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Purkartova Z, Krakorova K, Babuska V, Tuma J, Houdek Z, Roy Choudhury N, Kapl S, Kolinko Y, Sucha M, Porras-Garcia E, Kralickova M, Cendelin J. Quantification of Solid Embryonic Cerebellar Graft Volume in a Degenerative Ataxia Model. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 23:1811-1823. [PMID: 38430389 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-024-01676-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Substitution of lost neurons by neurotransplantation would be a possible management of advanced degenerative cerebellar ataxias in which insufficient cerebellar reserve remains. In this study, we examined the volume and structure of solid embryonic cerebellar grafts in adult Lurcher mice, a model of olivocerebellar degeneration, and their healthy littermates. Grafts taken from enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-positive embryos were injected into the cerebellum of host mice. Two or six months later, the brains were examined histologically. The grafts were identified according to the EGFP fluorescence in frozen sections and their volumes were estimated using the Cavalieri principle. For gross histological evaluation, graft-containing slices were processed using Nissl and hematoxylin-eosin staining. Adjustment of the volume estimation approach suggested that it is reasonable to use all sections without sampling, but that calculation of values for up to 20% of lost section using linear interpolation does not constitute substantial error. Mean graft volume was smaller in Lurchers than in healthy mice when examined 6 months after the transplantation. We observed almost no signs of graft destruction. In some cases, compact grafts disorganized the structure of the host's cerebellar cortex. In Lurchers, the grafts had a limited contact with the host's cerebellum. Also, graft size was of greater variability in Lurchers than in healthy mice. The results are in compliance with our previous findings that Lurcher phenotype-associated factors have a negative effect on graft development. These factors can hypothetically include cerebellar morphology, local tissue milieu, or systemic factors such as immune system abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zdenka Purkartova
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 76, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic
| | - Kristyna Krakorova
- Department of Neurology, Faculty Hospital in Pilsen and Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Vaclav Babuska
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Tuma
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 76, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Zbyněk Houdek
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Nilpawan Roy Choudhury
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 76, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic
| | - Stepan Kapl
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 76, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic
| | - Yaroslav Kolinko
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Quantitative Histology, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Sucha
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 76, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic
| | - Elena Porras-Garcia
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Cellular Biology, Pablo de Olavide University, Seville, Spain
| | - Milena Kralickova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Cendelin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 76, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic.
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic.
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Manto M, Cendelin J, Strupp M, Mitoma H. Advances in cerebellar disorders: pre-clinical models, therapeutic targets, and challenges. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:965-987. [PMID: 37768297 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2263911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cerebellar ataxias (CAs) represent neurological disorders with multiple etiologies and a high phenotypic variability. Despite progress in the understanding of pathogenesis, few therapies are available so far. Closing the loop between preclinical studies and therapeutic trials is important, given the impact of CAs upon patients' health and the roles of the cerebellum in multiple domains. Because of a rapid advance in research on CAs, it is necessary to summarize the main findings and discuss future directions. AREAS COVERED We focus our discussion on preclinical models, cerebellar reserve, the therapeutic management of CAs, and suitable surrogate markers. We searched Web of Science and PubMed using keywords relevant to cerebellar diseases, therapy, and preclinical models. EXPERT OPINION There are many symptomatic and/or disease-modifying therapeutic approaches under investigation. For therapy development, preclinical studies, standardization of disease evaluation, safety assessment, and demonstration of clinical improvements are essential. Stage of the disease and the level of the cerebellar reserve determine the goals of the therapy. Deficits in multiple categories and heterogeneity of CAs may require disease-, stage-, and symptom-specific therapies. More research is needed to clarify how therapies targeting the cerebellum influence both basal ganglia and the cerebral cortex, poorly explored domains in CAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Manto
- Service des Neurosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Jan Cendelin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Strupp
- Department of Neurology and German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Hiroshi Mitoma
- Department of Medical Education, Tokyo medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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Cendelin J, Cvetanovic M, Gandelman M, Hirai H, Orr HT, Pulst SM, Strupp M, Tichanek F, Tuma J, Manto M. Consensus Paper: Strengths and Weaknesses of Animal Models of Spinocerebellar Ataxias and Their Clinical Implications. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 21:452-481. [PMID: 34378174 PMCID: PMC9098367 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-021-01311-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) represent a large group of hereditary degenerative diseases of the nervous system, in particular the cerebellum, and other systems that manifest with a variety of progressive motor, cognitive, and behavioral deficits with the leading symptom of cerebellar ataxia. SCAs often lead to severe impairments of the patient's functioning, quality of life, and life expectancy. For SCAs, there are no proven effective pharmacotherapies that improve the symptoms or substantially delay disease progress, i.e., disease-modifying therapies. To study SCA pathogenesis and potential therapies, animal models have been widely used and are an essential part of pre-clinical research. They mainly include mice, but also other vertebrates and invertebrates. Each animal model has its strengths and weaknesses arising from model animal species, type of genetic manipulation, and similarity to human diseases. The types of murine and non-murine models of SCAs, their contribution to the investigation of SCA pathogenesis, pathological phenotype, and therapeutic approaches including their advantages and disadvantages are reviewed in this paper. There is a consensus among the panel of experts that (1) animal models represent valuable tools to improve our understanding of SCAs and discover and assess novel therapies for this group of neurological disorders characterized by diverse mechanisms and differential degenerative progressions, (2) thorough phenotypic assessment of individual animal models is required for studies addressing therapeutic approaches, (3) comparative studies are needed to bring pre-clinical research closer to clinical trials, and (4) mouse models complement cellular and invertebrate models which remain limited in terms of clinical translation for complex neurological disorders such as SCAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Cendelin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 75, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic.
