Traditional approaches modelling neurodegenerative diseases are deficient, and therefore, improved strategies that effectively recapitulate the pathophysiological conditions of neurodegenerative diseases are the need of the hour. The generation of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has transformed our ability to model neurodegenerative diseases in vitro and provide an unlimited source of cells (including desired neuronal cell types) for cell replacement therapy. Recently, CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing has also been gaining popularity because of the flexibility they provide to generate and ablate disease phenotypes. In addition, the recent advancements in CRISPR/Cas9 technology enables researchers to seamlessly target and introduce precise modifications in the genomic DNA of different human cell lines, including iPSCs. CRISPR-iPSC-based disease modelling, therefore, allows scientists to recapitulate the pathological aspects of most neurodegenerative processes and investigate the role of pathological gene variants in healthy non-patient cell lines. This review outlines how iPSCs, CRISPR/Cas9, and CRISPR-iPSC-based approaches accelerate research on neurodegenerative diseases and take us closer to a cure for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and so forth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tirthankar Sen
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati - 781039, Assam, India
| | - Rajkumar P Thummer
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati - 781039, Assam, India.
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8
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Arango D, Bittar A, Esmeral NP, Ocasión C, Muñoz-Camargo C, Cruz JC, Reyes LH, Bloch NI. Understanding the Potential of Genome Editing in Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9241. [PMID: 34502143 PMCID: PMC8430539 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR is a simple and cost-efficient gene-editing technique that has become increasingly popular over the last decades. Various CRISPR/Cas-based applications have been developed to introduce changes in the genome and alter gene expression in diverse systems and tissues. These novel gene-editing techniques are particularly promising for investigating and treating neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease, for which we currently lack efficient disease-modifying treatment options. Gene therapy could thus provide treatment alternatives, revolutionizing our ability to treat this disease. Here, we review our current knowledge on the genetic basis of Parkinson's disease to highlight the main biological pathways that become disrupted in Parkinson's disease and their potential as gene therapy targets. Next, we perform a comprehensive review of novel delivery vehicles available for gene-editing applications, critical for their successful application in both innovative research and potential therapies. Finally, we review the latest developments in CRISPR-based applications and gene therapies to understand and treat Parkinson's disease. We carefully examine their advantages and shortcomings for diverse gene-editing applications in the brain, highlighting promising avenues for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Arango
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Colombia; (D.A.); (A.B.); (N.P.E.); (C.M.-C.); (J.C.C.)
| | - Amaury Bittar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Colombia; (D.A.); (A.B.); (N.P.E.); (C.M.-C.); (J.C.C.)
| | - Natalia P. Esmeral
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Colombia; (D.A.); (A.B.); (N.P.E.); (C.M.-C.); (J.C.C.)
| | - Camila Ocasión
- Grupo de Diseño de Productos y Procesos, Department of Chemical and Food Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Colombia; (C.O.); (L.H.R.)
| | - Carolina Muñoz-Camargo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Colombia; (D.A.); (A.B.); (N.P.E.); (C.M.-C.); (J.C.C.)
| | - Juan C. Cruz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Colombia; (D.A.); (A.B.); (N.P.E.); (C.M.-C.); (J.C.C.)
| | - Luis H. Reyes
- Grupo de Diseño de Productos y Procesos, Department of Chemical and Food Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Colombia; (C.O.); (L.H.R.)
| | - Natasha I. Bloch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Colombia; (D.A.); (A.B.); (N.P.E.); (C.M.-C.); (J.C.C.)
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Koszła O, Stępnicki P, Zięba A, Grudzińska A, Matosiuk D, Kaczor AA. Current Approaches and Tools Used in Drug Development against Parkinson's Disease. Biomolecules 2021; 11:897. [PMID: 34208760 PMCID: PMC8235487 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the death of nerve cells in the substantia nigra of the brain. The treatment options for this disease are very limited as currently the treatment is mainly symptomatic, and the available drugs are not able to completely stop the progression of the disease but only to slow it down. There is still a need to search for new compounds with the most optimal pharmacological profile that would stop the rapidly progressing disease. An increasing understanding of Parkinson's pathogenesis and the discovery of new molecular targets pave the way to develop new therapeutic agents. The use and selection of appropriate cell and animal models that better reflect pathogenic changes in the brain is a key aspect of the research. In addition, computer-assisted drug design methods are a promising approach to developing effective compounds with potential therapeutic effects. In light of the above, in this review, we present current approaches for developing new drugs for Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliwia Koszła
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modeling Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 4A Chodzki St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (O.K.); (P.S.); (A.Z.); (A.G.); (D.M.)
