1
|
Tozza S, Palumbo G, Severi D, Iovino A, Spina E, Aruta F, Cassano E, Iodice R, Dubbioso R, Ruggiero L, Nolano M, Santoro L, Manganelli F. Heterogenous electrophysiological features in early stage of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis neuropathy. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:1685-1689. [PMID: 37870643 PMCID: PMC10942904 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-07140-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (ATTRv, v for variant) is a progressive disease caused by mutations in the TTR gene, leading to sensory-motor, axonal and length-dependent neuropathy. However, some patients may show variable electrophysiological pattern. The aim of this study was to evaluate the electrophysiological features of TTR amyloid neuropathy at the time of the first nerve conduction study (NCS) to assess whether there were distinguishing features useful for early diagnosis. METHODS We retrospectively revised the first electrophysiological findings of ATTRv patients, and we categorized the neuropathy based on nerve conduction slowing, type of involved fibres and distribution pattern of PNS involvement. Cluster analysis was performed to evaluate the prevalence of neuropathy features between the early and late stage of disease, based on disease duration and disability burden assessed by NIS. RESULTS We recruited 33 patients (27 males) with mean age 63.9 ± 10.8 years, mean disease duration 2.8 ± 2.4 years and mean NIS 47.6 ± 41.8. Overall, the frequency analysis showed that the most common features of ATTRv neuropathy included the categories of axonal, sensory-motor and neuronopathic-like pattern. This electrophysiological pattern of PNS involvement was constant in patients in late stage of disease, whereas ATTRv patients in early stage of disease displayed variable electrophysiological pattern of PNS involvement. DISCUSSION Our findings demonstrated that ATTRv neuropathy may present at first NCS in a variable way, and it changes over the course of disease. Such heterogeneity makes the suspicion of ATTRv even more challenging at the time of first electrophysiological examination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Tozza
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Palumbo
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Daniele Severi
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Aniello Iovino
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuele Spina
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Aruta
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuele Cassano
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Iodice
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Dubbioso
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Ruggiero
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Nolano
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucio Santoro
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Fiore Manganelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tozza S, Severi D, Palumbo G, Provitera V, Ruggiero L, Dubbioso R, Iodice R, Nolano M, Manganelli F. Quantitative Sensory Testing in Late-Onset ATTRv Presymptomatic Subjects: A Single Center Experience. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2877. [PMID: 36359398 PMCID: PMC9687694 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) presymptomatic subjects undergo multidisciplinary evaluation to detect, as early as possible, a subclinical involvement of multisystem disease. Quantitative sensory testing (QST) that investigates and discriminates the function of C, Aδ and Aβ fibers is included as an instrumental test to monitor nerve fiber function. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of QST in the context of the multidisciplinary evaluation in late onset carriers. Methods Four-teen presymptomatic (namely carriers) were enrolled. Subjects underwent thermal [cold and warm detection threshold (CDT, WDT), cold and heat pain (CP and HP)] and tactile QST in four body sites: foot dorsum, distal lateral leg, distal thigh, hand dorsum. Results Overall, presymptomatic subject showed a significant difference in all thermal QST findings compared to the control group. All subjects had at least one altered thermal QST finding; the sites more frequently altered were foot and leg, whilst the thermal modalities which were more frequently abnormal were CDT, WDT and CP. Conclusions Our study highlights the importance of performing thermal QST in subjects carrying TTR mutation, given the high frequency of abnormal findings. Notably, performing both innocuous and painful stimulation in foot and/or leg increases the chance of detecting nerve fiber dysfunction. Moreover, the investigation of the hand may provide useful information in monitoring disease progression before the Predicted Age of Disease Onset (PADO).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Tozza
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odonstomatology, University “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Daniele Severi
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odonstomatology, University “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Palumbo
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odonstomatology, University “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Provitera
- Neurology Department, Skin Biopsy Laboratory, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 82037 Telese Terme, Italy
| | - Lucia Ruggiero
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odonstomatology, University “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Dubbioso
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odonstomatology, University “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Iodice
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odonstomatology, University “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Nolano
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odonstomatology, University “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Neurology Department, Skin Biopsy Laboratory, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 82037 Telese Terme, Italy
