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Gale J, Aizenman E. The physiological and pathophysiological roles of copper in the nervous system. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 60:3505-3543. [PMID: 38747014 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16370] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Copper is a critical trace element in biological systems due the vast number of essential enzymes that require the metal as a cofactor, including cytochrome c oxidase, superoxide dismutase and dopamine-β-hydroxylase. Due its key role in oxidative metabolism, antioxidant defence and neurotransmitter synthesis, copper is particularly important for neuronal development and proper neuronal function. Moreover, increasing evidence suggests that copper also serves important functions in synaptic and network activity, the regulation of circadian rhythms, and arousal. However, it is important to note that because of copper's ability to redox cycle and generate reactive species, cellular levels of the metal must be tightly regulated to meet cellular needs while avoiding copper-induced oxidative stress. Therefore, it is essential that the intricate system of copper transporters, exporters, copper chaperones and copper trafficking proteins function properly and in coordinate fashion. Indeed, disorders of copper metabolism such as Menkes disease and Wilson disease, as well as diseases linked to dysfunction of copper-requiring enzymes, such as SOD1-linked amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, demonstrate the dramatic neurological consequences of altered copper homeostasis. In this review, we explore the physiological importance of copper in the nervous system as well as pathologies related to improper copper handling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Gale
- Department of Neurobiology and Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Elias Aizenman
- Department of Neurobiology and Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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2
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Huang M, Liu YU, Yao X, Qin D, Su H. Variability in SOD1-associated amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: geographic patterns, clinical heterogeneity, molecular alterations, and therapeutic implications. Transl Neurodegener 2024; 13:28. [PMID: 38811997 PMCID: PMC11138100 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-024-00416-x] [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: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive loss of motor neurons, resulting in global health burden and limited post-diagnosis life expectancy. Although primarily sporadic, familial ALS (fALS) cases suggest a genetic basis. This review focuses on SOD1, the first gene found to be associated with fALS, which has been more recently confirmed by genome sequencing. While informative, databases such as ALSoD and STRENGTH exhibit regional biases. Through a systematic global examination of SOD1 mutations from 1993 to 2023, we found different geographic distributions and clinical presentations. Even though different SOD1 variants are expressed at different protein levels and have different half-lives and dismutase activities, these alterations lead to loss of function that is not consistently correlated with disease severity. Gain of function of toxic aggregates of SOD1 resulting from mutated SOD1 has emerged as one of the key contributors to ALS. Therapeutic interventions specifically targeting toxic gain of function of mutant SOD1, including RNA interference and antibodies, show promise, but a cure remains elusive. This review provides a comprehensive perspective on SOD1-associated ALS and describes molecular features and the complex genetic landscape of SOD1, highlighting its importance in determining diverse clinical manifestations observed in ALS patients and emphasizing the need for personalized therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaodan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yong U Liu
- Laboratory for Neuroimmunology in Health and Diseases, Guangzhou First People's Hospital School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Yao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Dajiang Qin
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510799, China.
| | - Huanxing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China.
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3
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Muolokwu CE, Chaulagain B, Gothwal A, Mahanta AK, Tagoe B, Lamsal B, Singh J. Functionalized nanoparticles to deliver nucleic acids to the brain for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1405423. [PMID: 38855744 PMCID: PMC11157074 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1405423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain-targeted gene delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a significant challenge in the 21st century for the healthcare sector, particularly in developing an effective treatment strategy against Alzheimer's disease (AD). The Internal architecture of the brain capillary endothelium restricts bio-actives entry into the brain. Additionally, therapy with nucleic acids faces challenges like vulnerability to degradation by nucleases and potential immune responses. Functionalized nanocarrier-based gene delivery approaches have resulted in safe and effective platforms. These nanoparticles (NPs) have demonstrated efficacy in protecting nucleic acids from degradation, enhancing transport across the BBB, increasing bioavailability, prolonging circulation time, and regulating gene expression of key proteins involved in AD pathology. We provided a detailed review of several nanocarriers and targeting ligands such as cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), endogenous proteins, and antibodies. The utilization of functionalized NPs extends beyond a singular system, serving as a versatile platform for customization in related neurodegenerative diseases. Only a few numbers of bioactive regimens can go through the BBB. Thus, exploring functionalized NPs for brain-targeted gene delivery is of utmost necessity. Currently, genes are considered high therapeutic potential molecules for altering any disease-causing gene. Through surface modification, nanoparticulate systems can be tailored to address various diseases by replacing the target-specific molecule on their surface. This review article presents several nanoparticulate delivery systems, such as lipid NPs, polymeric micelles, exosomes, and polymeric NPs, for nucleic acids delivery to the brain and the functionalization strategies explored in AD research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jagdish Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, College of Health and Human Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States
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4
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Nguyen L. Updates on Disease Mechanisms and Therapeutics for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2024; 13:888. [PMID: 38891021 PMCID: PMC11172142 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110888] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a motor neuron disease. In ALS, upper and lower motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord progressively degenerate during the course of the disease, leading to the loss of the voluntary movement of the arms and legs. Since its first description in 1869 by a French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot, the scientific discoveries on ALS have increased our understanding of ALS genetics, pathology and mechanisms and provided novel therapeutic strategies. The goal of this review article is to provide a comprehensive summary of the recent findings on ALS mechanisms and related therapeutic strategies to the scientific audience. Several highlighted ALS research topics discussed in this article include the 2023 FDA approved drug for SOD1 ALS, the updated C9orf72 GGGGCC repeat-expansion-related mechanisms and therapeutic targets, TDP-43-mediated cryptic splicing and disease markers and diagnostic and therapeutic options offered by these recent discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lien Nguyen
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
- Center for NeuroGenetics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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5
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Dunning EE, Decourt B, Zawia NH, Shill HA, Sabbagh MN. Pharmacotherapies for the Treatment of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy: A Narrative Review. Neurol Ther 2024:10.1007/s40120-024-00614-9. [PMID: 38743312 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-024-00614-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a neurodegenerative disorder resulting from the deposition of misfolded and neurotoxic forms of tau protein in specific areas of the midbrain, basal ganglia, and cortex. It is one of the most representative forms of tauopathy. PSP presents in several different phenotypic variations and is often accompanied by the development of concurrent neurodegenerative disorders. PSP is universally fatal, and effective disease-modifying therapies for PSP have not yet been identified. Several tau-targeting treatment modalities, including vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and microtubule-stabilizing agents, have been investigated and have had no efficacy. The need to treat PSP and other tauopathies is critical, and many clinical trials investigating tau-targeted treatments are underway. In this review, the PubMed database was queried to collect information about preclinical and clinical research on PSP treatment. Additionally, the US National Library of Medicine's ClinicalTrials.gov website was queried to identify past and ongoing clinical trials relevant to PSP treatment. This narrative review summarizes our findings regarding these reports, which include potential disease-modifying drug trials, modifiable risk factor management, and symptom treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise E Dunning
- Creighton University School of Medicine - Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Boris Decourt
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
- Laboratory on Neurodegeneration and Translational Research, College of Medicine, Roseman University of Health Sciences, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Nasser H Zawia
- Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Holly A Shill
- Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, 350 W Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA
| | - Marwan N Sabbagh
- Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, 350 W Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA.
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Andrea ZA, Matteo FY, Alessandra B, Carlo PS. Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for neuromuscular diseases. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:198. [PMID: 38678519 PMCID: PMC11056344 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05229-9] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Neuromuscular diseases encompass a heterogeneous array of disorders characterized by varying onset ages, clinical presentations, severity, and progression. While these conditions can stem from acquired or inherited causes, this review specifically focuses on disorders arising from genetic abnormalities, excluding metabolic conditions. The pathogenic defect may primarily affect the anterior horn cells, the axonal or myelin component of peripheral nerves, the neuromuscular junction, or skeletal and/or cardiac muscles. While inherited neuromuscular disorders have been historically deemed not treatable, the advent of gene-based and molecular therapies is reshaping the treatment landscape for this group of condition. With the caveat that many products still fail to translate the positive results obtained in pre-clinical models to humans, both the technological development (e.g., implementation of tissue-specific vectors) as well as advances on the knowledge of pathogenetic mechanisms form a collective foundation for potentially curative approaches to these debilitating conditions. This review delineates the current panorama of therapies targeting the most prevalent forms of inherited neuromuscular diseases, emphasizing approved treatments and those already undergoing human testing, offering insights into the state-of-the-art interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zambon Alberto Andrea
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Institute for Experimental Neurology, Inspe, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Falzone Yuri Matteo
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Institute for Experimental Neurology, Inspe, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Bolino Alessandra
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Institute for Experimental Neurology, Inspe, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Previtali Stefano Carlo
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Institute for Experimental Neurology, Inspe, Milan, Italy.