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 75, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic.
| | - Marija Cvetanovic
- Department of Neuroscience, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Mandi Gandelman
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, 175 North Medical Drive East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Hirokazu Hirai
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neural Repair, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
- Viral Vector Core, Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research (GIAR), Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Harry T Orr
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Stefan M Pulst
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, 175 North Medical Drive East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Michael Strupp
- Department of Neurology and German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Campus Grosshadern, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Filip Tichanek
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 75, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 75, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Tuma
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 75, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic
- The Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MC 7843, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Mario Manto
- Unité des Ataxies Cérébelleuses, Service de Neurologie, CHU-Charleroi, Charleroi, Belgium
- Service des Neurosciences, Université de Mons, UMons, Mons, Belgium
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Lalonde R, Strazielle C. The AGTPBP1 gene in neurobiology. Gene 2022; 809:146001. [PMID: 34637898 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.146001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The function of the Agtpbp1 gene has mainly been delineated by studying Agtpbp1pcd (pcd) mutant mice, characterized by losses in cerebellar Purkinje and granule cells along with degeneration of retinal photoreceptors, mitral cells of the olfactory bulb, thalamic neurons, and alpha-motoneurons. As a result of cerebellar degeneration, cerebellar GABA and glutamate concentrations in Agtpbp1pcd mutants decreased while monoamine concentrations increased. The salient behavioral phenotypes include cerebellar ataxia, a loss in motor coordination, and cognitive deficits. Similar neuropathogical and behavioral profiles have been described in childhood-onset human subjects with biallelic variants of AGTPBP1, including cerebellar ataxia and hypotonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Lalonde
- University of Rouen, Dept Psychology, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France; Laboratory of Stress, Immunity, Pathogens (EA7300), University of Lorraine Medical School, Vandœuvre-les-Nancy, France.
| | - Catherine Strazielle
- Laboratory of Stress, Immunity, Pathogens (EA7300), University of Lorraine Medical School, Vandœuvre-les-Nancy, France; CHRU Nancy, Vandœuvre-les-Nancy, France
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Baltanás FC, Berciano MT, Santos E, Lafarga M. The Childhood-Onset Neurodegeneration with Cerebellar Atrophy (CONDCA) Disease Caused by AGTPBP1 Gene Mutations: The Purkinje Cell Degeneration Mouse as an Animal Model for the Study of this Human Disease. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9091157. [PMID: 34572343 PMCID: PMC8464709 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent reports have identified rare, biallelic damaging variants of the AGTPBP1 gene that cause a novel and documented human disease known as childhood-onset neurodegeneration with cerebellar atrophy (CONDCA), linking loss of function of the AGTPBP1 protein to human neurodegenerative diseases. CONDCA patients exhibit progressive cognitive decline, ataxia, hypotonia or muscle weakness among other clinical features that may be fatal. Loss of AGTPBP1 in humans recapitulates the neurodegenerative course reported in a well-characterised murine animal model harbouring loss-of-function mutations in the AGTPBP1 gene. In particular, in the Purkinje cell degeneration (pcd) mouse model, mutations in AGTPBP1 lead to early cerebellar ataxia, which correlates with the massive loss of cerebellar Purkinje cells. In addition, neurodegeneration in the olfactory bulb, retina, thalamus and spinal cord were also reported. In addition to neurodegeneration, pcd mice show behavioural deficits such as cognitive decline. Here, we provide an overview of what is currently known about the structure and functional role of AGTPBP1 and discuss the various alterations in AGTPBP1 that cause neurodegeneration in the pcd mutant mouse and humans with CONDCA. The sequence of neuropathological events that occur in pcd mice and the mechanisms governing these neurodegenerative processes are also reported. Finally, we describe the therapeutic strategies that were applied in pcd mice and focus on the potential usefulness of pcd mice as a promising model for the development of new therapeutic strategies for clinical trials in humans, which may offer potential beneficial options for patients with AGTPBP1 mutation-related CONDCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando C. Baltanás
- Lab.1, CIC-IBMCC, University of Salamanca-CSIC and CIBERONC, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-923294801
| | - María T. Berciano
- Department of Molecular Biology and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), University of Cantabria-IDIVAL, 39011 Santander, Spain;
| | - Eugenio Santos
- Lab.1, CIC-IBMCC, University of Salamanca-CSIC and CIBERONC, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Miguel Lafarga
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), University of Cantabria-IDIVAL, 39011 Santander, Spain;
