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Guerra J, Belleri M, Paiardi G, Tobia C, Capoferri D, Corli M, Scalvini E, Ghirimoldi M, Manfredi M, Wade RC, Presta M, Mignani L. Impact of an irreversible β-galactosylceramidase inhibitor on the lipid profile of zebrafish embryos. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:1397-1407. [PMID: 38596316 PMCID: PMC11002810 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Krabbe disease is a sphingolipidosis characterized by the genetic deficiency of the acid hydrolase β-galactosylceramidase (GALC). Most of the studies concerning the biological role of GALC performed on Krabbe patients and Galc-deficient twitcher mice (an authentic animal model of the disease) indicate that the pathogenesis of this disorder is the consequence of the accumulation of the neurotoxic GALC substrate β-galactosylsphingosine (psychosine), ignoring the possibility that this enzyme may exert a wider biological impact. Indeed, limited information is available about the effect of GALC downregulation on the cell lipidome in adult and developing organisms. The teleost zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as a useful platform to model human genetic diseases, including sphingolipidoses, and two GALC co-orthologs have been identified in zebrafish (galca and galcb). Here, we investigated the effect of the competitive and irreversible GALC inhibitor β-galactose-cyclophellitol (GCP) on the lipid profile of zebrafish embryos. Molecular modelling indicates that GCP can be sequestered in the catalytic site of the enzyme and covalently binds human GALC, and the zebrafish Galca and Galcb proteins in a similar manner. Accordingly, GCP inhibits the β-galactosylceramide hydrolase activity of zebrafish in vitro and in vivo, leading to significant alterations of the lipidome of zebrafish embryos. These results indicate that the lack of GALC activity deeply affects the lipidome during the early stages of embryonic development, and thereby provide insights into the pathogenesis of Krabbe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Guerra
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mirella Belleri
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giulia Paiardi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Molecular and Cellular Modeling Group, Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies, Germany
- Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH), DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Chiara Tobia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Davide Capoferri
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marzia Corli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elisa Scalvini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Ghirimoldi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Center for Allergic and Autoimmune Diseases, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Marcello Manfredi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Center for Allergic and Autoimmune Diseases, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Rebecca C. Wade
- Molecular and Cellular Modeling Group, Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies, Germany
- Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH), DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marco Presta
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Biotecnologie (CIB), Unit of Brescia, Italy
| | - Luca Mignani
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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2
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Ketata I, Ellouz E. From pathological mechanisms in Krabbe disease to cutting-edge therapy: A comprehensive review. Neuropathology 2024; 44:255-277. [PMID: 38444347 DOI: 10.1111/neup.12967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Since its initial documentation by Knud Krabbe in 1916, numerous studies have scrutinized the characteristics of Krabbe disease (KD) until the identification of the mutation in the GALC gene. In alignment with that, we investigated the natural history of KD spanning eight decades to gain a deeper understanding of the evolutionary trajectory of its mechanisms. Through our comprehensive analysis, we unearthed additional novel elements in molecular biology involving the micropathological mechanism of the disease. This review offers an updated perspective on the metabolic disorder that defines KD. Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs), autophagy impairment, and α-synuclein have emerged as pivotal players in the neuropathological processes. EVs might serve as a cellular mechanism to avoid or alleviate the detrimental impacts of excessive toxic psychosine levels, and extracting EVs could contribute to synapse dysfunction. Autophagy impairment was found to be independent of psychosine and reliant on AKT and B-cell lymphoma 2. Additionally, α-synuclein has been recognized for inducing cellular death and dysfunction in common biological pathways. Our objective is to assess the effectiveness of advanced therapies in addressing this particular condition. While hematopoietic stem cells have been a primary treatment, its administration proves challenging, particularly in the presymptomatic phase. In this review, we have compiled information from over 10 therapy trials, comparing them based on their benefits and disadvantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imen Ketata
- Neurology Department, University Hospital of Gabes, Gabes, Tunisia
- Sfax University, Sfax Faculty of Medicine, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Emna Ellouz
- Neurology Department, University Hospital of Gabes, Gabes, Tunisia
- Sfax University, Sfax Faculty of Medicine, Sfax, Tunisia
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3
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Seclen E, Jang JC, Lawal AO, Pulicani S, Boyne A, Tkach D, Juillerat A, Duchateau P, Valton J. TALEN-mediated intron editing of HSPCs enables transgene expression restricted to the myeloid lineage. Mol Ther 2024; 32:1643-1657. [PMID: 38582963 PMCID: PMC11184328 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.04.001] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) shows great potential for the treatment of inborn metabolic diseases. Typical HSPC gene therapy approaches rely on constitutive promoters to express a therapeutic transgene, which is associated with multiple disadvantages. Here, we propose a novel promoterless intronic gene editing approach that triggers transgene expression only after cellular differentiation into the myeloid lineage. We integrated a splicing-competent eGFP cassette into the first intron of CD11b and observed expression of eGFP in the myeloid lineage but minimal to no expression in HSPCs or differentiated non-myeloid lineages. In vivo, edited HSPCs successfully engrafted in immunodeficient mice and displayed transgene expression in the myeloid compartment of multiple tissues. Using the same approach, we expressed alpha-L-iduronidase (IDUA), the defective enzyme in Mucopolysaccharidosis type I, and observed a 10-fold supraendogenous IDUA expression exclusively after myeloid differentiation. Edited cells efficiently populated bone marrow, blood, and spleen of immunodeficient mice, and retained the capacity to secrete IDUA ex vivo. Importantly, cells edited with the eGFP and IDUA transgenes were also found in the brain. This approach may unlock new therapeutic strategies for inborn metabolic and neurological diseases that require the delivery of therapeutics in brain.
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Aerts-Kaya F, van Til NP. Gene and Cellular Therapies for Leukodystrophies. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2522. [PMID: 38004502 PMCID: PMC10675548 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15112522] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Leukodystrophies are a heterogenous group of inherited, degenerative encephalopathies, that if left untreated, are often lethal at an early age. Although some of the leukodystrophies can be treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, not all patients have suitable donors, and new treatment strategies, such as gene therapy, are rapidly being developed. Recent developments in the field of gene therapy for severe combined immune deficiencies, Leber's amaurosis, epidermolysis bullosa, Duchenne's muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy, have paved the way for the treatment of leukodystrophies, revealing some of the pitfalls, but overall showing promising results. Gene therapy offers the possibility for overexpression of secretable enzymes that can be released and through uptake, allow cross-correction of affected cells. Here, we discuss some of the leukodystrophies that have demonstrated strong potential for gene therapy interventions, such as X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), and metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), which have reached clinical application. We further discuss the advantages and disadvantages of ex vivo lentiviral hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy, an approach for targeting microglia-like cells or rendering cross-correction. In addition, we summarize ongoing developments in the field of in vivo administration of recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors, which can be used for direct targeting of affected cells, and other recently developed molecular technologies that may be applicable to treating leukodystrophies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Aerts-Kaya
- Department of Stem Cell Sciences, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Center for Stem Cell Research and Development, Hacettepe University, 06100 Ankara, Turkey;
- Advanced Technologies Application and Research Center, Hacettepe University, 06800 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Niek P. van Til
- Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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5
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Poletto E, Silva AO, Weinlich R, Martin PKM, Torres DC, Giugliani R, Baldo G. Ex vivo gene therapy for lysosomal storage disorders: future perspectives. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2023; 23:353-364. [PMID: 36920351 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2023.2192348] [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] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lysosomal storage disorders (LSD) are a group of monogenic rare diseases caused by pathogenic variants in genes that encode proteins related to lysosomal function. These disorders are good candidates for gene therapy for different reasons: they are monogenic, most of lysosomal proteins are enzymes that can be secreted and cross-correct neighboring cells, and small quantities of these proteins are able to produce clinical benefits in many cases. Ex vivo gene therapy allows for autologous transplant of modified cells from different sources, including stem cells and hematopoietic precursors. AREAS COVERED Here, we summarize the main gene therapy and genome editing strategies that are currently being used as ex vivo gene therapy approaches for lysosomal disorders, highlighting important characteristics, such as vectors used, strategies, types of cells that are modified and main results in different disorders. EXPERT OPINION Clinical trials are already ongoing, and soon approved therapies for LSD based on ex vivo gene therapy approaches should reach the market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edina Poletto
- Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto alegre, Brazil
- Centro de Pesquisa Experimental (CPE), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Andrew Oliveira Silva
- Centro de Pesquisa Experimental (CPE), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Weinlich
- Centro de Pesquisa Experimental (CPE), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Centro de Ensino e Pesquisa/Pesquisa Experimental, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Davi Coe Torres
- Centro de Ensino e Pesquisa/Pesquisa Experimental, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roberto Giugliani
- Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto alegre, Brazil
- Centro de Pesquisa Experimental (CPE), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Baldo
- Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto alegre, Brazil
- Centro de Pesquisa Experimental (CPE), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
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6
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Critchley BJ, Gaspar HB, Benedetti S. Targeting the central nervous system in lysosomal storage diseases: Strategies to deliver therapeutics across the blood-brain barrier. Mol Ther 2023; 31:657-675. [PMID: 36457248 PMCID: PMC10014236 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are multisystem inherited metabolic disorders caused by dysfunctional lysosomal activity, resulting in the accumulation of undegraded macromolecules in a variety of organs/tissues, including the central nervous system (CNS). Treatments include enzyme replacement therapy, stem/progenitor cell transplantation, and in vivo gene therapy. However, these treatments are not fully effective in treating the CNS as neither enzymes, stem cells, nor viral vectors efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier. Here, we review the latest advancements in improving delivery of different therapeutic agents to the CNS and comment upon outstanding questions in the field of neurological LSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethan J Critchley
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Zayed Centre for Research, London WC1N 1DZ, UK
| | - H Bobby Gaspar
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Zayed Centre for Research, London WC1N 1DZ, UK; Orchard Therapeutics Ltd., London EC4N 6EU, UK
| | - Sara Benedetti
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Zayed Centre for Research, London WC1N 1DZ, UK; NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK.