- Neurology Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
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7
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Cantara S, Simoncelli G, Ricci C. Antisense Oligonucleotides (ASOs) in Motor Neuron Diseases: A Road to Cure in Light and Shade. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4809. [PMID: 38732027 PMCID: PMC11083842 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are short oligodeoxynucleotides designed to bind to specific regions of target mRNA. ASOs can modulate pre-mRNA splicing, increase levels of functional proteins, and decrease levels of toxic proteins. ASOs are being developed for the treatment of motor neuron diseases (MNDs), including spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA). The biggest success has been the ASO known as nusinersen, the first effective therapy for SMA, able to improve symptoms and slow disease progression. Another success is tofersen, an ASO designed to treat ALS patients with SOD1 gene mutations. Both ASOs have been approved by the FDA and EMA. On the other hand, ASO treatment in ALS patients with the C9orf72 gene mutation did not show any improvement in disease progression. The aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of ASO research in MNDs, from preclinical studies to clinical trials and, where available, regulatory approval. We highlight the successes and failures, underline the strengths and limitations of the current ASO research, and suggest possible approaches that could lead to more effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Cantara
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Giorgia Simoncelli
- Unit of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurological and Motor Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Claudia Ricci
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
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Smith R, Hovren H, Bowser R, Bakkar N, Garruto R, Ludolph A, Ravits J, Gaertner L, Murphy D, Lebovitz R. Misfolded alpha-synuclein in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Implications for diagnosis and treatment. Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16206. [PMID: 38270442 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16206] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) oligomers and fibrils have been shown to augment the aggregation of TAR DNA-binding Protein 43 (TDP-43) monomers in vitro, supporting the idea that TDP-43 proteinopathies such as ALS may be modulated by the presence of toxic forms of α-Syn. Recently, parkinsonian features were reported in a study of European patients and Lewy bodies have been demonstrated pathologically in a similar series of patients. Based on these and other considerations, we sought to determine whether seed-competent α-Syn can be identified in spinal fluid of patients with ALS including familial, sporadic, and Guamanian forms of the disease. METHODS Based on the finding that α-Syn has been found to be a prion-like protein, we have utilized a validated α-Synuclein seed amplification assay to determine if seed-competent α-Syn could be detected in the spinal fluid of patients with ALS. RESULTS Toxic species of α-Syn were detected in CSF in 18 of 127 ALS patients, 5 of whom were from Guam. Two out of twenty six samples from patients with C9orf72 variant ALS had positive seed-amplification assays (SAAs). No positive tests were noted in superoxide dismutase type 1 ALS subjects (n = 14). The SAA was negative in 31 control subjects. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that a sub-group of ALS occurs in which self-replicating α-Syn is detectable and likely contributes to its pathogenesis. This finding may have implications for the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Smith
- Center for Neurologic Study, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Hanna Hovren
- Amprion Clinical Laboratory, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Robert Bowser
- Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Nadine Bakkar
- Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | | | | | - John Ravits
- University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Lia Gaertner
- Bay Area Lyme Disease Foundation, Portola Valley, California, USA
| | - Davan Murphy
- Center for Neurologic Study, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Russ Lebovitz
- Amprion Clinical Laboratory, San Diego, California, USA
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Ali M, Wani SUD, Dey T, Sridhar SB, Qadrie ZL. A common molecular and cellular pathway in developing Alzheimer and cancer. Biochem Biophys Rep 2024; 37:101625. [PMID: 38225990 PMCID: PMC10788207 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2023.101625] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Globally cancer and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are two major diseases and still, there is no clearly defined molecular mechanism. There is an opposite relation between cancer and AD which are the proportion of emerging cancer was importantly slower in AD patients, whereas slow emerging AD in patients with cancer. In cancer, regulation of cell mechanisms is interrupted by an increase in cell survival and proliferation, while on the contrary, AD is related to augmented neuronal death, that may be either produced by or associated with amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau deposition. Stated that the probability that disruption of mechanisms takes part in the regulation of cell survival/death and might be implicated in both diseases. The mechanism of actions such as DNA-methylation, genetic polymorphisms, or another mechanism of actions that induce alteration in the action of drugs with significant roles in resolving the finding to repair and live or die might take part in the pathogenesis of these two ailments. The functions of miRNA, p53, Pin1, the Wnt signaling pathway, PI3 KINASE/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway GRK2 signaling pathway, and the pathophysiological role of oxidative stress are presented in this review as potential candidates which hypothetically describe inverse relations between cancer and AD. Innovative materials almost mutual mechanisms in the aetiology of cancer and AD advocates novel treatment approaches. Among these treatment strategies, the most promising use treatment such as tyrosine kinase inhibitor, nilotinib, protein kinase C, and bexarotene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ali
- Department of Pharmacology, Sri Adichunchanagiri College of Pharmacy, Adichunchanagiri University, B.G Nagar, Nagamagala, Bellur, Karnataka, 571418, India
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, East Point College of Pharmacy, Bangalore, 560049, India
| | - Shahid Ud Din Wani
- Division of Pharmaceutics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Applied Sciences and Technology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006, India
| | - Tathagata Dey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, East Point College of Pharmacy, Bangalore, 560049, India
| | - Sathvik B. Sridhar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, RAK College of Pharmacy, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah, PO Box 11172, United Arab Emirates
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Van Daele SH, Masrori P, Van Damme P, Van Den Bosch L. The sense of antisense therapies in ALS. Trends Mol Med 2024; 30:252-262. [PMID: 38216448 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Treatment of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has entered a new era now that encouraging results about antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are becoming available and a first ASO therapy for ALS has been approved by the FDA. Moreover, there is hope not only that ALS can be stopped but also that symptoms can be reversed. Until now, degrading ASOs seemed to be successful mostly for rarer forms of familial ALS. However, the first attempts to correct mis-splicing events in sporadic ALS are underway, as well as a clinical trial examining interference with a genetic modifier. In this review, we discuss the current status of using ASOs in ALS and the possibilities and pitfalls of this therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sien H Van Daele
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Human Genetics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pegah Masrori
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philip Van Damme
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.
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Pilotto F, Del Bondio A, Puccio H. Hereditary Ataxias: From Bench to Clinic, Where Do We Stand? Cells 2024; 13:319. [PMID: 38391932 PMCID: PMC10886822 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040319] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cerebellar ataxias are a wide heterogeneous group of movement disorders. Within this broad umbrella of diseases, there are both genetics and sporadic forms. The clinical presentation of these conditions can exhibit a diverse range of symptoms across different age groups, spanning from pure cerebellar manifestations to sensory ataxia and multisystemic diseases. Over the last few decades, advancements in our understanding of genetics and molecular pathophysiology related to both dominant and recessive ataxias have propelled the field forward, paving the way for innovative therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing and arresting the progression of these diseases. Nevertheless, the rarity of certain forms of ataxia continues to pose challenges, leading to limited insights into the etiology of the disease and the identification of target pathways. Additionally, the lack of suitable models hampers efforts to comprehensively understand the molecular foundations of disease's pathophysiology and test novel therapeutic interventions. In the following review, we describe the epidemiology, symptomatology, and pathological progression of hereditary ataxia, including both the prevalent and less common forms of these diseases. Furthermore, we illustrate the diverse molecular pathways and therapeutic approaches currently undergoing investigation in both pre-clinical studies and clinical trials. Finally, we address the existing and anticipated challenges within this field, encompassing both basic research and clinical endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Pilotto
- Institut Neuromyogène, Pathophysiology and Genetics of Neuron and Muscle, Inserm U1315, CNRS-Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 UMR5261, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Andrea Del Bondio
- Institut Neuromyogène, Pathophysiology and Genetics of Neuron and Muscle, Inserm U1315, CNRS-Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 UMR5261, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Hélène Puccio
- Institut Neuromyogène, Pathophysiology and Genetics of Neuron and Muscle, Inserm U1315, CNRS-Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 UMR5261, 69008 Lyon, France
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12
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Saini A, Chawla PA. Breaking barriers with tofersen: Enhancing therapeutic opportunities in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16140. [PMID: 37975798 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects adults, characterized by muscle weakness resulting from the specific death of motor neurons in the spinal cord and brain. The pathogenesis of ALS is associated with the accumulation of mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) proteins and neurofilaments in motor neurons, highlighting the critical need for disease-modifying treatments. Current therapies, such as riluzole and edaravone, provide only symptomatic relief. Recently, tofersen gained approval from the US FDA under the brand name Qalsody as the first and only gene therapy for ALS, addressing a significant pathological aspect of the disease. METHODS We carried out a literature survey using PubMed, Scopus, National Institutes of Health, and Biogen for articles published in the English language concerned with "amyotrophic lateral sclerosis", pathophysiology, current treatment, treatment under clinical trial, and the newly approved drug "tofersen" and its detailed summary. RESULTS A comprehensive review of the literature on the pathophysiology, available treatment, and newly approved drug for this condition revealed convincing evidence that we are now able to better monitor and treat ALS. CONCLUSIONS Although treatment of ALS is difficult, the newly approved drug tofersen has emerged as a potential therapy to slow down the progression of ALS by targeting SOD1 mRNA, representing a significant advancement in the treatment of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniket Saini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Pooja A Chawla
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
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13
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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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14