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Embryonic Cerebellar Graft Morphology Differs in Two Mouse Models of Cerebellar Degeneration. THE CEREBELLUM 2020; 18:855-865. [PMID: 31418135 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-019-01067-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Cerebellar diseases causing substantial cell loss often lead to severe functional deficits and restoration of cerebellar function is difficult. Neurotransplantation therapy could become a hopeful method, but there are still many limitations and unknown aspects. Studies in a variety of cerebellar mutant mice reflecting heterogeneity of human cerebellar degenerations show promising results as well as new problems and questions to be answered. The aim of this work was to compare the development of embryonic cerebellar grafts in adult B6CBA Lurcher and B6.BR pcd mutant mice and strain-matched healthy wild type mice. Performance in the rotarod test, graft survival, structure, and volume was examined 2 months after the transplantation or sham-operation. The grafts survived in most of the mice of all types. In both B6CBA and B6.BR wild type mice and in pcd mice, colonization of the host's cerebellum was a common finding, while in Lurcher mice, the grafts showed a low tendency to infiltrate the host's cerebellar tissue. There were no significant differences in graft volume between mutant and wild type mice. Nevertheless, B6CBA mice had smaller grafts than their B6.BR counterparts. The transplantation did not improve the performance in the rotarod test. The study showed marked differences in graft integration into the host's cerebellum in two types of cerebellar mutants, suggesting disease-specific factors influencing graft fate.
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Recent Advances in the Treatment of Cerebellar Disorders. Brain Sci 2019; 10:brainsci10010011. [PMID: 31878024 PMCID: PMC7017280 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Various etiopathologies affect the cerebellum, resulting in the development of cerebellar ataxias (CAs), a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized clinically by movement incoordination, affective dysregulation, and cognitive dysmetria. Recent progress in clinical and basic research has opened the door of the ‘‘era of therapy” of CAs. The therapeutic rationale of cerebellar diseases takes into account the capacity of the cerebellum to compensate for pathology and restoration, which is collectively termed cerebellar reserve. In general, treatments of CAs are classified into two categories: cause-cure treatments, aimed at arresting disease progression, and neuromodulation therapies, aimed at potentiating cerebellar reserve. Both forms of therapies should be introduced as soon as possible, at a time where cerebellar reserve is still preserved. Clinical studies have established evidence-based cause-cure treatments for metabolic and immune-mediated CAs. Elaborate protocols of rehabilitation and non-invasive cerebellar stimulation facilitate cerebellar reserve, leading to recovery in the case of controllable pathologies (metabolic and immune-mediated CAs) and delay of disease progression in the case of uncontrollable pathologies (degenerative CAs). Furthermore, recent advances in molecular biology have encouraged the development of new forms of therapies: the molecular targeting therapy, which manipulates impaired RNA or proteins, and the neurotransplantation therapy, which delays cell degeneration and facilitates compensatory functions. The present review focuses on the therapeutic rationales of these recently developed therapeutic modalities, highlighting the underlying pathogenesis.
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Cendelin J, Buffo A, Hirai H, Magrassi L, Mitoma H, Sherrard R, Vozeh F, Manto M. Task Force Paper On Cerebellar Transplantation: Are We Ready to Treat Cerebellar Disorders with Cell Therapy? THE CEREBELLUM 2019; 18:575-592. [PMID: 30607797 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-018-0999-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Restoration of damaged central nervous system structures, functional recovery, and prevention of neuronal loss during neurodegenerative diseases are major objectives in cerebellar research. The highly organized anatomical structure of the cerebellum with numerous inputs/outputs, the complexity of cerebellar functions, and the large spectrum of cerebellar ataxias render therapies of cerebellar disorders highly challenging. There are currently several therapeutic approaches including motor rehabilitation, neuroprotective drugs, non-invasive cerebellar stimulation, molecularly based therapy targeting pathogenesis of the disease, and neurotransplantation. We discuss the goals and possible beneficial mechanisms of transplantation therapy for cerebellar damage and its limitations and factors determining outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Cendelin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 1655/76, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 1655/76, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic
| | - Annalisa Buffo
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Orbassano, 10043, Turin, Italy
| | - Hirokazu Hirai
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neural Repair, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Lorenzo Magrassi
- Neurosurgery, Dipartimento di Scienze Clinico-Chirurgiche Diagnostiche e Pediatriche, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, Università degli Studi di Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare - CNR, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Hiroshi Mitoma
- Medical Education Promotion Center, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rachel Sherrard
- IBPS, UMR8256 Biological Adaptation and Ageing, Sorbonne Université and CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Frantisek Vozeh
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 1655/76, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 1655/76, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic
| | - Mario Manto
- Department of Neurology, CHU-Charleroi, 6000, Charleroi, Belgium.
- Service des Neurosciences, Université de Mons, 7000, Mons, Belgium.
