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Eckert S, Jakimovski D, Zivadinov R, Hicar M, Weinstock-Guttman B. How to and should we target EBV in MS? Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024; 20:703-714. [PMID: 38477887 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2024.2328739] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) remains unknown. Pathogenesis likely relies on a complex interaction between multiple environmental, genetic, and behavioral risk factors. However, a growing body of literature supports the role of a preceding Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in the majority of cases. AREAS COVERED In this narrative review, we summarize the latest findings regarding the potential role of EBV as a predisposing event inducing new onset of MS. EBV interactions with the genetic background and other infectious agents such as human endogenous retrovirus are explored. Additional data regarding the role of EBV regarding the rate of mid- and long-term disease progression is also discussed. Lastly, the effect of currently approved disease-modifying therapies (DMT) for MS treatment on the EBV-based molecular mechanisms and the development of new EBV-specific therapies are further reviewed. EXPERT OPINION Recent strong epidemiological findings support that EBV may be the primary inducing event in certain individuals that shortly thereafter develop MS. More studies are needed in order to better understand the significant variability in susceptibility based on environmental factors such as EBV exposure. Future investigations should focus on determining the specific EBV-related risk antigen(s) and phenotyping people with likely EBV-induced MS. Targeting EBV via several different avenues, including development of an EBV vaccine, may become the mainstay of MS treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Eckert
- Jacobs Comprehensive MS Treatment and Research Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Dejan Jakimovski
- Jacobs Comprehensive MS Treatment and Research Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Robert Zivadinov
- Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Center for Biomedical Imaging at Clinical Translational Science Institute, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Mark Hicar
- Department of Pediatrics Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Bianca Weinstock-Guttman
- Jacobs Comprehensive MS Treatment and Research Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Perron H. A tale of a hidden family of genetic immigrants. Microbes Infect 2024:105387. [PMID: 38944111 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2024.105387] [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: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Though not usual for the editors of a scientific journal to ask that a story be told to its readers, this special issue is offering an opportunity to pay tribute to all those who have made it possible for a long scientific journey to open up many research avenues, to access the discoveries of what was not known and to the understanding of what was unveiled in the field of human endogenous retroviruses. In particular, and beyond a simple fortuitous association, to show their pathogenic involvement in certain diseases whose causality has been the subject of numerous and variable hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hervé Perron
- GeNeuro, 3 chemin du Pré-Fleuri, 1228 Plan-les-ouates, Geneva, Switzerland; Geneuro-Innovation, 60A, Avenue Rockefeller, 69008 Lyon, France.
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Censi ST, Mariani-Costantini R, Granzotto A, Tomassini V, Sensi SL. Endogenous retroviruses in multiple sclerosis: A network-based etiopathogenic model. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 99:102392. [PMID: 38925481 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102392] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The present perspective article proposes an etiopathological model for multiple sclerosis pathogenesis and progression associated with the activation of human endogenous retroviruses. We reviewed preclinical, clinical, epidemiological, and evolutionary evidence indicating how the complex, multi-level interplay of genetic traits and environmental factors contributes to multiple sclerosis. We propose that endogenous retroviruses transactivation acts as a critical node in disease development. We also discuss the rationale for combined anti-retroviral therapy in multiple sclerosis as a disease-modifying therapeutic strategy. Finally, we propose that the immuno-pathogenic process triggered by endogenous retrovirus activation can be extended to aging and aging-related neurodegeneration. In this regard, endogenous retroviruses can be envisioned to act as epigenetic noise, favoring the proliferation of disorganized cellular subpopulations and accelerating system-specific "aging". Since inflammation and aging are two sides of the same coin (plastic dis-adaptation to external stimuli with system-specific degree of freedom), the two conditions may be epiphenomenal products of increased epigenomic entropy. Inflammation accelerates organ-specific aging, disrupting communication throughout critical systems of the body and producing symptoms. Overlapping neurological symptoms and syndromes may emerge from the activity of shared molecular networks that respond to endogenous retroviruses' reactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano T Censi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB), "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy.
| | - Renato Mariani-Costantini
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Alberto Granzotto
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Valentina Tomassini
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB), "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Institute of Neurology, SS Annunziata Hospital, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano L Sensi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB), "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Institute of Neurology, SS Annunziata Hospital, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy.
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Serafini B, Benincasa L, Rosicarelli B, Aloisi F. EBV infected cells in the multiple sclerosis brain express PD-L1: How the virus and its niche may escape immune surveillance. J Neuroimmunol 2024; 389:578314. [PMID: 38422689 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2024.578314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The presence of EBV infected B cells in postmortem multiple sclerosis (MS) brain tissue suggests immune evasion strategies. Using immunohistochemical techniques we analysed the expression of the immune checkpoint molecule PD-L1 and its receptor PD-1 in MS brains containing B cell-enriched perivascular infiltrates and meningeal follicles, a major EBV reservoir. PD-1 and PD-L1 immunoreactivities were restricted to CNS-infiltrating immune cells. PD-L1 was expressed on B cells, including EBV infected B cells, while PD-1 was expressed on many CD8+ T cells, including EBV-specific CD8+ T-cells, and fewer CD4+ T cells. PD-L1+ cells and EBV infected cells were in close contact with PD-1+ T cells. PD-L1 expressed by EBV infected B cells could favour local immune evasion leading to EBV persistence and immunopathology in the MS brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Serafini
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Lucia Benincasa
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Barbara Rosicarelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Aloisi
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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Mantovani F, Kitsou K, Magiorkinis G. HERVs: Expression Control Mechanisms and Interactions in Diseases and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:192. [PMID: 38397182 PMCID: PMC10888493 DOI: 10.3390/genes15020192] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are the result of retroviral infections acquired millions of years ago; nowadays, they compose around 8% of human DNA. Multiple mechanisms have been employed for endogenous retroviral deactivation, rendering replication and retrotransposition defective, while some of them have been co-opted to serve host evolutionary advantages. A pleiad of mechanisms retains the delicate balance of HERV expression in modern humans. Thus, epigenetic modifications, such as DNA and histone methylation, acetylation, deamination, chromatin remodeling, and even post-transcriptional control are recruited. In this review, we aim to summarize the main HERV silencing pathways, revisit paradigms of human disease with a HERV component, and emphasize the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and HERV interactions during HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gkikas Magiorkinis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (F.M.); (K.K.)