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Irwin KE, Sheth U, Wong PC, Gendron TF. Fluid biomarkers for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a review. Mol Neurodegener 2024; 19:9. [PMID: 38267984 PMCID: PMC10809579 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00685-6] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of upper and lower motor neurons. Presently, three FDA-approved drugs are available to help slow functional decline for patients with ALS, but no cure yet exists. With an average life expectancy of only two to five years after diagnosis, there is a clear need for biomarkers to improve the care of patients with ALS and to expedite ALS treatment development. Here, we provide a review of the efforts made towards identifying diagnostic, prognostic, susceptibility/risk, and response fluid biomarkers with the intent to facilitate a more rapid and accurate ALS diagnosis, to better predict prognosis, to improve clinical trial design, and to inform interpretation of clinical trial results. Over the course of 20 + years, several promising fluid biomarker candidates for ALS have emerged. These will be discussed, as will the exciting new strategies being explored for ALS biomarker discovery and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Irwin
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Udit Sheth
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Philip C Wong
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Tania F Gendron
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
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15
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Martinsen E, Jinnurine T, Subramani S, Rogne M. Advances in RNA therapeutics for modulation of 'undruggable' targets. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 204:249-294. [PMID: 38458740 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decades, drug discovery utilizing small pharmacological compounds, fragment-based therapeutics, and antibody therapy have significantly advanced treatment options for many human diseases. However, a major bottleneck has been that>70% of human proteins/genomic regions are 'undruggable' by the above-mentioned approaches. Many of these proteins constitute essential drug targets against complex multifactorial diseases like cancer, immunological disorders, and neurological diseases. Therefore, alternative approaches are required to target these proteins or genomic regions in human cells. RNA therapeutics is a promising approach for many of the traditionally 'undruggable' targets by utilizing methods such as antisense oligonucleotides, RNA interference, CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing, aptamers, and the development of mRNA therapeutics. In the following chapter, we will put emphasis on recent advancements utilizing these approaches against challenging drug targets, such as intranuclear proteins, intrinsically disordered proteins, untranslated genomic regions, and targets expressed in inaccessible tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Saranya Subramani
- Pioneer Research AS, Oslo Science Park, Oslo, Norway; Department of Pharmacy, Section for Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marie Rogne
- Pioneer Research AS, Oslo Science Park, Oslo, Norway; Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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16
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Lauffer MC, van Roon-Mom W, Aartsma-Rus A. Possibilities and limitations of antisense oligonucleotide therapies for the treatment of monogenic disorders. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2024; 4:6. [PMID: 38182878 PMCID: PMC10770028 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-023-00419-1] [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: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are incredibly versatile molecules that can be designed to specifically target and modify RNA transcripts to slow down or halt rare genetic disease progression. They offer the potential to target groups of patients or can be tailored for individual cases. Nonetheless, not all genetic variants and disorders are amenable to ASO-based treatments, and hence, it is important to consider several factors before embarking on the drug development journey. Here, we discuss which genetic disorders have the potential to benefit from a specific type of ASO approach, based on the pathophysiology of the disease and pathogenic variant type, as well as those disorders that might not be suitable for ASO therapies. We further explore additional aspects, such as the target tissues, intervention time points, and potential clinical benefits, which need to be considered before developing a compound. Overall, we provide an overview of the current potentials and limitations of ASO-based therapeutics for the treatment of monogenic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlen C Lauffer
- Dutch Center for RNA Therapeutics, Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Willeke van Roon-Mom
- Dutch Center for RNA Therapeutics, Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke Aartsma-Rus
- Dutch Center for RNA Therapeutics, Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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17
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Vemula P, Schoch KM, Miller TM. Evaluating the efficacy of purchased antisense oligonucleotides to reduce mouse and human tau in vivo. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1320182. [PMID: 38192302 PMCID: PMC10773814 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1320182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Many preclinical and clinical studies support the use of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) as effective therapeutic strategies. However, acquiring ASOs for research purposes may be limited by partnerships with the pharmaceutical companies. Our lab previously developed an effective ASO strategy to lower human tau and reverse pathology in aged tauopathy model mice. Testing the efficacy of purchased tau lowering ASOs would provide support for these reagents as broad research tools. Purchased mouse and human tau lowering ASOs were infused or injected intracerebroventricularly into wildtype and tau transgenic mice. Following treatment, brain tissue evaluated for ASO distribution and levels of tau mRNA, protein, and phosphorylated tau. We show that purchased ASOs enter cell types of the brain and effectively decrease mouse or human tau mRNA and protein levels. Human tau lowering ASO treatment in PS19 mice decreased phosphorylated tau and gliosis relative to saline-treated PS19 mice, consistent with our previous study using a non-commercial tau lowering ASO. The results of this study demonstrate the efficacy of purchased tau targeting ASOs in vivo to support their broad use by researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranav Vemula
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Kathleen M Schoch
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Timothy M Miller
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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18
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Zhao S, Jiang X, Han L, Jiang Y, Wang Y, Meng J, Zhu X, Zhang X, Luo H, Zhang YW. Tau reduction attenuates autism-like features in Fmr1 knockout mice. Mol Autism 2023; 14:42. [PMID: 37936174 PMCID: PMC10629153 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-023-00574-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a leading cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and resulted from a loss of the FMR1-encoded fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMRP) protein due to large CGG repeat expansions in the promoter region of the FMR1 gene. The microtubule-associated protein Tau is a promising target for Tauopathic diseases and our preliminary study found that Tau protein levels were increased in the brain of Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice, a model of FXS. However, whether Tau reduction can prevent autism-like features in Fmr1 KO mice and become a novel strategy for FXS treatment remain unknown. METHODS Tau was genetically reduced in Fmr1 KO mice through crossing Fmr1± female mice with Mapt± male mice. The male offspring with different genotypes were subjected to various autism-related behavioral tests, RNA sequencing, and biochemical analysis. Fmr1 KO male mice were treated with Tau-targeting antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) and then subjected to behavioral tests and biochemical analysis. RESULTS Tau expression was increased in the cortex of Fmr1 KO mice. Genetically reducing Tau prevented social defects, stereotyped and repetitive behavior, and spine abnormality in Fmr1 KO mice. Tau reduction also reversed increased periodic activity and partially rescued Per1 expression reduction in Fmr1 KO mice. Moreover, Tau reduction reversed compromised P38/MAPK signaling in Fmr1 KO mice. Finally, Tau-targeting ASO also effectively alleviated autism-like phenotypes and promoted P38/MAPK signaling in Fmr1 KO mice. LIMITATIONS Our study is limited to male mice, in agreement with the higher incidence of FXS in males than females. Whether Tau reduction also exerts protection in females deserves further scrutiny. Moreover, although Tau reduction rescues impaired P38/MAPK signaling in Fmr1 KO mice, whether this is the responsible molecular mechanism requires further determination. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that Tau reduction prevents autism-like phenotypes in Fmr1 KO mice. Tau may become a new target for FXS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Zhao
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Xiangyu Jiang
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Linkun Han
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yiru Jiang
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Jian Meng
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Xiang Zhu
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Xian Zhang
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Hong Luo
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yun-Wu Zhang
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China.
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19
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Maragakis NJ, de Carvalho M, Weiss MD. Therapeutic targeting of ALS pathways: Refocusing an incomplete picture. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2023; 10:1948-1971. [PMID: 37641443 PMCID: PMC10647018 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous potential amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-relevant pathways have been hypothesized and studied preclinically, with subsequent translation to clinical trial. However, few successes have been observed with only modest effects. Along with an improved but incomplete understanding of ALS as a neurodegenerative disease is the evolution of more sophisticated and diverse in vitro and in vivo preclinical modeling platforms, as well as clinical trial designs. We highlight proposed pathological pathways that have been major therapeutic targets for investigational compounds. It is likely that the failures of so many of these therapeutic compounds may not have occurred because of lack of efficacy but rather because of a lack of preclinical modeling that would help define an appropriate disease pathway, as well as a failure to establish target engagement. These challenges are compounded by shortcomings in clinical trial design, including lack of biomarkers that could predict clinical success and studies that are underpowered. Although research investments have provided abundant insights into new ALS-relevant pathways, most have not yet been developed more fully to result in clinical study. In this review, we detail some of the important, well-established pathways, the therapeutics targeting them, and the subsequent clinical design. With an understanding of some of the shortcomings in translational efforts over the last three decades of ALS investigation, we propose that scientists and clinicians may choose to revisit some of these therapeutic pathways reviewed here with an eye toward improving preclinical modeling, biomarker development, and the investment in more sophisticated clinical trial designs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mamede de Carvalho
- Faculdade de MedicinaInsqatituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Centro Académico de Medicina de Lisboa, Universidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Michael D. Weiss
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
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20
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Abstract
Although the past two decades have produced exciting discoveries in the genetics and pathology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), progress in developing an effective therapy remains slow. This review summarizes the critical discoveries and outlines the advances in disease characterization, diagnosis, imaging, and biomarkers, along with the current status of approaches to ALS care and treatment. Additional knowledge of the factors driving disease progression and heterogeneity will hopefully soon transform the care for patients with ALS into an individualized, multi-prong approach able to prevent disease progression sufficiently to allow for a dignified life with limited disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hristelina Ilieva
- Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Justin Kwan
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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21
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Zeballos C MA, Moore HJ, Smith TJ, Powell JE, Ahsan NS, Zhang S, Gaj T. Mitigating a TDP-43 proteinopathy by targeting ataxin-2 using RNA-targeting CRISPR effector proteins. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6492. [PMID: 37838698 PMCID: PMC10576788 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42147-z] [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] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The TDP-43 proteinopathies, which include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia, are a devastating group of neurodegenerative disorders that are characterized by the mislocalization and aggregation of TDP-43. Here we demonstrate that RNA-targeting CRISPR effector proteins, a programmable class of gene silencing agents that includes the Cas13 family of enzymes and Cas7-11, can be used to mitigate TDP-43 pathology when programmed to target ataxin-2, a modifier of TDP-43-associated toxicity. In addition to inhibiting the aggregation and transit of TDP-43 to stress granules, we find that the in vivo delivery of an ataxin-2-targeting Cas13 system to a mouse model of TDP-43 proteinopathy improved functional deficits, extended survival, and reduced the severity of neuropathological hallmarks. Further, we benchmark RNA-targeting CRISPR platforms against ataxin-2 and find that high-fidelity forms of Cas13 possess improved transcriptome-wide specificity compared to Cas7-11 and a first-generation effector. Our results demonstrate the potential of CRISPR technology for TDP-43 proteinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Alejandra Zeballos C
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Hayden J Moore
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Tyler J Smith
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Jackson E Powell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Najah S Ahsan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Sijia Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Thomas Gaj
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
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22
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McVeigh P, McCammick E, Robb E, Brophy P, Morphew RM, Marks NJ, Maule AG. Discovery of long non-coding RNAs in the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011663. [PMID: 37769025 PMCID: PMC10564125 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding (lnc)RNAs are a class of eukaryotic RNA that do not code for protein and are linked with transcriptional regulation, amongst a myriad of other functions. Using a custom in silico pipeline we have identified 6,436 putative lncRNA transcripts in the liver fluke parasite, Fasciola hepatica, none of which are conserved with those previously described from Schistosoma mansoni. F. hepatica lncRNAs were distinct from F. hepatica mRNAs in transcript length, coding probability, exon/intron composition, expression patterns, and genome distribution. RNA-Seq and digital droplet PCR measurements demonstrated developmentally regulated expression of lncRNAs between intra-mammalian life stages; a similar proportion of lncRNAs (14.2%) and mRNAs (12.8%) were differentially expressed (p<0.001), supporting a functional role for lncRNAs in F. hepatica life stages. While most lncRNAs (81%) were intergenic, we identified some that overlapped protein coding loci in antisense (13%) or intronic (6%) configurations. We found no unequivocal evidence for correlated developmental expression within positionally correlated lncRNA:mRNA pairs, but global co-expression analysis identified five lncRNA that were inversely co-regulated with 89 mRNAs, including a large number of functionally essential proteases. The presence of micro (mi)RNA binding sites in 3135 lncRNAs indicates the potential for miRNA-based post-transcriptional regulation of lncRNA, and/or their function as competing endogenous (ce)RNAs. The same annotation pipeline identified 24,141 putative lncRNAs in F. gigantica. This first description of lncRNAs in F. hepatica provides an avenue to future functional and comparative genomics studies that will provide a new perspective on a poorly understood aspect of parasite biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul McVeigh
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Erin McCammick
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Robb
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Brophy
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Russell M. Morphew
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Nikki J. Marks
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Aaron G. Maule
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
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23
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Akçimen F, Lopez ER, Landers JE, Nath A, Chiò A, Chia R, Traynor BJ. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: translating genetic discoveries into therapies. Nat Rev Genet 2023; 24:642-658. [PMID: 37024676 PMCID: PMC10611979 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-023-00592-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in sequencing technologies and collaborative efforts have led to substantial progress in identifying the genetic causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This momentum has, in turn, fostered the development of putative molecular therapies. In this Review, we outline the current genetic knowledge, emphasizing recent discoveries and emerging concepts such as the implication of distinct types of mutation, variability in mutated genes in diverse genetic ancestries and gene-environment interactions. We also propose a high-level model to synthesize the interdependent effects of genetics, environmental and lifestyle factors, and ageing into a unified theory of ALS. Furthermore, we summarize the current status of therapies developed on the basis of genetic knowledge established for ALS over the past 30 years, and we discuss how developing treatments for ALS will advance our understanding of targeting other neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulya Akçimen
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Elia R Lopez
- Therapeutic Development Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - John E Landers
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Avindra Nath
- Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Adriano Chiò
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, C.N.R, Rome, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Citta' della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Ruth Chia
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Bryan J Traynor
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
- Therapeutic Development Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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24
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Yamamoto Y, Sanwald Ducray P, Björnsson M, Smart K, Grimsey P, Vatakuti S, Portron A, Massonnet B, Norris DA, Silber Baumann HE. Development of a population pharmacokinetic model to characterize the pharmacokinetics of intrathecally administered tominersen in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma. CPT Pharmacometrics Syst Pharmacol 2023; 12:1213-1226. [PMID: 37221972 PMCID: PMC10508503 DOI: 10.1002/psp4.13001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Tominersen is an intrathecally administered antisense oligonucleotide targeting huntingtin mRNA which leads to a dose-dependent, reversible lowering of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) mutant huntingtin protein concentration in individuals with Huntington's disease. Nonlinear mixed-effect population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) modeling was conducted to characterize the CSF and plasma pharmacokinetics (PK) of tominersen, and to identify and quantify the covariates that affect tominersen PKs. A total of 750 participants from five clinical studies with a dose range from 10 to 120 mg contributed CSF (n = 6302) and plasma (n = 5454) PK samples. CSF PK was adequately described by a three-compartment model with first-order transfer from CSF to plasma. Plasma PK was adequately described by a three-compartment model with first-order elimination from plasma. Baseline total CSF protein, age, and antidrug antibodies (ADAs) were the significant covariates for CSF clearance. Body weight was a significant covariate for clearances and volumes in plasma. ADAs and sex were significant covariates for plasma clearance. The developed PopPK model was able to describe tominersen PK in plasma and CSF after intrathecal administration across a range of dose levels, and relevant covariate relationships were identified. This model has been applied to guide dose selection for future clinical trials of tominersen in patients with Huntington's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumi Yamamoto
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early DevelopmentRoche Innovation Center BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Patricia Sanwald Ducray
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early DevelopmentRoche Innovation Center BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | | | - Kevin Smart
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early DevelopmentRoche Innovation Center WelwynWelwyn Garden CityUK
| | - Paul Grimsey
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early DevelopmentRoche Innovation Center WelwynWelwyn Garden CityUK
| | - Suresh Vatakuti
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early DevelopmentRoche Innovation Center BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Agnes Portron
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early DevelopmentRoche Innovation Center BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Benoit Massonnet
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early DevelopmentRoche Innovation Center BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | | | - Hanna E. Silber Baumann
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early DevelopmentRoche Innovation Center BaselBaselSwitzerland
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25
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Zeballos C MA, Moore HJ, Smith TJ, Powell JE, Ahsan NS, Zhang S, Gaj T. Mitigating a TDP-43 proteinopathy by targeting ataxin-2 using RNA-targeting CRISPR effector proteins. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.07.536072. [PMID: 37066174 PMCID: PMC10104115 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.07.536072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
The TDP-43 proteinopathies, which include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia, are a devastating group of neurodegenerative disorders that are characterized by the mislocalization and aggregation of TDP-43. Here we demonstrate that RNA-targeting CRISPR effector proteins, a programmable class of gene silencing agents that includes the Cas13 family of enzymes and Cas7-11, can be used to mitigate TDP-43 pathology when programmed to target ataxin-2, a modifier of TDP-43-associated toxicity. In addition to inhibiting the aggregation and transit of TDP-43 to stress granules, we find that the in vivo delivery of an ataxin-2-targeting Cas13 system to a mouse model of TDP-43 proteinopathy improved functional deficits, extended survival, and reduced the severity of neuropathological hallmarks. Further, we benchmark RNA-targeting CRISPR platforms against ataxin-2 and find that high-fidelity forms of Cas13 possess improved transcriptome-wide specificity compared to Cas7-11 and a first-generation effector. Our results demonstrate the potential of CRISPR technology for TDP-43 proteinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Alejandra Zeballos C
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Hayden J. Moore
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Tyler J. Smith
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Jackson E. Powell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Najah S. Ahsan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Sijia Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Thomas Gaj
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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26
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McCauley ME, Bennett CF. Antisense drugs for rare and ultra-rare genetic neurological diseases. Neuron 2023; 111:2465-2468. [PMID: 37354903 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
The regulatory approvals of nusinersen and tofersen, plus the large body of clinical and preclinical data from other drugs, have significantly de-risked antisense technology for neurological diseases. The platform learnings over the last 2 decades can be applied to subsequent drugs to improve the efficiency of discovering effective neuro-therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - C Frank Bennett
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA.