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Díaz D, Del Pilar C, Carretero J, Alonso JR, Weruaga E. Daily bone marrow cell transplantations for the management of fast neurodegenerative processes. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2019; 13:1702-1711. [PMID: 31272136 DOI: 10.1002/term.2925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Cell therapy has been proven to be a promising treatment for fighting neurodegenerative diseases. As neuronal replacement presents undeniable complications, the neuroprotection of live neurons arises as the most suitable therapeutic approach. Accordingly, the earlier the diagnosis and treatment, the better the prognosis. However, these diseases are commonly diagnosed when symptoms have already progressed towards an irreversible degenerative stage. This problem is especially dramatic when neurodegeneration is aggressive and rapidly progresses. One of the most interesting approaches for neuroprotection is the fusion between healthy bone marrow-derived cells and neurons, as the former can provide the latter with regular/protective genes without harming brain parenchyma. So far, this phenomenon has only been identified in Purkinje cells, whose death is the cause of different diseases like cerebellar ataxias. Here we have employed a model of aggressive cerebellar neurodegeneration, the Purkinje Cell Degeneration mouse, to optimize a cell therapy based on bone marrow-derived cell and cell fusion. Our findings show that the substitution of bone marrow in diseased animals by healthy bone marrow, even prior to the onset of neurodegeneration, is not fast enough to stop neuronal loss in time. Conversely, avoiding bone marrow replacement and ensuring a regular supply of healthy cells through continuous, daily transplants, the neurodegenerative milieu of PCD is enough to attract those transplanted elements. Furthermore, in the most affected cerebellar regions, more than a half of surviving neurons undergo a process of cell fusion. Therefore, this method deserves consideration as a means to impede neuronal cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Díaz
- Laboratory of Neuronal Plasticity and Neurorepair, Institute for Neuroscience of Castile and Leon (INCyL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca, IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Carlos Del Pilar
- Laboratory of Neuronal Plasticity and Neurorepair, Institute for Neuroscience of Castile and Leon (INCyL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca, IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain
| | - José Carretero
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience of Castile and Leon (INCyL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca, IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain
| | - José Ramón Alonso
- Laboratory of Neuronal Plasticity and Neurorepair, Institute for Neuroscience of Castile and Leon (INCyL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca, IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain.,Instituto de Alta Investigación, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica, Chile
| | - Eduardo Weruaga
- Laboratory of Neuronal Plasticity and Neurorepair, Institute for Neuroscience of Castile and Leon (INCyL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca, IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain
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Cendelin J, Purkartova Z, Kubik J, Ulbricht E, Tichanek F, Kolinko Y. Long-Term Development of Embryonic Cerebellar Grafts in Two Strains of Lurcher Mice. THE CEREBELLUM 2019; 17:428-437. [PMID: 29450804 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-018-0928-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
For many degenerative cerebellar diseases, currently, no effective treatment that would substantially restore cerebellar functions is available. Neurotransplantation could be a promising therapy for such cases. Nevertheless, there are still severe limitations for routine clinical use. The aim of the work was to assess volume and morphology and functional impact on motor skills of an embryonic cerebellar graft injected in the form of cell suspension in Lurcher mutant and wild-type mice of the B6CBA and C3H strains after a 6-month survival period. The grafts survived in the majority of the mice. In both B6CBA and C3H Lurcher mice, most of the grafts were strictly delimited with no tendency to invade the host cerebellum, while in wild-type mice, graft-derived Purkinje cells colonized the host's cerebellum. In C3H Lurcher mice, but not in B6CBA Lurchers, the grafts had smaller volume than in their wild-type counterparts. C3H wild-type mice had significantly larger grafts than B6CBA wild-type mice. No positive effect of the transplantation on performance in the rotarod test was observed. The findings suggest that the niche of the Lurcher mutant cerebellum has a negative impact on integration of grafted cells. This factor seems to be limiting for specific functional effects of the transplantation therapy in this mouse model of cerebellar degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Cendelin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 1655/76, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic.
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 1655/76, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic.
| | - Zdenka Purkartova
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 1655/76, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Kubik
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 1655/76, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic
| | - Erik Ulbricht
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 1655/76, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic
| | - Filip Tichanek
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 1655/76, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 1655/76, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic
| | - Yaroslav Kolinko
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Karlovarska 48, 301 66, Plzen, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Quantitative Histology, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Karlovarska 48, 301 66, Plzen, Czech Republic
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Abstract
Neurotransplantation may be a promising approach for therapy of cerebellar diseases characterized by a substantial loss of neurons. Neurotransplantation could rescue neurons from degeneration and maintain cerebellar reserve, facilitate cerebellar compensation, or help reconstruct damaged neural circuits by cell substitution. These mechanisms of action can be of varying importance according to the type of cerebellar disease. Neurotransplantation therapy in cerebellar ataxias is still at the stage of experimental studies. There is currently little knowledge regarding cerebellar patients. Nevertheless, data provided by experiments in animal models of cerebellar degeneration and both clinical studies and experiences in patients with other neurologic diseases enable us to suggest basic principles, expectations, limitations, and future directions of neurotransplantation therapy for cerebellar diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Cendelin
- Department of Pathological Physiology and Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic.