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Li C, Qian Q, Yan C, Lu M, Li L, Li P, Fan Z, Lei W, Shang K, Wang P, Wang J, Lu T, Huang Y, Yang H, Wei H, Han J, Xiao J, Chen F. HervD Atlas: a curated knowledgebase of associations between human endogenous retroviruses and diseases. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:D1315-D1326. [PMID: 37870452 PMCID: PMC10767980 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad904] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), as remnants of ancient exogenous retrovirus infected and integrated into germ cells, comprise ∼8% of the human genome. These HERVs have been implicated in numerous diseases, and extensive research has been conducted to uncover their specific roles. Despite these efforts, a comprehensive source of HERV-disease association still needs to be added. To address this gap, we introduce the HervD Atlas (https://ngdc.cncb.ac.cn/hervd/), an integrated knowledgebase of HERV-disease associations manually curated from all related published literature. In the current version, HervD Atlas collects 60 726 HERV-disease associations from 254 publications (out of 4692 screened literature), covering 21 790 HERVs (21 049 HERV-Terms and 741 HERV-Elements) belonging to six types, 149 diseases and 610 related/affected genes. Notably, an interactive knowledge graph that systematically integrates all the HERV-disease associations and corresponding affected genes into a comprehensive network provides a powerful tool to uncover and deduce the complex interplay between HERVs and diseases. The HervD Atlas also features a user-friendly web interface that allows efficient browsing, searching, and downloading of all association information, research metadata, and annotation information. Overall, the HervD Atlas is an essential resource for comprehensive, up-to-date knowledge on HERV-disease research, potentially facilitating the development of novel HERV-associated diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuidan Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Qiheng Qian
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
- National Genomics Data Center, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chenghao Yan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mingming Lu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
- National Genomics Data Center, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Pan Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhuojing Fan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
- National Genomics Data Center, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wenyan Lei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Kang Shang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Peihan Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jie Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tianyi Lu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuting Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Hongwei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Haobin Wei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jingwan Han
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Jingfa Xiao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
- National Genomics Data Center, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fei Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Genome and Precision Medicine Technologies, Beijing100101, China
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7
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Cossu D, Tomizawa Y, Sechi LA, Hattori N. Epstein-Barr Virus and Human Endogenous Retrovirus in Japanese Patients with Autoimmune Demyelinating Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17151. [PMID: 38138980 PMCID: PMC10743056 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417151] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and myelin oligodendrocytes glycoprotein-antibody disease (MOGAD) are distinct autoimmune demyelinating disorders characterized by varying clinical and pathological characteristics. While the precise origins of these diseases remain elusive, a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including viral elements, have been suggested as potential contributors to their development. Our goal was to assess the occurrence of antibodies against pathogenic peptides associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and the human endogenous retrovirus-W (HERV-W) in serum samples obtained from Japanese individuals diagnosed with MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD and to make comparisons with a group of healthy controls (HCs). We conducted a retrospective analysis involving 114 Japanese participants, comprising individuals with MS (34), NMOSD (20), MOGAD (20), and HCs (40). These individuals were tested using a peptide-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A marked increase in antibody response against EBV nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1)386-405 was observed in the serum of MS and MOGAD patients, as compared to HCs. Notably, we observed a correlation between antibodies against EBNA1386-405 and HERV-W486-504 peptides in a subset of the antibody-positive MS patients. These findings emphasize the involvement of EBV in the pathogenesis of MS and potentially MOGAD, suggesting its role in the reactivation of HERV-W.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Cossu
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University, Tokyo 1138431, Japan; (Y.T.); (N.H.)
- Biomedical Research Core Facilities, Juntendo University, Tokyo 1138431, Japan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Sassari University, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
| | - Yuji Tomizawa
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University, Tokyo 1138431, Japan; (Y.T.); (N.H.)
| | - Leonardo Antonio Sechi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Sassari University, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
- Struttura Complessa di Microbiologia e Virologia, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Nobutaka Hattori
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University, Tokyo 1138431, Japan; (Y.T.); (N.H.)
- Neurodegenerative Disorders Collaborative Laboratory, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama 3510918, Japan
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Dubowsky M, Theunissen F, Carr JM, Rogers ML. The Molecular Link Between TDP-43, Endogenous Retroviruses and Inflammatory Neurodegeneration in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: a Potential Target for Triumeq, an Antiretroviral Therapy. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:6330-6345. [PMID: 37450244 PMCID: PMC10533598 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03472-y] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease (MND), is a progressive neurological disorder, characterised by the death of upper and lower motor neurons. The aetiology of ALS remains unknown, and treatment options are limited. Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), specifically human endogenous retrovirus type K (HERV-K), have been proposed to be involved in the propagation of neurodegeneration in ALS. ERVs are genomic remnants of ancient viral infection events, with most being inactive and not retaining the capacity to encode a fully infectious virus. However, some ERVs retain the ability to be activated and transcribed, and ERV transcripts have been found to be elevated within the brain tissue of MND patients. A hallmark of ALS pathology is altered localisation of the transactive response (TAR) DNA binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43), which is normally found within the nucleus of neuronal and glial cells and is involved in RNA regulation. In ALS, TDP-43 aggregates within the cytoplasm and facilitates neurodegeneration. The involvement of ERVs in ALS pathology is thought to occur through TDP-43 and neuroinflammatory mediators. In this review, the proposed involvement of TDP-43, HERV-K and immune regulators on the onset and progression of ALS will be discussed. Furthermore, the evidence supporting a therapy based on targeting ERVs in ALS will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Dubowsky
- College of Medicine and Public Health and Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia.
| | - Frances Theunissen
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Jillian M Carr
- College of Medicine and Public Health and Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Mary-Louise Rogers
- College of Medicine and Public Health and Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
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Chilosi M, Doglioni C, Ravaglia C, Piciucchi S, Dubini A, Stefanizzi L, Poletti V. COVID-19. Biology, pathophysiology, and immunology: a pathologist view. Pathologica 2023; 115:248-256. [PMID: 38054899 DOI: 10.32074/1591-951x-954] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Even if the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has been declared over, several risks and clinical problems remain to be faced, including long-COVID sequelae and possible outbreaks of pathogenic variants. Intense research on COVID-19 has provided in these few years a striking amount of data covering different fields and disciplines, which can help to provide a knowledge shield against new potential infective spreads, and may also potentially be applied to other fields of medicine, including oncology and neurology. Nevertheless, areas of uncertainty still remain regarding the pathogenic mechanisms that subtend the multifaceted manifestations of the disease. To better clarify the pathogenesis of the disease, a systematic multidisciplinary evaluation of the many mechanisms involved in COVID-19 is mandatory, including clinical, physiological, radiological, immunological and pathological studies. In COVID-19 syndrome the pathological studies have been mainly performed on autopsy cases, and only a few studies are available on biopsies. Nevertheless, these studies have provided relevant information that can substantially contribute to decipher the complex scenario characterizing the different forms of COVID-19 and long-COVID-19. In this review the data provided by pathological investigations are recapitulated and discussed, in the light of different hypothesis and data provided by clinical, physiological and immunological data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Chilosi
- Department of Pathology, Pederzoli Hospital, Peschiera del Garda, Italy
| | - Claudio Doglioni
- Department of Pathology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute. Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Ravaglia
- Department of Diseases of the Thorax, Ospedale GB Morgagni, Forlì, Italy
| | - Sara Piciucchi
- Department of Diseases of the Thorax, Ospedale GB Morgagni, Forlì, Italy
| | | | | | - Venerino Poletti
- Department of Diseases of the Thorax, Ospedale GB Morgagni, Forlì, Italy
- Department of Pathology, Ospedale GB Morgagni, Forlì, Italy
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10
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Liu EN, Yang JH, Patel L, Arora J, Gooding A, Ellis R, Graves JS. Longitudinal analysis and treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms in post-acute sequelae of COVID-19. J Neurol 2023; 270:4661-4672. [PMID: 37493802 PMCID: PMC10910663 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11885-x] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent neuropsychiatric symptoms following acute COVID-19 infection are frequently reported. These include anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and insomnia. The longitudinal evolution of this neuropsychiatric burden is poorly understood and clinical guidelines concerning treatment are lacking. OBJECTIVE We sought to describe the longitudinal evolution of neuropsychiatric symptoms in the post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) syndrome and examine symptom treatment at a single center. METHODS Consecutive participants experiencing persistent neurologic symptoms after acute COVID-19 infection were recruited from October 2020 to July 2022. Data collected included COVID-19 infection history, neurological exam and review of systems, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and self-reported surveys concerning neuropsychiatric symptoms and treatment. Data were collected at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. RESULTS A total of 106 participants (mean age 48.6, females 67%) were included in the study. At 1-year follow-up, 72.5% of participants reported at least one neuropsychiatric symptom. Over half (52.5%) of participants reported persistent fatigue. At baseline, 38.8% of all participants had met the established MoCA cut-off score of < 26 for mild cognitive impairment; this decreased to 20.0% at 1 year. COVID-19 infection severity was associated with neuro-PASC symptoms (including fatigue and anxiety) at 1 year. Overall, 29% of participants started at least one new medication for COVID-19-associated neuropsychiatric symptoms. Of the participants who started new medications, fatigue was the most common indication (44.8%) followed by insomnia (27.6%). CONCLUSIONS Neuropsychiatric symptoms related to neuro-PASC improve over time but can persist for over a year post-recovery. Most treatment modalities targeted neuro-PASC fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie N Liu
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, USA.
