1
|
Garg V, Geurten BRH. Diving deep: zebrafish models in motor neuron degeneration research. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1424025. [PMID: 38966756 PMCID: PMC11222423 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1424025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
In the dynamic landscape of biomedical science, the pursuit of effective treatments for motor neuron disorders like hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) remains a key priority. Central to this endeavor is the development of robust animal models, with the zebrafish emerging as a prime candidate. Exhibiting embryonic transparency, a swift life cycle, and significant genetic and neuroanatomical congruencies with humans, zebrafish offer substantial potential for research. Despite the difference in locomotion-zebrafish undulate while humans use limbs, the zebrafish presents relevant phenotypic parallels to human motor control disorders, providing valuable insights into neurodegenerative diseases. This review explores the zebrafish's inherent traits and how they facilitate profound insights into the complex behavioral and cellular phenotypes associated with these disorders. Furthermore, we examine recent advancements in high-throughput drug screening using the zebrafish model, a promising avenue for identifying therapeutically potent compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vranda Garg
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jaroszynska N, Salzinger A, Tsarouchas TM, Becker CG, Becker T, Lyons DA, MacDonald RB, Keatinge M. C9ORF72 Deficiency Results in Neurodegeneration in the Zebrafish Retina. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e2128232024. [PMID: 38658168 PMCID: PMC11209673 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2128-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Hexanucleotide repeat expansions within the gene C9ORF72 are the most common cause of the neurodegenerative diseases amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). This disease-causing expansion leads to a reduction in C9ORF72 expression levels in patients, suggesting loss of C9ORF72 function could contribute to disease. To further understand the consequences of C9ORF72 deficiency in vivo, we generated a c9orf72 mutant zebrafish line. Analysis of the adult female spinal cords revealed no appreciable neurodegenerative pathology such as loss of motor neurons or increased levels of neuroinflammation. However, detailed examination of adult female c9orf72-/- retinas showed prominent neurodegenerative features, including a decrease in retinal thickness, gliosis, and an overall reduction in neurons of all subtypes. Analysis of rod and cone cells within the photoreceptor layer showed a disturbance in their outer segment structure and rhodopsin mislocalization from rod outer segments to their cell bodies and synaptic terminals. Thus, C9ORF72 may play a previously unappreciated role in retinal homeostasis and suggests C9ORF72 deficiency can induce tissue specific neuronal loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Jaroszynska
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1Y 0AD, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Salzinger
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, United Kingdom
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, United Kingdom
| | - Themistoklis M Tsarouchas
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94305
| | - Catherina G Becker
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Dresden 01307, Germany
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Becker
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Dresden 01307, Germany
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, United Kingdom
| | - David A Lyons
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan B MacDonald
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1Y 0AD, United Kingdom
| | - Marcus Keatinge
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, United Kingdom
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
De Cock L, Bercier V, Van Den Bosch L. New developments in pre-clinical models of ALS to guide translation. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 176:477-524. [PMID: 38802181 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder in which selective death of motor neurons leads to muscle weakness and paralysis. Most research has focused on understanding and treating monogenic familial forms, most frequently caused by mutations in SOD1, FUS, TARDBP and C9orf72, although ALS is mostly sporadic and without a clear genetic cause. Rodent models have been developed to study monogenic ALS, but despite numerous pre-clinical studies and clinical trials, few disease-modifying therapies are available. ALS is a heterogeneous disease with complex underlying mechanisms where several genes and molecular pathways appear to play a role. One reason for the high failure rate of clinical translation from the current models could be oversimplification in pre-clinical studies. Here, we review advances in pre-clinical models to better capture the heterogeneous nature of ALS and discuss the value of novel model systems to guide translation and aid in the development of precision medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lenja De Cock
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Valérie Bercier
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Smeele PH, Cesare G, Vaccari T. ALS' Perfect Storm: C9orf72-Associated Toxic Dipeptide Repeats as Potential Multipotent Disruptors of Protein Homeostasis. Cells 2024; 13:178. [PMID: 38247869 PMCID: PMC10813877 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein homeostasis is essential for neuron longevity, requiring a balanced regulation between protein synthesis and degradation. The clearance of misfolded and aggregated proteins, mediated by autophagy and the ubiquitin-proteasome systems, maintains protein homeostasis in neurons, which are post-mitotic and thus cannot use cell division to diminish the burden of misfolded proteins. When protein clearance pathways are overwhelmed or otherwise disrupted, the accumulation of misfolded or aggregated proteins can lead to the activation of ER stress and the formation of stress granules, which predominantly attempt to restore the homeostasis by suppressing global protein translation. Alterations in these processes have been widely reported among studies investigating the toxic function of dipeptide repeats (DPRs) produced by G4C2 expansion in the C9orf72 gene of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). In this review, we outline the modalities of DPR-induced disruptions in protein homeostasis observed in a wide range of models of C9orf72-linked ALS/FTD. We also discuss the relative importance of each DPR for toxicity, possible synergies between DPRs, and discuss the possible functional relevance of DPR aggregation to disease pathogenesis. Finally, we highlight the interdependencies of the observed effects and reflect on the importance of feedback and feedforward mechanisms in their contribution to disease progression. A better understanding of DPR-associated disease pathogenesis discussed in this review might shed light on disease vulnerabilities that may be amenable with therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thomas Vaccari
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhu L, Li S, Li XJ, Yin P. Pathological insights from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis animal models: comparisons, limitations, and challenges. Transl Neurodegener 2023; 12:46. [PMID: 37730668 PMCID: PMC10510301 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00377-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to dissect amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a multigenic, multifactorial, and progressive neurodegenerative disease with heterogeneous clinical presentations, researchers have generated numerous animal models to mimic the genetic defects. Concurrent and comparative analysis of these various models allows identification of the causes and mechanisms of ALS in order to finally obtain effective therapeutics. However, most genetically modified rodent models lack overt pathological features, imposing challenges and limitations in utilizing them to rigorously test the potential mechanisms. Recent studies using large animals, including pigs and non-human primates, have uncovered important events that resemble neurodegeneration in patients' brains but could not be produced in small animals. Here we describe common features as well as discrepancies among these models, highlighting new insights from these models. Furthermore, we will discuss how to make rodent models more capable of recapitulating important pathological features based on the important pathogenic insights from large animal models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Longhong Zhu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Shihua Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xiao-Jiang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Peng Yin
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rutkove SB, Callegari S, Concepcion H, Mourey T, Widrick J, Nagy JA, Nath AK. Electrical impedance myography detects age-related skeletal muscle atrophy in adult zebrafish. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7191. [PMID: 37137956 PMCID: PMC10156759 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34119-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related deficits in skeletal muscle function, termed sarcopenia, are due to loss of muscle mass and changes in the intrinsic mechanisms underlying contraction. Sarcopenia is associated with falls, functional decline, and mortality. Electrical impedance myography (EIM)-a minimally invasive, rapid electrophysiological tool-can be applied to animals and humans to monitor muscle health, thereby serving as a biomarker in both preclinical and clinical studies. EIM has been successfully employed in several species; however, the application of EIM to the assessment of zebrafish-a model organism amenable to high-throughput experimentation-has not been reported. Here, we demonstrated differences in EIM measures between the skeletal muscles of young (6 months of age) and aged (33 months of age) zebrafish. For example, EIM phase angle and reactance at 2 kHz showed significantly decreased phase angle (5.3 ± 2.1 versus 10.7 ± 1.5°; p = 0.001) and reactance (89.0 ± 3.9 versus 172.2 ± 54.8 ohms; p = 0.007) in aged versus young animals. Total muscle area, in addition to other morphometric features, was also strongly correlated to EIM 2 kHz phase angle across both groups (r = 0.7133, p = 0.01). Moreover, there was a strong correlation between 2 kHz phase angle and established metrics of zebrafish swimming performance, including turn angle, angular velocity, and lateral motion (r = 0.7253, r = 0.7308, r = 0.7857, respectively, p < 0.01 for all). In addition, the technique was shown to have high reproducibility between repeated measurements with a mean percentage difference of 5.34 ± 1.17% for phase angle. These relationships were also confirmed in a separate replication cohort. Together, these findings establish EIM as a fast, sensitive method for quantifying zebrafish muscle function and quality. Moreover, identifying the abnormalities in the bioelectrical properties of sarcopenic zebrafish provides new opportunities to evaluate potential therapeutics for age-related neuromuscular disorders and to interrogate the disease mechanisms of muscle degeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seward B Rutkove
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Santiago Callegari
- Department of Cardiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Holly Concepcion
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Tyler Mourey
- Zebrafish Core Facility, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Jeffrey Widrick
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Janice A Nagy
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Anjali K Nath