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7
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Buffa V, Alvarez Vargas JR, Galy A, Spinozzi S, Rocca CJ. Hematopoietic stem and progenitors cells gene editing: Beyond blood disorders. Front Genome Ed 2023; 4:997142. [PMID: 36698790 PMCID: PMC9868335 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2022.997142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Lessons learned from decades-long practice in the transplantation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) to treat severe inherited disorders or cancer, have set the stage for the current ex vivo gene therapies using autologous gene-modified hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells that have treated so far, hundreds of patients with monogenic disorders. With increased knowledge of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell biology, improved modalities for patient conditioning and with the emergence of new gene editing technologies, a new era of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell-based gene therapies is poised to emerge. Gene editing has the potential to restore physiological expression of a mutated gene, or to insert a functional gene in a precise locus with reduced off-target activity and toxicity. Advances in patient conditioning has reduced treatment toxicities and may improve the engraftment of gene-modified cells and specific progeny. Thanks to these improvements, new potential treatments of various blood- or immune disorders as well as other inherited diseases will continue to emerge. In the present review, the most recent advances in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell gene editing will be reported, with a focus on how this approach could be a promising solution to treat non-blood-related inherited disorders and the mechanisms behind the therapeutic actions discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Buffa
- Genethon, Evry, France,Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, Université Paris-Saclay, University Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Evry, France
| | - José Roberto Alvarez Vargas
- Genethon, Evry, France,Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, Université Paris-Saclay, University Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Evry, France
| | - Anne Galy
- Genethon, Evry, France,Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, Université Paris-Saclay, University Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Evry, France
| | - Simone Spinozzi
- Genethon, Evry, France,Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, Université Paris-Saclay, University Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Evry, France
| | - Céline J. Rocca
- Genethon, Evry, France,Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, Université Paris-Saclay, University Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Evry, France,*Correspondence: Céline J. Rocca,
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8
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Oncosuppressive and oncogenic activity of the sphingolipid-metabolizing enzyme β-galactosylceramidase. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1877:188675. [PMID: 34974112 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
β-galactosylceramidase (GALC) is a lysosomal enzyme that removes β-galactose from β-galactosylceramide, leading to the formation of the oncosuppressor metabolite ceramide. Recent observations have shown that GALC may exert opposite effects on tumor growth by acting as an oncosuppressive or oncogenic enzyme depending on the different experimental approaches, in vitro versus in vivo observations, preclinical versus clinical findings, and tumor type investigated. This review will recapitulate and discuss the contrasting experimental evidence related to the impact of GALC on the biological behavior of cancer and stromal cells and its contribution to tumor progression.
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9
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Nasir G, Chopra R, Elwood F, Ahmed SS. Krabbe Disease: Prospects of Finding a Cure Using AAV Gene Therapy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:760236. [PMID: 34869463 PMCID: PMC8633897 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.760236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Krabbe Disease (KD) is an autosomal metabolic disorder that affects both the central and peripheral nervous systems. It is caused by a functional deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme, galactocerebrosidase (GALC), resulting in an accumulation of the toxic metabolite, psychosine. Psychosine accumulation affects many different cellular pathways, leading to severe demyelination. Although there is currently no effective therapy for Krabbe disease, recent gene therapy-based approaches in animal models have indicated a promising outlook for clinical treatment. This review highlights recent findings in the pathogenesis of Krabbe disease, and evaluates AAV-based gene therapy as a promising strategy for treating this devastating pediatric disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gibran Nasir
- Department of Neuroscience, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR), Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Rajiv Chopra
- AllianThera Biopharma, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Fiona Elwood
- Department of Neuroscience, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR), Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Seemin S Ahmed
- Department of Neuroscience, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR), Cambridge, MA, United States
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10
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Feltri ML, Weinstock NI, Favret J, Dhimal N, Wrabetz L, Shin D. Mechanisms of demyelination and neurodegeneration in globoid cell leukodystrophy. Glia 2021; 69:2309-2331. [PMID: 33851745 PMCID: PMC8502241 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD), also known as Krabbe disease, is a lysosomal storage disorder causing extensive demyelination in the central and peripheral nervous systems. GLD is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the lysosomal hydrolase, galactosylceramidase (GALC), which catabolizes the myelin sphingolipid galactosylceramide. The pathophysiology of GLD is complex and reflects the expression of GALC in a number of glial and neural cell types in both the central and peripheral nervous systems (CNS and PNS), as well as leukocytes and kidney in the periphery. Over the years, GLD has garnered a wide range of scientific and medical interests, especially as a model system to study gene therapy and novel preclinical therapeutic approaches to treat the spontaneous murine model for GLD. Here, we review recent findings in the field of Krabbe disease, with particular emphasis on novel aspects of GALC physiology, GLD pathophysiology, and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Laura Feltri
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Buffalo, New York
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Nadav I. Weinstock
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Buffalo, New York
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Jacob Favret
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Buffalo, New York
- Biotechnical and Clinical Lab Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Narayan Dhimal
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Buffalo, New York
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Lawrence Wrabetz
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Buffalo, New York
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Daesung Shin
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Buffalo, New York
- Biotechnical and Clinical Lab Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
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11
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Storage of Mutant Human SOD1 in Non-Neural Cells from the Type-1 Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis rat G93A Model Correlated with the Lysosomes' Dysfunction. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9091080. [PMID: 34572266 PMCID: PMC8470315 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Herein, we explored the impact of the lysosome dysfunction during the progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis type-1 (ALS1). We conducted the study in non-neural cells, primary fibroblasts (rFFFs), and bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells (rBM-MSCs), isolated from the animal model ratG93A for ALS1 at two stages of the disease: Pre-symptomatic-stage (ALS1-PreS) and Terminal-stage (ALS1-EndS). We documented the storage of human mutant Superoxide Dismutase 1, SOD1G93A (SOD1*) in the lysosomes of ALS1-rFFFs and ALS1-rBM-MSCs and demonstrated the hallmarks of the disease in non-neural cells as in ratG93A-ALS1-tissues. We showed that the SOD1* storage is associated with the altered glycohydrolases and proteases levels in tissues and both cell types from ALS1-PreS to ALS1-EndS. Only in ALS1-rFFFs, the lysosomes lost homeostasis, enlarge drastically, and contribute to the cell metabolic damage. Contrariwise, in ALS1-rBM-MSCs, we found a negligible metabolic dysfunction, which makes these cells’ status similar to WT. We addressed this phenomenon to a safety mechanism perhaps associated with an enhanced lysosomal autophagic activity in ALS1-rBM-MSCs compared to ALS1-rFFFs, in which the lysosomal level of LC3-II/LC3I was comparable to that of WT-rFFFs. We suggested that the autophagic machinery could balance the storage of SOD1* aggregates and the lysosomal enzyme dysfunction even in ALS1-EndS-stem cells.