| | - Fiore Manganelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odonstomatology, University “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Magalhães J, Eira J, Liz MA. The role of transthyretin in cell biology: impact on human pathophysiology. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:6105-6117. [PMID: 34297165 PMCID: PMC11073172 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03899-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Transthyretin (TTR) is an extracellular protein mainly produced in the liver and choroid plexus, with a well-stablished role in the transport of thyroxin and retinol throughout the body and brain. TTR is prone to aggregation, as both wild-type and mutated forms of the protein can lead to the accumulation of amyloid deposits, resulting in a disease called TTR amyloidosis. Recently, novel activities for TTR in cell biology have emerged, ranging from neuronal health preservation in both central and peripheral nervous systems, to cellular fate determination, regulation of proliferation and metabolism. Here, we review the novel literature regarding TTR new cellular effects. We pinpoint TTR as major player on brain health and nerve biology, activities that might impact on nervous systems pathologies, and assign a new link between TTR and angiogenesis and cancer. We also explore the molecular mechanisms underlying TTR activities at the cellular level, and suggest that these might go beyond its most acknowledged carrier functions and include interaction with receptors and activation of intracellular signaling pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joana Magalhães
- Neurodegeneration Team, Nerve Regeneration Group, IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular and i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jessica Eira
- Neurodegeneration Team, Nerve Regeneration Group, IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular and i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Márcia Almeida Liz
- Neurodegeneration Team, Nerve Regeneration Group, IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular and i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hijma HJ, Siebenga PS, de Kam ML, Groeneveld GJ. A Phase 1, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study to Evaluate the Pharmacodynamic Effects of VX-150, a Highly Selective NaV1.8 Inhibitor, in Healthy Male Adults. PAIN MEDICINE 2021; 22:1814-1826. [PMID: 33543763 PMCID: PMC8346919 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnab032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the analgesic potential, safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of VX-150, a pro-drug of a highly selective NaV1.8 inhibitor, in healthy subjects. Design This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study in healthy subjects. Subjects Twenty healthy male subjects with an age of 18–55 years, inclusive, were enrolled. Eligibility was based on general fitness, absence of current or previous medical conditions that could compromise subject safety, and a training assessment of pain tolerance across pain tests to exclude highly tolerant individuals whose tolerance could compromise the ability to detect analgesic responses. All dosed subjects completed the study. Methods Subjects were randomized 1:1 to one of two sequences receiving a single VX-150 dose and subsequently placebo, or vice versa, with at least 7 days between dosing. A battery of pain tests (pressure, electrical stair, [capsaicin-induced] heat, and cold pressor) was administered before dosing and repetitively up to 10 h after dosing, with blood sampling up to 24 h after dosing. Safety was monitored throughout the study. Data were analyzed with a repeated-measures mixed-effects model. Results VX-150 induced analgesia in a variety of evoked pain tests, without affecting subject safety. Significant effects were reported for the cold pressor and heat pain thresholds. Maximum median concentration for the active moiety was 4.30 µg/mL at 4 h after dosing. Conclusion Results of this proof-of-mechanism study are supportive of the potential of VX-150, a highly selective NaV1.8 channel inhibitor, to treat various pain indications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hemme J Hijma
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter S Siebenga
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Geert Jan Groeneveld
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bosque JR, Gómez-Nieto R, Hormigo S, Herrero-Turrión MJ, Díaz-Casado E, Sancho C, López DE. Molecular tools for the characterization of seizure susceptibility in genetic rodent models of epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 121:106594. [PMID: 31685382 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by abnormal neuronal activity that arises from imbalances between excitatory and inhibitory synapses, which are highly correlated to functional and structural changes in specific brain regions. The difference between the normal and the epileptic brain may harbor genetic alterations, gene expression changes, and/or protein alterations in the epileptogenic nucleus. It is becoming increasingly clear that such differences contribute to the development of distinct epilepsy phenotypes. The current major challenges in epilepsy research include understanding the disease progression and clarifying epilepsy classifications by searching for novel molecular biomarkers. Thus, the application of molecular techniques to carry out comprehensive studies at deoxyribonucleic acid, messenger ribonucleic acid, and protein levels is of utmost importance to elucidate molecular dysregulations in the epileptic brain. The present review focused on the great diversity of technical approaches available and new research methodology, which are already being used to study molecular alterations underlying epilepsy. We have grouped the different techniques according to each step in the flow of information from DNA to RNA to proteins, and illustrated with specific examples in animal models of epilepsy, some of which are our own. Separately and collectively, the genomic and proteomic techniques, each with its own strengths and limitations, provide valuable information on molecular mechanisms underlying seizure susceptibility and regulation of neuronal excitability. Determining the molecular differences between genetic rodent models of epilepsy and their wild-type counterparts might be a key in determining mechanisms of seizure susceptibility and epileptogenesis as well as the discovery and development of novel antiepileptic agents. This article is part of the Special Issue "NEWroscience 2018".