| | - Hiroshi Mitoma
- Department of Medical Education, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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12
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An expandable embryonic stem cell-derived Purkinje neuron progenitor population that exhibits in vivo maturation in the adult mouse cerebellum. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8863. [PMID: 28821816 PMCID: PMC5562837 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09348-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The directed differentiation of patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells into cell-type specific neurons has inspired the development of therapeutic discovery for neurodegenerative diseases. Many forms of ataxia result from degeneration of cerebellar Purkinje cells, but thus far it has not been possible to efficiently generate Purkinje neuron (PN) progenitors from human or mouse pluripotent stem cells, let alone to develop a methodology for in vivo transplantation in the adult cerebellum. Here, we present a protocol to obtain an expandable population of cerebellar neuron progenitors from mouse embryonic stem cells. Our protocol is characterized by applying factors that promote proliferation of cerebellar progenitors. Cerebellar progenitors isolated in culture from cell aggregates contained a stable subpopulation of PN progenitors that could be expanded for up to 6 passages. When transplanted into the adult cerebellum of either wild-type mice or a strain lacking Purkinje cells (L7cre-ERCC1 knockout), GFP-labeled progenitors differentiated in vivo to establish a population of calbindin-positive cells in the molecular layer with dendritic trees typical of mature PNs. We conclude that this protocol may be useful for the generation and maturation of PNs, highlighting the potential for development of a regenerative medicine approach to the treatment of cerebellar neurodegenerative diseases.
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Pundt LL, Jörn EA, Conrad JA, Low WC. Organization and Histochemical Phenotype of Human Fetal Cerebellar Cells following Transplantation into the Cerebellum of Nude Mice. Cell Transplant 2017; 6:479-89. [PMID: 9331499 DOI: 10.1177/096368979700600507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous rodent studies have demonstrated the capacity of cerebellar transplants to organize into trilaminar cell layers typically observed in the normal cerebellum. In Purkinje Cell (PC)-deficient animals, PCs will migrate into the host and form synaptic connections. Recently, fetal cerebellar grafts transplanted into the Purkinje cell degeneration (pcd) mutant mouse were shown to result in an improvement of motor behaviors. These studies indicate the potential therapeutic use of neural transplantation in patients with cerebellar degeneration. In the present study, human fetal cerebellar tissue (8.5 wk postconception) was dissociated and transplanted into the normal cerebellum of nude mice. Six months following transplantation, histological analysis revealed donor cells in recipient mice. Immunostaining for the 28 kDa calcium-binding protein (calbindin) revealed the presence of donor PCs that were organized in discrete cellular layers within the transplant neuropil. In most cases the dendritic processes were oriented in a planar fashion perpendicular to the transplant cell layer. Human neurofilament immunostaining revealed bundles of donor fibers within the core of the transplant and/or at the periphery. These bundles were found to be calbindin positive (PC fibers). Three animals provided evidence of donor PC axon growth ventrally into host white matter, and in one case, this ventral migration reached the deep cerebellar nuclei. Most notable was the development of a pronounced folia-like organization by the implanted cell suspensions. Glial processes within the grafts were aligned perpendicular to the long axis of the transplant folia. These results demonstrate the capacity of human fetal cerebellar cell suspension to reorganize into cell layers typical of the normal cerebellum following transplantation into the rodent cerebellum, and develop an organotypic folia-like organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- L L Pundt
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis 55455, USA
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Fucà E, Guglielmotto M, Boda E, Rossi F, Leto K, Buffo A. Preventive motor training but not progenitor grafting ameliorates cerebellar ataxia and deregulated autophagy in tambaleante mice. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 102:49-59. [PMID: 28237314 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Revised: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment options for degenerative cerebellar ataxias are currently very limited. A large fraction of such disorders is represented by hereditary cerebellar ataxias, whose familiar transmission facilitates an early diagnosis and may possibly allow to start preventive treatments before the onset of the neurodegeneration and appearance of first symptoms. In spite of the heterogeneous aetiology, histological alterations of ataxias often include the primary degeneration of the cerebellar cortex caused by Purkinje cells (PCs) loss. Thus, approaches aimed at replacing or preserving PCs could represent promising ways of disease management. In the present study, we compared the efficacy of two different preventive strategies, namely cell replacement and motor training. We used tambaleante (tbl) mice as a model for progressive ataxia caused by selective loss of PCs and evaluated the effectiveness of the preventive transplantation of healthy PCs into early postnatal tbl cerebella, in terms of PC replacement and functional preservation. On the other hand, we investigated the effects of motor training on PC survival, cerebellar circuitry and their behavioral correlates. Our results demonstrate that, despite a good survival rate and integration of grafted PCs, the adopted grafting protocol could not alleviate the ataxic symptoms in tbl mice. Conversely, preventive motor training increases PCs survival with a moderate positive impact on the motor phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Fucà
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Regione Gonzole, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy.
| | - Michela Guglielmotto
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Regione Gonzole, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Enrica Boda
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Regione Gonzole, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Rossi
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Ketty Leto
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Regione Gonzole, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Annalisa Buffo
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Regione Gonzole, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy.