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12
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Mangiameli E, Cecchele A, Morena F, Sanvito F, Matafora V, Cattaneo A, Della Volpe L, Gnani D, Paulis M, Susani L, Martino S, Di Micco R, Bachi A, Gritti A. Human iPSC-based neurodevelopmental models of globoid cell leukodystrophy uncover patient- and cell type-specific disease phenotypes. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:1478-1495. [PMID: 33989519 PMCID: PMC8190599 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD) is a rare neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disease caused by an inherited deficiency of β-galactocerebrosidase (GALC). GLD pathogenesis and therapeutic correction have been poorly studied in patient neural cells. Here, we investigated the impact of GALC deficiency and lentiviral vector-mediated GALC rescue/overexpression in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neural progenitors and neuronal/glial progeny obtained from two GLD patients. GLD neural progeny displayed progressive psychosine storage, oligodendroglial and neuronal defects, unbalanced lipid composition, and early activation of cellular senescence, depending on the disease-causing mutation. The partial rescue of the neural differentiation program upon GALC reconstitution and psychosine clearance suggests multiple mechanisms contributing to neural pathology in GLD. Also, the pathological phenotype associated to supraphysiological GALC levels highlights the need of regulated GALC expression for proper human neural commitment/differentiation. These data have important implications for establishing safe therapeutic strategies to enhance disease correction of GLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Mangiameli
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Cecchele
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Morena
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesca Sanvito
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Vittoria Matafora
- IFOM-FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Cattaneo
- IFOM-FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Della Volpe
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Gnani
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Marianna Paulis
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy; National Research Council (CNR)-IRGB/UOS of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia Susani
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy; National Research Council (CNR)-IRGB/UOS of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Sabata Martino
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Raffaella Di Micco
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Bachi
- IFOM-FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Gritti
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy.
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13
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Conte F, van Buuringen N, Voermans NC, Lefeber DJ. Galactose in human metabolism, glycosylation and congenital metabolic diseases: Time for a closer look. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2021; 1865:129898. [PMID: 33878388 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2021.129898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Galactose is an essential carbohydrate for cellular metabolism, as it contributes to energy production and storage in several human tissues while also being a precursor for glycosylation. Galactosylated glycoconjugates, such as glycoproteins, keratan sulfate-containing proteoglycans and glycolipids, exert a plethora of biological functions, including structural support, cellular adhesion, intracellular signaling and many more. The biological relevance of galactose is further entailed by the number of pathogenic conditions consequent to defects in galactosylation and galactose homeostasis. The growing number of rare congenital disorders involving galactose along with its recent therapeutical applications are drawing increasing attention to galactose metabolism. In this review, we aim to draw a comprehensive overview of the biological functions of galactose in human cells, including its metabolism and its role in glycosylation, and to provide a systematic description of all known congenital metabolic disorders resulting from alterations of its homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Conte
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Nicole van Buuringen
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Nicol C Voermans
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Dirk J Lefeber
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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14
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Belleri M, Paganini G, Coltrini D, Ronca R, Zizioli D, Corsini M, Barbieri A, Grillo E, Calza S, Bresciani R, Maiorano E, Mastropasqua MG, Annese T, Giacomini A, Ribatti D, Casas J, Levade T, Fabrias G, Presta M. β-Galactosylceramidase Promotes Melanoma Growth via Modulation of Ceramide Metabolism. Cancer Res 2020; 80:5011-5023. [PMID: 32998995 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-3382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Disturbance of sphingolipid metabolism may represent a novel therapeutic target in metastatic melanoma, the most lethal form of skin cancer. β-Galactosylceramidase (GALC) removes β-galactose from galactosylceramide and other sphingolipids. In this study, we show that downregulation of galcb, a zebrafish ortholog of human GALC, affects melanoblast and melanocyte differentiation in zebrafish embryos, suggesting a possible role for GALC in melanoma. On this basis, the impact of GALC expression in murine B16-F10 and human A2058 melanoma cells was investigated following its silencing or upregulation. Galc knockdown hampered growth, motility, and invasive capacity of B16-F10 cells and their tumorigenic and metastatic activity when grafted in syngeneic mice or zebrafish embryos. Galc-silenced cells displayed altered sphingolipid metabolism and increased intracellular levels of ceramide, paralleled by a nonredundant upregulation of Smpd3, which encodes for the ceramide-generating enzyme neutral sphingomyelinase 2. Accordingly, GALC downregulation caused SMPD3 upregulation, increased ceramide levels, and inhibited the tumorigenic activity of human melanoma A2058 cells, whereas GALC upregulation exerted opposite effects. In concordance with information from melanoma database mining, RNAscope analysis demonstrated a progressive increase of GALC expression from common nevi to stage IV human melanoma samples that was paralleled by increases in microphthalmia transcription factor and tyrosinase immunoreactivity inversely related to SMPD3 and ceramide levels. Overall, these findings indicate that GALC may play an oncogenic role in melanoma by modulating the levels of intracellular ceramide, thus providing novel opportunities for melanoma therapy. SIGNIFICANCE: Data from zebrafish embryos, murine and human cell melanoma lines, and patient-derived tumor specimens indicate that β-galactosylceramidase plays an oncogenic role in melanoma and may serve as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirella Belleri
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Paganini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Daniela Coltrini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Roberto Ronca
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Daniela Zizioli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Michela Corsini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Barbieri
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Grillo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefano Calza
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Roberto Bresciani
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Eugenio Maiorano
- Department of Emergency and Transplantation, Pathology Section, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Mauro G Mastropasqua
- Department of Emergency and Transplantation, Pathology Section, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Tiziana Annese
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences, and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Arianna Giacomini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences, and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Josefina Casas
- Research Unit on BioActive Molecules (RUBAM), Department of Biological Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC), Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), Barcelona, and Liver and Digestive Diseases Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBER-EHD), Madrid, Spain
| | - Thierry Levade
- INSERM U1037, CRCT (Cancer Research Center of Toulouse) and Laboratoire de Biochimie Métabolique, Institut Fédératif de Biologie, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Gemma Fabrias
- Research Unit on BioActive Molecules (RUBAM), Department of Biological Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC), Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), Barcelona, and Liver and Digestive Diseases Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBER-EHD), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marco Presta
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy. .,Italian Consortium for Biotechnology (CIB), Unit of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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15
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Nin-Hill A, Rovira C. The Catalytic Reaction Mechanism of the β-Galactocerebrosidase Enzyme Deficient in Krabbe Disease. ACS Catal 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.0c02609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alba Nin-Hill
- Departament de Quı́mica Inorgànica i Orgànica (Secció de Quı́mica Orgànica) & Institut de Quı́mia Teòrica i Computacional (IQTCUB), Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carme Rovira
- Departament de Quı́mica Inorgànica i Orgànica (Secció de Quı́mica Orgànica) & Institut de Quı́mia Teòrica i Computacional (IQTCUB), Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), 08020 Barcelona, Spain
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16
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Engineering monocyte/macrophage-specific glucocerebrosidase expression in human hematopoietic stem cells using genome editing. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3327. [PMID: 32620863 PMCID: PMC7335164 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17148-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gaucher disease is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by insufficient glucocerebrosidase activity. Its hallmark manifestations are attributed to infiltration and inflammation by macrophages. Current therapies for Gaucher disease include life-long intravenous administration of recombinant glucocerebrosidase and orally-available glucosylceramide synthase inhibitors. An alternative approach is to engineer the patient's own hematopoietic system to restore glucocerebrosidase expression, thereby replacing the affected cells, and constituting a potential one-time therapy for this disease. Here, we report an efficient CRISPR/Cas9-based approach that targets glucocerebrosidase expression cassettes with a monocyte/macrophage-specific element to the CCR5 safe-harbor locus in human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. The targeted cells generate glucocerebrosidase-expressing macrophages and maintain long-term repopulation and multi-lineage differentiation potential with serial transplantation. The combination of a safe-harbor and a lineage-specific promoter establishes a universal correction strategy and circumvents potential toxicity of ectopic glucocerebrosidase in the stem cells. Furthermore, it constitutes an adaptable platform for other lysosomal enzyme deficiencies.