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Ramón Bosque
- Institute for Neuroscience of Castilla y León (INCyL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Salamanca Institute for Biomedical Research (IBSAL), Spain
| | - Ricardo Gómez-Nieto
- Institute for Neuroscience of Castilla y León (INCyL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Salamanca Institute for Biomedical Research (IBSAL), Spain; Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Sebastián Hormigo
- Institute for Neuroscience of Castilla y León (INCyL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Department of Cell Biology and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - M Javier Herrero-Turrión
- Institute for Neuroscience of Castilla y León (INCyL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; INCYL Neurological Tissue Bank (BTN-INCYL), Spain
| | - Elena Díaz-Casado
- Institute for Neuroscience of Castilla y León (INCyL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Salamanca Institute for Biomedical Research (IBSAL), Spain
| | - Consuelo Sancho
- Institute for Neuroscience of Castilla y León (INCyL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Salamanca Institute for Biomedical Research (IBSAL), Spain
| | - Dolores E López
- Institute for Neuroscience of Castilla y León (INCyL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Salamanca Institute for Biomedical Research (IBSAL), Spain; Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wieczorek E, Ożyhar A. Transthyretin: From Structural Stability to Osteoarticular and Cardiovascular Diseases. Cells 2021; 10:1768. [PMID: 34359938 PMCID: PMC8307983 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Transthyretin (TTR) is a tetrameric protein transporting hormones in the plasma and brain, which has many other activities that have not been fully acknowledged. TTR is a positive indicator of nutrition status and is negatively correlated with inflammation. TTR is a neuroprotective and oxidative-stress-suppressing factor. The TTR structure is destabilized by mutations, oxidative modifications, aging, proteolysis, and metal cations, including Ca2+. Destabilized TTR molecules form amyloid deposits, resulting in senile and familial amyloidopathies. This review links structural stability of TTR with the environmental factors, particularly oxidative stress and Ca2+, and the processes involved in the pathogenesis of TTR-related diseases. The roles of TTR in biomineralization, calcification, and osteoarticular and cardiovascular diseases are broadly discussed. The association of TTR-related diseases and vascular and ligament tissue calcification with TTR levels and TTR structure is presented. It is indicated that unaggregated TTR and TTR amyloid are bound by vicious cycles, and that TTR may have an as yet undetermined role(s) at the crossroads of calcification, blood coagulation, and immune response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Wieczorek
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hijma HJ, Groeneveld GJ. Analgesic drug development: proof-of-mechanism and proof-of-concept in early phase clinical studies. MEDICINE IN DRUG DISCOVERY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medidd.2021.100083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
|
8
|
Li SL, Yang QQ, Liu XY, Jiang FL, Xiong J, Jiang P, Liu Y. Zn-doped Cu 2S quantum dots as new high-efficiency inhibitors against human insulin fibrillation based on specific electrostatic interaction with oligomers. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 179:161-169. [PMID: 33675825 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of protein fibrillation process with nanomaterials is a promising strategy to combat neurodegenerative diseases. Copper-based nanomaterials have been seldom utilized in fibrillation inhibiting research due to Copper ions are generally considered as accelerators of fibrosis. Here, we proposed ultra-small Zn doped Cu2S (Zn:Cu2S) QDs as inhibitors of human insulin (HI) fibrosis. ThT, DLS, CD and TEM confirm that Zn:Cu2S QDs effectively inhibited insulin fibrosis in a dose-dependent manner with lag phase time extended (beyond 13-time by Zn:Cu2S QDs of 1 mg·mL-1), final fibril formation and the conversion from α-helix to β-sheet reduced. Additionally, thermodynamics analyzed results reveal that the HI fluorescence quenching process is static quenching dominated, and the Zn:Cu2S QDs inhibit HI fibrosis mainly through specific electrostatic interaction with oligomers. The positively charged amino acid residues of oligomers bind to the negatively charged Zn:Cu2S QDs, which prevents the self-assembly of the oligomers from growing into mature fibers to enhance the stability of the protein. Unlike free Copper ions, the as-prepared QDs show an excellent inhibition in HI fibrillation, breaking through the bottleneck of copper-based materials in inhibiting protein fibrosis and providing a potential strategy to inhibit protein fibrosis in-situ by biosynthesizing copper-based fibrosis inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Lan Li
- Department of Chemistry, Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Qi-Qi Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Xing-Yu Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Feng-Lei Jiang
- Department of Chemistry, Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Jiaqiang Xiong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, P. R. China
| | - Peng Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (Wuhan University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, P. R. China.