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27
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Tejwani L, Jung Y, Kokubu H, Sowmithra S, Ni L, Lee C, Sanders B, Lee PJ, Xiang Y, Luttik K, Soriano A, Yoon J, Park J, Ro HH, Ju H, Liao C, Tieze SM, Rigo F, Jafar-Nejad P, Lim J. Reduction of nemo-like kinase increases lysosome biogenesis and ameliorates TDP-43-related neurodegeneration. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e138207. [PMID: 37384409 PMCID: PMC10425213 DOI: 10.1172/jci138207] [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] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein aggregation is a hallmark of many neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Although mutations in TARDBP, encoding transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43), account for less than 1% of all ALS cases, TDP-43-positive aggregates are present in nearly all ALS patients, including patients with sporadic ALS (sALS) or carrying other familial ALS-causing (fALS-causing) mutations. Interestingly, TDP-43 inclusions are also present in subsets of patients with frontotemporal dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease; therefore, methods of activating intracellular protein quality control machinery capable of clearing toxic cytoplasmic TDP-43 species may alleviate disease-related phenotypes. Here, we identify a function of nemo-like kinase (Nlk) as a negative regulator of lysosome biogenesis. Genetic or pharmacological reduction of Nlk increased lysosome formation and improved clearance of aggregated TDP-43. Furthermore, Nlk reduction ameliorated pathological, behavioral, and life span deficits in 2 distinct mouse models of TDP-43 proteinopathy. Because many toxic proteins can be cleared through the autophagy/lysosome pathway, targeted reduction of Nlk represents a potential approach to therapy development for multiple neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon Tejwani
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program
- Department of Neuroscience, and
| | - Youngseob Jung
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Hiroshi Kokubu
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sowmithra Sowmithra
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Luhan Ni
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Changwoo Lee
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program
- Department of Neuroscience, and
| | - Benjamin Sanders
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program
- Department of Neuroscience, and
| | - Paul J. Lee
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program
- Department of Neuroscience, and
| | - Yangfei Xiang
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Kimberly Luttik
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program
- Department of Neuroscience, and
| | | | | | - Junhyun Park
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program
- Department of Neuroscience, and
| | | | - Hyoungseok Ju
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | | | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | | | - Janghoo Lim
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program
- Department of Neuroscience, and
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, and
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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28
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Shah S, Sharp KJ, Raju Ponny S, Lee J, Watts JK, Berry-Kravis E, Richter JD. Antisense oligonucleotide rescue of CGG expansion-dependent FMR1 mis-splicing in fragile X syndrome restores FMRP. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2302534120. [PMID: 37364131 PMCID: PMC10319035 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2302534120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant alternative splicing of mRNAs results in dysregulated gene expression in multiple neurological disorders. Here, we show that hundreds of mRNAs are incorrectly expressed and spliced in white blood cells and brain tissues of individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS). Surprisingly, the FMR1 (Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1) gene is transcribed in >70% of the FXS tissues. In all FMR1-expressing FXS tissues, FMR1 RNA itself is mis-spliced in a CGG expansion-dependent manner to generate the little-known FMR1-217 RNA isoform, which is comprised of FMR1 exon 1 and a pseudo-exon in intron 1. FMR1-217 is also expressed in FXS premutation carrier-derived skin fibroblasts and brain tissues. We show that in cells aberrantly expressing mis-spliced FMR1, antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) treatment reduces FMR1-217, rescues full-length FMR1 RNA, and restores FMRP (Fragile X Messenger RibonucleoProtein) to normal levels. Notably, FMR1 gene reactivation in transcriptionally silent FXS cells using 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-AzadC), which prevents DNA methylation, increases FMR1-217 RNA levels but not FMRP. ASO treatment of cells prior to 5-AzadC application rescues full-length FMR1 expression and restores FMRP. These findings indicate that misregulated RNA-processing events in blood could serve as potent biomarkers for FXS and that in those individuals expressing FMR1-217, ASO treatment may offer a therapeutic approach to mitigate the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Shah
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01605
| | - Kevin J. Sharp
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL60612
| | - Sithara Raju Ponny
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01605
| | - Jonathan Lee
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01605
| | - Jonathan K. Watts
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01605
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01605
- Li Weibo Rare Disease Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01605
| | - Elizabeth Berry-Kravis
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL60612
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL60612
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL60612
| | - Joel D. Richter
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01605
- Li Weibo Rare Disease Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01605
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29
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Abstract
Tofersen (Qalsody™) is an antisense oligonucleotide being developed by Biogen for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). On 25 April 2023, tofersen was approved in the USA for the treatment of ALS in adults who have a mutation in the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of tofersen leading to this first approval for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah A Blair
- Springer Nature, Mairangi Bay, Private Bag 65901, Auckland, 0754, New Zealand.
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30
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McCollum C, Courtney CM, O’Connor NJ, Aunins TR, Jordan TX, Rogers KL, Brindley S, Brown JM, Nagpal P, Chatterjee A. Safety and Biodistribution of Nanoligomers Targeting the SARS-CoV-2 Genome for the Treatment of COVID-19. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:1656-1671. [PMID: 36853144 PMCID: PMC10000012 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00669] [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: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
As the world braces to enter its fourth year of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the need for accessible and effective antiviral therapeutics continues to be felt globally. The recent surge of Omicron variant cases has demonstrated that vaccination and prevention alone cannot quell the spread of highly transmissible variants. A safe and nontoxic therapeutic with an adaptable design to respond to the emergence of new variants is critical for transitioning to the treatment of COVID-19 as an endemic disease. Here, we present a novel compound, called SBCoV202, that specifically and tightly binds the translation initiation site of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase within the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genome, inhibiting viral replication. SBCoV202 is a Nanoligomer, a molecule that includes peptide nucleic acid sequences capable of binding viral RNA with single-base-pair specificity to accurately target the viral genome. The compound has been shown to be safe and nontoxic in mice, with favorable biodistribution, and has shown efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Safety and biodistribution were assessed using three separate administration methods, namely, intranasal, intravenous, and intraperitoneal. Safety studies showed the Nanoligomer caused no outward distress, immunogenicity, or organ tissue damage, measured through observation of behavior and body weight, serum levels of cytokines, and histopathology of fixed tissue, respectively. SBCoV202 was evenly biodistributed throughout the body, with most tissues measuring Nanoligomer concentrations well above the compound KD of 3.37 nM. In addition to favorable availability to organs such as the lungs, lymph nodes, liver, and spleen, the compound circulated through the blood and was rapidly cleared through the renal and urinary systems. The favorable biodistribution and lack of immunogenicity and toxicity set Nanoligomers apart from other antisense therapies, while the adaptability of the nucleic acid sequence of Nanoligomers provides a defense against future emergence of drug resistance, making these molecules an attractive potential treatment for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen
R. McCollum
- Department
of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
| | - Colleen M. Courtney
- Department
of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
- Sachi Bio, Colorado Technology Center, Louisville, Colorado 80027, United States
| | - Nolan J. O’Connor
- Department
of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
| | - Thomas R. Aunins
- Department
of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
| | - Tristan X. Jordan
- Department
of Microbiology, New York University Langone, New York, New York 10016, United States
| | - Keegan L. Rogers
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Stephen Brindley
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Jared M. Brown
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Prashant Nagpal
- Sachi Bio, Colorado Technology Center, Louisville, Colorado 80027, United States
- Antimicrobial
Regeneration Consortium Labs, Louisville, Colorado 80027, United States
| | - Anushree Chatterjee
- Department
of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
- Sachi Bio, Colorado Technology Center, Louisville, Colorado 80027, United States
- Antimicrobial
Regeneration Consortium Labs, Louisville, Colorado 80027, United States
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31
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Aishwarya R, Abdullah CS, Remex NS, Nitu S, Hartman B, King J, Bhuiyan MAN, Rom O, Miriyala S, Panchatcharam M, Orr AW, Kevil CG, Bhuiyan MS. Pathological Sequelae Associated with Skeletal Muscle Atrophy and Histopathology in G93A*SOD1 Mice. MUSCLES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 2:51-74. [PMID: 38516553 PMCID: PMC10956373 DOI: 10.3390/muscles2010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a complex systemic disease that primarily involves motor neuron dysfunction and skeletal muscle atrophy. One commonly used mouse model to study ALS was generated by transgenic expression of a mutant form of human superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene harboring a single amino acid substitution of glycine to alanine at codon 93 (G93A*SOD1). Although mutant-SOD1 is ubiquitously expressed in G93A*SOD1 mice, a detailed analysis of the skeletal muscle expression pattern of the mutant protein and the resultant muscle pathology were never performed. Using different skeletal muscles isolated from G93A*SOD1 mice, we extensively characterized the pathological sequelae of histological, molecular, ultrastructural, and biochemical alterations. Muscle atrophy in G93A*SOD1 mice was associated with increased and differential expression of mutant-SOD1 across myofibers and increased MuRF1 protein level. In addition, high collagen deposition and myopathic changes sections accompanied the reduced muscle strength in the G93A*SOD1 mice. Furthermore, all the muscles in G93A*SOD1 mice showed altered protein levels associated with different signaling pathways, including inflammation, mitochondrial membrane transport, mitochondrial lipid uptake, and antioxidant enzymes. In addition, the mutant-SOD1 protein was found in the mitochondrial fraction in the muscles from G93A*SOD1 mice, which was accompanied by vacuolized and abnormal mitochondria, altered OXPHOS and PDH complex protein levels, and defects in mitochondrial respiration. Overall, we reported the pathological sequelae observed in the skeletal muscles of G93A*SOD1 mice resulting from the whole-body mutant-SOD1 protein expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Aishwarya
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Chowdhury S. Abdullah
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Naznin Sultana Remex
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Sadia Nitu
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Brandon Hartman
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Judy King
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | | | - Oren Rom
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Sumitra Miriyala
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Manikandan Panchatcharam
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - A. Wayne Orr
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Christopher G. Kevil
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Md. Shenuarin Bhuiyan
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
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32
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Günther R. [Gene Therapies in Motor Neuron Diseases ALS and SMA]. FORTSCHRITTE DER NEUROLOGIE-PSYCHIATRIE 2023; 91:153-163. [PMID: 36822211 DOI: 10.1055/a-2002-5215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
In the past, the diagnosis of motor neuron diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and 5q-associated spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) meant powerlessness in the face of seemingly untreatable diseases with severe motor-functional limitations and sometimes fatal courses. Recent advances in an understanding of the genetic causalities of these diseases, combined with success in the development of targeted gene therapy strategies, spell hope for effective, innovative therapeutic approaches, pioneering the ability to treat neurodegenerative diseases. While gene therapies have been approved for SMA since a few years, gene therapy research in ALS is still in clinical trials with encouraging results. This article provides an overview of the genetic background of ALS and SMA known to date and gene therapy approaches to them with a focus on therapy candidates that are in clinical trials or have already gained market approval.