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17
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Yang M, Jiang Z, Yao G, Wang Z, Sun J, Qin H, Zhao H. GALC Triggers Tumorigenicity of Colorectal Cancer via Senescent Fibroblasts. Front Oncol 2020; 10:380. [PMID: 32318333 PMCID: PMC7154132 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC)-associated senescent fibroblasts may play a crucial role in tumor progression, but the mechanism remains unclear. In order to solve this complicated problem, we randomly collected 16 patients with CRC, who had been treated with oxaliplatin and capecitabine (XELOX). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining revealed that the tumor-stroma ratio (TSR) of CRC was affected by XELOX treatment. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SAβG) staining were used to verify a stable model of senescent fibroblasts. IHC analysis showed that high expression levels of galactosylceramidase (GALC) and significant senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SAβG) staining were associated with CRC patient survival. We observed that fibroblasts overexpressing GALC underwent cell cycle arrest. Changes in cell morphology and cell cycle characteristics were accompanied by the upregulation of the p16, p21, and p53 gene, and the downregulation of hTERT expression. In a co-culture system, fibroblasts overexpressing GALC significantly increased the proliferation of CRC cells. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis confirmed that GALC overexpression fibroblasts co-cultured with CRC caused changes in CRC cell morphology. The aging fibroblast co-culture group (70%) had a higher migration ability. In vivo experiments and transcriptomics analysis were performed to verify the effect of senescent fibroblasts on tumor formation and to identify the potential mechanisms for the above results. We found that a high expression of ATF3 was related to good survival rates. However, a high expression of KIAA0907 was bad for survival rates (p < 0.05). The knockdown of ATF3 can promote cell proliferation, migration, and clonogenic assays, while downregulation of KIAA0907 inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and clonogenic assays. The results demonstrate that senescent fibroblasts with a high level of GALC regulated several aspects of the tumor growth process, including migration and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengdi Yang
- Department of Internal Oncology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyuan Jiang
- Department of Internal Oncology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangyu Yao
- Department of Internal Oncology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyu Wang
- Department of Internal Oncology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Internal Oncology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Huanlong Qin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital Affiliated With Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Internal Oncology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
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18
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D TK, Jain N, Kumar S U, Jena PP, Ramamoorthy S, Priya Doss C G, Zayed H. Molecular dynamics simulations to decipher the structural and functional consequences of pathogenic missense mutations in the galactosylceramidase (GALC) protein causing Krabbe’s disease. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 39:1795-1810. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1742790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thirumal Kumar D
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Nikita Jain
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Udhaya Kumar S
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Prangya Paramita Jena
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Siva Ramamoorthy
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - George Priya Doss C
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Hatem Zayed
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health and Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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19
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β-Galactosylceramidase Deficiency Causes Bone Marrow Vascular Defects in an Animal Model of Krabbe Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:ijms21010251. [PMID: 31905906 PMCID: PMC6982065 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Krabbe disease (KD) is an autosomal recessive sphingolipidosis caused by the deficiency of the lysosomal hydrolase β-galactosylceramidase (GALC). Oligodendroglia degeneration and demyelination of the nervous system lead to neurological dysfunctions which are usually lethal by two years of age. At present, the only clinical treatment with any proven efficacy is hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation, which is more effective when administered in the neonatal period to presymptomatic recipients. Bone marrow (BM) sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs) play a pivotal role in stem cell engraftment and reconstitution of hematopoiesis. Previous observations had shown significant alterations of microvascular endothelial cells in the brain of KD patients and in Galc mutant twitcher mice, an authentic model of the disease. In the present study, we investigated the vascular component of the BM in the femurs of symptomatic homozygous twitcher mice at postnatal day P36. Histological, immunohistochemical, and two-photon microscopy imaging analyses revealed the presence of significant alterations of the diaphyseal BM vasculature, characterized by enlarged, discontinuous, and hemorrhagic SECs that express the endothelial marker vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2) but lack platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (CD31) expression. In addition, computer-aided image analysis indicates that twitcher CD31-/VEGFR2+ SECs show a significant increase in lumen size and in the number and size of endothelial gaps compared to BM SECs of wild type littermates. These results suggest that morphofunctional defects in the BM vascular niche may contribute to the limited therapeutic efficacy of hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in KD patients at symptomatic stages of the disease.
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20
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Argentati C, Morena F, Tortorella I, Bazzucchi M, Porcellati S, Emiliani C, Martino S. Insight into Mechanobiology: How Stem Cells Feel Mechanical Forces and Orchestrate Biological Functions. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5337. [PMID: 31717803 PMCID: PMC6862138 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The cross-talk between stem cells and their microenvironment has been shown to have a direct impact on stem cells' decisions about proliferation, growth, migration, and differentiation. It is well known that stem cells, tissues, organs, and whole organisms change their internal architecture and composition in response to external physical stimuli, thanks to cells' ability to sense mechanical signals and elicit selected biological functions. Likewise, stem cells play an active role in governing the composition and the architecture of their microenvironment. Is now being documented that, thanks to this dynamic relationship, stemness identity and stem cell functions are maintained. In this work, we review the current knowledge in mechanobiology on stem cells. We start with the description of theoretical basis of mechanobiology, continue with the effects of mechanical cues on stem cells, development, pathology, and regenerative medicine, and emphasize the contribution in the field of the development of ex-vivo mechanobiology modelling and computational tools, which allow for evaluating the role of forces on stem cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Argentati
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.A.); (F.M.); (I.T.); (M.B.); (S.P.); (C.E.)
| | - Francesco Morena
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.A.); (F.M.); (I.T.); (M.B.); (S.P.); (C.E.)
| | - Ilaria Tortorella
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.A.); (F.M.); (I.T.); (M.B.); (S.P.); (C.E.)
| | - Martina Bazzucchi
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.A.); (F.M.); (I.T.); (M.B.); (S.P.); (C.E.)
| | - Serena Porcellati
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.A.); (F.M.); (I.T.); (M.B.); (S.P.); (C.E.)
| | - Carla Emiliani
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.A.); (F.M.); (I.T.); (M.B.); (S.P.); (C.E.)
- CEMIN, Center of Excellence on Nanostructured Innovative Materials, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Sabata Martino
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.A.); (F.M.); (I.T.); (M.B.); (S.P.); (C.E.)
- CEMIN, Center of Excellence on Nanostructured Innovative Materials, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy
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21
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Abstract
In the last decade, the gene therapy (GT) field experienced a renaissance, thanks to crucial understandings and innovations in vector design, stem cell manipulation, conditioning protocols, and cell/vector delivery. These efforts were successfully coupled with unprecedented clinical results of the trials employing the newly developed technology and with the novel establishment of academic-industrial partnerships. A renewed and strengthened interest is rising in the development of gene-based approaches for inherited neurometabolic disorders with severe neurological involvement. Inherited metabolic disorders are monogenetic diseases caused by enzymatic or structural deficiencies affecting the lysosomal or peroxisomal metabolic activity. The metabolic defect can primarily affect the central nervous system, leading to neuronal death, microglial activation, inflammatory demyelination, and axonal degeneration. This review provides an overview of the GT strategies currently under clinical investigation for neurometabolic lysosomal and peroxisomal storage diseases, such as adrenoleukodystrophy and metachromatic leukodystrophy, as well as novel emerging indications such as mucopolysaccharidoses, gangliosidoses, and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses, with a comprehensive elucidation of the main features and mechanisms at the basis of a successful GT approach for these devastating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Poletti
- Gene Therapy Program, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alessandra Biffi
- Gene Therapy Program, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, Massachusetts.,Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant, Woman's and Child Health Department, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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22
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Morena F, Argentati C, Bazzucchi M, Emiliani C, Martino S. Above the Epitranscriptome: RNA Modifications and Stem Cell Identity. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:E329. [PMID: 29958477 PMCID: PMC6070936 DOI: 10.3390/genes9070329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sequence databases and transcriptome-wide mapping have revealed different reversible and dynamic chemical modifications of the nitrogen bases of RNA molecules. Modifications occur in coding RNAs and noncoding-RNAs post-transcriptionally and they can influence the RNA structure, metabolism, and function. The result is the expansion of the variety of the transcriptome. In fact, depending on the type of modification, RNA molecules enter into a specific program exerting the role of the player or/and the target in biological and pathological processes. Many research groups are exploring the role of RNA modifications (alias epitranscriptome) in cell proliferation, survival, and in more specialized activities. More recently, the role of RNA modifications has been also explored in stem cell biology. Our understanding in this context is still in its infancy. Available evidence addresses the role of RNA modifications in self-renewal, commitment, and differentiation processes of stem cells. In this review, we will focus on five epitranscriptomic marks: N6-methyladenosine, N1-methyladenosine, 5-methylcytosine, Pseudouridine (Ψ) and Adenosine-to-Inosine editing. We will provide insights into the function and the distribution of these chemical modifications in coding RNAs and noncoding-RNAs. Mainly, we will emphasize the role of epitranscriptomic mechanisms in the biology of naïve, primed, embryonic, adult, and cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Morena
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Chiara Argentati
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Martina Bazzucchi
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Carla Emiliani
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
- CEMIN, Center of Excellence of Nanostructured Innovative Materials, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Sabata Martino
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
- CEMIN, Center of Excellence of Nanostructured Innovative Materials, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
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23
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Armentano I, Puglia D, Luzi F, Arciola CR, Morena F, Martino S, Torre L. Nanocomposites Based on Biodegradable Polymers. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2018; 11:E795. [PMID: 29762482 PMCID: PMC5978172 DOI: 10.3390/ma11050795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In the present review paper, our main results on nanocomposites based on biodegradable polymers (on a time scale from 2010 to 2018) are reported. We mainly focused our attention on commercial biodegradable polymers, which we mixed with different nanofillers and/or additives with the final aim of developing new materials with tunable specific properties. A wide list of nanofillers have been considered according to their shape, properties, and functionalization routes, and the results have been discussed looking at their roles on the basis of different adopted processing routes (solvent-based or melt-mixing processes). Two main application fields of nanocomposite based on biodegradable polymers have been considered: the specific interaction with stem cells in the regenerative medicine applications or as antimicrobial materials and the active role of selected nanofillers in food packaging applications have been critically revised, with the main aim of providing an overview of the authors' contribution to the state of the art in the field of biodegradable polymeric nanocomposites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Armentano
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, Tuscia University, 01100 Viterbo, Italy.
| | - Debora Puglia
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Materials Engineering Center, University of Perugia, UdR INSTM, 05100 Terni, Italy.
| | - Francesca Luzi
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Materials Engineering Center, University of Perugia, UdR INSTM, 05100 Terni, Italy.
| | - Carla Renata Arciola
- Research Unit on Implant Infections, Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute, 40136 Bologna, Italy.