| | - Jennifer H Yang
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, USA
- Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Lucas Patel
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | - Jasmine Arora
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | - Amanda Gooding
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ronald Ellis
- Department of Neurosciences and Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer S Graves
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, USA
- Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
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Giovannoni G, Hawkes CH, Lechner-Scott J, Levy M, Ann Yeh E. CNS resilience in the progression of MS. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 77:104937. [PMID: 37634271 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.104937] [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: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Resilience; Progressive multiple sclerosis; Genomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin Giovannoni
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Christopher H Hawkes
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Michael Levy
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, MA, United States
| | - E Ann Yeh
- Department of Paediatrics (Neurology), Hospital for Sick Children, Division of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute University of Toronto, Canada
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12
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Frau J, Coghe G, Lorefice L, Fenu G, Cocco E. The Role of Microorganisms in the Etiopathogenesis of Demyelinating Diseases. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1309. [PMID: 37374092 DOI: 10.3390/life13061309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease (MOGAD) are inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) with a multifactorial aetiology. Environmental factors are important for their development and microorganisms could play a determining role. They can directly damage the CNS, but their interaction with the immune system is even more important. The possible mechanisms involved include molecular mimicry, epitope spreading, bystander activation and the dual cell receptor theory. The role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in MS has been definitely established, since being seropositive is a necessary condition for the onset of MS. EBV interacts with genetic and environmental factors, such as low levels of vitamin D and human endogenous retrovirus (HERV), another microorganism implicated in the disease. Many cases of onset or exacerbation of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) have been described after infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, EBV and human immunodeficiency virus; however, no definite association with a virus has been found. A possible role has been suggested for Helicobacter pylori, in particular in individuals with aquaporin 4 antibodies. The onset of MOGAD could occur after an infection, mainly in the monophasic course of the disease. A role for the HERV in MOGAD has been hypothesized. In this review, we examined the current understanding of the involvement of infectious factors in MS, NMO and MOGAD. Our objective was to elucidate the roles of each microorganism in initiating the diseases and influencing their clinical progression. We aimed to discuss both the infectious factors that have a well-established role and those that have yielded conflicting results across various studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Frau
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, ASL Cagliari, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Coghe
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, ASL Cagliari, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Lorena Lorefice
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, ASL Cagliari, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Eleonora Cocco
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, ASL Cagliari, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
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Xue X, Wu X, Liu L, Liu L, Zhu F. ERVW-1 Activates ATF6-Mediated Unfolded Protein Response by Decreasing GANAB in Recent-Onset Schizophrenia. Viruses 2023; 15:1298. [PMID: 37376599 DOI: 10.3390/v15061298] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia, a mental disorder, afflicts 1% of the worldwide population. The dysregulation of homeostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) has been implicated in schizophrenia. Moreover, recent studies indicate that ER stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR) are linked to this mental disorder. Our previous research has verified that endogenous retrovirus group W member 1 envelope (ERVW-1), a risk factor for schizophrenia, is elevated in individuals with schizophrenia. Nevertheless, no literature is available regarding the underlying relationship between ER stress and ERVW-1 in schizophrenia. The aim of our research was to investigate the molecular mechanism connecting ER stress and ERVW-1 in schizophrenia. Here, we employed Gene Differential Expression Analysis to predict differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the human prefrontal cortex of schizophrenic patients and identified aberrant expression of UPR-related genes. Subsequent research indicated that the UPR gene called XBP1 had a positive correlation with ATF6, BCL-2, and ERVW-1 in individuals with schizophrenia using Spearman correlation analysis. Furthermore, results from the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) suggested increased serum protein levels of ATF6 and XBP1 in schizophrenic patients compared with healthy controls, exhibiting a strong correlation with ERVW-1 using median analysis and Mann-Whitney U analysis. However, serum GANAB levels were decreased in schizophrenic patients compared with controls and showed a significant negative correlation with ERVW-1, ATF6, and XBP1 in schizophrenic patients. Interestingly, in vitro experiments verified that ERVW-1 indeed increased ATF6 and XBP1 expression while decreasing GANAB expression. Additionally, the confocal microscope experiment suggested that ERVW-1 could impact the shape of the ER, leading to ER stress. GANAB was found to participate in ER stress regulated by ERVW-1. In conclusion, ERVW-1 induced ER stress by suppressing GANAB expression, thereby upregulating the expression of ATF6 and XBP1 and ultimately contributing to the development of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xiulin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Lijuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy & Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | | | - Fan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy & Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
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14
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Serafini B, Rosicarelli B, Veroni C, Aloisi F. Tissue-resident memory T cells in the multiple sclerosis brain and their relationship to Epstein-Barr virus infected B cells. J Neuroimmunol 2023; 376:578036. [PMID: 36753806 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2023.578036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Presence of EBV infected B cells and EBV-specific CD8 T cells in the multiple sclerosis (MS) brain suggests a role for virus-driven immunopathology in brain inflammation. Tissue-resident memory (Trm) T cells differentiating in MS lesions could provide local protection against EBV reactivation. Using immunohistochemical techniques to analyse canonical tissue residency markers in postmortem brains from control and MS cases, we report that CD103 and/or CD69 are mainly expressed in a subset of CD8+ T cells that intermingle with and contact EBV infected B cells in the infiltrated MS white matter and meninges, including B-cell follicles. Some Trm-like cells were found to express granzyme B and PD-1, mainly in white matter lesions. In the MS brain, Trm cells could fail to constrain EBV infection while contributing to sustain inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Serafini
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Barbara Rosicarelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Caterina Veroni
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Aloisi
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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15
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Sedighi S, Gholizadeh O, Yasamineh S, Akbarzadeh S, Amini P, Favakehi P, Afkhami H, Firouzi-Amandi A, Pahlevan D, Eslami M, Yousefi B, Poortahmasebi V, Dadashpour M. Comprehensive Investigations Relationship Between Viral Infections and Multiple Sclerosis Pathogenesis. Curr Microbiol 2023; 80:15. [PMID: 36459252 PMCID: PMC9716500 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-022-03112-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). Compared to other types of self-limiting myelin disorders, MS compartmentalizes and maintains chronic inflammation in the CNS. Even though the exact cause of MS is unclear, it is assumed that genetic and environmental factors play an important role in susceptibility to this disease. The progression of MS is triggered by certain environmental factors, such as viral infections. The most important viruses that affect MS are Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6), human endogenous retrovirus (HERV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and varicella zoster virus (VZV). These viruses all have latent stages that allow them to escape immune detection and reactivate after exposure to various stimuli. Furthermore, their tropism for CNS and immune system cells explains their possible deleterious function in neuroinflammation. In this study, the effect of viral infections on MS disease focuses on the details of viruses that can change the risk of the disease. Paying attention to the most recent articles on the role of SARS-CoV-2 in MS disease, laboratory indicators show the interaction of the immune system with the virus. Also, strategies to prevent viruses that play a role in triggering MS are discussed, such as EBV, which is one of the most important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Sedighi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Science of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Omid Gholizadeh
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saman Yasamineh
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sama Akbarzadeh
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Science, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parya Amini