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China; State Key Laboratory of Membrane Separation and Membrane Process, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin 300387, P. R. China; Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Transthyretin interacts with actin regulators in a Drosophila model of familial amyloid polyneuropathy. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13596. [PMID: 32788615 PMCID: PMC7423984 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70377-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) is a neurodegenerative disorder whose major hallmark is the deposition of mutated transthyretin (TTR) in the form of amyloid fibrils in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The exposure of PNS axons to extracellular TTR deposits leads to an axonopathy that culminates in neuronal death. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying TTR-induced neurodegeneration are still unclear, despite the extensive studies in vertebrate models. In this work we used a Drosophila FAP model, based on the expression of the amyloidogenic TTR (V30M) in the fly retina, to uncover genetic interactions with cytoskeleton regulators. We show that TTR interacts with actin regulators and induces cytoskeleton alterations, leading to axonal defects. Moreover, our study pinpoints an interaction between TTRV30M and members of Rho GTPase signaling pathways, the major actin regulators. Based on these findings we propose that actin cytoskeleton alterations may mediate the axonopathy observed in FAP patients, and highlight a molecular pathway, mediated by Rho GTPases, underlying TTR-induced neurodegeneration. We expect this work to prompt novel studies and approaches towards FAP therapy.
Collapse
|
10
|
Casanova I, Caetano A, Díaz A, Conceição I, Brum M, de Carvalho M. Motor excitability measurements in early stage familial amyloid polyneuropathy: The influence of tafamidis treatment. Neurophysiol Clin 2020; 50:145-153. [PMID: 32507631 DOI: 10.1016/j.neucli.2020.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test motor fiber excitability in early affected patients with transthyretin (TTR)-type familial amyloid polyneuropathy (TTR-FAP) before and during tafamidis treatment. METHODS We examined the left median nerve of 21 healthy-matched controls and 10 early affected TTR-FAP patients using the automated threshold-tracking program, QTRAC. TTR-FAP patients were tested one day before the initiation of tafamidis treatment, 3 and 6 months later. RESULTS The drug was well-tolerated in all patients; there was no drop-out. No statistical difference was found between healthy controls and TTR-FAP patients at study entry. On treatment, both stimulus intensity for 50% of the maximal motor response and rheobase increased significantly from entry to the last evaluation at 6 months (P<0.05). Strength duration time constant decreased significantly from the 3rd to the 6th month of evaluation (P<0.05). There was also a "fanning-out" effect on the late depolarization phase (TEd 90-100ms) as well as a shortened relative refractory period from study entry to the 6th month of evaluation. CONCLUSIONS Threshold-tracking of median nerve motor fibers is not a helpful technique for the early diagnosis of TTR-FAP patients. Tafamidis was well-tolerated. We observed possible membrane hyperpolarization during treatment. Threshold tracking can contribute to documenting the action of new drugs to treat neuropathies. Tafamidis may change nerve electrical properties by reducing the burden of amyloid fibrils.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Casanova
- Instituto de Fisiologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - André Caetano
- Instituto de Fisiologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Neurology, Hospital de Egas Moniz, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Andrés Díaz
- Instituto de Fisiologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Isabel Conceição
- Instituto de Fisiologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Neurosciences, Centro Hospitalar Universário Lisboa-Norte, Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marisa Brum
- Instituto de Fisiologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Neurology, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mamede de Carvalho
- Instituto de Fisiologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Neurosciences, Centro Hospitalar Universário Lisboa-Norte, Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisbon, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Koike H, Fukami Y, Nishi R, Kawagashira Y, Iijima M, Sobue G, Katsuno M. Clinicopathological spectrum and recent advances in the treatment of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/ncn3.12306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Haruki Koike
- Department of Neurology Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine Nagoya Japan
| | - Yuki Fukami
- Department of Neurology Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine Nagoya Japan
| | - Ryoji Nishi
- Department of Neurology Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine Nagoya Japan
| | - Yuichi Kawagashira