| | - Piotr Stępnicki
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modeling Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 4A Chodzki St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (O.K.); (P.S.); (A.Z.); (A.G.); (D.M.)
| | - Agata Zięba
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modeling Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 4A Chodzki St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (O.K.); (P.S.); (A.Z.); (A.G.); (D.M.)
| | - Angelika Grudzińska
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modeling Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 4A Chodzki St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (O.K.); (P.S.); (A.Z.); (A.G.); (D.M.)
| | - Dariusz Matosiuk
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modeling Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 4A Chodzki St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (O.K.); (P.S.); (A.Z.); (A.G.); (D.M.)
| | - Agnieszka A. Kaczor
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modeling Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 4A Chodzki St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (O.K.); (P.S.); (A.Z.); (A.G.); (D.M.)
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
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10
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Cacabelos R, Carrera I, Martínez O, Alejo R, Fernández-Novoa L, Cacabelos P, Corzo L, Rodríguez S, Alcaraz M, Nebril L, Tellado I, Cacabelos N, Pego R, Naidoo V, Carril JC. Atremorine in Parkinson's disease: From dopaminergic neuroprotection to pharmacogenomics. Med Res Rev 2021; 41:2841-2886. [PMID: 34106485 DOI: 10.1002/med.21838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Atremorine is a novel bioproduct obtained by nondenaturing biotechnological processes from a genetic species of Vicia faba. Atremorine is a potent dopamine (DA) enhancer with powerful effects on the neuronal dopaminergic system, acting as a neuroprotective agent in Parkinson's disease (PD). Over 97% of PD patients respond to a single dose of Atremorine (5 g, p.o.) 1 h after administration. This response is gender-, time-, dose-, and genotype-dependent, with optimal doses ranging from 5 to 20 g/day, depending upon disease severity and concomitant medication. Drug-free patients show an increase in DA levels from 12.14 ± 0.34 pg/ml to 6463.21 ± 1306.90 pg/ml; and patients chronically treated with anti-PD drugs show an increase in DA levels from 1321.53 ± 389.94 pg/ml to 16,028.54 ± 4783.98 pg/ml, indicating that Atremorine potentiates the dopaminergic effects of conventional anti-PD drugs. Atremorine also influences the levels of other neurotransmitters (adrenaline, noradrenaline) and hormones which are regulated by DA (e.g., prolactin, PRL), with no effect on serotonin or histamine. The variability in Atremorine-induced DA response is highly attributable to pharmacogenetic factors. Polymorphic variants in pathogenic (SNCA, NUCKS1, ITGA8, GPNMB, GCH1, BCKDK, APOE, LRRK2, ACMSD), mechanistic (DRD2), metabolic (CYP2D6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP3A4/5, NAT2), transporter (ABCB1, SLC6A2, SLC6A3, SLC6A4) and pleiotropic genes (APOE) influence the DA response to Atremorine and its psychomotor and brain effects. Atremorine enhances DNA methylation and displays epigenetic activity via modulation of the pharmacoepigenetic network. Atremorine is a novel neuroprotective agent for dopaminergic neurons with potential prophylactic and therapeutic activity in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramón Cacabelos
- Department of Genomic Medicine, EuroEspes Biomedical Research Center, International Center of Neuroscience and Genomic Medicine, Bergondo, Spain
| | - Iván Carrera
- Department of Health Biotechnology, EuroEspes Biomedical Research Center, International Center of Neuroscience and Genomic Medicine, Bergondo, Spain
| | - Olaia Martínez
- Department of Medical Epigenetics, EuroEspes Biomedical Research Center, International Center of Neuroscience and Genomic Medicine, Bergondo, Spain
| | | | | | - Pablo Cacabelos
- Department of Digital Diagnosis, EuroEspes Biomedical Research Center, International Center of Neuroscience and Genomic Medicine, Bergondo, Spain
| | - Lola Corzo
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, EuroEspes Biomedical Research Center, International Center of Neuroscience and Genomic Medicine, Bergondo, Spain
| | - Susana Rodríguez
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, EuroEspes Biomedical Research Center, International Center of Neuroscience and Genomic Medicine, Bergondo, Spain
| | - Margarita Alcaraz
- Department of Genomic Medicine, EuroEspes Biomedical Research Center, International Center of Neuroscience and Genomic Medicine, Bergondo, Spain
| | - Laura Nebril
- Department of Genomic Medicine, EuroEspes Biomedical Research Center, International Center of Neuroscience and Genomic Medicine, Bergondo, Spain
| | - Iván Tellado
- Department of Digital Diagnosis, EuroEspes Biomedical Research Center, International Center of Neuroscience and Genomic Medicine, Bergondo, Spain
| | - Natalia Cacabelos
- Department of Medical Documentation, EuroEspes Biomedical Research Center, International Center of Neuroscience and Genomic Medicine, Bergondo, Spain