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parnia Favakehi
- Department of Microbiology, Falavargan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hamed Afkhami
- Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Science of Shahed, Tehran, Iran
| | - Akram Firouzi-Amandi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Daryoush Pahlevan
- Determinants of Health Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Majid Eslami
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Cancer Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Vahdat Poortahmasebi
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Dadashpour
- Cancer Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
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16
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Fan TJ, Cui J. Human Endogenous Retroviruses in Diseases. Subcell Biochem 2023; 106:403-439. [PMID: 38159236 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-40086-5_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), which are conserved sequences of ancient retroviruses, are widely distributed in the human genome. Although most HERVs have been rendered inactive by evolution, some have continued to exhibit important cytological functions. HERVs in the human genome perform dual functions: on the one hand, they are involved in important physiological processes such as placental development and immune regulation; on the other hand, their aberrant expression is closely associated with the pathological processes of several diseases, such as cancers, autoimmune diseases, and viral infections. HERVs can also regulate a variety of host cellular functions, including the expression of protein-coding genes and regulatory elements that have evolved from HERVs. Here, we present recent research on the roles of HERVs in viral infections and cancers, including the dysregulation of HERVs in various viral infections, HERV-induced epigenetic modifications of histones (such as methylation and acetylation), and the potential mechanisms of HERV-mediated antiviral immunity. We also describe therapies to improve the efficacy of vaccines and medications either by directly or indirectly targeting HERVs, depending on the HERV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Jiao Fan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Cui
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
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17
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Wieland L, Schwarz T, Engel K, Volkmer I, Krüger A, Tarabuko A, Junghans J, Kornhuber ME, Hoffmann F, Staege MS, Emmer A. Epstein-Barr Virus-Induced Genes and Endogenous Retroviruses in Immortalized B Cells from Patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223619. [PMID: 36429047 PMCID: PMC9688211 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is thought to be triggered by environmental factors in individuals with an unfavorable genetic predisposition. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is a major risk factor for subsequent development of MS. Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) can be activated by EBV, and might be a missing link between an initial EBV infection and the later onset of MS. In this study, we investigated differential gene expression patterns in EBV-immortalized lymphoblastoid B cell lines (LCL) from MS-affected individuals (MSLCL) and controls by using RNAseq and qRT-PCR. RNAseq data from LCL mapped to the human genome and a virtual virus metagenome were used to identify possible biomarkers for MS or disease-relevant risk factors, e.g., the relapse rate. We observed that lytic EBNA-1 transcripts seemed to be negatively correlated with age leading to an increased expression in LCL from younger PBMC donors. Further, HERV-K (HML-2) GAG was increased upon EBV-triggered immortalization. Besides the well-known transactivation of HERV-K18, our results suggest that another six HERV loci are up-regulated upon stimulation with EBV. We identified differentially expressed genes in MSLCL, e.g., several HERV-K loci, ERVMER61-1 and ERV3-1, as well as genes associated with relapses. In summary, EBV induces genes and HERV in LCL that might be suitable as biomarkers for MS or the relapse risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Wieland
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
- Department of Surgical and Conservative Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Tommy Schwarz
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Kristina Engel
- Department of Surgical and Conservative Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ines Volkmer
- Department of Surgical and Conservative Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Anna Krüger
- Department of Surgical and Conservative Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Alexander Tarabuko
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jutta Junghans
- Department of Neurology, Martha-Maria Hospital Halle-Dölau, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Malte E. Kornhuber
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Frank Hoffmann
- Department of Neurology, Martha-Maria Hospital Halle-Dölau, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Martin S. Staege
- Department of Surgical and Conservative Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-34-5557-7280
| | - Alexander Emmer
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
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18
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Mousa WK, Chehadeh F, Husband S. Microbial dysbiosis in the gut drives systemic autoimmune diseases. Front Immunol 2022; 13:906258. [PMID: 36341463 PMCID: PMC9632986 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.906258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Trillions of microbes survive and thrive inside the human body. These tiny creatures are crucial to the development and maturation of our immune system and to maintain gut immune homeostasis. Microbial dysbiosis is the main driver of local inflammatory and autoimmune diseases such as colitis and inflammatory bowel diseases. Dysbiosis in the gut can also drive systemic autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatic arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. Gut microbes directly interact with the immune system by multiple mechanisms including modulation of the host microRNAs affecting gene expression at the post-transcriptional level or production of microbial metabolites that interact with cellular receptors such as TLRs and GPCRs. This interaction modulates crucial immune functions such as differentiation of lymphocytes, production of interleukins, or controlling the leakage of inflammatory molecules from the gut to the systemic circulation. In this review, we compile and analyze data to gain insights into the underpinning mechanisms mediating systemic autoimmune diseases. Understanding how gut microbes can trigger or protect from systemic autoimmune diseases is crucial to (1) tackle these diseases through diet or lifestyle modification, (2) develop new microbiome-based therapeutics such as prebiotics or probiotics, (3) identify diagnostic biomarkers to predict disease risk, and (4) observe and intervene with microbial population change with the flare-up of autoimmune responses. Considering the microbiome signature as a crucial player in systemic autoimmune diseases might hold a promise to turn these untreatable diseases into manageable or preventable ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walaa K. Mousa
- Biology Department, Whitman College, Walla Walla, WA, United States
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- College of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Fadia Chehadeh
- Biology Department, Whitman College, Walla Walla, WA, United States
| | - Shannon Husband
- Biology Department, Whitman College, Walla Walla, WA, United States
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Beyond fusion: A novel role for ERVW-1 in trophoblast proliferation and type I interferon receptor expression. Placenta 2022; 126:150-159. [PMID: 35816776 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Throughout human pregnancy there is a delicate balance between the maintenance of a proliferative, trophoblast stem cell pool (TSC) and the differentiation from TSC to placental cell sub-lineages like the syncytiotrophoblast (STB). The STB is comprised of multinucleated cells that come into direct contact with maternal blood and provides the first line of defense to protect the fetus from maternal infections. The differentiation of TSC towards STB is primarily driven by human endogenous retroviruses (HERV), specifically Syncytin-1 (ERVW-1) and Syncytin-2 (ERVFRD-1). Beyond cell fusion, there is also evidence to suggest they can regulate cell proliferation and an antiviral response in other cell types. Therefore, we hypothesized that HERV can regulate cell proliferation as well as an antiviral response in TSCs. METHOD shRNA was used to knockdown ERVW-1 in TSCs and revealed reduction in cell proliferation, differentiation, and cell fusion. RT-qPCR and flow cytometry was used to measure other HERV and the presence of Type I and Type II interferon receptors. RESULTS ERVW-1 knockdown (KD) TSCs had a significantly longer cell doubling time and reduced expression of the proliferation marker Ki67. ERVW-1 KD cells also demonstrated a marked deficiency in the ability to differentiate. Interestingly, ERVFRD-1 was upregulated in both ERVW-1 KD TSC and STB cells compared to controls. Finally, we found that the Type I interferon receptors, IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 were significantly increased in ERVW-1 KD STB cells. DISCUSSION These findings uncover critical HERV functions in the trophoblasts and a novel role for ERVW-1 during early human placental development.
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Viral Proteins with PxxP and PY Motifs May Play a Role in Multiple Sclerosis. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020281. [PMID: 35215874 PMCID: PMC8879583 DOI: 10.3390/v14020281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating disease that arises from immune system attacks to the protective myelin sheath that covers nerve fibers and ensures optimal communication between brain and body. Although the cause of MS is unknown, a number of factors, which include viruses, have been identified as increasing the risk of displaying MS symptoms. Specifically, the ubiquitous and highly prevalent Epstein–Barr virus, human herpesvirus 6, cytomegalovirus, varicella–zoster virus, and other viruses have been identified as potential triggering agents. In this review, we examine the specific role of proline-rich proteins encoded by these viruses and their potential role in MS at a molecular level.