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Department of Cardiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu Y. Zebrafish as a Model Organism for Studying Pathologic Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases and other Neural Disorders. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023:10.1007/s10571-023-01340-w. [PMID: 37004595 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01340-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Zebrafish are widely considered an excellent vertebrate model for studying the pathogenesis of human diseases because of their transparency of embryonic development, easy breeding, high similarity with human genes, and easy gene manipulation. Previous studies have shown that zebrafish as a model organism provides an ideal operating platform for clarifying the pathological and molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and related human diseases. This review mainly summarizes the achievements and prospects of zebrafish used as model organisms in the research of neurodegenerative diseases and other human diseases related to the nervous system in recent years. In the future study of human disease mechanisms, the application of the zebrafish model will continue to provide a valuable operating platform and technical support for investigating and finding better prevention and treatment of these diseases, which has broad application prospects and practical significance. Zebrafish models used in neurodegenerative diseases and other diseases related to the nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanying Liu
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Nursing and Health, Qingdao Huanghai University, Qingdao, 266427, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Oliveira NAS, Pinho BR, Oliveira JMA. Swimming against ALS: How to model disease in zebrafish for pathophysiological and behavioral studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 148:105138. [PMID: 36933816 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that leads to progressive disability and motor impairment. Existing therapies provide modest improvements in patient survival, raising a need for new treatments for ALS. Zebrafish is a promising model animal for translational and fundamental research in ALS - it is an experimentally tractable vertebrate, with high homology to humans and an ample experimental toolbox. These advantages allow high-throughput study of behavioral and pathophysiological phenotypes. The last decade saw an increased interest in modelling ALS in zebrafish, leading to the current abundance and variety of available methods and models. Additionally, the rise of gene editing techniques and toxin combination studies has created novel opportunities for ALS studies in zebrafish. In this review, we address the relevance of zebrafish as a model animal for ALS studies, the strategies for model induction and key phenotypical evaluation. Furthermore, we discuss established and emerging zebrafish models of ALS, analyzing their validity, including their potential for drug testing, and highlighting research opportunities in this area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nuno A S Oliveira
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Mitochondria and Neurobiology Lab, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Lab, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Brígida R Pinho
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Mitochondria and Neurobiology Lab, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Lab, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge M A Oliveira
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Mitochondria and Neurobiology Lab, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Lab, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mead RJ, Shan N, Reiser HJ, Marshall F, Shaw PJ. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a neurodegenerative disorder poised for successful therapeutic translation. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:185-212. [PMID: 36543887 PMCID: PMC9768794 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00612-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 99.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating disease caused by degeneration of motor neurons. As with all major neurodegenerative disorders, development of disease-modifying therapies has proven challenging for multiple reasons. Nevertheless, ALS is one of the few neurodegenerative diseases for which disease-modifying therapies are approved. Significant discoveries and advances have been made in ALS preclinical models, genetics, pathology, biomarkers, imaging and clinical readouts over the last 10-15 years. At the same time, novel therapeutic paradigms are being applied in areas of high unmet medical need, including neurodegenerative disorders. These developments have evolved our knowledge base, allowing identification of targeted candidate therapies for ALS with diverse mechanisms of action. In this Review, we discuss how this advanced knowledge, aligned with new approaches, can enable effective translation of therapeutic agents from preclinical studies through to clinical benefit for patients with ALS. We anticipate that this approach in ALS will also positively impact the field of drug discovery for neurodegenerative disorders more broadly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Mead
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Keapstone Therapeutics, The Innovation Centre, Broomhall, Sheffield, UK
| | - Ning Shan
- Aclipse Therapeutics, Radnor, PA, US
| | | | - Fiona Marshall
- MSD UK Discovery Centre, Merck, Sharp and Dohme (UK) Limited, London, UK
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
- Keapstone Therapeutics, The Innovation Centre, Broomhall, Sheffield, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mhalhel K, Sicari M, Pansera L, Chen J, Levanti M, Diotel N, Rastegar S, Germanà A, Montalbano G. Zebrafish: A Model Deciphering the Impact of Flavonoids on Neurodegenerative Disorders. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020252. [PMID: 36672187 PMCID: PMC9856690 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past century, advances in biotechnology, biochemistry, and pharmacognosy have spotlighted flavonoids, polyphenolic secondary metabolites that have the ability to modulate many pathways involved in various biological mechanisms, including those involved in neuronal plasticity, learning, and memory. Moreover, flavonoids are known to impact the biological processes involved in developing neurodegenerative diseases, namely oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Thus, several flavonoids could be used as adjuvants to prevent and counteract neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Zebrafish is an interesting model organism that can offer new opportunities to study the beneficial effects of flavonoids on neurodegenerative diseases. Indeed, the high genome homology of 70% to humans, the brain organization largely similar to the human brain as well as the similar neuroanatomical and neurochemical processes, and the high neurogenic activity maintained in the adult brain makes zebrafish a valuable model for the study of human neurodegenerative diseases and deciphering the impact of flavonoids on those disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kamel Mhalhel
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab., Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Giovanni Palatucci snc, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Mirea Sicari
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab., Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Giovanni Palatucci snc, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Lidia Pansera
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab., Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Giovanni Palatucci snc, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Jincan Chen
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems-Biological Information Processing (IBCS-BIP), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Campus North, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Maria Levanti
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab., Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Giovanni Palatucci snc, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Nicolas Diotel
- Université de la Réunion, UMR 1188 Diabète Athérothrombose Thérapies Réunion Océan Indien (DéTROI), Plateforme CYROI, F-97490 Sainte-Clotilde, France
| | - Sepand Rastegar
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems-Biological Information Processing (IBCS-BIP), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Campus North, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
- Correspondence: (S.R.); (G.M.); Tel.: +49-721-608-22507 (S.R.); +39-090-6766822 (G.M.)
| | - Antonino Germanà
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab., Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Giovanni Palatucci snc, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalbano
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab., Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Giovanni Palatucci snc, 98168 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.R.); (G.M.); Tel.: +49-721-608-22507 (S.R.); +39-090-6766822 (G.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Singh J, Patten SA. Modeling neuromuscular diseases in zebrafish. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1054573. [PMID: 36583079 PMCID: PMC9794147 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1054573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular diseases are a diverse group of conditions that affect the motor system and present some overlapping as well as distinct clinical manifestations. Although individually rare, the combined prevalence of NMDs is similar to Parkinson's. Over the past decade, new genetic mutations have been discovered through whole exome/genome sequencing, but the pathogenesis of most NMDs remains largely unexplored. Little information on the molecular mechanism governing the progression and development of NMDs accounts for the continual failure of therapies in clinical trials. Different aspects of the diseases are typically investigated using different models from cells to animals. Zebrafish emerges as an excellent model for studying genetics and pathogenesis and for developing therapeutic interventions for most NMDs. In this review, we describe the generation of different zebrafish genetic models mimicking NMDs and how they are used for drug discovery and therapy development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaskaran Singh
- INRS – Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Shunmoogum A. Patten
- INRS – Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, Canada,Departement de Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada,Centre d'Excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines – Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, QC, Canada,*Correspondence: Shunmoogum A. Patten,
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
The Cellular and Molecular Signature of ALS in Muscle. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12111868. [PMID: 36579600 PMCID: PMC9692882 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12111868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a disease affecting upper and lower motor neurons. Although motor neuron death is the core event of ALS pathology, it is increasingly recognized that other tissues and cell types are affected in the disease, making potentially major contributions to the occurrence and progression of pathology. We review here the known cellular and molecular characteristics of muscle tissue affected by ALS. Evidence of toxicity in skeletal muscle tissue is considered, including metabolic dysfunctions, impaired proteostasis, and deficits in muscle regeneration and RNA metabolism. The role of muscle as a secretory organ, and effects on the skeletal muscle secretome are also covered, including the increase in secretion of toxic factors or decrease in essential factors that have consequences for neuronal function and survival.