| | - Rocío Pego
- Department of Neuropsychology, EuroEspes Biomedical Research Center, International Center of Neuroscience and Genomic Medicine, Bergondo, Spain
| | - Vinogran Naidoo
- Department of Neuroscience, EuroEspes Biomedical Research Center, International Center of Neuroscience and Genomic Medicine, Bergondo, Spain
| | - Juan C Carril
- Department of Genomics & Pharmacogenomics, EuroEspes Biomedical Research Center, International Center of Neuroscience and Genomic Medicine, Bergondo, Spain
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The Potential of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells to Treat and Model Alzheimer's Disease. Stem Cells Int 2021; 2021:5511630. [PMID: 34122554 PMCID: PMC8172295 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5511630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
An estimated 6.2 million Americans aged 65 or older are currently living with Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disease that disrupts an individual's ability to function independently through the degeneration of key regions in the brain, including but not limited to the hippocampus, the prefrontal cortex, and the motor cortex. The cause of this degeneration is not known, but research has found two proteins that undergo posttranslational modifications: tau, a protein concentrated in the axons of neurons, and amyloid precursor protein (APP), a protein concentrated near the synapse. Through mechanisms that have yet to be elucidated, the accumulation of these two proteins in their abnormal aggregate forms leads to the neurodegeneration that is characteristic of AD. Until the invention of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in 2006, the bulk of research was carried out using transgenic animal models that offered little promise in their ability to translate well from benchtop to bedside, creating a bottleneck in the development of therapeutics. However, with iPSC, patient-specific cell cultures can be utilized to create models based on human cells. These human cells have the potential to avoid issues in translatability that have plagued animal models by providing researchers with a model that closely resembles and mimics the neurons found in humans. By using human iPSC technology, researchers can create more accurate models of AD ex vivo while also focusing on regenerative medicine using iPSC in vivo. The following review focuses on the current uses of iPSC and how they have the potential to regenerate damaged neuronal tissue, in the hopes that these technologies can assist in getting through the bottleneck of AD therapeutic research.
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Coccia E, Ahfeldt T. Towards physiologically relevant human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) models of Parkinson's disease. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:253. [PMID: 33926571 PMCID: PMC8082939 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02326-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The derivation of human embryonic stem cells followed by the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells and leaps in genome editing approaches have continuously fueled enthusiasm for the development of new models of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is characterized by the relative selective loss of dopaminergic neurons (DNs) in specific areas of substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). While degeneration in late stages can be widespread, there is stereotypic early degeneration of these uniquely vulnerable neurons. Various causes of selective vulnerability have been investigated but much remains unclear. Most studies have sought to identify cell autonomous properties of the most vulnerable neurons. However, recent findings from genetic studies and model systems have added to our understanding of non-cell autonomous contributions including regional-specific neuro-immune interactions with astrocytes, resident or damage-activated microglia, neuro-glia cell metabolic interactions, involvement of endothelial cells, and damage to the vascular system. All of these contribute to specific vulnerability and, along with aging and environmental factors, might be integrated in a complex stressor-threshold model of neurodegeneration. In this forward-looking review, we synthesize recent advances in the field of PD modeling using human pluripotent stem cells, with an emphasis on organoid and complex co-culture models of the nigrostriatal niche, with emerging CRISPR applications to edit or perturb expression of causal PD genes and associated risk factors, such as GBA, to understand the impact of these genes on relevant phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Coccia
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, 10029, NY, US
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, 10029, NY, US
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, 10029, NY, US
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, 10029, NY, US
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, 10029, NY, US
| | - Tim Ahfeldt
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, 10029, NY, US.