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21
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Onisiforou A, Spyrou GM. Identification of viral-mediated pathogenic mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases using network-based approaches. Brief Bioinform 2021; 22:bbab141. [PMID: 34237135 PMCID: PMC8574625 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbab141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During the course of a viral infection, virus-host protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play a critical role in allowing viruses to replicate and survive within the host. These interspecies molecular interactions can lead to viral-mediated perturbations of the human interactome causing the generation of various complex diseases. Evidences suggest that viral-mediated perturbations are a possible pathogenic etiology in several neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). These diseases are characterized by chronic progressive degeneration of neurons, and current therapeutic approaches provide only mild symptomatic relief; therefore, there is unmet need for the discovery of novel therapeutic interventions. In this paper, we initially review databases and tools that can be utilized to investigate viral-mediated perturbations in complex NDs using network-based analysis by examining the interaction between the ND-related PPI disease networks and the virus-host PPI network. Afterwards, we present our theoretical-driven integrative network-based bioinformatics approach that accounts for pathogen-genes-disease-related PPIs with the aim to identify viral-mediated pathogenic mechanisms focusing in multiple sclerosis (MS) disease. We identified seven high centrality nodes that can act as disease communicator nodes and exert systemic effects in the MS-enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways network. In addition, we identified 12 KEGG pathways, 5 Reactome pathways and 52 Gene Ontology Immune System Processes by which 80 viral proteins from eight viral species might exert viral-mediated pathogenic mechanisms in MS. Finally, our analysis highlighted the Th17 differentiation pathway, a disease communicator node and part of the 12 underlined KEGG pathways, as a key viral-mediated pathogenic mechanism and a possible therapeutic target for MS disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Onisiforou
- Department of Bioinformatics, Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, and the Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Cyprus
| | - George M Spyrou
- Department of Bioinformatics, Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, and professor at the Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Cyprus
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22
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Frau J, Coghe G, Lorefice L, Fenu G, Cocco E. Infections and Multiple Sclerosis: From the World to Sardinia, From Sardinia to the World. Front Immunol 2021; 12:728677. [PMID: 34691035 PMCID: PMC8527089 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.728677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Sardinia, an Italian island, is one of the areas with the highest global prevalence of MS. Genetic factors have been widely explored to explain this greater prevalence among some populations; the genetic makeup of the Sardinians appears to make them more likely to develop autoimmune diseases. A strong association between MS and some infections have been reported globally. The most robust evidence indicating the role of infections is MS development concerns the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Anti-EBV antibodies in patients once infected by EBV are associated with the development of MS years later. These features have also been noted in Sardinian patients with MS. Many groups have found an increased expression of the Human endogenous retroviruses (HERV) family in patients with MS. A role in pathogenesis, prognosis, and prediction of treatment response has been proposed for HERV. A European multi-centre study has shown that their presence was variable among populations, ranging from 59% to 100% of patients, with higher HERV expression noted in Sardinian patients with MS. The mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) DNA and antibodies against MAP2694 protein were found to be associated with MS in Sardinian patients. More recently, this association has also been reported in Japanese patients with MS. In this study, we analysed the role of infectious factors in Sardinian patients with MS and compared it with the findings reported in other populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Frau
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Azienda Tutela Salute (ATS) Sardegna, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Coghe
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Azienda Tutela Salute (ATS) Sardegna, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Lorena Lorefice
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Azienda Tutela Salute (ATS) Sardegna, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fenu
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Azienda Tutela Salute (ATS) Sardegna, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cocco
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Azienda Tutela Salute (ATS) Sardegna, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Implication of human endogenous retrovirus W family envelope in hepatocellular carcinoma promotes MEK/ERK-mediated metastatic invasiveness and doxorubicin resistance. Cell Death Dis 2021; 7:177. [PMID: 34238921 PMCID: PMC8266889 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00562-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Human endogenous retrovirus (HERVs), originating from exogenous retroviral infections of germ cells millions of years ago, have the potential for human diseases. Syncytin-1, an envelope protein encoded by the HERV W family, participates in the contexts of schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and several types of cancers. Nevertheless, there is no report on the expression pattern and potential mechanism of Syncytin-1 in HCC. Here we found Syncytin-1 expression was up-regulated in HCC compared to adjacent non-tumorous tissues, especially in advanced HCC. Syncytin-1 was an independent risk factor to predict vascular invasion, metastasis, larger tumor size, and poor prognosis in HCC patients. Further analysis discovered that Syncytin-1 overexpression positively associated with HCC patients with serum HBsAg positive. Functional experiments in vitro and in vivo demonstrated that Syncytin-1 enhanced cell proliferation, metastasis, and tumorigenicity in HCC. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis suggested that the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) pathway was involved in HCC. Our clinical data indicated that the levels of phosphorylation MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 were increased in HCC comparing with adjacent non-tumorous tissues. It showed the linear correlation between Syncytin-1 expression and upregulated MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation levels in HCC. Furthermore, Syncytin-1 activated MEK/ERK pathway in HCC cells. In-depth research showed that the inflammation-activated MEK/ERK pathway was essential in Syncytin-1 promoted hepatocarcinogenesis. Syncytin-1 suppressed doxorubicin-induced apoptosis via MEK/ERK cascade. In conclusion, Syncytin-1 promoted HCC progression and doxorubicin resistance via the inflammation-activated MEK/ERK pathway. Our findings revealed that Syncytin-1 was a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.
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't Hart BA, Luchicchi A, Schenk GJ, Stys PK, Geurts JJG. Mechanistic underpinning of an inside-out concept for autoimmunity in multiple sclerosis. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2021; 8:1709-1719. [PMID: 34156169 PMCID: PMC8351380 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuroinflammatory disease multiple sclerosis is driven by autoimmune pathology in the central nervous system. However, the trigger of the autoimmune pathogenic process is unknown. MS models in immunologically naïve, specific‐pathogen‐free bred rodents support an exogenous trigger, such as an infection. The validity of this outside–in pathogenic concept for MS has been frequently challenged by the difficulty to translate pathogenic concepts developed in these models into effective therapies for the MS patient. Studies in well‐validated non‐human primate multiple sclerosis models where, just like in humans, the autoimmune pathogenic process develops from an experienced immune system trained by prior infections, rather support an endogenous trigger. Data reviewed here corroborate the validity of this inside–out pathogenic concept for multiple sclerosis. They also provide a plausible sequence of events reminiscent of Wilkin’s primary lesion theory: (i) that autoimmunity is a physiological response of the immune system against excess antigen turnover in diseased tissue (the primary lesion) and (ii) that individuals developing autoimmune disease are (genetically predisposed) high responders against critical antigens. Data obtained in multiple sclerosis brains reveal the presence in normally appearing white matter of myelinated axons where myelin sheaths have locally dissociated from their enwrapped axon (i.e., blistering). The ensuing disintegration of axon–myelin units potentially causes the excess systemic release of post‐translationally modified myelin. Data obtained in a unique primate multiple sclerosis model revealed a core pathogenic role of T cells present in the normal repertoire, which hyper‐react to post‐translationally modified (citrullinated) myelin–oligodendrocyte glycoprotein and evoke clinical and pathological aspects of multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert A 't Hart
- Department Anatomy and Neuroscience, University Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University of Groningen, University Medical Center, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Antonio Luchicchi
- Department Anatomy and Neuroscience, University Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geert J Schenk
- Department Anatomy and Neuroscience, University Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter K Stys
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Canada
| | - Jeroen J G Geurts
- Department Anatomy and Neuroscience, University Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Jakhmola S, Upadhyay A, Jain K, Mishra A, Jha HC. Herpesviruses and the hidden links to Multiple Sclerosis neuropathology. J Neuroimmunol 2021; 358:577636. [PMID: 34174587 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2021.577636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Herpesviruses like Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus (HHV)-6, HHV-1, VZV, and human endogenous retroviruses, have an age-old clinical association with multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is an autoimmune disease of the nervous system wherein the myelin sheath deteriorates. The most popular mode of virus mediated immune system manipulation is molecular mimicry. Numerous herpesvirus antigens are similar to myelin proteins. Other mechanisms described here include the activity of cytokines and autoantibodies produced by the autoreactive T and B cells, respectively, viral déjà vu, epitope spreading, CD46 receptor engagement, impaired remyelination etc. Overall, this review addresses the host-parasite association of viruses with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Jakhmola
- Infection Bioengineering Group, Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, India
| | - Arun Upadhyay
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, India
| | - Khushboo Jain
- Infection Bioengineering Group, Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, India
| | - Amit Mishra
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, India
| | - Hem Chandra Jha
- Infection Bioengineering Group, Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, India.
