1
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Hewson L, Choo A, Webber DL, Trim PJ, Snel MF, Fedele AO, Hopwood JJ, Hemsley KM, O'Keefe LV. Drosophila melanogaster models of MPS IIIC (Hgsnat-deficiency) highlight the role of glia in disease presentation. J Inherit Metab Dis 2024; 47:340-354. [PMID: 38238109 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2024]
Abstract
Sanfilippo syndrome (Mucopolysaccharidosis type III or MPS III) is a recessively inherited neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder. Mutations in genes encoding enzymes in the heparan sulphate degradation pathway lead to the accumulation of partially degraded heparan sulphate, resulting ultimately in the development of neurological deficits. Mutations in the gene encoding the membrane protein heparan-α-glucosaminide N-acetyltransferase (HGSNAT; EC2.3.1.78) cause MPS IIIC (OMIM#252930), typified by impaired cognition, sleep-wake cycle changes, hyperactivity and early death, often before adulthood. The precise disease mechanism that causes symptom emergence remains unknown, posing a significant challenge in the development of effective therapeutics. As HGSNAT is conserved in Drosophila melanogaster, we now describe the creation and characterisation of the first Drosophila models of MPS IIIC. Flies with either an endogenous insertion mutation or RNAi-mediated knockdown of hgsnat were confirmed to have a reduced level of HGSNAT transcripts and age-dependent accumulation of heparan sulphate leading to engorgement of the endo/lysosomal compartment. This resulted in abnormalities at the pre-synapse, defective climbing and reduced overall activity. Altered circadian rhythms (shift in peak morning activity) were seen in hgsnat neuronal knockdown lines. Further, when hgsnat was knocked down in specific glial subsets (wrapping, cortical, astrocytes or subperineural glia), impaired climbing or reduced activity was noted, implying that hgsnat function in these specific glial subtypes contributes significantly to this behaviour and targeting treatments to these cell groups may be necessary to ameliorate or prevent symptom onset. These novel models of MPS IIIC provide critical research tools for delineating the key cellular pathways causal in the onset of neurodegeneration in this presently untreatable disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Hewson
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Science, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Amanda Choo
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Science, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Dani L Webber
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Science, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Paul J Trim
- Proteomics, Metabolomics & MS-Imaging Core, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Marten F Snel
- Proteomics, Metabolomics & MS-Imaging Core, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Anthony O Fedele
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - John J Hopwood
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kim M Hemsley
- Childhood Dementia Research Group, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Louise V O'Keefe
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Science, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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2
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Völkner C, Liedtke M, Hermann A, Frech MJ. Pluripotent Stem Cells for Disease Modeling and Drug Discovery in Niemann-Pick Type C1. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:E710. [PMID: 33445799 PMCID: PMC7828283 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The lysosomal storage disorders Niemann-Pick disease Type C1 (NPC1) and Type C2 (NPC2) are rare diseases caused by mutations in the NPC1 or NPC2 gene. Both NPC1 and NPC2 are proteins responsible for the exit of cholesterol from late endosomes and lysosomes (LE/LY). Consequently, mutations in one of the two proteins lead to the accumulation of unesterified cholesterol and glycosphingolipids in LE/LY, displaying a disease hallmark. A total of 95% of cases are due to a deficiency of NPC1 and only 5% are caused by NPC2 deficiency. Clinical manifestations include neurological symptoms and systemic symptoms, such as hepatosplenomegaly and pulmonary manifestations, the latter being particularly pronounced in NPC2 patients. NPC1 and NPC2 are rare diseases with the described neurovisceral clinical picture, but studies with human primary patient-derived neurons and hepatocytes are hardly feasible. Obviously, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and their derivatives are an excellent alternative for indispensable studies with these affected cell types to study the multisystemic disease NPC1. Here, we present a review focusing on studies that have used iPSCs for disease modeling and drug discovery in NPC1 and draw a comparison to commonly used NPC1 models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christin Völkner
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany; (C.V.); (M.L.); (A.H.)
| | - Maik Liedtke
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany; (C.V.); (M.L.); (A.H.)
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany; (C.V.); (M.L.); (A.H.)
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock (CTNR), University Medical Center Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Rostock/Greifswald, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Moritz J. Frech
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany; (C.V.); (M.L.); (A.H.)