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Cendelin J. From mice to men: lessons from mutant ataxic mice. CEREBELLUM & ATAXIAS 2014; 1:4. [PMID: 26331028 PMCID: PMC4549131 DOI: 10.1186/2053-8871-1-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Ataxic mutant mice can be used to represent models of cerebellar degenerative disorders. They serve for investigation of cerebellar function, pathogenesis of degenerative processes as well as of therapeutic approaches. Lurcher, Hot-foot, Purkinje cell degeneration, Nervous, Staggerer, Weaver, Reeler, and Scrambler mouse models and mouse models of SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, SCA6, SCA7, SCA23, DRPLA, Niemann-Pick disease and Friedreich ataxia are reviewed with special regard to cerebellar pathology, pathogenesis, functional changes and possible therapeutic influences, if any. Finally, benefits and limitations of mouse models are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Cendelin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, Lidicka 1, 301 66 Plzen, Czech Republic ; Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, Plzen, Czech Republic
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Purkartova Z, Tuma J, Pesta M, Kulda V, Hajkova L, Sebesta O, Vozeh F, Cendelin J. Morphological analysis of embryonic cerebellar grafts in SCA2 mice. Neurosci Lett 2013; 558:154-8. [PMID: 24269873 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2013.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2013] [Revised: 11/09/2013] [Accepted: 11/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
SCA2 transgenic mice are thought to be a useful model of human spinocerebellar ataxia type 2. There is no effective therapy for cerebellar degenerative disorders, therefore neurotransplantation could offer hope. The aim of this work was to assess the survival and morphology of embryonic cerebellar grafts transplanted into the cerebellum of adult SCA2 mice. Four month-old homozygous SCA2 and negative control mice were treated with bilateral intracerebellar injections of an enhanced green fluorescent protein-positive embryonic cerebellar cell suspension. Graft survival and morphology were examined three months later. Graft-derived Purkinje cells and the presence of astrocytes in the graft were detected immunohistochemically. Nissl and hematoxylin-eosin techniques were used to visualize the histological structure of the graft and surrounding host tissue. Grafts survived in all experimental mice; no differences in graft structure, between SCA2 homozygous and negative mice, were found. The grafts contained numerous Purkinje cells but long distance graft-to-host axonal connections to the deep cerebellar nuclei were rarely seen. Relatively few astrocytes were found in the center of the graft. No signs of inflammation or tissue destruction were seen in the area around the grafts. Despite good graft survival and the presence of graft-derived Purkinje cells, the structure of the graft did not seem to promise any significant specific functional effects. We have shown that the graft is available for long-term experiments. Nevertheless, it would be beneficial to search for ways of enhancement of connections between the graft and host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zdenka Purkartova
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Lidicka 1, Pilsen 301 66, Czech Republic.
| | - Jan Tuma
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Lidicka 1, Pilsen 301 66, Czech Republic; Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Husova 3, Pilsen 306 05, Czech Republic.
| | - Martin Pesta
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, Karlovarska 48, Pilsen 301 66, Czech Republic.
| | - Vlastimil Kulda
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, Karlovarska 48, Pilsen 301 66, Czech Republic.
| | - Lucie Hajkova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, Karlovarska 48, Pilsen 301 66, Czech Republic.
| | - Ondrej Sebesta
- Laboratory of Confocal Microscopy, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Vinicna 7, Prague 2 12844, Czech Republic.
| | - Frantisek Vozeh
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Lidicka 1, Pilsen 301 66, Czech Republic; Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Husova 3, Pilsen 306 05, Czech Republic.
| | - Jan Cendelin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Lidicka 1, Pilsen 301 66, Czech Republic; Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Husova 3, Pilsen 306 05, Czech Republic.
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Erceg S, Moreno-Manzano V, Garita-Hernandez M, Stojkovic M, Bhattacharya SS. Concise review: stem cells for the treatment of cerebellar-related disorders. Stem Cells 2011; 29:564-9. [PMID: 21319272 DOI: 10.1002/stem.619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Embryonic neural transplants have become clinically relevant over the past 25 years for their possible application in the treatment of cerebellum-related neurodegenerative diseases. While highlighting the important role that fetal neural progenitors have in meeting these challenges, we define rationales for all types of cell therapy involving adult stem cells as well as human embryonic stem cells (hESC) and human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The recent advances in the field of hESC and iPS cells, including their capacity for differentiation toward regional specific neural lineages, could open a new era of transplantation in cell-based therapy for cerebellar ataxias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slaven Erceg
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa, Avda. Americo Vespucio s/n, Parque Científico y Tecnológico Cartuja, Sevilla, Spain.