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, 10029, NY, US.
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, 10029, NY, US.
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, 10029, NY, US.
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, 10029, NY, US.
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Perrone F, Cacace R, van der Zee J, Van Broeckhoven C. Emerging genetic complexity and rare genetic variants in neurodegenerative brain diseases. Genome Med 2021; 13:59. [PMID: 33853652 PMCID: PMC8048219 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-021-00878-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of the molecular etiology of neurodegenerative brain diseases (NBD) has substantially increased over the past three decades. Early genetic studies of NBD families identified rare and highly penetrant deleterious mutations in causal genes that segregate with disease. Large genome-wide association studies uncovered common genetic variants that influenced disease risk. Major developments in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies accelerated gene discoveries at an unprecedented rate and revealed novel pathways underlying NBD pathogenesis. NGS technology exposed large numbers of rare genetic variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in coding regions, highlighting the genetic complexity of NBD. Since experimental studies of these coding rare VUS are largely lacking, the potential contributions of VUS to NBD etiology remain unknown. In this review, we summarize novel findings in NBD genetic etiology driven by NGS and the impact of rare VUS on NBD etiology. We consider different mechanisms by which rare VUS can act and influence NBD pathophysiology and discuss why a better understanding of rare VUS is instrumental for deriving novel insights into the molecular complexity and heterogeneity of NBD. New knowledge might open avenues for effective personalized therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Perrone
- Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases Group, VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp – CDE, Universiteitsplein 1, BE-2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Rita Cacace
- Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases Group, VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp – CDE, Universiteitsplein 1, BE-2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Julie van der Zee
- Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases Group, VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp – CDE, Universiteitsplein 1, BE-2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Christine Van Broeckhoven
- Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases Group, VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp – CDE, Universiteitsplein 1, BE-2610 Antwerp, Belgium
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Current State-of-the-Art and Unresolved Problems in Using Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Dopamine Neurons for Parkinson's Disease Drug Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073381. [PMID: 33806103 PMCID: PMC8037675 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have the potential to give rise to a new era in Parkinson's disease (PD) research. As a unique source of midbrain dopaminergic (DA) neurons, iPS cells provide unparalleled capabilities for investigating the pathogenesis of PD, the development of novel anti-parkinsonian drugs, and personalized therapy design. Significant progress in developmental biology of midbrain DA neurons laid the foundation for their efficient derivation from iPS cells. The introduction of 3D culture methods to mimic the brain microenvironment further expanded the vast opportunities of iPS cell-based research of the neurodegenerative diseases. However, while the benefits for basic and applied studies provided by iPS cells receive widespread coverage in the current literature, the drawbacks of this model in its current state, and in particular, the aspects of differentiation protocols requiring further refinement are commonly overlooked. This review summarizes the recent data on general and subtype-specific features of midbrain DA neurons and their development. Here, we review the current protocols for derivation of DA neurons from human iPS cells and outline their general weak spots. The associated gaps in the contemporary knowledge are considered and the possible directions for future research that may assist in improving the differentiation conditions and increase the efficiency of using iPS cell-derived neurons for PD drug development are discussed.
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Modelling Parkinson's Disease: iPSCs towards Better Understanding of Human Pathology. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11030373. [PMID: 33799491 PMCID: PMC8000082 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11030373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms, among which are bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor as well as mental symptoms such as dementia. The underlying cause of Parkinson disease is degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. It has been challenging to develop an efficient animal model to accurately represent the complex phenotypes found with PD. However, it has become possible to recapitulate the myriad of phenotypes underlying the PD pathology by using human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology. Patient-specific iPSC-derived dopaminergic neurons are available and present an opportunity to study many aspects of the PD phenotypes in a dish. In this review, we report the available data on iPSC-derived neurons derived from PD patients with identified gene mutations. Specifically, we will report on the key phenotypes of the generated iPSC-derived neurons from PD patients with different genetic background. Furthermore, we discuss the relationship these cellular phenotypes have to PD pathology and future challenges and prospects for iPSC modelling and understanding of the pathogenesis of PD.