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Affiliation(s)
- René Günther
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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33
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Gasser T. [Introduction to Gene Therapy]. FORTSCHRITTE DER NEUROLOGIE-PSYCHIATRIE 2023; 91:129-134. [PMID: 36806179 DOI: 10.1055/a-2002-5176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
After many years of research and numerous setbacks, there are now undeniable success stories of gene therapies, namely the direct modification of genetic information on the DNA or RNA level. Both "ex vivo" strategies, i. e. the genetic manipulation of patient cells in a dish, as well as "in vivo" approaches are being used successfully. In addition to the supplementation of defective genes, the use of the CRISPR-Cas9 system to alter nuclear DNA sequences and the sequence-specific interference with the transcriptional process on the RNA level can be designated as gene therapies in a broad sense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Gasser
- Zentrum für Neurologie, Hertie-Institut für klinische Hirnforschung, Abteilung Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Tübingen
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34
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Lejman J, Panuciak K, Nowicka E, Mastalerczyk A, Wojciechowska K, Lejman M. Gene Therapy in ALS and SMA: Advances, Challenges and Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021130. [PMID: 36674643 PMCID: PMC9860634 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is defined as the administration of genetic material to modify, manipulate gene expression or alter the properties of living cells for therapeutic purposes. Recent advances and improvements in this field have led to many breakthroughs in the treatment of various diseases. As a result, there has been an increasing interest in the use of these therapies to treat motor neuron diseases (MNDs), for which many potential molecular targets have been discovered. MNDs are neurodegenerative disorders that, in their most severe forms, can lead to respiratory failure and death, for instance, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Despite the fact that SMA has been known for many years, it is still one of the most common genetic diseases causing infant mortality. The introduction of drugs based on ASOs-nusinersen; small molecules-risdiplam; and replacement therapy (GRT)-Zolgensma has shown a significant improvement in both event-free survival and the quality of life of patients after using these therapies in the available trial results. Although there is still no drug that would effectively alleviate the course of the disease in ALS, the experience gained from SMA gene therapy gives hope for a positive outcome of the efforts to produce an effective and safe drug. The aim of this review is to present current progress and prospects for the use of gene therapy in the treatment of both SMA and ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Lejman
- Student Scientific Society, Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Kinga Panuciak
- Student Scientific Society, Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Emilia Nowicka
- Student Scientific Society, Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Angelika Mastalerczyk
- Student Scientific Society, Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Wojciechowska
- Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Monika Lejman
- Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
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35
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Mani S, Jindal D, Singh M. Gene Therapy, A Potential Therapeutic Tool for Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Applications, Challenges and Future Perspective. Curr Gene Ther 2023; 23:20-40. [PMID: 35345999 DOI: 10.2174/1566523222666220328142427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders are the main risks for the health care system, exhibiting a huge socioeconomic load. The available range of pharmacotherapeutics mostly provides palliative consequences and fails to treat such conditions. The molecular etiology of various neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders is mostly associated with a change in genetic background, which can be inherited/triggered by other environmental factors. To address such conditions, gene therapy is considered a potential approach claiming a permanent cure of the disease primarily by deletion, silencing, or edition of faulty genes and by insertion of healthier genes. In gene therapy, vectors (viral/nonvial) play an important role in delivering the desired gene to a specific region of the brain. Targeted gene therapy has unraveled opportunities for the treatment of many neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. For improved gene delivery, the current techniques mainly focus on designing a precise viral vector, plasmid transfection, nanotechnology, microRNA, and in vivo clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based therapy. These latest techniques have great benefits in treating predominant neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and autism spectrum disorder, as well as rarer diseases. Nevertheless, all these delivery methods have their limitations, including immunogenic reactions, off-target effects, and a deficiency of effective biomarkers to appreciate the effectiveness of therapy. In this review, we present a summary of the current methods in targeted gene delivery, followed by the limitations and future direction of gene therapy for the cure of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Mani
- Department of Biotechnology, Centre for Emerging Diseases, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida, U.P., India
| | - Divya Jindal
- Department of Biotechnology, Centre for Emerging Diseases, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida, U.P., India
| | - Manisha Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Centre for Emerging Diseases, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida, U.P., India
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36
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Muzio L, Ghirelli A, Agosta F, Martino G. Novel therapeutic approaches for motor neuron disease. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 196:523-537. [PMID: 37620088 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-98817-9.00027-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that leads to the neurodegeneration and death of upper and lower motor neurons (MNs). Although MNs are the main cells involved in the process of neurodegeneration, a growing body of evidence points toward other cell types as concurrent to disease initiation and propagation. Given the current absence of effective therapies, the quest for other therapeutic targets remains open and still challenges the scientific community. Both neuronal and extra-neuronal mechanisms of cellular stress and damage have been studied and have posed the basis for the development of novel therapies that have been investigated on both animal models and humans. In this chapter, a thorough review of the main mechanisms of cellular damage and the respective therapeutic attempts targeting them is reported. The main areas covered include neuroinflammation, protein aggregation, RNA metabolism, and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Muzio
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Neuroscience, InsPE, Milan, Italy
| | - Alma Ghirelli
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Neuroscience, InsPE, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Agosta
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Neuroscience, InsPE, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianvito Martino
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Neuroscience, InsPE, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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37
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Camu W, De La Cruz E, Esselin F. Therapeutic tools for familial ALS. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2023; 179:49-53. [PMID: 36503675 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Familial ALS (FALS) accounts for 10 to 15% of ALS cases. In more than 70% of FALS patients, a causal gene is identified and animal models have been developed for a subset of them, mainly for the most frequently mutated genes. Therapeutic tools to treat those patients are dominated by gene-specific therapy and the most advanced approaches target the SOD1 gene mutations. Either by direct delivery of antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) or using viral vectors such as adenoviruses (AAV) to deliver ASOs, gene specific therapies have shown promising results in animal models. The recent use of subpial injections of AAV9+anti SOD1 ASO now shows that the disease is completely prevented or stopped in the animal, depending on the moment of injection, e.g., before or after disease onset. However, the use of viral vectors in humans seems to be limited at least by their immunogenicity. Antibody-based therapies are also efficient to treat animal models, but to a lesser extent. Most of the experiments targeted the SOD1 protein in its misfolded conformation. This approach seems better tolerated than the AAV one, an important limit being the choice of the epitope. Unexpectedly, some advances in treating the C9ORF72 animal model have been obtained using a modulation of microbiota, and this strategy has the great advantage to have an easy route of administration and a good safety profile. The landscape of experimental FALS treatment is rapidly evolving and results are promising. This is an important unmet need for ALS patients and several human phase I, II and III trials are ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Camu
- Explorations neurologiques et centre de référence SLA, université de Montpellier, CHU Gui de Chauliac, INM, Inserm, Montpellier, France.
| | - E De La Cruz
- Explorations neurologiques et centre de référence SLA, université de Montpellier, CHU Gui de Chauliac, INM, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - F Esselin
- Explorations neurologiques et centre de référence SLA, université de Montpellier, CHU Gui de Chauliac, INM, Inserm, Montpellier, France
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Abstract
The scientific landscape surrounding amyotrophic lateral sclerosis has shifted immensely with a number of well-defined ALS disease-causing genes, each with related phenotypical and cellular motor neuron processes that have come to light. Yet in spite of decades of research and clinical investigation, there is still no etiology for sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and treatment options even for those with well-defined familial syndromes are still limited. This chapter provides a comprehensive review of the genetic basis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, highlighting factors that contribute to its heritability and phenotypic manifestations, and an overview of past, present, and upcoming therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Younger
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Neuroscience, CUNY School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine and Neurology, White Plains Hospital, White Plains, NY, United States.
| | - Robert H Brown
- Department of Neurology, UMass Chan Medical School, Donna M. and Robert J. Manning Chair in Neurosciences and Director in Neurotherapeutics, Worcester, MA, United States
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Enhanced activity of Alzheimer disease-associated variant of protein kinase Cα drives cognitive decline in a mouse model. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7200. [PMID: 36418293 PMCID: PMC9684486 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34679-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Exquisitely tuned activity of protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes is essential to maintaining cellular homeostasis. Whereas loss-of-function mutations are generally associated with cancer, gain-of-function variants in one isozyme, PKCα, are associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here we show that the enhanced activity of one variant, PKCα M489V, is sufficient to rewire the brain phosphoproteome, drive synaptic degeneration, and impair cognition in a mouse model. This variant causes a modest 30% increase in catalytic activity without altering on/off activation dynamics or stability, underscoring that enhanced catalytic activity is sufficient to drive the biochemical, cellular, and ultimately cognitive effects observed. Analysis of hippocampal neurons from PKCα M489V mice reveals enhanced amyloid-β-induced synaptic depression and reduced spine density compared to wild-type mice. Behavioral studies reveal that this mutation alone is sufficient to impair cognition, and, when coupled to a mouse model of AD, further accelerates cognitive decline. The druggability of protein kinases positions PKCα as a promising therapeutic target in AD.