- Department of Neurology Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine Nagoya Japan
| | - Masahiro Iijima
- Department of Neurology Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine Nagoya Japan
| | - Gen Sobue
- Department of Neurology Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine Nagoya Japan
- Research Division of Dementia and Neurodegenerative Disease Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine Nagoya Japan
| | - Masahisa Katsuno
- Department of Neurology Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine Nagoya Japan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sartiani L, Bucciantini M, Spinelli V, Leri M, Natalello A, Nosi D, Maria Doglia S, Relini A, Penco A, Giorgetti S, Gerace E, Mannaioni G, Bellotti V, Rigacci S, Cerbai E, Stefani M. Biochemical and Electrophysiological Modification of Amyloid Transthyretin on Cardiomyocytes. Biophys J 2017; 111:2024-2038. [PMID: 27806283 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2016.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Transthyretin (TTR) amyloidoses are familial or sporadic degenerative conditions that often feature heavy cardiac involvement. Presently, no effective pharmacological therapy for TTR amyloidoses is available, mostly due to a substantial lack of knowledge about both the molecular mechanisms of TTR aggregation in tissue and the ensuing functional and viability modifications that occur in aggregate-exposed cells. TTR amyloidoses are of particular interest regarding the relation between functional and viability impairment in aggregate-exposed excitable cells such as peripheral neurons and cardiomyocytes. In particular, the latter cells provide an opportunity to investigate in parallel the electrophysiological and biochemical modifications that take place when the cells are exposed for various lengths of time to variously aggregated wild-type TTR, a condition that characterizes senile systemic amyloidosis. In this study, we investigated biochemical and electrophysiological modifications in cardiomyocytes exposed to amyloid oligomers or fibrils of wild-type TTR or to its T4-stabilized form, which resists tetramer disassembly, misfolding, and aggregation. Amyloid TTR cytotoxicity results in mitochondrial potential modification, oxidative stress, deregulation of cytoplasmic Ca2+ levels, and Ca2+ cycling. The altered intracellular Ca2+ cycling causes a prolongation of the action potential, as determined by whole-cell recordings of action potentials on isolated mouse ventricular myocytes, which may contribute to the development of cellular arrhythmias and conduction alterations often seen in patients with TTR amyloidosis. Our data add information about the biochemical, functional, and viability alterations that occur in cardiomyocytes exposed to aggregated TTR, and provide clues as to the molecular and physiological basis of heart dysfunction in sporadic senile systemic amyloidosis and familial amyloid cardiomyopathy forms of TTR amyloidoses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sartiani
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Center of Molecular Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Monica Bucciantini
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences "Mario Serio,", University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Research Centre on the Molecular Basis of Neurodegeneration, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Valentina Spinelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Center of Molecular Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Manuela Leri
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences "Mario Serio,", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Antonino Natalello
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Nosi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Maria Doglia
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Amanda Penco
- Department of Physics, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sofia Giorgetti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Gerace
- Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Guido Mannaioni
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Vittorio Bellotti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Wolfson Drug Discovery Unit, Centre for Amyloidosis and Acute Phase Proteins, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stefania Rigacci
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences "Mario Serio,", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Cerbai
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Center of Molecular Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Research Centre on the Molecular Basis of Neurodegeneration, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Massimo Stefani
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences "Mario Serio,", University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Research Centre on the Molecular Basis of Neurodegeneration, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ciobanu A, Selescu T, Gasler I, Soltuzu L, Babes A. Glycolytic metabolite methylglyoxal inhibits cold and menthol activation of the transient receptor potential melastatin type 8 channel. J Neurosci Res 2015; 94:282-94. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Revised: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A.C. Ciobanu