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Bello-Morales R, Andreu S, Ripa I, López-Guerrero JA. HSV-1 and Endogenous Retroviruses as Risk Factors in Demyelination. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115738. [PMID: 34072259 PMCID: PMC8199333 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a neurotropic alphaherpesvirus that can infect the peripheral and central nervous systems, and it has been implicated in demyelinating and neurodegenerative processes. Transposable elements (TEs) are DNA sequences that can move from one genomic location to another. TEs have been linked to several diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS), including multiple sclerosis (MS), a demyelinating disease of unknown etiology influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Exogenous viral transactivators may activate certain retrotransposons or class I TEs. In this context, several herpesviruses have been linked to MS, and one of them, HSV-1, might act as a risk factor by mediating processes such as molecular mimicry, remyelination, and activity of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). Several herpesviruses have been involved in the regulation of human ERVs (HERVs), and HSV-1 in particular can modulate HERVs in cells involved in MS pathogenesis. This review exposes current knowledge about the relationship between HSV-1 and human ERVs, focusing on their contribution as a risk factor for MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Bello-Morales
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (S.A.); (I.R.); (J.A.L.-G.)
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Sabina Andreu
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (S.A.); (I.R.); (J.A.L.-G.)
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés Ripa
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (S.A.); (I.R.); (J.A.L.-G.)
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Antonio López-Guerrero
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (S.A.); (I.R.); (J.A.L.-G.)
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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Padmanabhan Nair V, Liu H, Ciceri G, Jungverdorben J, Frishman G, Tchieu J, Cederquist GY, Rothenaigner I, Schorpp K, Klepper L, Walsh RM, Kim TW, Cornacchia D, Ruepp A, Mayer J, Hadian K, Frishman D, Studer L, Vincendeau M. Activation of HERV-K(HML-2) disrupts cortical patterning and neuronal differentiation by increasing NTRK3. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:1566-1581.e8. [PMID: 33951478 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The biological function and disease association of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are largely elusive. HERV-K(HML-2) has been associated with neurotoxicity, but there is no clear understanding of its role or mechanistic basis. We addressed the physiological functions of HERV-K(HML-2) in neuronal differentiation using CRISPR engineering to activate or repress its expression levels in a human-pluripotent-stem-cell-based system. We found that elevated HERV-K(HML-2) transcription is detrimental for the development and function of cortical neurons. These effects are cell-type-specific, as dopaminergic neurons are unaffected. Moreover, high HERV-K(HML-2) transcription alters cortical layer formation in forebrain organoids. HERV-K(HML-2) transcriptional activation leads to hyperactivation of NTRK3 expression and other neurodegeneration-related genes. Direct activation of NTRK3 phenotypically resembles HERV-K(HML-2) induction, and reducing NTRK3 levels in context of HERV-K(HML-2) induction restores cortical neuron differentiation. Hence, these findings unravel a cell-type-specific role for HERV-K(HML-2) in cortical neuron development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hengyuan Liu
- Department of Genome-Oriented Bioinformatics, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gabriele Ciceri
- Developmental Biology and Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Johannes Jungverdorben
- Developmental Biology and Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Goar Frishman
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jason Tchieu
- Developmental Biology and Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gustav Y Cederquist
- Developmental Biology and Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ina Rothenaigner
- Assay Development and Screening Platform, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Kenji Schorpp
- Assay Development and Screening Platform, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Lena Klepper
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Ryan M Walsh
- Developmental Biology and Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tae Wan Kim
- Developmental Biology and Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniela Cornacchia
- Developmental Biology and Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andreas Ruepp
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jens Mayer
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Kamyar Hadian
- Assay Development and Screening Platform, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Dmitrij Frishman
- Department of Genome-Oriented Bioinformatics, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lorenz Studer
- Developmental Biology and Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michelle Vincendeau
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany; Developmental Biology and Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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Elkjaer ML, Frisch T, Tonazzolli A, Röttger R, Reynolds R, Baumbach J, Illes Z. Unbiased examination of genome-wide human endogenous retrovirus transcripts in MS brain lesions. Mult Scler 2021; 27:1829-1837. [PMID: 33464158 DOI: 10.1177/1352458520987269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) expression in multiple sclerosis (MS) brain lesions may contribute to chronic inflammation, but expression of genome-wide HERVs in different MS lesions is unknown. OBJECTIVE We examined the HERV expression landscape in different MS lesions compared to control brains. METHODS Transcripts from 71 MS brain samples and 25 control WM were obtained by next-generation RNA sequencing and mapped against HERV transcripts across the human genome. Differential expression of mapped HERV-W and HERV-H reads between MS lesion types and controls was analysed. RESULTS Out of 6.38 billion high-quality paired end reads, 174 million reads (2.73%) mapped to HERV transcripts. There was no difference in HERVs expression level between MS and control brains, but HERV-W transcripts were significantly reduced in chronic active lesions. Of the four HERV-W transcripts exclusively present in MS, ERV3633503 located on chromosome 7q21.13 close to the MS genetic risk locus had the highest number of reads. In the HERV-H family, 75% of transcripts located to nearby 7q21-22 were overrepresented in MS, and ERV3643914 was expressed more than 16 times in MS compared to control brains. CONCLUSION Novel HERV-W and HERV-H transcripts located at chromosome 7 regions were uniquely expressed in MS lesions, indicating their potential role in brain lesion evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria L Elkjaer
- Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark/Neurology Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark/Neurobiology Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Tobias Frisch
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Arianna Tonazzolli
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark/Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Richard Röttger
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Richard Reynolds
- Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jan Baumbach
- TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Zsolt Illes
- Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark/Neurology Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark/Neurobiology Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Serati M, Esposito CM, Grassi S, Bollati V, Barkin JL, Buoli M. The Association between Plasma ERVWE1 Concentrations and Affective Symptoms during Pregnancy: Is This a Friendly Alien? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17249217. [PMID: 33317172 PMCID: PMC7763945 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) comprise 8% of the human genome, and HERV DNA was reported to be essential in human embryonic development. Specifically, HERV-W encodes a protein, syncytin-1, alternatively known as ERVWE1 (Human Endogenous Retrovirus W EnvC7-1 Envelope Protein), participating in human placental morphogenesis and having a role in immune system regulation. Syncytin-1 activity is increased in neuropsychiatric disorders, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. In our study, forty-four women in the third trimester of pregnancy were tested for ERVWE1 plasma levels. In concomitance with blood samples the following rating scales were administered to women: the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), State Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S), Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T), and Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI). We found that higher ERVWE1 protein plasma levels were significantly associated with higher PAI scores (p = 0.02), an earlier gestational age at the time of blood collection (p = 0.01), a longer duration of symptoms (p = 0.03), and fewer lifetime attempted suicides (p = 0.02). Our results seem to support the role of ERVWE1 in maintaining clinical psychiatric symptoms as a result of potential prolonged inflammation. At the same time, this protein may have a protective role in pregnant women by a reduction of suicidal behavior and a better mother-fetus relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Serati
- Department of Mental Health, ASST RHODENSE, 20024 Rho, Italy;
| | - Cecilia Maria Esposito
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (C.M.E.); (S.G.)
| | - Silvia Grassi
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (C.M.E.); (S.G.)
| | - Valentina Bollati
- EPIGET-Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology Lab-Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Jennifer Lynn Barkin
- Department of Community Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA 31207, USA;
| | - Massimiliano Buoli
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (C.M.E.); (S.G.)