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Francesco Morena
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06100 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Sabata Martino
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06100 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Luigi Torre
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Materials Engineering Center, University of Perugia, UdR INSTM, 05100 Terni, Italy.
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24
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Marshall MS, Issa Y, Jakubauskas B, Stoskute M, Elackattu V, Marshall JN, Bogue W, Nguyen D, Hauck Z, Rue E, Karumuthil-Melethil S, Zaric V, Bosland M, van Breemen RB, Givogri MI, Gray SJ, Crocker SJ, Bongarzone ER. Long-Term Improvement of Neurological Signs and Metabolic Dysfunction in a Mouse Model of Krabbe's Disease after Global Gene Therapy. Mol Ther 2018; 26:874-889. [PMID: 29433937 PMCID: PMC5910889 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 01/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We report a global adeno-associated virus (AAV)9-based gene therapy protocol to deliver therapeutic galactosylceramidase (GALC), a lysosomal enzyme that is deficient in Krabbe's disease. When globally administered via intrathecal, intracranial, and intravenous injections to newborn mice affected with GALC deficiency (twitcher mice), this approach largely surpassed prior published benchmarks of survival and metabolic correction, showing long-term protection of demyelination, neuroinflammation, and motor function. Bone marrow transplantation, performed in this protocol without immunosuppressive preconditioning, added minimal benefits to the AAV9 gene therapy. Contrasting with other proposed pre-clinical therapies, these results demonstrate that achieving nearly complete correction of GALC's metabolic deficiencies across the entire nervous system via gene therapy can have a significant improvement to behavioral deficits, pathophysiological changes, and survival. These results are an important consideration for determining the safest and most effective manner for adapting gene therapy to treat this leukodystrophy in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Marshall
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yazan Issa
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Benas Jakubauskas
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Monika Stoskute
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Vince Elackattu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jeffrey N Marshall
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Wil Bogue
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Duc Nguyen
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Zane Hauck
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Emily Rue
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Violeta Zaric
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Maarten Bosland
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Richard B van Breemen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Maria I Givogri
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Steven J Gray
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Stephen J Crocker
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Ernesto R Bongarzone
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, 1053 Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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25
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Sadik CD, Bischof J, van Beek N, Dieterich A, Benoit S, Sárdy M, Worm M, Meller S, Gläser R, Zillikens D, Homey B, Setterfield J, Minassian D, Schmidt E, Dart J, Ibrahim SM. Genomewide association study identifies GALC
as susceptibility gene for mucous membrane pemphigoid. Exp Dermatol 2017; 26:1214-1220. [DOI: 10.1111/exd.13464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christian D. Sadik
- Department of Dermatology, Allergy, and Venereology; University of Lübeck; Lübeck Germany
| | - Julia Bischof
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology; University of Lübeck; Lübeck Germany
| | - Nina van Beek
- Department of Dermatology, Allergy, and Venereology; University of Lübeck; Lübeck Germany
| | - Anabelle Dieterich
- Department of Dermatology, Allergy, and Venereology; University of Lübeck; Lübeck Germany
| | - Sandrine Benoit
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology; University Hospital Würzburg; Würzburg Germany
| | - Miklós Sárdy
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy; Ludwig Maximilian University; Munich Germany
| | - Margitta Worm
- Department of Dermatology, Allergy, and Venereology; Charité; Berlin Germany
| | - Stephan Meller
- Department of Dermatology; Heinrich Heine University; Düsseldorf Germany
| | - Regine Gläser
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Allergy; Christian Albrechts University zu Kiel; Kiel Germany
| | - Detlef Zillikens
- Department of Dermatology, Allergy, and Venereology; University of Lübeck; Lübeck Germany
| | - Bernhard Homey
- Department of Dermatology; Heinrich Heine University; Düsseldorf Germany
| | - Jane Setterfield
- Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London; London UK
| | | | - Enno Schmidt
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology; University of Lübeck; Lübeck Germany
| | - John Dart
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology; London UK
| | - Saleh M. Ibrahim
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology; University of Lübeck; Lübeck Germany
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26
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Ricca A, Gritti A. Perspective on innovative therapies for globoid cell leukodystrophy. J Neurosci Res 2017; 94:1304-17. [PMID: 27638612 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 03/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD), or Krabbe's disease, is a lysosomal storage disorder resulting from deficiency of the lysosomal hydrolase galactosylceramidase. The infantile forms are characterized by a unique relentless and aggressive progression with a wide range of neurological symptoms and complications. Here we review and discuss the basic concepts and the novel mechanisms identified as key contributors to the peculiar GLD pathology, highlighting their therapeutic implications. Then, we evaluate evidence from extensive experimental studies on GLD animal models that have highlighted fundamental requirements to obtain substantial therapeutic benefit, including early and timely intervention, high levels of enzymatic reconstitution, and global targeting of affected tissues. Continuous efforts in understanding GLD pathophysiology, the interplay between various therapies, and the mechanisms of disease correction upon intervention may allow advancing research with innovative approaches and prioritizing treatment strategies to develop more efficacious treatments. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Ricca
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Gritti
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
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27
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Avola R, Graziano ACE, Pannuzzo G, Alvares E, Cardile V. Krabbe's leukodystrophy: Approaches and models in vitro. J Neurosci Res 2017; 94:1284-92. [PMID: 27638610 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
This Review describes some in vitro approaches used to investigate the mechanisms involved in Krabbe's disease, with particular regard to the cellular systems employed to study processes of inflammation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. The aim was to update the knowledge on the results obtained from in vitro models of this neurodegenerative disorder and provide stimuli for future research. For a long time, the nonavailability of established neural cells has limited the understanding of neuropathogenic mechanisms in Krabbe's leukodystrophy. More recently, the development of new Krabbe's disease cell models has allowed the identification of neurologically relevant pathogenic cascades, including the major role of elevated psychosine levels. Thus, direct and/or indirect roles of psychosine in the release of cytokines, reactive oxygen species, and nitric oxide and in the activation of kinases, caspases, and angiogenic factors results should be clearer. In parallel, it is now understood that the presence of globoid cells precedes oligodendrocyte apoptosis and demyelination. The information described here will help to continue the research on Krabbe's leukodystrophy and on potential new therapeutic approaches for this disease that even today, despite numerous attempts, is without cure. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Avola
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Giovanna Pannuzzo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Elisa Alvares
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Venera Cardile
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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28
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Hu P, Li Y, Nikolaishvili-Feinberg N, Scesa G, Bi Y, Pan D, Moore D, Bongarzone ER, Sands MS, Miller R, Kafri T. Hematopoietic Stem cell transplantation and lentiviral vector-based gene therapy for Krabbe's disease: Present convictions and future prospects. J Neurosci Res 2017; 94:1152-68. [PMID: 27638600 PMCID: PMC5027985 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 06/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Currently, presymtomatic hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell transplantation (HSPCT) is the only therapeutic modality that alleviates Krabbe's disease (KD)‐induced central nervous system damage. However, all HSPCT‐treated patients exhibit severe deterioration in peripheral nervous system function characterized by major motor and expressive language pathologies. We hypothesize that a combination of several mechanisms contribute to this phenomenon, including 1) nonoptimal conditioning protocols with consequent inefficient engraftment and biodistribution of donor‐derived cells and 2) insufficient uptake of donor cell‐secreted galactocerebrosidease (GALC) secondary to a naturally low expression level of the cation‐independent mannose 6‐phosphate‐receptor (CI‐MPR). We have characterized the effects of a busulfan (Bu) based conditioning regimen on the efficacy of HSPCT in prolonging twi mouse average life span. There was no correlation between the efficiency of bone marrow engraftment of donor cells and twi mouse average life span. HSPCT prolonged the average life span of twi mice, which directly correlated with the aggressiveness of the Bu‐mediated conditioning protocols. HSPC transduced with lentiviral vectors carrying the GALC cDNA under control of cell‐specific promoters were efficiently engrafted in twi mouse bone marrow. To facilitate HSPCT‐mediated correction of GALC deficiency in target cells expressing low levels of CI‐MPR, a novel GALC fusion protein including the ApoE1 receptor was developed. Efficient cellular uptake of the novel fusion protein was mediated by a mannose‐6‐phosphate‐independent mechanism. The novel findings described here elucidate some of the cellular mechanisms that impede the cure of KD patients by HSPCT and concomitantly open new directions to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of HSPCT protocols for KD. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Neuroscience Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peirong Hu
- Gene Therapy Center and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Yedda Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Nana Nikolaishvili-Feinberg
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Giuseppe Scesa
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Yanmin Bi
- Gene Therapy Center and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Dao Pan
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Dominic Moore
- Biostatistics Core Facility, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Ernesto R Bongarzone
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mark S Sands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Ryan Miller
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and of Neurology, Neurosciences Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Tal Kafri
- Gene Therapy Center and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
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29
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Hematopoietic Gene Therapies for Metabolic and Neurologic Diseases. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2017; 31:869-881. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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30