- Department of Anatomy; Physiology, and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest; Bucharest Romania
| | - T. Selescu
- Department of Anatomy; Physiology, and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest; Bucharest Romania
| | - I. Gasler
- Department of Anatomy; Physiology, and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest; Bucharest Romania
| | - L. Soltuzu
- Department of Anatomy; Physiology, and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest; Bucharest Romania
| | - A. Babes
- Department of Anatomy; Physiology, and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest; Bucharest Romania
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lai HJ, Chiang YW, Yang CC, Hsieh ST, Chao CC, Lee MJ, Kuo CC. The Temporal Profiles of Changes in Nerve Excitability Indices in Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141935. [PMID: 26529114 PMCID: PMC4631457 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) caused by a mutation in transthyretin (TTR) gene is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder. The aim of this study is to explore the pathophysiological mechanism of FAP. We prospectively recruited 12 pauci-symptomatic carriers, 18 patients who harbor a TTR mutation, p.A97S, and two-age matched control groups. Data of nerve excitability test (NET) from ulnar motor and sensory axons were collected.NET study of ulnar motor axons of patients shows increased threshold and rheobase, reduced threshold elevation during hyperpolarizing threshold electrotonus (TE), and increased refractoriness. In sensory nerve studies, there are increased threshold reduction in depolarizing TE, lower slope of recovery and delayed time to overshoot after hyperpolarizing TE, increased refractoriness and superexcitability in recovery cycle. NET profiles obtained from the ulnar nerve of carriers show the increase of threshold and rheobase, whereas no significant threshold changes in hyperpolarizing TE and superexcitability. The regression models demonstrate that the increase of refractoriness and prolonged relative refractory period are correlated to the disease progression from carriers to patients. The marked increase of refractoriness at short-width stimulus suggests a defect in sodium current which may represent an early, pre-symptomatic pathophysiological change in TTR-FAP. Focal disruption of basal lamina and myelin may further increase the internodal capacity, manifested by the lower slope of recovery and delayed time to overshoot after hyperpolarization TE as well as the increase of superexcitability. NET could therefore make a pragmatic tool for monitoring disease progress from the very early stage of TTR-FAP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hsing-Jung Lai
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Wen Chiang
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chao Yang
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Tsang Hsieh
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Chao Chao
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jen Lee
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Chin Kuo
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Physiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Enzyme enhancers for the treatment of Fabry and Pompe disease. Mol Ther 2014; 23:456-64. [PMID: 25409744 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2014.224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysosomal storage disorders (LSD) are a group of heterogeneous diseases caused by compromised enzyme function leading to multiple organ failure. Therapeutic approaches involve enzyme replacement (ERT), which is effective for a substantial fraction of patients. However, there are still concerns about a number of issues including tissue penetrance, generation of host antibodies against the therapeutic enzyme, and financial aspects, which render this therapy suboptimal for many cases. Treatment with pharmacological chaperones (PC) was recognized as a possible alternative to ERT, because a great number of mutations do not completely abolish enzyme function, but rather trigger degradation in the endoplasmic reticulum. The theory behind PC is that they can stabilize enzymes with remaining function, avoid degradation and thereby ameliorate disease symptoms. We tested several compounds in order to identify novel small molecules that prevent premature degradation of the mutant lysosomal enzymes α-galactosidase A (for Fabry disease (FD)) and acid α-glucosidase (GAA) (for Pompe disease (PD)). We discovered that the expectorant Ambroxol when used in conjunction with known PC resulted in a significant enhancement of mutant α-galactosidase A and GAA activities. Rosiglitazone was effective on α-galactosidase A either as a monotherapy or when administered in combination with the PC 1-deoxygalactonojirimycin. We therefore propose both drugs as potential enhancers of pharmacological chaperones in FD and PD to improve current treatment strategies.