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via F. Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-55035983; Fax: +39-02-55033140
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Expression of HERV Genes as Possible Biomarker and Target in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20153706. [PMID: 31362360 PMCID: PMC6696274 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are genetic parasites, in-between genetics and environment. Few HERVs retain some coding capability. Sometimes, the host has the advantage of some HERV genes; conversely, HERVs may contribute to pathogenesis. The expression of HERVs depends on several factors, and is regulated epigenetically by stimuli such as inflammation, viral and microbial infections, etc. Increased expression of HERVs occurs in physiological and pathological conditions, in one or more body sites. Several diseases have been attributed to one or more HERVs, particularly neurological diseases. The key problem is to differentiate the expression of a HERV as cause or effect of a disease. To be used as a biomarker, a correlation between the expression of a certain HERV and the disease onset and/or behavior must be found. The greater challenge is to establish a pathogenic role. The criteria defining causal connections between HERVs and diseases include the development of animal models, and disease modulation in humans, by anti-HERV therapeutic antibody. So far, statistically significant correlations between HERVs and diseases have been achieved for HERV-W and multiple sclerosis; disease reproduction in transgenic animals was achieved for HERV-W and multiple sclerosis, and for HERV-K and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Clinical trials for both diseases are in progress.
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Gruchot J, Kremer D, Küry P. Neural Cell Responses Upon Exposure to Human Endogenous Retroviruses. Front Genet 2019; 10:655. [PMID: 31354794 PMCID: PMC6637040 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are ancient retroviral elements, which invaded the human germ line several million years ago. Subsequent retrotransposition events amplified these sequences, resulting in approximately 8% of the human genome being composed of HERV sequences today. These genetic elements, normally dormant within human genomes, can be (re)-activated by environmental factors such as infections with other viruses, leading to the expression of viral proteins and, in some instances, even to viral particle production. Several studies have shown that the expression of these retroviral elements correlates with the onset and progression of neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Further studies provided evidence on additional roles for HERVs in schizophrenia (SCZ). Since these diseases are still not well understood, HERVs might constitute a new category of pathogenic components that could significantly change our understanding of these pathologies. Moreover, knowledge about their mode of action might also help to develop novel and more powerful approaches for the treatment of these complex diseases. Therefore, the main scope of this review is a description of the current knowledge on the involvement of HERV-W and HERV-K in neurological disease specifically focusing on the effects they exert on neural cells of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Gruchot
- Department of Neurology, Neuroregeneration, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - David Kremer
- Department of Neurology, Neuroregeneration, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Patrick Küry
- Department of Neurology, Neuroregeneration, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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van Rensburg SJ, Peeters AV, van Toorn R, Schoeman J, Moremi KE, van Heerden CJ, Kotze MJ. Identification of an iron-responsive subtype in two children diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis using whole exome sequencing. Mol Genet Metab Rep 2019; 19:100465. [PMID: 30963028 PMCID: PMC6434495 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgmr.2019.100465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis is a disorder related to demyelination of axons. Iron is an essential cofactor in myelin synthesis. Previously, we described two children (males of mixed ancestry) with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) where long-term remission was achieved by regular iron supplementation. A genetic defect in iron metabolism was postulated, suggesting that more advanced genetic studies could shed new light on disease pathophysiology related to iron. METHODS Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed to identify causal pathways. Blood tests were performed over a 10 year period to monitor the long-term effect of a supplementation regimen. Clinical wellbeing was assessed quarterly by a pediatric neurologist and regular feedback was obtained from the schoolteachers. RESULTS WES revealed gene variants involved in iron absorption and transport, in the transmembrane protease, serine 6 (TMPRSS6) and transferrin (TF) genes; multiple genetic variants in CUBN, which encodes cubilin (a receptor involved in the absorption of vitamin B12 as well as the reabsorption of transferrin-bound iron and vitamin D in the kidneys); SLC25A37 (involved in iron transport into mitochondria) and CD163 (a scavenger receptor involved in hemorrhage resolution). Variants were also found in COQ3, involved with synthesis of Coenzyme Q10 in mitochondria. Neither of the children had the HLA-DRB1*1501 allele associated with increased genetic risk for MS, suggesting that the genetic contribution of iron-related genetic variants may be instrumental in childhood MS. In both children the RRMS has remained stable without activity over the last 10 years since initiation of nutritional supplementation and maintenance of normal iron levels, confirming the role of iron deficiency in disease pathogenesis in these patients. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the potential value of WES to identify heritable risk factors that could affect the reabsorption of transferrin-bound iron in the kidneys causing sustained iron loss, together with inhibition of vitamin B12 absorption and vitamin D reabsorption (CUBN) and iron transport into mitochondria (SLC25A37) as the sole site of heme synthesis. This supports a model for RRMS in children with an apparent iron-deficient biochemical subtype of MS, with oligodendrocyte cell death and impaired myelination possibly caused by deficits of energy- and antioxidant capacity in mitochondria.