Collapse
|
13
|
Chia K, Klingseisen A, Sieger D, Priller J. Zebrafish as a model organism for neurodegenerative disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:940484. [PMID: 36311026 PMCID: PMC9606821 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.940484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish is increasingly recognized as a model organism for translational research into human neuropathology. The zebrafish brain exhibits fundamental resemblance with human neuroanatomical and neurochemical pathways, and hallmarks of human brain pathology such as protein aggregation, neuronal degeneration and activation of glial cells, for example, can be modeled and recapitulated in the fish central nervous system. Genetic manipulation, imaging, and drug screening are areas where zebrafish excel with the ease of introducing mutations and transgenes, the expression of fluorescent markers that can be detected in vivo in the transparent larval stages overtime, and simple treatment of large numbers of fish larvae at once followed by automated screening and imaging. In this review, we summarize how zebrafish have successfully been employed to model human neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington’s disease. We discuss advantages and disadvantages of choosing zebrafish as a model for these neurodegenerative conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelda Chia
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Klingseisen
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Dirk Sieger
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Dirk Sieger,
| | - Josef Priller
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Neuropsychiatry and Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, DZNE, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Josef Priller,
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lescouzères L, Bordignon B, Bomont P. Development of a high-throughput tailored imaging method in zebrafish to understand and treat neuromuscular diseases. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:956582. [PMID: 36204134 PMCID: PMC9530744 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.956582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a vertebrate species offering multitude of advantages for the study of conserved biological systems in human and has considerably enriched our knowledge in developmental biology and physiology. Being equally important in medical research, the zebrafish has become a critical tool in the fields of diagnosis, gene discovery, disease modeling, and pharmacology-based therapy. Studies on the zebrafish neuromuscular system allowed for deciphering key molecular pathways in this tissue, and established it as a model of choice to study numerous motor neurons, neuromuscular junctions, and muscle diseases. Starting with the similarities of the zebrafish neuromuscular system with the human system, we review disease models associated with the neuromuscular system to focus on current methodologies employed to study them and outline their caveats. In particular, we put in perspective the necessity to develop standardized and high-resolution methodologies that are necessary to deepen our understanding of not only fundamental signaling pathways in a healthy tissue but also the changes leading to disease phenotype outbreaks, and offer templates for high-content screening strategies. While the development of high-throughput methodologies is underway for motility assays, there is no automated approach to quantify the key molecular cues of the neuromuscular junction. Here, we provide a novel high-throughput imaging methodology in the zebrafish that is standardized, highly resolutive, quantitative, and fit for drug screening. By providing a proof of concept for its robustness in identifying novel molecular players and therapeutic drugs in giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) disease, we foresee that this new tool could be useful for both fundamental and biomedical research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Léa Lescouzères
- ERC Team, Institut NeuroMyoGéne-PGNM, Inserm U1315, CNRS UMR 5261, Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Benoît Bordignon
- Montpellier Ressources Imagerie, BioCampus, CNRS, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Pascale Bomont
- ERC Team, Institut NeuroMyoGéne-PGNM, Inserm U1315, CNRS UMR 5261, Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, Lyon, France
- *Correspondence: Pascale Bomont,
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bashirzade AA, Zabegalov KN, Volgin AD, Belova AS, Demin KA, de Abreu MS, Babchenko VY, Bashirzade KA, Yenkoyan KB, Tikhonova MA, Amstislavskaya TG, Kalueff AV. Modeling neurodegenerative disorders in zebrafish. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 138:104679. [PMID: 35490912 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegeneration is a major cause of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, multiple and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, pontocerebellar hypoplasia, dementia and other related brain disorders. Their complex pathogenesis commonly includes genetic and neurochemical deficits, misfolded protein toxicity, demyelination, apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunctions. Albeit differing in specific underlying mechanisms, neurodegenerative disorders typically display evolutionarily conserved mechanisms across taxa. Here, we review the role of zebrafish models in recapitulating major human and rodent neurodegenerative conditions, demonstrating this species as a highly relevant experimental model for research on neurodegenerative diseases, and discussing how these fish models can further clarify the underlying genetic, neurochemical, neuroanatomical and behavioral pathogenic mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alim A Bashirzade
- Novosibirsk State University, Institute of Medicine and Psychology, Novosibirsk, Russia; Scientific Research Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | | | - Andrey D Volgin
- Novosibirsk State University, Institute of Medicine and Psychology, Novosibirsk, Russia; Scientific Research Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Alisa S Belova
- Novosibirsk State University, Institute of Medicine and Psychology, Novosibirsk, Russia; Scientific Research Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Konstantin A Demin
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia; Granov Scientific Research Center of Radiology and Surgical Technologies, St. Petersburg, Russia; Almazov Medical Research Center, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Vladislav Ya Babchenko
- Novosibirsk State University, Institute of Medicine and Psychology, Novosibirsk, Russia; Scientific Research Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Kseniya A Bashirzade
- Novosibirsk State University, Institute of Medicine and Psychology, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Konstantin B Yenkoyan
- Neuroscience Laboratory, COBRAIN Center, M Heratsi Yerevan State Medical University, Yerevan, Armenia; COBRAIN Center - Scientific Educational Center for Fundamental Brain Research, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Maria A Tikhonova
- Novosibirsk State University, Institute of Medicine and Psychology, Novosibirsk, Russia; Scientific Research Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Tamara G Amstislavskaya
- Novosibirsk State University, Institute of Medicine and Psychology, Novosibirsk, Russia; Scientific Research Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- The Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia; Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg, Russia; COBRAIN Center - Scientific Educational Center for Fundamental Brain Research, Yerevan, Armenia.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Disease Modeling of Rare Neurological Disorders in Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073946. [PMID: 35409306 PMCID: PMC9000079 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rare diseases are those which affect a small number of people compared to the general population. However, many patients with a rare disease remain undiagnosed, and a large majority of rare diseases still have no form of viable treatment. Approximately 40% of rare diseases include neurologic and neurodevelopmental disorders. In order to understand the characteristics of rare neurological disorders and identify causative genes, various model organisms have been utilized extensively. In this review, the characteristics of model organisms, such as roundworms, fruit flies, and zebrafish, are examined, with an emphasis on zebrafish disease modeling in rare neurological disorders.
Collapse
|
17
|
Boddy S, Islam M, Moll T, Kurz J, Burrows D, McGown A, Bhargava A, Julian TH, Harvey C, Marshall JNG, Hall BPC, Allen SP, Kenna KP, Sanderson E, Zhang S, Ramesh T, Snyder MP, Shaw PJ, McDermott C, Cooper-Knock J. Unbiased metabolome screen leads to personalized medicine strategy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac069. [PMID: 35441136 PMCID: PMC9010771 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects 1/350 individuals in the United Kingdom. The cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is unknown in the majority of cases. Two-sample Mendelian randomization enables causal inference between an exposure, such as the serum concentration of a specific metabolite, and disease risk. We obtained genome-wide association study summary statistics for serum concentrations of 566 metabolites which were population matched with a genome-wide association study of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. For each metabolite, we performed Mendelian randomization using an inverse variance weighted estimate for significance testing. After stringent Bonferroni multiple testing correction, our unbiased screen revealed three metabolites that were significantly linked to the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Estrone-3-sulphate and bradykinin were protective, which is consistent with literature describing a male preponderance of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and a preventive effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors which inhibit the breakdown of bradykinin. Serum isoleucine was positively associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis risk. All three metabolites were supported by robust Mendelian randomization measures and sensitivity analyses; estrone-3-sulphate and isoleucine were confirmed in a validation amyotrophic lateral sclerosis genome-wide association study. Estrone-3-sulphate is metabolized to the more active estradiol by the enzyme 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1; further, Mendelian randomization demonstrated a protective effect of estradiol and rare variant analysis showed that missense variants within HSD17B1, the gene encoding 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1, modify risk for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Finally, in a zebrafish model of C9ORF72-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, we present evidence that estradiol is neuroprotective. Isoleucine is metabolized via methylmalonyl-CoA mutase encoded by the gene MMUT in a reaction that consumes vitamin B12. Multivariable Mendelian randomization revealed that the toxic effect of isoleucine is dependent on the depletion of vitamin B12; consistent with this, rare variants which reduce the function of MMUT are protective against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We propose that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients and family members with high serum isoleucine levels should be offered supplementation with vitamin B12.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Boddy
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Mahjabin Islam
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Tobias Moll
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Julian Kurz
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - David Burrows
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Alexander McGown
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Anushka Bhargava
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Thomas H Julian
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Calum Harvey
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jack NG Marshall
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Benjamin PC Hall
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Scott P Allen
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Kevin P Kenna
- Department of Neurology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Eleanor Sanderson
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU), University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sai Zhang
- Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Tennore Ramesh
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Michael P Snyder
- Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Christopher McDermott
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Johnathan Cooper-Knock
- Department of Neurology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zebrafish, Medaka and Turquoise Killifish for Understanding Human Neurodegenerative/Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031399. [PMID: 35163337 PMCID: PMC8836067 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, small fishes such as zebrafish and medaka have been widely recognized as model animals. They have high homology in genetics and tissue structure with humans and unique features that mammalian model animals do not have, such as transparency of embryos and larvae, a small body size and ease of experiments, including genetic manipulation. Zebrafish and medaka have been used extensively in the field of neurology, especially to unveil the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, and recently, these fishes have also been utilized to understand neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder. The turquoise killifish has emerged as a new and unique model animal, especially for ageing research due to its unique life cycle, and this fish also seems to be useful for age-related neurological diseases. These small fishes are excellent animal models for the analysis of human neurological disorders and are expected to play increasing roles in this field. Here, we introduce various applications of these model fishes to improve our understanding of human neurological disorders.