Collapse
|
16
|
Ferrandiz-Huertas C, Mathivanan S, Wolf CJ, Devesa I, Ferrer-Montiel A. Trafficking of ThermoTRP Channels. MEMBRANES 2014; 4:525-64. [PMID: 25257900 PMCID: PMC4194048 DOI: 10.3390/membranes4030525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Revised: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
ThermoTRP channels (thermoTRPs) define a subfamily of the transient receptor potential (TRP) channels that are activated by changes in the environmental temperature, from noxious cold to injurious heat. Acting as integrators of several stimuli and signalling pathways, dysfunction of these channels contributes to several pathological states. The surface expression of thermoTRPs is controlled by both, the constitutive and regulated vesicular trafficking. Modulation of receptor surface density during pathological processes is nowadays considered as an interesting therapeutic approach for management of diseases, such as chronic pain, in which an increased trafficking is associated with the pathological state. This review will focus on the recent advances trafficking of the thermoTRP channels, TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV4, TRPM3, TRPM8 and TRPA1, into/from the plasma membrane. Particularly, regulated membrane insertion of thermoTRPs channels contributes to a fine tuning of final channel activity, and indeed, it has resulted in the development of novel therapeutic approaches with successful clinical results such as disruption of SNARE-dependent exocytosis by botulinum toxin or botulinomimetic peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sakthikumar Mathivanan
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante 03202, Spain.
| | - Christoph Jakob Wolf
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante 03202, Spain.
| | - Isabel Devesa
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante 03202, Spain.
| | - Antonio Ferrer-Montiel
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante 03202, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Gasperini RJ, Klaver DW, Hou X, Aguilar MI, Small DH. Mechanisms of transthyretin aggregation and toxicity. Subcell Biochem 2014; 65:211-24. [PMID: 23225005 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-5416-4_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Amyloidoses are characterised by the deposition of insoluble protein that occurs in the extracellular compartment of various tissues. One form of amyloidosis is caused by transthyretin (TTR) misfolding and deposition in target tissues. It is clear that many amyloidoses share common features of fibrillogenesis and toxicity. This chapter examines the mechanisms of TTR aggregation with a view to understanding the possible therapeutic interventions in amyloid disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Gasperini
- Menzies Research Institute, University of Tasmania, Liverpool Street, 7001, Hobart, TAS, Australia,
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
Transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) was originally cloned from prostate tissue. Shortly thereafter, the protein was identified as a cold- and menthol-activated ion channel in peripheral sensory neurons, where it plays a critical role in cold temperature detection. In this chapter, we review our current understanding of the molecular and biophysical properties, the pharmacology, and the modulation by signaling molecules of this TRP channel. Finally, we examine the physiological role of TRPM8 and its emerging link to various human diseases, including pain, prostate cancer, dry eye disease, and metabolic disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Almaraz
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avenida S. Ramón y Cajal s.n., San Juan de Alicante, 03550, Spain
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Gasperini RJ, Small DH. Neurodegeneration in familal amyloidotic polyneuropathy. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2012; 39:680-3. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1681.2011.05607.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
|
20
|
Abstract
In this chapter we provided the overall background to the subject of protein aggregation and fibrillogenesis in amyloidogenesis, with introduction and brief discussion of the various topics that are included with the coming chapters. The division of the book into basic science and clinical science sections enables correlation of the topics to be made. The many proteins and peptides that have currently been found to undergo fibrillogenesis are tabulated. A broad technical survey is made, to indicate the vast array of techniques currently available to study aspects of protein oligomerization, aggregation and fibrillogenesis. These are split into three groups and tabulated, as the microscopical techniques, the analytical and biophysical methods, and the biochemical and cellular techniques. A few techniques are discussed, but in most cases only a link to relevant recent literature is provided.
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
There has been much progress in our understanding of transthyretin (TTR)-related amyloidosis including familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP), senile systemic amyloidosis and its related disorders from many clinical and experimental aspects. FAP is an inherited severe systemic amyloidosis caused by mutated TTR, and characterized by amyloid deposition mainly in the peripheral nervous system and the heart. Liver transplantation is the only available treatment for the disease. FAP is now recognized not to be a rare disease, and to have many variations based on genetical and biochemical variations of TTR. This chapter covers the recent advances in the clinical and pathological aspects of, and therapeutic approaches to FAP, and the trend as to the molecular pathogenesis of TTR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takamura Nagasaka
- Department of Neurology, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokato, 409-3898, Chuou-city, Yamanashi, Japan,
| |
Collapse
|