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Penati R, Fumagalli F, Calbi V, Bernardo ME, Aiuti A. Gene therapy for lysosomal storage disorders: recent advances for metachromatic leukodystrophy and mucopolysaccaridosis I. J Inherit Metab Dis 2017; 40:543-554. [PMID: 28560469 PMCID: PMC5500670 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-017-0052-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Revised: 04/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are rare inherited metabolic disorders characterized by a dysfunction in lysosomes, leading to waste material accumulation and severe organ damage. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) have been exploited as potential treatments for LSDs but pre-clinical and clinical studies have shown in some cases limited efficacy. Intravenous ERT is able to control the damage of visceral organs but cannot prevent nervous impairment. Depending on the disease type, HSCT has important limitations when performed for early variants, unless treatment occurs before disease onset. In the attempt to overcome these issues, gene therapy has been proposed as a valuable therapeutic option, either ex vivo, with target cells genetically modified in vitro, or in vivo, by inserting the genetic material with systemic or intra-parenchymal, in situ administration. In particular, the use of autologous haematopoietic stem cells (HSC) transduced with a viral vector containing a healthy copy of the mutated gene would allow supra-normal production of the defective enzyme and cross correction of target cells in multiple tissues, including the central nervous system. This review will provide an overview of the most recent scientific advances in HSC-based gene therapy approaches for the treatment of LSDs with particular focus on metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) and mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS-I).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachele Penati
- Unit of Pediatric Immunohematology and Stem Cell Program, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Fumagalli
- Unit of Pediatric Immunohematology and Stem Cell Program, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Calbi
- Unit of Pediatric Immunohematology and Stem Cell Program, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Ester Bernardo
- Unit of Pediatric Immunohematology and Stem Cell Program, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Aiuti
- Unit of Pediatric Immunohematology and Stem Cell Program, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Vita Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
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31
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Won JS, Singh AK, Singh I. Biochemical, cell biological, pathological, and therapeutic aspects of Krabbe's disease. J Neurosci Res 2016; 94:990-1006. [PMID: 27638584 PMCID: PMC5812347 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Krabbe's disease (KD; also called globoid cell leukodystrophy) is a genetic disorder involving demyelination of the central (CNS) and peripheral (PNS) nervous systems. The disease may be subdivided into three types, an infantile form, which is the most common and severe; a juvenile form; and a rare adult form. KD is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a deficiency of galactocerebrosidase activity in lysosomes, leading to accumulation of galactoceramide and neurotoxic galactosylsphingosine (psychosine [PSY]) in macrophages (globoid cells) as well as neural cells, especially in oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells. This ultimately results in damage to myelin in both CNS and PNS with associated morbidity and mortality. Accumulation of PSY, a lysolipid with detergent-like properties, over a threshold level could trigger membrane destabilization, leading to cell lysis. Moreover, subthreshold concentrations of PSY trigger cell signaling pathways that induce oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, inflammation, endothelial/vascular dysfunctions, and neuronal and axonal damage. From the time the "psychosine hypothesis" was proposed, considerable efforts have been made in search of an effective therapy for lowering PSY load with pharmacological, gene, and stem cell approaches to attenuate PSY-induced neurotoxicity. This Review focuses on the recent advances and prospective research for understanding disease mechanisms and therapeutic approaches for KD. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Je-Seong Won
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Avtar K. Singh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Administration Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Inderjit Singh
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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32
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Belleri M, Presta M. Endothelial cell dysfunction in globoid cell leukodystrophy. J Neurosci Res 2016; 94:1359-67. [PMID: 27037626 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Revised: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis plays a pivotal role in the physiology and pathology of the brain. Microvascular alterations have been observed in various neurodegenerative disorders, including genetic leukodystrophies. Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by β-galactosylceramidase (GALC) deficiency and characterized by the accumulation of the neurotoxic metabolite psychosine in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. Structural and functional alterations occur in the microvascular endothelium of the brain of GLD patients and twitcher mice, a murine model of the disease. In addition, increased vessel permeability and a reduced capacity to respond to proangiogenic stimuli characterize the endothelium of twitcher animals. On the one hand, these alterations may depend, at least in part, on the local and systemic angiostatic activity exerted by psychosine on endothelial cells. On the other hand, studies performed in vivo on zebrafish embryos and in vitro on human endothelial cells suggest that GALC downregulation may also lead to psychosine-independent neuronal and vascular defects. Together, experimental observations indicate that endothelial cell dysfunctions may represent a novel pathogenic mechanism in human leukodystrophies, including GLD. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for these microvascular alterations may provide new insights for the therapy of GLD. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirella Belleri
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Presta
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
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33
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Biffi A. Gene therapy for lysosomal storage disorders: a good start. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 25:R65-75. [PMID: 26604151 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are a heterogeneous group of inherited diseases with a collective frequency of ∼1 in 7000 births, resulting from the deficiency in one or more enzymes or transporters that normally reside within the lysosomes. Pathology results from the progressive accumulation of uncleaved lipids, glycoproteins and/or glycosaminoglycans in the lysosomes and secondary damages that affect the brain, viscera, bones and connective tissues. Most treatment modalities developed for LSD, including gene therapy (GT), are based on the lysosome-specific cross-correction mechanism, by which close proximity of normal cells leads to the correction of the biochemical consequences of enzymatic deficiency within the neighboring cells. Here, GT efforts addressing these disorders are reviewed with an up-to-date discussion of their impact on the LSD disease phenotype in animal models and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Biffi
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (HSR-TIGET), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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34
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Design of a regulated lentiviral vector for hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy of globoid cell leukodystrophy. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2015; 2:15038. [PMID: 26509184 PMCID: PMC4605225 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2015.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD) is a demyelinating lysosomal storage disease due to the deficiency of the galactocerebrosidase (GALC) enzyme. The favorable outcome of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC)-based approaches in GLD and other similar diseases suggests HSPC gene therapy as a promising therapeutic option for patients. The path to clinical development of this strategy was hampered by a selective toxicity of the overexpressed GALC in the HSPC compartment. Here, we presented the optimization of a lentiviral vector (LV) in which miR-126 regulation was coupled to codon optimization of the human GALC cDNA to obtain a selective and enhanced enzymatic activity only upon transduced HSPCs differentiation. The safety of human GALC overexpression driven by this LV was extensively demonstrated in vitro and in vivo on human HSPCs from healthy donors. No perturbation in the content of proapoptotic sphingolipids, gene expression profile, and capability of engraftment and mutlilineage differentiation in chimeric mice was observed. The therapeutic potential of this LV was then assessed in a severe GLD murine model that benefited from transplantation of corrected HSPCs with longer survival and ameliorated phenotype as compared to untreated siblings. This construct has thus been selected as a candidate for clinical translation.
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35
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Hill CH, Viuff AH, Spratley SJ, Salamone S, Christensen SH, Read RJ, Moriarty NW, Jensen HH, Deane JE. Azasugar inhibitors as pharmacological chaperones for Krabbe disease. Chem Sci 2015; 6:3075-3086. [PMID: 26029356 PMCID: PMC4445328 DOI: 10.1039/c5sc00754b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Krabbe disease is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by rapid demyelination of nerve fibers. This disease is caused by defects in the lysosomal enzyme β-galactocerebrosidase (GALC), which hydrolyzes the terminal galactose from glycosphingolipids. These lipids are essential components of eukaryotic cell membranes: substrates of GALC include galactocerebroside, the primary lipid component of myelin, and psychosine, a cytotoxic metabolite. Mutations of GALC that cause misfolding of the protein may be responsive to pharmacological chaperone therapy (PCT), whereby small molecules are used to stabilize these mutant proteins, thus correcting trafficking defects and increasing residual catabolic activity in cells. Here we describe a new approach for the synthesis of galacto-configured azasugars and the characterization of their interaction with GALC using biophysical, biochemical and crystallographic methods. We identify that the global stabilization of GALC conferred by azasugar derivatives, measured by fluorescence-based thermal shift assays, is directly related to their binding affinity, measured by enzyme inhibition. X-ray crystal structures of these molecules bound in the GALC active site reveal which residues participate in stabilizing interactions, show how potency is achieved and illustrate the penalties of aza/iminosugar ring distortion. The structure-activity relationships described here identify the key physical properties required of pharmacological chaperones for Krabbe disease and highlight the potential of azasugars as stabilizing agents for future enzyme replacement therapies. This work lays the foundation for new drug-based treatments of Krabbe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris H Hill
- Department of Haematology , Cambridge Institute for Medical Research , University of Cambridge , Cambridge CB2 0XY , UK .
| | - Agnete H Viuff
- Department of Chemistry , Aarhus University , Langelandsgade 140, 8000 Aarhus C. , Denmark .
| | - Samantha J Spratley
- Department of Haematology , Cambridge Institute for Medical Research , University of Cambridge , Cambridge CB2 0XY , UK .
| | - Stéphane Salamone
- Department of Chemistry , Aarhus University , Langelandsgade 140, 8000 Aarhus C. , Denmark .
| | - Stig H Christensen
- Department of Chemistry , Aarhus University , Langelandsgade 140, 8000 Aarhus C. , Denmark .
| | - Randy J Read
- Department of Haematology , Cambridge Institute for Medical Research , University of Cambridge , Cambridge CB2 0XY , UK .
| | - Nigel W Moriarty
- Physical Biosciences Division , Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory , Berkeley , CA 94720 , USA
| | - Henrik H Jensen
- Department of Chemistry , Aarhus University , Langelandsgade 140, 8000 Aarhus C. , Denmark .
| | - Janet E Deane
- Department of Haematology , Cambridge Institute for Medical Research , University of Cambridge , Cambridge CB2 0XY , UK .