Collapse
|
19
|
Bonifacino T, Zerbo RA, Balbi M, Torazza C, Frumento G, Fedele E, Bonanno G, Milanese M. Nearly 30 Years of Animal Models to Study Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Historical Overview and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212236. [PMID: 34830115 PMCID: PMC8619465 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal, multigenic, multifactorial, and non-cell autonomous neurodegenerative disease characterized by upper and lower motor neuron loss. Several genetic mutations lead to ALS development and many emerging gene mutations have been discovered in recent years. Over the decades since 1990, several animal models have been generated to study ALS pathology including both vertebrates and invertebrates such as yeast, worms, flies, zebrafish, mice, rats, guinea pigs, dogs, and non-human primates. Although these models show different peculiarities, they are all useful and complementary to dissect the pathological mechanisms at the basis of motor neuron degeneration and ALS progression, thus contributing to the development of new promising therapeutics. In this review, we describe the up to date and available ALS genetic animal models, classified by the different genetic mutations and divided per species, pointing out their features in modeling, the onset and progression of the pathology, as well as their specific pathological hallmarks. Moreover, we highlight similarities, differences, advantages, and limitations, aimed at helping the researcher to select the most appropriate experimental animal model, when designing a preclinical ALS study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Bonifacino
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberta Arianna Zerbo
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Matilde Balbi
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Carola Torazza
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Giulia Frumento
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Ernesto Fedele
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Milanese
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Genoa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Lu D, Ma R, Xie Q, Xu Z, Yuan J, Ren M, Li J, Li Y, Wang J. Application and advantages of zebrafish model in the study of neurovascular unit. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 910:174483. [PMID: 34481878 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The concept of "Neurovascular Unit" (NVU) was put forward, so that the research goal of Central Nervous System (CNS) diseases gradually transitioned from a single neuron to the structural and functional integrity of the NVU. Zebrafish has the advantages of high homology with human genes, strong reproductive capacity and visualization of neural circuits, so it has become an emerging model organism for NVU research and has been applied to a variety of CNS diseases. Based on CNKI (https://www.cnki.net/) and PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/about/) databases, the author of this article sorted out the relevant literature, analyzed the construction of a zebrafish model of various CNS diseases,and the use of diagrams showed the application of zebrafish in the NVU, revealed its relationship, which would provide new methods and references for the treatment and research of CNS diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danni Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Rong Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Qian Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Zhuo Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Jianmei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Mihong Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Jinxiu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Jian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Riemslagh FW, Verhagen RFM, van der Toorn EC, Smits DJ, Quint WH, van der Linde HC, van Ham TJ, Willemsen R. Reduction of oxidative stress suppresses poly-GR-mediated toxicity in zebrafish embryos. Dis Model Mech 2021; 14:272601. [PMID: 34693978 PMCID: PMC8649169 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The hexanucleotide (G4C2)-repeat expansion in the C9ORF72 gene is the most common pathogenic cause of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This repeat expansion can be translated into dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs), and distribution of the poly-GR DPR correlates with neurodegeneration in postmortem C9FTD/ALS brains. Here, we assessed poly-GR toxicity in zebrafish embryos, using an annexin A5-based fluorescent transgenic line (secA5) that allows for detection and quantification of apoptosis in vivo. Microinjection of RNA encoding poly-GR into fertilized oocytes evoked apoptosis in the brain and abnormal motor neuron morphology in the trunk of 1-4-days postfertilization embryos. Poly-GR can be specifically detected in protein homogenates from injected zebrafish and in the frontal cortexes of C9FTD/ALS cases. Poly-GR expression further elevated MitoSOX levels in zebrafish embryos, indicating oxidative stress. Inhibition of reactive oxygen species using Trolox showed full suppression of poly-GR toxicity. Our study indicates that poly-GR can exert its toxicity via oxidative stress. This zebrafish model can be used to find suppressors of poly-GR toxicity and identify its molecular targets underlying neurodegeneration observed in C9FTD/ALS. Summary: Toxicity of C9ALS/FTD poly-GR in zebrafish embryos is suppressed by Trolox, and poly-GR can be detected and quantified in zebrafish model protein homogenates, and in the frontal cortex of C9FTD/ALS cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fréderike W Riemslagh
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rob F M Verhagen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esmay C van der Toorn
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daphne J Smits
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wim H Quint
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Herma C van der Linde
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tjakko J van Ham
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rob Willemsen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Li J, Bi H. The effect and mechanism of cypermethrin-induced hippocampal neurotoxicity as determined by network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation. Bioengineered 2021; 12:9279-9289. [PMID: 34714723 PMCID: PMC8810029 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.2000106] [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] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cypermethrin (CMN) is a widely used artificial synthetic pesticide that causes neurotoxicity in the hippocampus. However, the underlying toxicological targets and mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, network pharmacology analysis and in vitro models were integrated to investigate the effect and mechanism of CMN-induced hippocampal neurotoxicity. A total of 88 targets of CMN-induced hippocampal neurotoxicity were predicted. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment (KEGG) analyses suggested that these targets were related to multiple GO terms and signaling pathways. To further investigate underlying mechanism, the top 10 hub targets (Akt1, Tnf, Ptgs2, Casp3, Igf1, Sirt1, Jun, Cat, Il10, and Bcl2l1) were screened. Furthermore, cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays demonstrated that CMN was toxic to HT22 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining revealed that treatment with CMN increased the proportion of apoptotic cells. In addition, the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) results indicated that CMN altered the mRNA expression levels of most of the hub targets, with the exceptions of Igf1 and Jun. The results demonstrated that multiple targets and signaling pathways were involved in CMN-induced hippocampal neurotoxicity. These findings provided reference values for subsequent studies of the toxicological mechanism of CMN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianan Li
- KeyLaboratory of Environment and Health, College of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Haoran Bi
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Torres P, Cabral-Miranda F, Gonzalez-Teuber V, Hetz C. Proteostasis deregulation as a driver of C9ORF72 pathogenesis. J Neurochem 2021; 159:941-957. [PMID: 34679204 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15529] [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: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are two related neurodegenerative disorders that display overlapping features. The hexanucleotide repeat expansion GGGGCC (G4 C2 ) in C9ORF72 gene has been causally linked to both ALS and FTD emergence, thus opening a novel potential therapeutic target for disease intervention. The main driver of C9ORF72 pathology is the disruption of distinct cellular processes involved in the function of the proteostasis network. Here we discuss main findings relating to the induction of neurodegeneration by C9ORF72 mutation and proteostasis deregulation, highlighting the role of the endoplasmic reticulum stress, nuclear transport, and autophagy in the disease process. We further discuss possible points of intervention to target proteostasis mediators to treat C9ORF72-linked ALS/FTD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Torres
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,FONDAP Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile.,Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe Cabral-Miranda
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vicente Gonzalez-Teuber
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,FONDAP Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile.,Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudio Hetz