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock (CTNR), University Medical Center Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
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3
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Contreras PS, Tapia PJ, González-Hódar L, Peluso I, Soldati C, Napolitano G, Matarese M, Heras ML, Valls C, Martinez A, Balboa E, Castro J, Leal N, Platt FM, Sobota A, Winter D, Klein AD, Medina DL, Ballabio A, Alvarez AR, Zanlungo S. c-Abl Inhibition Activates TFEB and Promotes Cellular Clearance in a Lysosomal Disorder. iScience 2020; 23:101691. [PMID: 33163944 PMCID: PMC7607485 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor EB (TFEB) has emerged as a master regulator of lysosomal biogenesis, exocytosis, and autophagy, promoting the clearance of substrates stored in cells. c-Abl is a tyrosine kinase that participates in cellular signaling in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. In this study, we explored the connection between c-Abl and TFEB. Here, we show that under pharmacological and genetic c-Abl inhibition, TFEB translocates into the nucleus promoting the expression of its target genes independently of its well-known regulator, mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1. Active c-Abl induces TFEB phosphorylation on tyrosine and the inhibition of this kinase promotes lysosomal biogenesis, autophagy, and exocytosis. c-Abl inhibition in Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) models, a neurodegenerative disease characterized by cholesterol accumulation in lysosomes, promotes a cholesterol-lowering effect in a TFEB-dependent manner. Thus, c-Abl is a TFEB regulator that mediates its tyrosine phosphorylation, and the inhibition of c-Abl activates TFEB promoting cholesterol clearance in NPC models. c-Abl is a TFEB regulator that mediates its tyr phosphorylation c-Abl inhibition promotes TFEB activity independently of mTORC1 c-Abl inhibition reduces cholesterol accumulation in NPC1 models
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo S Contreras
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences Faculty, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, Santiago 8331010, Chile.,CARE UC Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, Santiago 8331010, Chile
| | - Pablo J Tapia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, Santiago 8331010, Chile
| | - Lila González-Hódar
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, Santiago 8331010, Chile
| | - Ivana Peluso
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Soldati
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Napolitano
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Matarese
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Macarena Las Heras
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, Santiago 8331010, Chile
| | - Cristian Valls
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences Faculty, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, Santiago 8331010, Chile.,CARE UC Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexis Martinez
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences Faculty, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, Santiago 8331010, Chile.,CARE UC Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Elisa Balboa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, Santiago 8331010, Chile
| | - Juan Castro
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, Santiago 8331010, Chile
| | - Nancy Leal
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences Faculty, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, Santiago 8331010, Chile.,CARE UC Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Frances M Platt
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrzej Sobota
- Department of Cell Biology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 3 Pasteur St., 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dominic Winter
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rheinische-Friedrich-Wilhelms-University, Bonn, Germany
| | - Andrés D Klein
- Centro de Genética y Genómica, Universidad Del Desarrollo Clínica Alemana de Santiago, Chile
| | - Diego L Medina
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Ballabio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Federico II University, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Alejandra R Alvarez
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences Faculty, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, Santiago 8331010, Chile.,CARE UC Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Silvana Zanlungo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, Santiago 8331010, Chile
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4
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Wang C, Scott SM, Subramanian K, Loguercio S, Zhao P, Hutt DM, Farhat NY, Porter FD, Balch WE. Quantitating the epigenetic transformation contributing to cholesterol homeostasis using Gaussian process. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5052. [PMID: 31699992 PMCID: PMC6838179 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12969-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
To understand the impact of epigenetics on human misfolding disease, we apply Gaussian-process regression (GPR) based machine learning (ML) (GPR-ML) through variation spatial profiling (VSP). VSP generates population-based matrices describing the spatial covariance (SCV) relationships that link genetic diversity to fitness of the individual in response to histone deacetylases inhibitors (HDACi). Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1) is a Mendelian disorder caused by >300 variants in the NPC1 gene that disrupt cholesterol homeostasis leading to the rapid onset and progression of neurodegenerative disease. We determine the sequence-to-function-to-structure relationships of the NPC1 polypeptide fold required for membrane trafficking and generation of a tunnel that mediates cholesterol flux in late endosomal/lysosomal (LE/Ly) compartments. HDACi treatment reveals unanticipated epigenomic plasticity in SCV relationships that restore NPC1 functionality. GPR-ML based matrices capture the epigenetic processes impacting information flow through central dogma, providing a framework for quantifying the effect of the environment on the healthspan of the individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Samantha M Scott