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36
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Wakabayashi T, Shimada Y, Akiyama K, Higuchi T, Fukuda T, Kobayashi H, Eto Y, Ida H, Ohashi T. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Gene Therapy Corrects Neuropathic Phenotype in Murine Model of Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II. Hum Gene Ther 2015; 26:357-66. [PMID: 25761450 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2014.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II) is a neuropathic lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency of iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS), which leads to the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). We demonstrated that biochemical alterations in the brains of MPS II mice are not corrected by bone marrow transplantation (BMT) or enzyme replacement therapy, although BMT has been shown to be effective for other neurodegenerative MPSs, such as Hurler syndrome. In this study, we demonstrated that lentiviral isogeneic hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) gene therapy corrected neuronal manifestations by ameliorating lysosomal storage and autophagic dysfunction in the brains of MPS II mice. IDS-transduced HSCs increased enzyme activity both in various visceral organs and the CNS. Decreased levels of GAGs were observed in many organs, including cerebra, after transplantation of IDS-transduced HSCs. In addition, lentiviral HSC gene therapy normalized the secondary accumulation of autophagic substrates, such as p62 and ubiquitin-protein conjugates, in cerebra. Furthermore, in contrast to naive MPS II mice, there was no deterioration of neuronal function observed in transplant recipients. These results indicated that lentiviral HSC gene therapy is a promising approach for the treatment of CNS lesions in MPS II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taichi Wakabayashi
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, Jikei University School of Medicine , Tokyo 105-8461, Japan .,2 Division of Gene Therapy, Research Center for Medical Sciences, Jikei University School of Medicine , Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
| | - Yohta Shimada
- 2 Division of Gene Therapy, Research Center for Medical Sciences, Jikei University School of Medicine , Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
| | - Kazumasa Akiyama
- 3 Department of Pediatrics, Kitasato University School of Medicine , Kanagawa 252-0374, Japan
| | - Takashi Higuchi
- 2 Division of Gene Therapy, Research Center for Medical Sciences, Jikei University School of Medicine , Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
| | - Takahiro Fukuda
- 4 Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, Jikei University School of Medicine , Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kobayashi
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, Jikei University School of Medicine , Tokyo 105-8461, Japan .,2 Division of Gene Therapy, Research Center for Medical Sciences, Jikei University School of Medicine , Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
| | - Yoshikatsu Eto
- 5 Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neurological Disorders , Kanagawa 215-0026, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Ida
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, Jikei University School of Medicine , Tokyo 105-8461, Japan .,2 Division of Gene Therapy, Research Center for Medical Sciences, Jikei University School of Medicine , Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
| | - Toya Ohashi
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, Jikei University School of Medicine , Tokyo 105-8461, Japan .,2 Division of Gene Therapy, Research Center for Medical Sciences, Jikei University School of Medicine , Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
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Ricca A, Rufo N, Ungari S, Morena F, Martino S, Kulik W, Alberizzi V, Bolino A, Bianchi F, Del Carro U, Biffi A, Gritti A. Combined gene/cell therapies provide long-term and pervasive rescue of multiple pathological symptoms in a murine model of globoid cell leukodystrophy. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:3372-89. [PMID: 25749991 PMCID: PMC4498152 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by deficient activity of β-galactocerebrosidase (GALC). The infantile forms manifest with rapid and progressive central and peripheral demyelination, which represent a major hurdle for any treatment approach. We demonstrate here that neonatal lentiviral vector-mediated intracerebral gene therapy (IC GT) or transplantation of GALC-overexpressing neural stem cells (NSC) synergize with bone marrow transplant (BMT) providing dramatic extension of lifespan and global clinical–pathological rescue in a relevant GLD murine model. We show that timely and long-lasting delivery of functional GALC in affected tissues ensured by the exclusive complementary mode of action of the treatments underlies the outstanding benefit. In particular, the contribution of neural stem cell transplantation and IC GT during the early asymptomatic stage of the disease is instrumental to enhance long-term advantage upon BMT. We clarify the input of central nervous system, peripheral nervous system and periphery to the disease, and the relative contribution of treatments to the final therapeutic outcome, with important implications for treatment strategies to be tried in human patients. This study gives proof-of-concept of efficacy, tolerability and clinical relevance of the combined gene/cell therapies proposed here, which may constitute a feasible and effective therapeutic opportunity for children affected by GLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Ricca
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (TIGET), Via Olgettina 58, Milano 20132, Italy
| | - Nicole Rufo
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (TIGET), Via Olgettina 58, Milano 20132, Italy
| | - Silvia Ungari
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (TIGET), Via Olgettina 58, Milano 20132, Italy
| | - Francesco Morena
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, via del Giochetto, Perugia, Italy
| | - Sabata Martino
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, via del Giochetto, Perugia, Italy
| | - Wilem Kulik
- Laboratory of Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Academic Medical Center AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands and
| | - Valeria Alberizzi
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, INSPE, Via Olgettina 58, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bolino
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, INSPE, Via Olgettina 58, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca Bianchi
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, INSPE, Via Olgettina 58, Milano, Italy
| | - Ubaldo Del Carro
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, INSPE, Via Olgettina 58, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Biffi
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (TIGET), Via Olgettina 58, Milano 20132, Italy
| | - Angela Gritti
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (TIGET), Via Olgettina 58, Milano 20132, Italy,
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Therapeutic challenge in leukodystrophies: translational and ethical research toward clinical trials (LeukoTreat). HUM GENE THER CL DEV 2015; 25:66-8. [PMID: 24933566 DOI: 10.1089/humc.2014.2509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
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Presta M, Belleri M, Cox TM. The role of the endothelium in globoid-cell leukodystrophy: unexpected revelations. FUTURE NEUROLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.2217/fnl.13.75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Presta
- Department of Molecular & Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Mirella Belleri
- Department of Molecular & Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Timothy M Cox
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Box 157, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
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40
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Hill CH, Graham SC, Read RJ, Deane JE. Structural snapshots illustrate the catalytic cycle of β-galactocerebrosidase, the defective enzyme in Krabbe disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:20479-84. [PMID: 24297913 PMCID: PMC3870757 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1311990110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycosphingolipids are ubiquitous components of mammalian cell membranes, and defects in their catabolism by lysosomal enzymes cause a diverse array of diseases. Deficiencies in the enzyme β-galactocerebrosidase (GALC) cause Krabbe disease, a devastating genetic disorder characterized by widespread demyelination and rapid, fatal neurodegeneration. Here, we present a series of high-resolution crystal structures that illustrate key steps in the catalytic cycle of GALC. We have captured a snapshot of the short-lived enzyme-substrate complex illustrating how wild-type GALC binds a bona fide substrate. We have extensively characterized the enzyme kinetics of GALC with this substrate and shown that the enzyme is active in crystallo by determining the structure of the enzyme-product complex following extended soaking of the crystals with this same substrate. We have also determined the structure of a covalent intermediate that, together with the enzyme-substrate and enzyme-product complexes, reveals conformational changes accompanying the catalytic steps and provides key mechanistic insights, laying the foundation for future design of pharmacological chaperones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris H. Hill
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0XY, United Kingdom; and
| | - Stephen C. Graham
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, United Kingdom
| | - Randy J. Read
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0XY, United Kingdom; and
| | - Janet E. Deane
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0XY, United Kingdom; and