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Choi DK, Kim YK, HoonYu J, Min SH, Park SW. Genome editing of hPSCs: Recent progress in hPSC-based disease modeling for understanding disease mechanisms. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2021; 181:271-287. [PMID: 34127196 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2021.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Generation of proper models for studying human genetic diseases has been hindered until recently by the scarcity of primary cell samples from genetic disease patients and inefficient genetic modification tools. However, recent advances in clustered, regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 technology and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have provided an opportunity to explore the function of pathogenic variants and obtain gene-corrected cells for autologous cell therapy. In this chapter, we address recent applications of CRISPR/Cas9 to hiPSCs in genetic diseases, including neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Kyu Choi
- New Drug Development Center, DGMIF, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Kyu Kim
- New Drug Development Center, DGMIF, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji HoonYu
- New Drug Development Center, DGMIF, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hyun Min
- New Drug Development Center, DGMIF, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Wook Park
- Department of Oral Biochemistry, School of Dentistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
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Behl T, Kaur G, Fratila O, Buhas C, Judea-Pusta CT, Negrut N, Bustea C, Bungau S. Cross-talks among GBA mutations, glucocerebrosidase, and α-synuclein in GBA-associated Parkinson's disease and their targeted therapeutic approaches: a comprehensive review. Transl Neurodegener 2021; 10:4. [PMID: 33446243 PMCID: PMC7809876 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-020-00226-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Current therapies for Parkinson's disease (PD) are palliative, of which the levodopa/carbidopa therapy remains the primary choice but is unable to modulate the progression of neurodegeneration. Due to the complication of such a multifactorial disorder and significant limitations of the therapy, numerous genetic approaches have been proved effective in finding out genes and mechanisms implicated in this disease. Following the observation of a higher frequency of PD in Gaucher's disease (GD), a lysosomal storage condition, mutations of glycosylceramidase beta (GBA) encoding glucocerebrosidase (GCase) have been shown to be involved and have been explored in the context of PD. GBA mutations are the most common genetic risk factor of PD. Various studies have revealed the relationships between PD and GBA gene mutations, facilitating a better understanding of this disorder. Various hypotheses delineate that the pathological mutations of GBA minimize the enzymatic activity of GCase, which affects the proliferation and clearance of α-synuclein; this affects the lysosomal homeostasis, exacerbating the endoplasmic reticulum stress or encouraging the mitochondrial dysfunction. Identification of the pathological mechanisms underlying the GBA-associated parkinsonism (GBA + PD) advances our understanding of PD. This review based on current literature aims to elucidate various genetic and clinical characteristics correlated with GBA mutations and to identify the numerous pathological processes underlying GBA + PD. We also delineate the therapeutic strategies to interfere with the mutant GCase function for further improvement of the related α-synuclein-GCase crosstalks. Moreover, the various therapeutic approaches such as gene therapy, chaperone proteins, and histone deacetylase inhibitors for the treatment of GBA + PD are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapan Behl
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, India.
| | - Gagandeep Kaur
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, India
| | - Ovidiu Fratila
- Department of Medical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
| | - Camelia Buhas
- Department of Morphological Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea, Bihor County, Romania
| | - Claudia Teodora Judea-Pusta
- Department of Morphological Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea, Bihor County, Romania
| | - Nicoleta Negrut
- Department of Psycho-Neuroscience and Recovery, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
| | - Cristiana Bustea
- Department of Preclinical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
| | - Simona Bungau
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
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Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Hope in the Treatment of Diseases, including Muscular Dystrophies. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155467. [PMID: 32751747 PMCID: PMC7432218 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are laboratory-produced cells that combine the biological advantages of somatic adult and stem cells for cell-based therapy. The reprogramming of cells, such as fibroblasts, to an embryonic stem cell-like state is done by the ectopic expression of transcription factors responsible for generating embryonic stem cell properties. These primary factors are octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct3/4), sex-determining region Y-box 2 (Sox2), Krüppel-like factor 4 (Klf4), and the proto-oncogene protein homolog of avian myelocytomatosis (c-Myc). The somatic cells can be easily obtained from the patient who will be subjected to cellular therapy and be reprogrammed to acquire the necessary high plasticity of embryonic stem cells. These cells have no ethical limitations involved, as in the case of embryonic stem cells, and display minimal immunological rejection risks after transplant. Currently, several clinical trials are in progress, most of them in phase I or II. Still, some inherent risks, such as chromosomal instability, insertional tumors, and teratoma formation, must be overcome to reach full clinical translation. However, with the clinical trials and extensive basic research studying the biology of these cells, a promising future for human cell-based therapies using iPS cells seems to be increasingly clear and close.
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