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,FONDAP Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile.,Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Wang J, Cao H. Zebrafish and Medaka: Important Animal Models for Human Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10766. [PMID: 34639106 PMCID: PMC8509648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal models of human neurodegenerative disease have been investigated for several decades. In recent years, zebrafish (Danio rerio) and medaka (Oryzias latipes) have become popular in pathogenic and therapeutic studies about human neurodegenerative diseases due to their small size, the optical clarity of embryos, their fast development, and their suitability to large-scale therapeutic screening. Following the emergence of a new generation of molecular biological technologies such as reverse and forward genetics, morpholino, transgenesis, and gene knockout, many human neurodegenerative disease models, such as Parkinson's, Huntington's, and Alzheimer's, were constructed in zebrafish and medaka. These studies proved that zebrafish and medaka genes are functionally conserved in relation to their human homologues, so they exhibit similar neurodegenerative phenotypes to human beings. Therefore, fish are a suitable model for the investigation of pathologic mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and for the large-scale screening of drugs for potential therapy. In this review, we summarize the studies in modelling human neurodegenerative diseases in zebrafish and medaka in recent years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donghu South Road 7#, Wuhan 430072, China;
- College of Advanced Agriculture Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hong Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donghu South Road 7#, Wuhan 430072, China;
- College of Advanced Agriculture Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Wright AL, Della Gatta PA, Le S, Berning BA, Mehta P, Jacobs KR, Gul H, San Gil R, Hedl TJ, Riddell WR, Watson O, Keating SS, Venturato J, Chung RS, Atkin JD, Lee A, Shi B, Blizzard CA, Morsch M, Walker AK. Riluzole does not ameliorate disease caused by cytoplasmic TDP-43 in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 54:6237-6255. [PMID: 34390052 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease commonly treated with riluzole, a small molecule that may act via modulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission. However, riluzole only modestly extends lifespan for people living with ALS, and its precise mechanisms of action remain unclear. Most ALS cases are characterised by accumulation of cytoplasmic TAR DNA binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43), and understanding the effects of riluzole in models that closely recapitulate TDP-43 pathology may provide insights for development of improved therapeutics. We therefore investigated the effects of riluzole in female transgenic mice that inducibly express nuclear localisation sequence (NLS)-deficient human TDP-43 in neurons (NEFH-tTA/tetO-hTDP-43ΔNLS, 'rNLS8', mice). Riluzole treatment from the first day of hTDP-43ΔNLS expression did not alter disease onset, weight loss or performance on multiple motor behavioural tasks. Riluzole treatment also did not alter TDP-43 protein levels, solubility or phosphorylation. Although we identified a significant decrease in GluA2 and GluA3 proteins in the cortex of rNLS8 mice, riluzole did not ameliorate this disease-associated molecular phenotype. Likewise, riluzole did not alter the disease-associated atrophy of hindlimb muscle in rNLS8 mice. Finally, riluzole treatment beginning after disease onset in rNLS8 mice similarly had no effect on progression of late-stage disease or animal survival. Together, we demonstrate specific glutamatergic receptor alterations and muscle fibre-type changes reminiscent of ALS in female rNLS8 mice, but riluzole had no effect on these or any other disease phenotypes. Future targeting of pathways related to accumulation of TDP-43 pathology may be needed to develop better treatments for ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Wright
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul A Della Gatta
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sheng Le
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Britt A Berning
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Neurodegeneration Pathobiology Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Prachi Mehta
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kelly R Jacobs
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hossai Gul
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca San Gil
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Neurodegeneration Pathobiology Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Thomas J Hedl
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Neurodegeneration Pathobiology Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Winonah R Riddell
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Owen Watson
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sean S Keating
- Neurodegeneration Pathobiology Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Juliana Venturato
- Neurodegeneration Pathobiology Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Roger S Chung
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julie D Atkin
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Albert Lee
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bingyang Shi
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Catherine A Blizzard
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Marco Morsch
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Adam K Walker
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Neurodegeneration Pathobiology Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Pikatza-Menoio O, Elicegui A, Bengoetxea X, Naldaiz-Gastesi N, López de Munain A, Gerenu G, Gil-Bea FJ, Alonso-Martín S. The Skeletal Muscle Emerges as a New Disease Target in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. J Pers Med 2021; 11:671. [PMID: 34357138 PMCID: PMC8307751 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11070671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder that leads to progressive degeneration of motor neurons (MNs) and severe muscle atrophy without effective treatment. Most research on ALS has been focused on the study of MNs and supporting cells of the central nervous system. Strikingly, the recent observations of pathological changes in muscle occurring before disease onset and independent from MN degeneration have bolstered the interest for the study of muscle tissue as a potential target for delivery of therapies for ALS. Skeletal muscle has just been described as a tissue with an important secretory function that is toxic to MNs in the context of ALS. Moreover, a fine-tuning balance between biosynthetic and atrophic pathways is necessary to induce myogenesis for muscle tissue repair. Compromising this response due to primary metabolic abnormalities in the muscle could trigger defective muscle regeneration and neuromuscular junction restoration, with deleterious consequences for MNs and thereby hastening the development of ALS. However, it remains puzzling how backward signaling from the muscle could impinge on MN death. This review provides a comprehensive analysis on the current state-of-the-art of the role of the skeletal muscle in ALS, highlighting its contribution to the neurodegeneration in ALS through backward-signaling processes as a newly uncovered mechanism for a peripheral etiopathogenesis of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oihane Pikatza-Menoio
- Neuromuscular Diseases Group, Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain; (O.P.-M.); (A.E.); (X.B.); (N.N.-G.); (A.L.d.M.); (G.G.); (F.J.G.-B.)
- CIBERNED, Carlos III Institute, Spanish Ministry of Economy & Competitiveness, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Amaia Elicegui
- Neuromuscular Diseases Group, Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain; (O.P.-M.); (A.E.); (X.B.); (N.N.-G.); (A.L.d.M.); (G.G.); (F.J.G.-B.)
- CIBERNED, Carlos III Institute, Spanish Ministry of Economy & Competitiveness, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Xabier Bengoetxea
- Neuromuscular Diseases Group, Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain; (O.P.-M.); (A.E.); (X.B.); (N.N.-G.); (A.L.d.M.); (G.G.); (F.J.G.-B.)
| | - Neia Naldaiz-Gastesi
- Neuromuscular Diseases Group, Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain; (O.P.-M.); (A.E.); (X.B.); (N.N.-G.); (A.L.d.M.); (G.G.); (F.J.G.-B.)
- CIBERNED, Carlos III Institute, Spanish Ministry of Economy & Competitiveness, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Adolfo López de Munain
- Neuromuscular Diseases Group, Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain; (O.P.-M.); (A.E.); (X.B.); (N.N.-G.); (A.L.d.M.); (G.G.); (F.J.G.-B.)
- CIBERNED, Carlos III Institute, Spanish Ministry of Economy & Competitiveness, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Neurology, Donostialdea Integrated Health Organization, Osakidetza Basque Health Service, 20014 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursery, University of the Basque Country UPV-EHU, 20014 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Gorka Gerenu
- Neuromuscular Diseases Group, Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain; (O.P.-M.); (A.E.); (X.B.); (N.N.-G.); (A.L.d.M.); (G.G.); (F.J.G.-B.)
- CIBERNED, Carlos III Institute, Spanish Ministry of Economy & Competitiveness, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Physiology, University of the Basque Country UPV-EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Gil-Bea
- Neuromuscular Diseases Group, Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain; (O.P.-M.); (A.E.); (X.B.); (N.N.-G.); (A.L.d.M.); (G.G.); (F.J.G.-B.)
- CIBERNED, Carlos III Institute, Spanish Ministry of Economy & Competitiveness, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonia Alonso-Martín
- Neuromuscular Diseases Group, Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain; (O.P.-M.); (A.E.); (X.B.); (N.N.-G.); (A.L.d.M.); (G.G.); (F.J.G.-B.)