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Key Words
- CNS, central nervous system
- CoQ, Coenzyme Q
- DFO, desferroxamine mesylate
- DIS, dissemination in space
- DIT, dissemination in time
- DMT, disease modifying therapy
- EDSS, Expanded Disability Status Scale
- ETC, electron transport chain
- GWAS, genome-wide association study
- Genetic variants
- HDL, high density lipoprotein
- HERV-W, human endogenous retrovirus W
- HLA, human leukocyte antigen
- HREC, human research ethics committee
- IPMSSG, International Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Study Group
- IRE, iron-response element
- Iron deficiency
- MGA1, juvenile hereditary megaloblastic anemia 1
- MRI, magnetic resonance imaging
- MS, Multiple sclerosis
- MSRV, MS-associated retrovirus
- MST1R, macrophage stimulating-1 receptor
- Mitochondria
- Oxidative stress
- PSGT, pathology supported genetic testing
- Pediatric onset multiple sclerosis
- ROS, reactive oxygen species
- RRMS, relapsing-remitting MS
- SAMe, S-adenosyl methionine
- SDHB, iron-protein subunit of Complex II
- TF, transferrin
- TMPRSS6, transmembrane protease, serine 6
- WES, whole exome sequencing
- Whole exome sequencing
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan J. van Rensburg
- Division of Chemical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Armand V. Peeters
- Division of Anatomical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ronald van Toorn
- Paediatric Medicine and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Johan Schoeman
- Paediatric Medicine and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kelebogile E. Moremi
- Division of Chemical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Carel J. van Heerden
- Central Analytical Facility (CAF), DNA Sequencing Unit, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Maritha J. Kotze
- Division of Chemical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Cape Town, South Africa
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Gregson A, Thompson K, Tsirka SE, Selwood DL. Emerging small-molecule treatments for multiple sclerosis: focus on B cells. F1000Res 2019; 8:F1000 Faculty Rev-245. [PMID: 30863536 PMCID: PMC6402079 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.16495.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a major cause of disability in young adults. Following an unknown trigger (or triggers), the immune system attacks the myelin sheath surrounding axons, leading to progressive nerve cell death. Antibodies and small-molecule drugs directed against B cells have demonstrated good efficacy in slowing progression of the disease. This review focusses on small-molecule drugs that can affect B-cell biology and may have utility in disease management. The risk genes for MS are examined from the drug target perspective. Existing small-molecule therapies for MS with B-cell actions together with new drugs in development are described. The potential for experimental molecules with B-cell effects is also considered. Small molecules can have diverse actions on B cells and be cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral. The current B cell-directed therapies often kill B-cell subsets, which can be effective but lead to side effects and toxicity. A deeper understanding of B-cell biology and the effect on MS disease should lead to new drugs with better selectivity, efficacy, and an improved safety profile. Small-molecule drugs, once the patent term has expired, provide a uniquely sustainable form of healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Gregson
- The Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Kaitlyn Thompson
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, 11794, USA
| | - Stella E Tsirka
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, 11794, USA
| | - David L Selwood
- The Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
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Liu C, Xu J, Wen F, Yang F, Li X, Geng D, Li L, Chen J, Zheng J. Upregulation of syncytin-1 promotes invasion and metastasis by activating epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related pathway in endometrial carcinoma. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 12:31-40. [PMID: 30588028 PMCID: PMC6301305 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s191041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is the most common and lethal malignancy worldwide. Syncytin-1 is expressed in multiple types of cancer. However, the expression pattern and potential mechanism of syncytin-1 and its clinical significance in EC remain unclear. Materials and methods We analyzed 130 primary EC specimens from Binzhou Medical University to investigate the clinical role of syncytin-1 in EC by using different advanced pathological stages of EC tissues. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to measure the overall survival of EC patients. Syncytin-1 expression was analyzed by Western blot assays in HECCL-1 and RL-95-2 cells. Cell proliferation, cycle, migration, and invasion abilities were detected by cell counting kit-8, flow cytometry, and transwell assays. AKT and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes were assessed by Western blot assays in HECCL-1 and RL-95-2 cells. Results Syncytin-1 was upregulated in EC tissues and cells and was related to clinical stages, expression of ER, Ki-67, and overall survival of EC. Functional research revealed that overexpression of syncytin-1 can promote cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and the migration and invasion of EC cells. Suppression of syncytin-1 expression also inhibited cell proliferation and apoptosis in vitro. The expression of syncytin-1 substantially improved the expression levels of EMT-related genes (vimentin, E-cadherin, slug, and ZEB1) but significantly decreased those of epithelial markers (N-cadherin and snail). In addition, we found that syncytin-1 was not correlated with AKT-related genes (total-AKT, p-AKT, and vinculin). Conclusion Our results suggested that syncytin-1 may promote aggressive behavior and can serve as a novel prognostic biomarker for EC. Our study provides new insights into the regulatory mechanism of EMT signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changmin Liu
- Department of Oncology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, Shandong, China
| | - Jiqin Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shuyang People's Hospital, Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feifei Wen
- Department of Pathology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, Shandong, China
| | - Fangfang Yang
- Department of Oncology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Dianzhong Geng
- Department of Oncology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, Shandong, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Oncology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, Shandong, China
| | - Jiming Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Changzhou No 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu, China,
| | - Jing Zheng
- Department of Clinical Medicine Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, Shandong, China,
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Disruption by SaCas9 Endonuclease of HERV-K env, a Retroviral Gene with Oncogenic and Neuropathogenic Potential, Inhibits Molecules Involved in Cancer and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Viruses 2018; 10:v10080412. [PMID: 30087231 PMCID: PMC6115762 DOI: 10.3390/v10080412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The human endogenous retrovirus (HERV)-K, human mouse mammary tumor virus like-2 (HML-2) subgroup of HERVs is activated in several tumors and has been related to prostate cancer progression and motor neuron diseases. The cellular splicing factor 2/alternative splicing factor (SF2/ASF) is a positive regulator of gene expression, coded by a potent proto-oncogene, amplified, and abnormally expressed in tumors. TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43) is a DNA/RNA-binding protein, negative regulator of alternative splicing, known for causing neurodegeneration, and with complex roles in oncogenesis. We used the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 technology, with the Cas9 system from Staphylococcus aureus (SaCas9), to disrupt the HERV-K(HML-2)env gene, and evaluated the effects on cultured cells. The tool was tested on human prostate cancer LNCaP cells, whose HERV-Kenv transcription profile is known. It caused HERV-K(HML-2)env disruption (the first reported of a HERV gene), as evaluated by DNA sequencing, and inhibition of env transcripts and proteins. The HERV-K(HML-2)env disruption was found to interfere with important regulators of cell expression and proliferation, involved in manaling, RNA-binding, and alternative splicing, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), SF2/ASF, and TDP-43. These novel findings suggest that HERV-K is not an innocent bystander, they reinforce its links to oncogenesis and motor neuron diseases, and they open potential innovative therapeutic options.
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Cervantes-Gracia K, Husi H. Integrative analysis of Multiple Sclerosis using a systems biology approach. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5633. [PMID: 29618802 PMCID: PMC5884799 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-24032-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammatory-demyelinating events in the central nervous system. Despite more than 40 years of MS research its aetiology remains unknown. This study aims to identify the most frequently reported and consistently regulated molecules in MS in order to generate molecular interaction networks and thereby leading to the identification of deregulated processes and pathways which could give an insight of the underlying molecular mechanisms of MS. Driven by an integrative systems biology approach, gene-expression profiling datasets were combined and stratified into "Non-treated" and "Treated" groups and additionally compared to other disease patterns. Molecular identifiers from dataset comparisons were matched to our Multiple Sclerosis database (MuScle; www.padb.org/muscle ). From 5079 statistically significant molecules, correlation analysis within groups identified a panel of 16 high-confidence genes unique to the naïve MS phenotype, whereas the "Treated" group reflected a common pattern associated with autoimmune disease. Pathway and gene-ontology clustering identified the Interferon gamma signalling pathway as the most relevant amongst all significant molecules, and viral infections as the most likely cause of all down-stream events observed. This hypothesis-free approach revealed the most significant molecular events amongst different MS phenotypes which can be used for further detailed studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Holger Husi
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK.
- Department of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Science, University of the Highlands and Islands, Centre for Health Science, Inverness, IV2 3JH, UK.
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Wang X, Huang J, Zhu F. Human Endogenous Retroviral Envelope Protein Syncytin-1 and Inflammatory Abnormalities in Neuropsychological Diseases. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:422. [PMID: 30245643 PMCID: PMC6137383 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) comprise approximately 8% of the human genome. Recent studies have considered HERVs as potential pathogenic factors. The majority of HERV genes are mutated and not capable of encoding functional proteins; regardless, some HERV genes, such as HERV-W envelope (env) glycoprotein, are known to have intact open reading frames. The HERV-W element on 7q21.2, which encodes a protein referred to as Syncytin-1, participates in human placental morphogenesis and can activate a pro-inflammatory and autoimmune cascade. Neuropsychological disorders are typically linked to inflammatory abnormalities. In this study, we review that Syncytin-1 has been increasingly involved in the development of neuropsychological disorders, such as schizophrenia and multiple sclerosis (MS). This study also presents inflammation imbalances in schizophrenia and MS. More importantly, we discuss the potential role and molecular mechanisms by which Syncytin-1 regulates inflammatory abnormalities in neuropsychological diseases. In summary, Syncytin-1 activity may represent a novel molecular pathogenic mechanism in neuropyschological diseases, such as schizophrenia and MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuling Wang
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Medical Laboratory, The Central Hospital of Wuhan Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin Huang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnosis of Hubei Province, The Central Hospital of Wuhan Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fan Zhu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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