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Çerçi B, Uzay IA, Kara MK, Dinçer P. Clinical trials and promising preclinical applications of CRISPR/Cas gene editing. Life Sci 2022; 312:121204. [PMID: 36403643 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of genetic disorders by genomic manipulation has been the unreachable goal of researchers for many decades. Although our understanding of the genetic basis of genetic diseases has advanced tremendously in the last few decades, the tools developed for genomic editing were not efficient and practical for their use in the clinical setting until now. The recent advancements in the research of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) systems offered an easy and efficient way to edit the genome and accelerated the research on their potential use in the treatment of genetic disorders. In this review, we summarize the clinical trials that evaluate the CRISPR/Cas systems for treating different genetic diseases and highlight promising preclinical research on CRISPR/Cas mediated treatment of a great diversity of genetic disorders. Ultimately, we discuss the future of CRISPR/Cas mediated genome editing in genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barış Çerçi
- Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, Turkey.
| | - Ihsan Alp Uzay
- Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | | | - Pervin Dinçer
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
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41
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Dorst J, Genge A. Clinical studies in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Curr Opin Neurol 2022; 35:686-692. [PMID: 35942672 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000001099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to discuss the most important recent clinical studies in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), including their impact on clinical practice, their methodology, and open questions to be addressed in the future. RECENT FINDINGS This article focuses on studies, which provided either a positive primary endpoint or positive post hoc analysis, including edaravone, sodium phenylbutyrate-taurursodiol, rasagiline, tofersen, and high-caloric, fat-rich nutrition. It also covers recent developments in the design of clinical ALS studies with regard to inclusion criteria, stratification factors, and outcome parameters. SUMMARY Recent clinical studies have indicated various substances to be considered for treatment of ALS. Edaravone has been approved by the US Food and Drug Association (FDA) but not by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and further studies testing oral formulations are currently conducted. A follow-up study with sodium phenylbutyrate-taurursodiol is ongoing, while follow-up studies for rasagiline and high-caloric, fat-rich nutrition are planned. A phase III study with tofersen was negative but nevertheless yielded promising results. Important developments regarding the design of clinical ALS studies include the implementation of neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels as a standard outcome parameter and the consideration of progression rate for therapeutic response and stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Dorst
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Angela Genge
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Montreal, Canada
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42
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Miller TM, Cudkowicz ME, Genge A, Shaw PJ, Sobue G, Bucelli RC, Chiò A, Van Damme P, Ludolph AC, Glass JD, Andrews JA, Babu S, Benatar M, McDermott CJ, Cochrane T, Chary S, Chew S, Zhu H, Wu F, Nestorov I, Graham D, Sun P, McNeill M, Fanning L, Ferguson TA, Fradette S. Trial of Antisense Oligonucleotide Tofersen for SOD1 ALS. N Engl J Med 2022; 387:1099-1110. [PMID: 36129998 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa2204705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 239] [Impact Index Per Article: 119.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The intrathecally administered antisense oligonucleotide tofersen reduces synthesis of the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) protein and is being studied in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) associated with mutations in SOD1 (SOD1 ALS). METHODS In this phase 3 trial, we randomly assigned adults with SOD1 ALS in a 2:1 ratio to receive eight doses of tofersen (100 mg) or placebo over a period of 24 weeks. The primary end point was the change from baseline to week 28 in the total score on the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R; range, 0 to 48, with higher scores indicating better function) among participants predicted to have faster-progressing disease. Secondary end points included changes in the total concentration of SOD1 protein in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), in the concentration of neurofilament light chains in plasma, in slow vital capacity, and in handheld dynamometry in 16 muscles. A combined analysis of the randomized component of the trial and its open-label extension at 52 weeks compared the results in participants who started tofersen at trial entry (early-start cohort) with those in participants who switched from placebo to the drug at week 28 (delayed-start cohort). RESULTS A total of 72 participants received tofersen (39 predicted to have faster progression), and 36 received placebo (21 predicted to have faster progression). Tofersen led to greater reductions in concentrations of SOD1 in CSF and of neurofilament light chains in plasma than placebo. In the faster-progression subgroup (primary analysis), the change to week 28 in the ALSFRS-R score was -6.98 with tofersen and -8.14 with placebo (difference, 1.2 points; 95% confidence interval [CI], -3.2 to 5.5; P = 0.97). Results for secondary clinical end points did not differ significantly between the two groups. A total of 95 participants (88%) entered the open-label extension. At 52 weeks, the change in the ALSFRS-R score was -6.0 in the early-start cohort and -9.5 in the delayed-start cohort (difference, 3.5 points; 95% CI, 0.4 to 6.7); non-multiplicity-adjusted differences favoring early-start tofersen were seen for other end points. Lumbar puncture-related adverse events were common. Neurologic serious adverse events occurred in 7% of tofersen recipients. CONCLUSIONS In persons with SOD1 ALS, tofersen reduced concentrations of SOD1 in CSF and of neurofilament light chains in plasma over 28 weeks but did not improve clinical end points and was associated with adverse events. The potential effects of earlier as compared with delayed initiation of tofersen are being further evaluated in the extension phase. (Funded by Biogen; VALOR and OLE ClinicalTrials.gov numbers, NCT02623699 and NCT03070119; EudraCT numbers, 2015-004098-33 and 2016-003225-41.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M Miller
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Merit E Cudkowicz
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Angela Genge
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Gen Sobue
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Robert C Bucelli
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Adriano Chiò
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Philip Van Damme
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Albert C Ludolph
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Jonathan D Glass
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Jinsy A Andrews
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Suma Babu
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Michael Benatar
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Christopher J McDermott
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Thos Cochrane
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Sowmya Chary
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Sheena Chew
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Han Zhu
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Fan Wu
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Ivan Nestorov
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Danielle Graham
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Peng Sun
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Manjit McNeill
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Laura Fanning
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Toby A Ferguson
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Stephanie Fradette
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
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Johnson SA, Fang T, De Marchi F, Neel D, Van Weehaeghe D, Berry JD, Paganoni S. Pharmacotherapy for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Review of Approved and Upcoming Agents. Drugs 2022; 82:1367-1388. [PMID: 36121612 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-022-01769-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder involving loss of upper and lower motor neurons, with most cases ending in death within 3-5 years of onset. Several molecular and cellular pathways have been identified to cause ALS; however, treatments to stop or reverse disease progression are yet to be found. Riluzole, a neuroprotective agent offering only a modest survival benefit, has long been the sole disease-modifying therapy for ALS. Edaravone, which demonstrated statistically significant slowing of ALS disease progression, is gaining approval in an increasing number of countries since its first approval in 2015. Sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol (PB-TURSO) was conditionally approved in Canada in 2022, having shown significant slowing of disease progression and prolonged survival. Most clinical trials have focused on testing small molecules affecting common cellular pathways in ALS: targeting glutamatergic, apoptotic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress mechanisms among others. More recently, clinical trials utilizing stem cell transplantation and other biologics have emerged. This rich and ever-growing pipeline of investigational products, along with innovative clinical trial designs, collaborative trial networks, and an engaged ALS community', provide renewed hope to finding a cure for ALS. This article reviews existing ALS therapies and the current clinical drug development pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Johnson
- Neurological Clinical Research Institute (NCRI), Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, 165 Cambridge St, Suite 600, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Ton Fang
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Fabiola De Marchi
- Department of Neurology, ALS Centre, Maggiore della Carità Hospital, Novara, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | | | - Donatienne Van Weehaeghe
- Nuclear Medicine Subdivision, Department of Imaging and Pathology, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - James D Berry
- Neurological Clinical Research Institute (NCRI), Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, 165 Cambridge St, Suite 600, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Sabrina Paganoni
- Neurological Clinical Research Institute (NCRI), Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, 165 Cambridge St, Suite 600, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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Helm J, Schöls L, Hauser S. Towards Personalized Allele-Specific Antisense Oligonucleotide Therapies for Toxic Gain-of-Function Neurodegenerative Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081708. [PMID: 36015334 PMCID: PMC9416334 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are single-stranded nucleic acid strings that can be used to selectively modify protein synthesis by binding complementary (pre-)mRNA sequences. By specific arrangements of DNA and RNA into a chain of nucleic acids and additional modifications of the backbone, sugar, and base, the specificity and functionality of the designed ASOs can be adjusted. Thereby cellular uptake, toxicity, and nuclease resistance, as well as binding affinity and specificity to its target (pre-)mRNA, can be modified. Several neurodegenerative diseases are caused by autosomal dominant toxic gain-of-function mutations, which lead to toxic protein products driving disease progression. ASOs targeting such mutations—or even more comprehensively, associated variants, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)—promise a selective degradation of the mutant (pre-)mRNA while sparing the wild type allele. By this approach, protein expression from the wild type strand is preserved, and side effects from an unselective knockdown of both alleles can be prevented. This makes allele-specific targeting strategies a focus for future personalized therapies. Here, we provide an overview of current strategies to develop personalized, allele-specific ASO therapies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such Huntington’s disease (HD) and spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3/MJD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Helm
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Department of Neurology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Graduate School of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ludger Schöls
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Department of Neurology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Hauser
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Department of Neurology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Correspondence:
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McCollum CR, Courtney CM, O’Connor NJ, Aunins TR, Ding Y, Jordan TX, Rogers KL, Brindley S, Brown JM, Nagpal P, Chatterjee A. Nanoligomers Targeting Human miRNA for the Treatment of Severe COVID-19 Are Safe and Nontoxic in Mice. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:3087-3106. [PMID: 35729709 PMCID: PMC9236218 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The devastating effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have made clear a global necessity for antiviral strategies. Most fatalities associated with infection from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) result at least partially from uncontrolled host immune response. Here, we use an antisense compound targeting a previously identified microRNA (miRNA) linked to severe cases of COVID-19. The compound binds specifically to the miRNA in question, miR-2392, which is produced by human cells in several disease states. The safety and biodistribution of this compound were tested in a mouse model via intranasal, intraperitoneal, and intravenous administration. The compound did not cause any toxic responses in mice based on measured parameters, including body weight, serum biomarkers for inflammation, and organ histopathology. No immunogenicity from the compound was observed with any administration route. Intranasal administration resulted in excellent and rapid biodistribution to the lungs, the main site of infection for SARS-CoV-2. Pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies reveal delivery to different organs, including lungs, liver, kidneys, and spleen. The compound was largely cleared through the kidneys and excreted via the urine, with no accumulation observed in first-pass organs. The compound is concluded to be a safe potential antiviral treatment for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen R. McCollum
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering,
University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue,
Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
| | - Colleen M. Courtney
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering,
University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue,
Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
- Sachi Bioworks, Inc., 685 S
Arthur Ave Unit 5, Colorado Technology Center, Louisville, Colorado 80027, United
States
| | - Nolan J. O’Connor
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering,
University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue,
Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
| | - Thomas R. Aunins
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering,
University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue,
Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
| | - Yuchen Ding
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering,
University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue,
Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
| | - Tristan X. Jordan
- Department of Microbiology, New York
University Langone, New York, New York 10016, United
States
| | - Keegan L. Rogers
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora,
Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Stephen Brindley
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora,
Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Jared M. Brown
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora,
Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Prashant Nagpal
- Sachi Bioworks, Inc., 685 S
Arthur Ave Unit 5, Colorado Technology Center, Louisville, Colorado 80027, United
States
- Antimicrobial Regeneration
Consortium, Boulder, Colorado 80301, United
States
| | - Anushree Chatterjee
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering,
University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue,
Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
- Sachi Bioworks, Inc., 685 S
Arthur Ave Unit 5, Colorado Technology Center, Louisville, Colorado 80027, United
States
- Antimicrobial Regeneration
Consortium, Boulder, Colorado 80301, United
States
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Khang M, Bindra RS, Mark Saltzman W. Intrathecal delivery and its applications in leptomeningeal disease. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 186:114338. [PMID: 35561835 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Intrathecal delivery (IT) of opiates into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for anesthesia and pain relief has been used clinically for decades, but this relatively straightforward approach of bypassing the blood-brain barrier has been underutilized for other indications because of its lack of utility in delivering small lipid-soluble drugs. However, emerging evidence suggests that IT drug delivery be an efficacious strategy for the treatment of cancers in which there is leptomeningeal spread of disease. In this review, we discuss CSF flow dynamics and CSF clearance pathways in the context of intrathecal delivery. We discuss human and animal studies of several new classes of therapeutic agents-cellular, protein, nucleic acid, and nanoparticle-based small molecules-that may benefit from IT delivery. The complexity of the CSF compartment presents several key challenges in predicting biodistribution of IT-delivered drugs. New approaches and strategies are needed that can overcome the high rates of turnover in the CSF to reach specific tissues or cellular targets.