- CIBERNED, Carlos III Institute, Spanish Ministry of Economy & Competitiveness, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wang X, Zhang JB, He KJ, Wang F, Liu CF. Advances of Zebrafish in Neurodegenerative Disease: From Models to Drug Discovery. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:713963. [PMID: 34335276 PMCID: PMC8317260 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.713963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disease (NDD), including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, are characterized by the progressive loss of neurons which leads to the decline of motor and/or cognitive function. Currently, the prevalence of NDD is rapidly increasing in the aging population. However, valid drugs or treatment for NDD are still lacking. The clinical heterogeneity and complex pathogenesis of NDD pose a great challenge for the development of disease-modifying therapies. Numerous animal models have been generated to mimic the pathological conditions of these diseases for drug discovery. Among them, zebrafish (Danio rerio) models are progressively emerging and becoming a powerful tool for in vivo study of NDD. Extensive use of zebrafish in pharmacology research or drug screening is due to the high conserved evolution and 87% homology to humans. In this review, we summarize the zebrafish models used in NDD studies, and highlight the recent findings on pharmacological targets for NDD treatment. As high-throughput platforms in zebrafish research have rapidly developed in recent years, we also discuss the application prospects of these new technologies in future NDD research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jin-Bao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Kai-Jie He
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Fen Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chun-Feng Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Department of Neurology, Suqian First Hospital, Suqian, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Butti Z, Pan YE, Giacomotto J, Patten SA. Reduced C9orf72 function leads to defective synaptic vesicle release and neuromuscular dysfunction in zebrafish. Commun Biol 2021; 4:792. [PMID: 34172817 PMCID: PMC8233344 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02302-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and fronto-temporal dementia (FTD) is a hexanucleotide repeat expansion within the C9orf72 gene. Reduced levels of C9orf72 mRNA and protein have been found in ALS/FTD patients, but the role of this protein in disease pathogenesis is still poorly understood. Here, we report the generation and characterization of a stable C9orf72 loss-of-function (LOF) model in the zebrafish. We show that reduced C9orf72 function leads to motor defects, muscle atrophy, motor neuron loss and mortality in early larval and adult stages. Analysis of the structure and function of the neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) of the larvae, reveal a marked reduction in the number of presynaptic and postsynaptic structures and an impaired release of quantal synaptic vesicles at the NMJ. Strikingly, we demonstrate a downregulation of SV2a upon C9orf72-LOF and a reduced rate of synaptic vesicle cycling. Furthermore, we show a reduced number and size of Rab3a-postive synaptic puncta at NMJs. Altogether, these results reveal a key function for C9orf72 in the control of presynaptic vesicle trafficking and release at the zebrafish larval NMJ. Our study demonstrates an important role for C9orf72 in ALS/FTD pathogenesis, where it regulates synaptic vesicle release and neuromuscular functions. Butti et al. generate a C9orf72 loss-of-function model in zebrafish. They find that that C9orf72 is required for presynaptic vesicle trafficking and release at the zebrafish larval neuromuscular junctions. This study provides functional insights into the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and fronto-temporal dementia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zoé Butti
- INRS- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, Canada
| | | | - Jean Giacomotto
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.,Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Shunmoogum A Patten
- INRS- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, Canada. .,Centre d'Excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines - Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Braems E, Tziortzouda P, Van Den Bosch L. Exploring the alternative: Fish, flies and worms as preclinical models for ALS. Neurosci Lett 2021; 759:136041. [PMID: 34118308 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of upper and lower motor neurons. In general, patients succumb to respiratory insufficiency due to respiratory muscle weakness. Despite many promising therapeutic strategies primarily identified in rodent models, patient trials remain rather unsuccessful. There is a clear need for alternative approaches, which could provide directions towards the justified use of rodents and which increase the likelihood to identify new promising clinical candidates. In the last decades, the use of fast genetic approaches and the development of high-throughput screening platforms in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, in the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) and in zebrafish (Danio rerio) have contributed to new insights into ALS pathomechanisms, disease modifiers and therapeutic targets. In this mini-review, we provide an overview of these alternative small animal studies, modeling the most common ALS genes and discuss the most recent preclinical discoveries. We conclude that small animal models will not replace rodent models, yet they clearly represent an important asset for preclinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elke Braems
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paraskevi Tziortzouda
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Alhindi A, Boehm I, Chaytow H. Small junction, big problems: Neuromuscular junction pathology in mouse models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). J Anat 2021; 241:1089-1107. [PMID: 34101196 PMCID: PMC9558162 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a motor neuron disease with an extremely heterogeneous clinical and genetic phenotype. In our efforts to find therapies for ALS, the scientific community has developed a plethora of mouse models, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. The peripheral nervous system, specifically the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), is known to be affected in ALS patients and shows marked dysfunction across mouse models. Evidence of pathology at the NMJ includes denervated NMJs, changes in endplate size and loss of terminal Schwann cells. This review compares the temporal disease progression with severity of disease at the NMJ in mouse models with the most commonly mutated genes in ALS patients (SOD1, C9ORF72, TARDBP and FUS). Despite variability, early NMJ dysfunction seems to be a common factor in models with SOD1, TARDBP and FUS mutations, while C9ORF72 models do not appear to follow the same pattern of pathology. Further work into determining the timing of NMJ pathology, particularly in newer ALS mouse models, will confirm its pivotal role in ALS pathogenesis and therefore highlight the NMJ as a potential therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abrar Alhindi
- Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ines Boehm
- Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Helena Chaytow
- Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Don EK, Maschirow A, Radford RAW, Scherer NM, Vidal-Itriago A, Hogan A, Maurel C, Formella I, Stoddart JJ, Hall TE, Lee A, Shi B, Cole NJ, Laird AS, Badrock AP, Chung RS, Morsch M. In vivo Validation of Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation (BiFC) to Investigate Aggregate Formation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:2061-2074. [PMID: 33415684 PMCID: PMC8018926 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02238-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a form of motor neuron disease (MND) that is characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons within the spinal cord, brainstem, and motor cortex. Although ALS clinically manifests as a heterogeneous disease, with varying disease onset and survival, a unifying feature is the presence of ubiquitinated cytoplasmic protein inclusion aggregates containing TDP-43. However, the precise mechanisms linking protein inclusions and aggregation to neuronal loss are currently poorly understood. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) takes advantage of the association of fluorophore fragments (non-fluorescent on their own) that are attached to an aggregation-prone protein of interest. Interaction of the proteins of interest allows for the fluorescent reporter protein to fold into its native state and emit a fluorescent signal. Here, we combined the power of BiFC with the advantages of the zebrafish system to validate, optimize, and visualize the formation of ALS-linked aggregates in real time in a vertebrate model. We further provide in vivo validation of the selectivity of this technique and demonstrate reduced spontaneous self-assembly of the non-fluorescent fragments in vivo by introducing a fluorophore mutation. Additionally, we report preliminary findings on the dynamic aggregation of the ALS-linked hallmark proteins Fus and TDP-43 in their corresponding nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments using BiFC. Overall, our data demonstrates the suitability of this BiFC approach to study and characterize ALS-linked aggregate formation in vivo. Importantly, the same principle can be applied in the context of other neurodegenerative diseases and has therefore critical implications to advance our understanding of pathologies that underlie aberrant protein aggregation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily K Don
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Alina Maschirow
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Rowan A W Radford
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Natalie M Scherer
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Andrés Vidal-Itriago
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Alison Hogan
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Cindy Maurel
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Isabel Formella
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Jack J Stoddart
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Thomas E Hall
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, QLD, St Lucia, 4072, Australia
| | - Albert Lee
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Bingyang Shi
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Nicholas J Cole
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Angela S Laird
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Andrew P Badrock
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
| | - Roger S Chung
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Marco Morsch
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Liguori F, Amadio S, Volonté C. Where and Why Modeling Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22083977. [PMID: 33921446 PMCID: PMC8070525 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the years, researchers have leveraged a host of different in vivo models in order to dissect amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative/neuroinflammatory disease that is heterogeneous in its clinical presentation and is multigenic, multifactorial and non-cell autonomous. These models include both vertebrates and invertebrates such as yeast, worms, flies, zebrafish, mice, rats, guinea pigs, dogs and, more recently, non-human primates. Despite their obvious differences and peculiarities, only the concurrent and comparative analysis of these various systems will allow the untangling of the causes and mechanisms of ALS for finally obtaining new efficacious therapeutics. However, harnessing these powerful organisms poses numerous challenges. In this context, we present here an updated and comprehensive review of how eukaryotic unicellular and multicellular organisms that reproduce a few of the main clinical features of the disease have helped in ALS research to dissect the pathological pathways of the disease insurgence and progression. We describe common features as well as discrepancies among these models, highlighting new insights and emerging roles for experimental organisms in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Liguori
- Preclinical Neuroscience, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy; (F.L.); (S.A.)
| | - Susanna Amadio
- Preclinical Neuroscience, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy; (F.L.); (S.A.)
| | - Cinzia Volonté
- Preclinical Neuroscience, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy; (F.L.); (S.A.)
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science “A. Ruberti”, National Research Council (IASI—CNR), 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-50170-3084
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Expression of C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion leads to formation of RNA foci and dipeptide repeat proteins but does not influence autophagy or proteasomal function in neuronal cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2021; 1868:119021. [PMID: 33775797 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2021.119021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE) is the major genetic cause underpinning frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FLTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). C9orf72 HRE-associated pathogenesis involves both loss-of-function, through reduced C9orf72 levels, and gain-of-function mechanisms, including formation of RNA foci and generation of dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins. In addition, dysfunctional protein degradation pathways, i.e. autophagy and ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), are suggested. Our aim was to study the gain-of-function mechanisms in the context of the function of protein degradation pathways as well as the regulation of the DPR proteins through these pathways. To this end, we expressed the pathological HRE in neuronal N2a cells and mouse primary cortical neurons. Protein degradation pathways were modulated to induce or block autophagy or to inhibit UPS. In addition, proteasomal activity was assessed. The C9orf72 HRE-expressing N2a cells and neurons were confirmed to produce RNA foci and DPR proteins, predominantly the Poly-GP proteins. However, the presence of these pathological hallmarks did not result in alterations in autophagy or proteasomal activity in either of the studied cell types. In N2a cells, Poly-GP proteins appeared in soluble forms and Lactacystin-mediated UPS inhibition increased their levels, indicating proteasomal regulation. Similar effects were not observed in cortical neurons, where the Poly-GP proteins formed also higher molecular weight forms. These results suggest a cell type-specific morphology and regulation of the DPR proteins. Further studies in other model systems may shed additional light onto the effects of the C9orf72 HRE on cellular protein degradation pathways and the regulation of the DPR protein levels.