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Belleri M, Ronca R, Coltrini D, Nico B, Ribatti D, Poliani PL, Giacomini A, Alessi P, Marchesini S, Santos MB, Bongarzone ER, Presta M. Inhibition of angiogenesis by β-galactosylceramidase deficiency in globoid cell leukodystrophy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 136:2859-75. [PMID: 23983033 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awt215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Globoid cell leukodystrophy (Krabbe disease) is a neurological disorder of infants caused by genetic deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme β-galactosylceramidase leading to accumulation of the neurotoxic metabolite 1-β-d-galactosylsphingosine (psychosine) in the central nervous system. Angiogenesis plays a pivotal role in the physiology and pathology of the brain. Here, we demonstrate that psychosine has anti-angiogenic properties by causing the disassembling of endothelial cell actin structures at micromolar concentrations as found in the brain of patients with globoid cell leukodystrophy. Accordingly, significant alterations of microvascular endothelium were observed in the post-natal brain of twitcher mice, an authentic model of globoid cell leukodystrophy. Also, twitcher endothelium showed a progressively reduced capacity to respond to pro-angiogenic factors, defect that was corrected after transduction with a lentiviral vector harbouring the murine β-galactosylceramidase complementary DNA. Finally, RNA interference-mediated β-galactosylceramidase gene silencing causes psychosine accumulation in human endothelial cells and hampers their mitogenic and motogenic response to vascular endothelial growth factor. Accordingly, significant alterations were observed in human microvasculature from brain biopsy of a globoid cell leukodystrophy case. Together these data demonstrate that β-galactosylceramidase deficiency induces significant alterations in endothelial neovascular responses that may contribute to central nervous system and systemic damages that occur in globoid cell leukodystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirella Belleri
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Brescia, Italy
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Bicchi I, Morena F, Montesano S, Polidoro M, Martino S. MicroRNAs and Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration. Genes (Basel) 2013; 4:244-63. [PMID: 24705162 PMCID: PMC3899972 DOI: 10.3390/genes4020244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2013] [Revised: 05/09/2013] [Accepted: 05/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
During the last few years microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key mediators of post-transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of gene expression. MiRNAs targets, identified through gene expression profiling and studies in animal models, depict a scenario where miRNAs are fine-tuning metabolic pathways and genetic networks in both plants and animals. MiRNAs have shown to be differentially expressed in brain areas and alterations of miRNAs homeostasis have been recently correlated to pathological conditions of the nervous system, such as cancer and neurodegeneration. Here, we review and discuss the most recent insights into the involvement of miRNAs in the neurodegenerative mechanisms and their correlation with significant neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Bicchi
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Francesco Morena
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Simona Montesano
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Mario Polidoro
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Sabata Martino
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
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Potter GB, Santos M, Davisson MT, Rowitch DH, Marks DL, Bongarzone ER, Petryniak MA. Missense mutation in mouse GALC mimics human gene defect and offers new insights into Krabbe disease. Hum Mol Genet 2013; 22:3397-414. [PMID: 23620143 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddt190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Krabbe disease is a devastating pediatric leukodystrophy caused by mutations in the galactocerebrosidase (GALC) gene. A significant subset of the infantile form of the disease is due to missense mutations that result in aberrant protein production. The currently used mouse model, twitcher, has a nonsense mutation not found in Krabbe patients, although it is similar to the human 30 kb deletion in abrogating GALC expression. Here, we identify a spontaneous mutation in GALC, GALCtwi-5J, that precisely matches the E130K missense mutation in patients with infantile Krabbe disease. GALCtwi-5J homozygotes show loss of enzymatic activity despite normal levels of precursor protein, and manifest a more severe phenotype than twitcher, with half the life span. Although neuropathological hallmarks such as gliosis, globoid cells and psychosine accumulation are present throughout the nervous system, the CNS does not manifest significant demyelination. In contrast, the PNS is severely hypomyelinated and lacks large diameter axons, suggesting primary dysmyelination, rather than a demyelinating process. Our data indicate that early demise is due to mechanisms other than myelin loss and support an important role for neuroinflammation in Krabbe disease progression. Furthermore, our results argue against a causative relationship between psychosine accumulation, white matter loss and gliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory B Potter
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
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Santambrogio S, Ricca A, Maderna C, Ieraci A, Aureli M, Sonnino S, Kulik W, Aimar P, Bonfanti L, Martino S, Gritti A. The galactocerebrosidase enzyme contributes to maintain a functional neurogenic niche during early post-natal CNS development. Hum Mol Genet 2012; 21:4732-50. [PMID: 22859505 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/dds313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a novel role for the lysosomal galactosylceramidase (GALC), which is defective in globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD), in maintaining a functional post-natal subventricular zone (SVZ) neurogenic niche. We show that proliferation/self-renewal of neural stem cells (NSCs) and survival of their neuronal and oligodendroglial progeny are impaired in GALC-deficient mice. Using drugs to modulate inflammation and gene transfer to rescue GALC expression and activity, we show that lipid accumulation resulting from GALC deficiency acts as a cell-autonomous pathogenic stimulus in enzyme-deficient NSCs and progeny before upregulation of inflammatory markers, which later sustain a non-cell-autonomous dysfunction. Importantly, we provide evidence that supply of functional GALC provided by neonatal intracerebral transplantation of NSCs ameliorates the functional impairment in endogenous SVZ cells. Insights into the mechanism/s underlying GALC-mediated regulation of early post-natal neurogenic niches improve our understanding of the multi-component pathology of GLD. The occurrence of a restricted period of SVZ neurogenesis in infancy supports the implications of our study for the development of therapeutic strategies to treat this severe pediatric neurodegenerative disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Santambrogio
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, Milan, Italy
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Blood cell production is maintained by hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that reside in specialized niches within bone marrow. Treatment with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) causes HSC egress from bone marrow niches and trafficking to the peripheral blood, a process termed 'mobilization'. Although the mobilization phenomenon has been known for some time and is utilized clinically to acquire HSC for transplant, the mechanisms mediating HSC release are not completely understood. We discuss recent advances and controversies in defining the mechanisms responsible for G-CSF-induced mobilization. RECENT FINDINGS New reports define a role for resident monocytes/macrophages in maintaining niche cells, which is diminished after G-CSF treatment, suggesting a new mechanism for mobilization. Although osteoblasts have been reported to be a primary component of the HSC niche, new results suggest a unique niche composed of innervated mesenchymal stem cells. Modulating bioactive lipid signaling also facilitates mobilization, and may define a future therapeutic strategy. SUMMARY Hematopoietic mobilization by G-CSF is primarily mediated by alterations to the bone marrow niche by both direct and indirect mechanisms, rather than directly altering HSC function. Further understanding of the processes mediating mobilization will advance our understanding on the cellular and molecular components of the HSC niche.
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Maintenance of a functional hematopoietic stem cell niche through galactocerebrosidase and other enzymes. Curr Opin Hematol 2011; 18:214-9. [DOI: 10.1097/moh.0b013e3283477979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Gentner B, Visigalli I, Hiramatsu H, Lechman E, Ungari S, Giustacchini A, Schira G, Amendola M, Quattrini A, Martino S, Orlacchio A, Dick JE, Biffi A, Naldini L. Identification of hematopoietic stem cell-specific miRNAs enables gene therapy of globoid cell leukodystrophy. Sci Transl Med 2011; 2:58ra84. [PMID: 21084719 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3001522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD; also known as Krabbe disease) is an invariably fatal lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the galactocerebrosidase (GALC) gene. Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC)-based gene therapy is being explored for GLD; however, we found that forced GALC expression was toxic to HSCs and early progenitors, highlighting the need for improved regulation of vector expression. We used a genetic reporter strategy based on lentiviral vectors to detect microRNA activity in hematopoietic cells at single-cell resolution. We report that miR-126 and miR-130a were expressed in HSCs and early progenitors from both mice and humans, but not in differentiated progeny. Moreover, repopulating HSCs could be purified solely on the basis of miRNA expression, providing a new method relevant for human HSC isolation. By incorporating miR-126 target sequences into a GALC-expressing vector, we suppressed GALC expression in HSCs while maintaining robust expression in mature hematopoietic cells. This approach protected HSCs from GALC toxicity and allowed successful treatment of a mouse GLD model, providing a rationale to explore HSC-based gene therapy for GLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Gentner
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
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Abstract
Leukodystrophies (LDs) refer to a group on inherited diseases in which molecular abnormalities of glial cells are responsible for exclusive or predominant defects in myelin formation and/or maintenance within the central and, sometimes, the peripheral nervous system. For three of them [X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), metachromatic (MLD) and globoid cell LDs], a gene therapy strategy aiming at transferring the disease gene into autologous hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) using lentiviral vectors has been developed and has already entered into the clinics for X-ALD and MLD. Long-term follow-up has shown that HSCs gene therapy can arrest the devastating progression of X-ALD. Brain gene therapy relying upon intracerebral injections of adeno-associated vectors is also envisaged for MLD. The development of new gene therapy viral vectors allowing targeting of the disease gene into oligodendrocytes or astrocytes should soon benefit other forms of LDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Biffi
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (HSR-TIGET), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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