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Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating motor neuron disease for which there is currently no robust therapy. Recent progress in understanding ALS disease mechanisms and genetics in combination with innovations in gene modulation strategies creates promising new options for the development of ALS therapies. In recent years, six gene modulation therapies have been tested in ALS patients. These target gain-of-function pathology of the most common ALS genes, SOD1, C9ORF72, FUS, and ATXN2, using adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated microRNAs and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). Here, we review the latest clinical and preclinical advances in gene modulation approaches for ALS, including gene silencing, gene correction, and gene augmentation. These techniques have the potential to positively impact the direction of future research trials and transform ALS treatments for this grave disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina E Meijboom
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Robert H Brown
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
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Boros BD, Schoch KM, Kreple CJ, Miller TM. Antisense Oligonucleotides for the Study and Treatment of ALS. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:1145-1158. [PMID: 35653060 PMCID: PMC9587169 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01247-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor neuron loss. ALS is now associated with mutations in numerous genes, many of which cause disease in part through toxic gain-of-function mechanisms. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are small sequences of DNA that can reduce expression of a target gene at the post-transcriptional level, making them attractive for neutralizing mutant or toxic gene products. Advancements in the medicinal chemistries of ASOs have improved their pharmacodynamic profile to allow safe and effective delivery to the central nervous system. ASO therapies for ALS have rapidly developed over the last two decades, and ASOs that target SOD1, C9orf72, FUS, and ATXN2 are now in clinical trials for familial or sporadic forms of ALS. This review discusses the current state of ASO therapies for ALS, outlining their successes from preclinical development to early clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D Boros
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, Box 8111, 115 Biotechnology Bldg, 660 S. Euclid Ave, MO, 63110, St. Louis, USA
| | - Kathleen M Schoch
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, Box 8111, 115 Biotechnology Bldg, 660 S. Euclid Ave, MO, 63110, St. Louis, USA
| | - Collin J Kreple
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, Box 8111, 115 Biotechnology Bldg, 660 S. Euclid Ave, MO, 63110, St. Louis, USA
| | - Timothy M Miller
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, Box 8111, 115 Biotechnology Bldg, 660 S. Euclid Ave, MO, 63110, St. Louis, USA.
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Gene Therapy in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11132066. [PMID: 35805149 PMCID: PMC9265980 DOI: 10.3390/cells11132066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene mutation, in 1993, as the first genetic abnormality in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), over 50 genes have been identified as either cause or modifier in ALS and ALS/frontotemporal dementia (FTD) spectrum disease. Mutations in C9orf72, SOD1, TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TARDBP), and fused in sarcoma (FUS) genes are the four most common ones. During the last three decades, tremendous effort has been made worldwide to reveal biological pathways underlying the pathogenesis of these gene mutations in ALS/FTD. Accordingly, targeting etiologic genes (i.e., gene therapies) to suppress their toxic effects have been investigated widely. It includes four major strategies: (i) removal or inhibition of abnormal transcribed RNA using microRNA or antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), (ii) degradation of abnormal mRNA using RNA interference (RNAi), (iii) decrease or inhibition of mutant proteins (e.g., using antibodies against misfolded proteins), and (iv) DNA genome editing with methods such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (CRISPR/Cas). The promising results of these studies have led to the application of some of these strategies into ALS clinical trials, especially for C9orf72 and SOD1. In this paper, we will overview advances in gene therapy in ALS/FTD, focusing on C9orf72, SOD1, TARDBP, and FUS genes.
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Muinos-Bühl A, Rombo R, Janzen E, Ling KK, Hupperich K, Rigo F, Bennett CF, Wirth B. Combinatorial ASO-mediated therapy with low dose SMN and the protective modifier Chp1 is not sufficient to ameliorate SMA pathology hallmarks. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 171:105795. [PMID: 35724821 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a devastating genetically inherited neuromuscular disorder characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord, leading to muscle atrophy and weakness. Although SMA is caused by homozygous mutations in SMN1, the disease severity is mainly determined by the copy number of SMN2, an almost identical gene that produces ~10% correctly spliced SMN transcripts. Recently, three FDA- and EMA-approved therapies that either increase correctly spliced SMN2 transcripts (nusinersen and risdiplam) or replace SMN1 (onasemnogen abeparvovec-xioi) have revolutionized the clinical outcome in SMA patients. However, for severely affected SMA individuals carrying only two SMN2 copies even a presymptomatic therapy might be insufficient to fully counteract disease development. Therefore, SMN-independent compounds supporting SMN-dependent therapies represent a promising therapeutic approach. Recently, we have shown a significant amelioration of SMA disease hallmarks in a severely affected SMA mouse carrying a mutant Chp1 allele when combined with low-dose of SMN antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) treatment. CHP1 is a direct interacting partner of PLS3, a strong protective modifier of SMA. Both proteins ameliorate impaired endocytosis in SMA and significantly restore pathological hallmarks in mice. Here, we aimed to pharmacologically reduce CHP1 levels in an ASO-based combinatorial therapy targeting SMN and Chp1. Chp1 modulation is a major challenge since its genetic reduction to ~50% has shown to ameliorate SMA pathology, while the downregulation below that level causes cerebellar ataxia. Efficacy and tolerability studies determined that a single injection of 30 μg Chp1-ASO4 in the CNS is a safe dosage that significantly reduced CHP1 levels to ~50% at postnatal day (PND)14. Unfortunately, neither electrophysiological predictors such as compound muscle action potential (CMAP) or motor unit number estimation (MUNE) nor histological hallmarks of SMA in neuromuscular junction (NMJ), spinal cord or muscle were ameliorated in SMA mice treated with Chp1-ASO4 compared to CTRL-ASO at PND21. Surprisingly, CHP1 levels were almost at control level 4-weeks post injection, indicating a rather short-term effect of the ASO. Therefore, we re-administrated Chp1-ASO4 by i.c.v. bolus injection at PND28. However, no significant improvement of SMA hallmarks were seen at 2 month-of-age either. In conclusion, in contrast to the protective effect of genetically-induced Chp1 reduction on SMA, combinatorial therapy with Chp1- and SMN-ASOs failed to significantly ameliorate the SMA pathology. Chp1-ASOs compared to SMN-ASO proved to have rather short-term effect and even reinjection had no significant impact on SMA progression, suggesting that further optimization of the ASO may be required to fully explore the combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Muinos-Bühl
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, Germany.
| | - R Rombo
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, Germany.
| | - E Janzen
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - K K Ling
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA.
| | - K Hupperich
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - F Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA.
| | - C F Bennett
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA.
| | - B Wirth
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, Germany; Center for Rare Diseases, University Hospital of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany.
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