Collapse
|
34
|
Asakawa K, Handa H, Kawakami K. Illuminating ALS Motor Neurons With Optogenetics in Zebrafish. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:640414. [PMID: 33816488 PMCID: PMC8012537 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.640414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurological disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Spinal motor neurons align along the spinal cord length within the vertebral column, and extend long axons to connect with skeletal muscles covering the body surface. Due to this anatomy, spinal motor neurons are among the most difficult cells to observe in vivo. Larval zebrafish have transparent bodies that allow non-invasive visualization of whole cells of single spinal motor neurons, from somas to the neuromuscular synapses. This unique feature, combined with its amenability to genome editing, pharmacology, and optogenetics, enables functional analyses of ALS-associated proteins in the spinal motor neurons in vivo with subcellular resolution. Here, we review the zebrafish skeletal neuromuscular system and the optical methods used to study it. We then introduce a recently developed optogenetic zebrafish ALS model that uses light illumination to control oligomerization, phase transition and aggregation of the ALS-associated DNA/RNA-binding protein called TDP-43. Finally, we will discuss how this disease-in-a-fish ALS model can help solve key questions about ALS pathogenesis and lead to new ALS therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhide Asakawa
- Department of Chemical Biology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Handa
- Department of Chemical Biology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi Kawakami
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan.,Department of Genetics, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Mishima, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Aldewachi H, Al-Zidan RN, Conner MT, Salman MM. High-Throughput Screening Platforms in the Discovery of Novel Drugs for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Bioengineering (Basel) 2021; 8:30. [PMID: 33672148 PMCID: PMC7926814 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8020030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are incurable and debilitating conditions that result in progressive degeneration and/or death of nerve cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Identification of viable therapeutic targets and new treatments for CNS disorders and in particular, for NDDs is a major challenge in the field of drug discovery. These difficulties can be attributed to the diversity of cells involved, extreme complexity of the neural circuits, the limited capacity for tissue regeneration, and our incomplete understanding of the underlying pathological processes. Drug discovery is a complex and multidisciplinary process. The screening attrition rate in current drug discovery protocols mean that only one viable drug may arise from millions of screened compounds resulting in the need to improve discovery technologies and protocols to address the multiple causes of attrition. This has identified the need to screen larger libraries where the use of efficient high-throughput screening (HTS) becomes key in the discovery process. HTS can investigate hundreds of thousands of compounds per day. However, if fewer compounds could be screened without compromising the probability of success, the cost and time would be largely reduced. To that end, recent advances in computer-aided design, in silico libraries, and molecular docking software combined with the upscaling of cell-based platforms have evolved to improve screening efficiency with higher predictability and clinical applicability. We review, here, the increasing role of HTS in contemporary drug discovery processes, in particular for NDDs, and evaluate the criteria underlying its successful application. We also discuss the requirement of HTS for novel NDD therapies and examine the major current challenges in validating new drug targets and developing new treatments for NDDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Aldewachi
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK;
- College of Pharmacy, Nineveh University, Mosul 41002, Iraq
| | - Radhwan N. Al-Zidan
- College of Pharmacy, University of Mosul, Mosul 41002, Iraq;
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh EH11 4BN, UK
| | - Matthew T. Conner
- School of Sciences, Research Institute in Healthcare Science, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK;
| | - Mootaz M. Salman
- College of Pharmacy, University of Mosul, Mosul 41002, Iraq;
- Oxford Parkinson’s Disease Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Gagliardi D, Costamagna G, Taiana M, Andreoli L, Biella F, Bersani M, Bresolin N, Comi GP, Corti S. Insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutics for C9orf72-related amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/frontotemporal dementia. Ageing Res Rev 2020; 64:101172. [PMID: 32971256 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2020.101172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In 2011, a hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE) in the noncoding region of C9orf72 was associated with the most frequent genetic cause of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The main pathogenic mechanisms in C9-ALS/FTD are haploinsufficiency of the C9orf72 protein and gain of function toxicity from bidirectionally-transcribed repeat-containing RNAs and dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs) resulting from non-canonical RNA translation. Additionally, abnormalities in different downstream cellular mechanisms, such as nucleocytoplasmic transport and autophagy, play a role in pathogenesis. Substantial research efforts using in vitro and in vivo models have provided valuable insights into the contribution of each mechanism in disease pathogenesis. However, conflicting evidence exists, and a unifying theory still lacks. Here, we provide an overview of the recently published literature on clinical, neuropathological and molecular features of C9-ALS/FTD. We highlight the supposed neuronal role of C9orf72 and the HRE pathogenic cascade, mainly focusing on the contribution of RNA foci and DPRs to neurodegeneration and discussing the several downstream mechanisms. We summarize the emerging biochemical and neuroimaging biomarkers, as well as the potential therapeutic approaches. Despite promising results, a specific disease-modifying treatment is still not available to date and greater insights into disease mechanisms may help in this direction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delia Gagliardi
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Costamagna
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Taiana
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Andreoli
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Biella
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Margherita Bersani
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Nereo Bresolin
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy; Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Pietro Comi
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy; Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy; Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Guissart C, Mouzat K, Kantar J, Louveau B, Vilquin P, Polge A, Raoul C, Lumbroso S. Premature termination codons in SOD1 causing Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis are predicted to escape the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20738. [PMID: 33244158 PMCID: PMC7691510 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77716-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common and severe adult-onset motoneuron disease and has currently no effective therapy. Approximately 20% of familial ALS cases are caused by dominantly-inherited mutations in the gene encoding Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1), which represents one of the most frequent genetic cause of ALS. Despite the overwhelming majority of ALS-causing missense mutations in SOD1, a minority of premature termination codons (PTCs) have been identified. mRNA harboring PTCs are known to be rapidly degraded by nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), which limits the production of truncated proteins. The rules of NMD surveillance varying with PTC location in mRNA, we analyzed the localization of PTCs in SOD1 mRNA to evaluate whether or not those PTCs can be triggered to degradation by the NMD pathway. Our study shows that all pathogenic PTCs described in SOD1 so far can theoretically escape the NMD, resulting in the production of truncated protein. This finding supports the hypothesis that haploinsufficiency is not an underlying mechanism of SOD1 mutant-associated ALS and suggests that PTCs found in the regions that trigger NMD are not pathogenic. Such a consideration is particularly important since the availability of SOD1 antisense strategies, in view of variant treatment assignment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Guissart
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, CHU Nimes, University of Montpellier, Nimes, France.
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, INM, INSERM, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| | - Kevin Mouzat
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, CHU Nimes, University of Montpellier, Nimes, France
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, INM, INSERM, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Jovana Kantar
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, CHU Nimes, University of Montpellier, Nimes, France
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, INM, INSERM, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Baptiste Louveau
- Département de Pharmacologie et de Génomique des Tumeurs Solides, Hôpital Saint Louis, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Paul Vilquin
- Département de Pharmacologie et de Génomique des Tumeurs Solides, Hôpital Saint Louis, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Anne Polge
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, CHU Nimes, University of Montpellier, Nimes, France
| | - Cédric Raoul
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, INM, INSERM, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Serge Lumbroso
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, CHU Nimes, University of Montpellier, Nimes, France
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, INM, INSERM, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Manzano R, Toivonen JM, Moreno-Martínez L, de la Torre M, Moreno-García L, López-Royo T, Molina N, Zaragoza P, Calvo AC, Osta R. What skeletal muscle has to say in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Implications for therapy. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 178:1279-1297. [PMID: 32986860 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult onset disorder characterized by progressive neuromuscular junction (NMJ) dismantling and degeneration of motor neurons leading to atrophy and paralysis of voluntary muscles responsible for motion and breathing. Except for a minority of patients harbouring genetic mutations, the origin of most ALS cases remains elusive. Peripheral tissues, and particularly skeletal muscle, have lately demonstrated an active contribution to disease pathology attracting a growing interest for these tissues as therapeutic targets in ALS. In this sense, molecular mechanisms essential for cell and tissue homeostasis have been shown to be deregulated in the disease. These include muscle metabolism and mitochondrial activity, RNA processing, tissue-resident stem cell function responsible for muscle regeneration, and proteostasis that regulates muscle mass in adulthood. This review aims to compile scientific evidence that demonstrates the role of skeletal muscle in ALS pathology and serves as reference for development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting this tissue to delay disease onset and progression. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Neurochemistry in Japan. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.6/issuetoc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Manzano
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon (IA2), Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Janne Markus Toivonen
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon (IA2), Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Laura Moreno-Martínez
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon (IA2), Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Miriam de la Torre
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon (IA2), Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Leticia Moreno-García
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon (IA2), Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Tresa López-Royo
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon (IA2), Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Nora Molina
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon (IA2), Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS), Zaragoza, Spain.,Geriatrics Service, Hospital Nuestra Señora de Gracia, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Pilar Zaragoza
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon (IA2), Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana Cristina Calvo
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon (IA2), Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Rosario Osta
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon (IA2), Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS), Zaragoza, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Fortier G, Butti Z, Patten SA. Modelling C9orf72-Related Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Zebrafish. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E440. [PMID: 33096681 PMCID: PMC7589578 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8100440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A hexanucleotide repeat expansion within the C9orf72 gene is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and its discovery has revolutionized our understanding of this devastating disease. Model systems are a valuable tool for studying ALS pathobiology and potential therapies. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has particularly become a useful model organism to study neurological diseases, including ALS, due to high genetic and physiological homology to mammals, and sensitivity to various genetic and pharmacological manipulations. In this review we summarize the zebrafish models that have been used to study the pathology of C9orf72-related ALS. We discuss their value in providing mechanistic insights and their potential use for drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Fortier
- INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé et Biotechnologie, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada; (G.F.); (Z.B.)