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Chen KA, Lanuto D, Zheng T, Steindler DA. Transplantation of embryonic and adult neural stem cells in the granuloprival cerebellum of the weaver mutant mouse. Stem Cells 2009; 27:1625-34. [PMID: 19544457 DOI: 10.1002/stem.83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies have explored the potential of different stem and progenitor cells to replace at-risk neuronal populations in a variety of neurodegenerative disease models. This study presents data from a side-by-side approach of engrafting two different stem/progenitor cell populations within the postnatal cerebellum of the weaver neurological mutant mouse--cerebellar-derived multipotent astrocytic stem cells and embryonic stem cell-derived neural precursors--for comparative analysis. We show here that both donor populations survive, migrate, and appear to initiate differentiation into neurons within the granuloprival host environment. Neither of these disparate stem/progenitor cell populations adopted significant region-specific identities, despite earlier studies that suggested the potential of these cells to respond to in vivo cues when placed in a permissive/instructive milieu. However, data presented here suggest that molecular and cellular deficits present within weaver homozygous or heterozygous brains may promote a slightly more positive donor cell response toward acquisition of a neuronal phenotype. Hence, it is likely that a fine balance exists between a compromised host environment that is amenable to cell replacement and that of a degenerating cellular milieu where it is perhaps too deleterious to support extensive neuronal differentiation and functional cellular integration. These findings join a growing list of studies that show successful cell replacement depends largely on the interplay between the potentiality of the donor cells and the specific pathological conditions of the recipient environment, and that emergent therapies for neurological disorders involving the use of neural stem cells still require refinement.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Amy Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, The Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA.
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The ataxic Syrian hamster: an animal model homologous to the pcd mutant mouse? THE CEREBELLUM 2009; 8:202-10. [PMID: 19462216 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-009-0113-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2008] [Accepted: 05/06/2009] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
A spontaneous model of cerebellar ataxia in the Syrian hamster is described. Breeding data indicate that the condition is hereditary and that the mode of inheritance is autosomal recessive. Homozygotes are smaller in size than the wild-type but have a normal appearance. Mutants show a moderate ataxia beginning at 7 weeks of age. Although affected adults exhibit significant atrophy in the cerebellum, other parts of the brain appear relatively normal by light microscopy. Mutants lose almost all Purkinje cells by 18 months of age and exhibit a moderate reduction in granule cell density, probably as a consequence of the primary loss of Purkinje cells. In the homozygous hamster brain, Nna1 expression is suppressed, similar to that previously observed in Purkinje cell degeneration (pcd) mutant mice. A phenotypic comparison of ataxic hamsters with the pcd mutant mice suggests that the influence of the causal allele in ataxic hamsters is considerably milder than most of the alleles found in the mutant mice.
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Gao Y, Zu T, Low WC, Orr HT, McIvor RS. Antisense RNA sequences modulating the ataxin-1 message: molecular model of gene therapy for spinocerebellar ataxia type 1, a dominant-acting unstable trinucleotide repeat disease. Cell Transplant 2008; 17:723-34. [PMID: 19044200 DOI: 10.3727/096368908786516729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is a dominant inherited disease caused by expanded trinucleotide repeats resulting in an increased polyglutamine tract in the gene product. As a potential therapeutic approach for SCA1, we tested antisense RNAs targeting two regions of the ataxin-1 message. Single-stranded regions around the translational initiation site and the intron 8 splice donor site of the ataxin-1 message were identified by computer-assisted RNA secondary structure prediction. Plasmids were generated to contain a 254-bp antisense sequence spanning the translation initiation site (pLasBDini) or a 317-bp sequence spanning the intron 8 splice donor site (pLasBDei) of the ataxin-1 message. These plasmids were transfected into Chinese hamster ovary cells engineered to express either expanded or unexpanded ataxin-1 message and protein. Reduced levels of mutant ataxin-1 message (82 CAG repeats), wild-type ataxin-1 message (30 CAG repeats), and ataxin-1 protein were observed by Northern and Western blot analyses in pLasBDini-transfected clones. pLasBDei-transfected 293 cells exhibited a shift in ataxin-1 message to a size several kilobases longer than that of the natural message. Reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction assays demonstrated the retention of message spanning the intron 8 splice acceptor and the inability to amplify sequences between exons 8 and 9, implying that normal splicing of intron 8 had been interrupted. We conclude that antisense RNAs were effective in reducing or modifying ataxin-1 messages in transfected cells, and may be an effective genetic strategy for therapy of SCA1 and similar dominant-acting neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youxin Gao
- Institute of Human Genetics, Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Cendelín J, Korelusová I, Vožeh F. The Effect of Cerebellar Transplantation and Enforced Physical Activity on Motor Skills and Spatial Learning in Adult Lurcher Mutant Mice. THE CEREBELLUM 2008; 8:35-45. [DOI: 10.1007/s12311-008-0061-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Sajdel-Sulkowska EM, Nguon K, Sulkowski ZL, Rosen GD, Baxter MG. Purkinje cell loss accompanies motor impairment in rats developing at altered gravity. Neuroreport 2005; 16:2037-40. [PMID: 16317350 DOI: 10.1097/00001756-200512190-00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We have previously reported that the developmental exposure of rats to altered gravity (1.65 g) from gestational day 8 to postnatal day 21 impacts motor functions and cerebellar structure. The present study examined whether the decrease in cerebellar mass accompanied by impaired performance on a rotorod in hypergravity-exposed rats was related to a decrease in Purkinje cell number. The total number of Purkinje cells was determined on postnatal day 21 using a stereological analysis applied to paraformaldehyde-fixed cerebellar samples subsequently embedded in celloidin. Total Purkinje cell number was decreased by 17.7-25.3%. These results imply that exposure to altered gravity during Purkinje cell birth may affect their proliferation, resulting in a decrease in Purkinje cell number, which, in turn, leads to motor impairment.