| | - Zoé Butti
- INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé et Biotechnologie, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada; (G.F.); (Z.B.)
| | - Shunmoogum A. Patten
- INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé et Biotechnologie, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada; (G.F.); (Z.B.)
- Centre d’Excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines—Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, QC H2X 3Y7, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Dong W, Zhang L, Sun C, Gao X, Guan F, Li J, Chen W, Ma Y, Zhang L. Knock in of a hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene induces ALS in rats. Animal Model Exp Med 2020; 3:237-244. [PMID: 33024945 PMCID: PMC7529333 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The GGGGCC (G4C2) repeat expansion in the human open reading frame 72 on chromosome 9, C9orf72, is the most common cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Studies in transgenic mouse models have linked the pathogenic mechanism of G4C2 repeat expansion to RNA foci or the accumulation of unnatural dipeptide repeats in neurons. However, only one of the existing transgenic mouse lines developed typical ALS. METHODS C9orf72 knockin rats were generated by knockin of 80 G4C2 repeats with human flanking fragments within exon1a and exon1b at the rat C9orf72 locus. Protein expression was detected by western blot. Motor coordination and grip force were measured using a Rotarod test and a grip strength test. Neurodegeneration was assessed by Nissl staining with cresyl violet. RESULTS C9orf72 haploinsufficiency reduced C9orf72 protein expression 40% in the cerebrum, cerebellum and spinal cords from knockin rats (P < .05). The knockin (KI) rats developed motor deficits from 4 months of age. Their falling latencies and grip force were decreased by 67% (P < .01) and 44% (P < .01), respectively, at 12 months of age compared to wild-type (WT) mice. The knockin of the hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE) caused a 47% loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord (P < .001) and 25% (5/20) of female KI rats developed hind limb paralysis at 13 to 24 months. CONCLUSION Motor defects in KI rats may result from neurotoxicity caused by HRE and the resulting reduction in C9orf72 protein due to haploinsufficiency. These KI rats could be a useful model for investigating the contributions of loss-of-function to neurotoxicity in C9orf72-related ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Dong
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative MedicineNational Health Commission of China (NHC)Institute of Laboratory Animal SciencePeking Union Medicine CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
- Neuroscience CenterChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Li Zhang
- Neuroscience CenterChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human DiseasesInstitute of Laboratory Animal SciencePeking Union Medicine CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Caixian Sun
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative MedicineNational Health Commission of China (NHC)Institute of Laboratory Animal SciencePeking Union Medicine CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Xiang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative MedicineNational Health Commission of China (NHC)Institute of Laboratory Animal SciencePeking Union Medicine CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Feifei Guan
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative MedicineNational Health Commission of China (NHC)Institute of Laboratory Animal SciencePeking Union Medicine CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Jing Li
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human DiseasesInstitute of Laboratory Animal SciencePeking Union Medicine CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Wei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative MedicineNational Health Commission of China (NHC)Institute of Laboratory Animal SciencePeking Union Medicine CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yuanwu Ma
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human DiseasesInstitute of Laboratory Animal SciencePeking Union Medicine CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Lianfeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative MedicineNational Health Commission of China (NHC)Institute of Laboratory Animal SciencePeking Union Medicine CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
- Neuroscience CenterChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Ashford BA, Boche D, Cooper-Knock J, Heath PR, Simpson JE, Highley JR. Review: Microglia in motor neuron disease. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2020; 47:179-197. [PMID: 32594542 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Motor Neuron Disease (MND) is a fatal neurodegenerative condition, which is characterized by the selective loss of the upper and lower motor neurons. At the sites of motor neuron injury, accumulation of activated microglia, the primary immune cells of the central nervous system, is commonly observed in both human post mortem studies and animal models of MND. Microglial activation has been found to correlate with many clinical features and importantly, the speed of disease progression in humans. Both anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory microglial responses have been shown to influence disease progression in humans and models of MND. As such, microglia could both contribute to and protect against inflammatory mechanisms of pathogenesis in MND. While murine models have characterized the microglial response to MND, these studies have painted a complex and often contradictory picture, indicating a need for further characterization in humans. This review examines the potential role microglia play in MND in human and animal studies. Both the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses will be addressed, throughout the course of disease, followed by the potential of microglia as a target in the development of disease-modifying treatments for MND.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - D Boche
- University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - P R Heath
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Abstract
Organs-on-chips are broadly defined as microfabricated surfaces or devices designed to engineer cells into microscale tissues with native-like features and then extract physiologically relevant readouts at scale. Because they are generally compatible with patient-derived cells, these technologies can address many of the human relevance limitations of animal models. As a result, organs-on-chips have emerged as a promising new paradigm for patient-specific disease modeling and drug development. Because neuromuscular diseases span a broad range of rare conditions with diverse etiology and complex pathophysiology, they have been especially challenging to model in animals and thus are well suited for organ-on-chip approaches. In this Review, we first briefly summarize the challenges in neuromuscular disease modeling with animal models. Next, we describe a variety of existing organ-on-chip approaches for neuromuscular tissues, including a survey of cell sources for both muscle and nerve, and two- and three-dimensional neuromuscular tissue-engineering techniques. Although researchers have made tremendous advances in modeling neuromuscular diseases on a chip, the remaining challenges in cell sourcing, cell maturity, tissue assembly and readout capabilities limit their integration into the drug development pipeline today. However, as the field advances, models of healthy and diseased neuromuscular tissues on a chip, coupled with animal models, have vast potential as complementary tools for modeling multiple aspects of neuromuscular diseases and identifying new therapeutic strategies. Summary: Modeling neuromuscular diseases is challenging due to their complex etiology and pathophysiology. Here, we review the cell sources and tissue-engineering procedures that are being integrated as emerging neuromuscular disease models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey W Santoso
- Laboratory for Living Systems Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Megan L McCain
- Laboratory for Living Systems Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA .,Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Cykowski MD, Dickson DW, Powell SZ, Arumanayagam AS, Rivera AL, Appel SH. Dipeptide repeat (DPR) pathology in the skeletal muscle of ALS patients with C9ORF72 repeat expansion. Acta Neuropathol 2019; 138:667-670. [PMID: 31375896 PMCID: PMC6778061 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-019-02050-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
44
|
DNA repair and neurological disease: From molecular understanding to the development of diagnostics and model organisms. DNA Repair (Amst) 2019; 81:102669. [PMID: 31331820 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2019.102669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In both replicating and non-replicating cells, the maintenance of genomic stability is of utmost importance. Dividing cells can repair DNA damage during cell division, tolerate the damage by employing potentially mutagenic DNA polymerases or die via apoptosis. However, the options for accurate DNA repair are more limited in non-replicating neuronal cells. If DNA damage is left unresolved, neuronal cells die causing neurodegenerative disorders. A number of pathogenic variants of DNA repair proteins have been linked to multiple neurological diseases. The current challenge is to harness our knowledge of fundamental properties of DNA repair to improve diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of such debilitating disorders. In this perspective, we will focus on recent efforts in identifying novel DNA repair biomarkers for the diagnosis of neurological disorders and their use in monitoring the patient response to therapy. These efforts are greatly facilitated by the development of model organisms such as zebrafish, which will also be summarised.
Collapse
|