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Abstract
Over the past decade, the spinocerebellar degenerations have gone from a diverse group of loosely defined phenotypes to a family of diseases with many identifiable genotypes and the promise of gene-specific treatments. The evaluation of the spinocerebellar ataxias has been simplified, and the counseling of patients and families has been enhanced by the growing number of molecular diagnostic tests now available. Management strategies remain symptomatic and focused on rehabilitation, with empirical use of antioxidants based on research in other neurogenetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan L Perlman
- Department of Neurology, UCLA School of Medicine, 300 UCLA Medical Plaza, Suite B200, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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Love S, Hilton DA. Transplantation in the central nervous system. CURRENT TOPICS IN PATHOLOGY. ERGEBNISSE DER PATHOLOGIE 1999; 92:181-213. [PMID: 9919811 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-59877-7_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S Love
- Department of Neuropathology, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, UK
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Abstract
Investigations into the relationship between the cerebellum and nonmotor processing have produced a substantial body of evidence which seems to require a revision of accepted notions about the functional role of the cerebellum. This chapter presents a perspective on the contemporary and possible future therapeutic and research implications of these findings. These include the need for patients and their families to know of the behavioral consequences of cerebellar disease processes; potential approaches for improvement through rehabilitation therapies; and future treatment strategies, such as electrical stimulation of the cerebellum and psychosurgical approaches applied to the cerebellum. In addition, some areas of basic science investigation that could prove informative in understanding this relationship are addressed. It will be important to obtain a more complete characterization of the anatomy, physiology, and functional topography of the cerebellum in humans and in animal models, and a greater understanding of the clinical consequences of cerebellar lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Schmahmann
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114, USA
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Stasi K, Mitsacos A, Triarhou LC, Kouvelas ED. Cerebellar Grafts Partially Reverse Amino Acid Receptor Changes Observed in the Cerebellum of Mice with Hereditary Ataxia: Quantitative Autoradiographic Studies. Cell Transplant 1997; 6:347-59. [PMID: 9171167 DOI: 10.1177/096368979700600317] [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] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We used quantitative autoradiography of [3H]CNQX (200 nM), [3H]muscimol (13 nM), and [3H]flunitrazepam (10 nM) binding to study the distribution of non-NMDA and GABAA receptors in the cerebellum of pcd mutant mice with unilateral cerebellar grafts. Nonspecific binding was determined by incubation with 1 mM Glu, 200 μM GABA, or 1 μM clonazepam, respectively. Saturation parameters were defined in wild-type and mutant cerebella. In mutants, non-NMDA receptors were reduced by 38% in the molecular layer and by 47% in the granule cell layer. The reduction of non-NMDA receptors in the pcd cerebellar cortex supports their localization on Purkinje cells. [3H] CNQX binding sites were visualized at higher density in grafts that had migrated to the cerebellar cortex of the hosts (4.1 and 11.0 pmol/mg protein, respectively, at 23 and 37 days after grafting) than in grafts arrested intraparen-chymally (2.6 and 6.2 pmol/mg protein, respectively, at 23 and 37 days after grafting). The pattern of expression of non-NMDA receptors in cortical vs. parenchymal grafts suggests a possible regulation of their levels by transacting elements from host parallel fibers. GABAA binding levels in the grafts for both ligands used were similar to normal molecular layer. Binding was increased in the deep cerebellar nuclei of pcd mutants: the increase in [3H]muscimol binding over normal was 215% and the increase in [3H]flunitrazepam binding was 89%. Such increases in the pcd deep cerebellar nuclei may reflect a denervation-induced supersensitivity subsequent to the loss of Purkinje axon terminal innervation. In the deep nuclei of pcd mutants with unilateral cerebellar grafts, [3H]muscimol binding was 31% lower in the grafted side than in the contralateral nongrafted side at 37 days after transplantation; [3H]fluni-trazepam binding was also lower in the grafted side by 15% compared to the nongrafted side. Such changes in GABAA receptors suggest a significant, albeit partial, normalizing trend of cerebellar grafts on the state of postsynaptic supersensitive receptors in the host cerebellar nuclei.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Stasi
- Department of Physiology, University of Patras Medical School, Greece
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