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | | | - Salvatore Loguercio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Pei Zhao
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Darren M Hutt
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Nicole Y Farhat
- Section on Molecular Dysmorphology, Division of Translational Medicine, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Forbes D Porter
- Section on Molecular Dysmorphology, Division of Translational Medicine, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - William E Balch
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
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5
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Gurda BL, Bagel JH, Fisher SJ, Schultz ML, Lieberman AP, Hand P, Vite CH, Swain GP. LC3 Immunostaining in the Inferior Olivary Nuclei of Cats With Niemann-Pick Disease Type C1 Is Associated With Patterned Purkinje Cell Loss. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2019; 77:229-245. [PMID: 29346563 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlx119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The feline model of Niemann-Pick disease, type C1 (NPC1) recapitulates the clinical, neuropathological, and biochemical abnormalities present in children with NPC1. The hallmarks of disease are the lysosomal storage of unesterified cholesterol and multiple sphingolipids in neurons, and the spatial and temporal distribution of Purkinje cell death. In feline NPC1 brain, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) accumulations, indicating autophagosomes, were found within axons and presynaptic terminals. High densities of accumulated LC3 were seen in subdivisions of the inferior olive, which project to cerebellar regions that show the most Purkinje cell loss, suggesting that autophagic abnormalities in specific climbing fibers may contribute to the spatial pattern of Purkinje cell loss seen. Biweekly intrathecal administration of 2-hydroxypropyl-beta cyclodextrin (HPβCD) ameliorated neurological dysfunction, reduced cholesterol and sphingolipid accumulation, and increased lifespan in NPC1 cats. LC3 pathology was reduced in treated animals suggesting that HPβCD administration also ameliorates autophagic abnormalities. This study is the first to (i) identify specific brain regions exhibiting autophagic abnormalities in any species with NPC1, (ii) provide evidence of differential vulnerability among discrete brain nuclei and pathways, and (iii) show the amelioration of these abnormalities in NPC1 cats treated with HPβCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittney L Gurda
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jessica H Bagel
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Samantha J Fisher
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mark L Schultz
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Andrew P Lieberman
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Peter Hand
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Charles H Vite
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Gary P Swain
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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6
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Hammond N, Munkacsi AB, Sturley SL. The complexity of a monogenic neurodegenerative disease: More than two decades of therapeutic driven research into Niemann-Pick type C disease. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2019; 1864:1109-1123. [PMID: 31002946 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Niemann-Pick type C (NP-C) disease is a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disease typified by aberrations in intracellular lipid transport. Cholesterol and other lipids accumulate in the late endosome/lysosome of all diseased cells thereby causing neuronal and visceral atrophy. A cure for NP-C remains elusive despite the extensive molecular advances emanating from the identification of the primary genetic defect in 1997. Penetration of the blood-brain barrier and efficacy in the viscera are prerequisites for effective therapy, however the rarity of NP-C disease is the major impediment to progress. Disease diagnosis is challenging and establishment of appropriate test populations for clinical trials difficult. Fortunately, disease models that span the diversity of microbial and metazoan life have been utilized to advance the quest for a therapy. The complexity of lipid storage in this disorder and in the model systems, has led to multiple theories on the primary disease mechanism and consequently numerous and varied proposed interventions. Here, we conduct an evaluation of these studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Hammond
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
| | - Andrew B Munkacsi
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand.
| | - Stephen L Sturley
- Department of Biology, Barnard College-Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States of America.
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7
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Fog CK, Kirkegaard T. Animal models for Niemann-Pick type C: implications for drug discovery & development. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2019; 14:499-509. [PMID: 30887840 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2019.1588882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) is a neurovisceral, progressively detrimental lysosomal storage disease with very limited therapeutic options and no approved treatment available in the US. Despite its rarity, NPC has seen increased drug developmental efforts over the past decade, culminating in the completion of two potential registration trials in 2018. Areas covered: This review highlights the many available animal models that have been developed in the field and briefly covers classical and new cell technologies. This review provides a high-level evaluation and prioritization of the various models with regard to efficient and clinically translatable drug development, and briefly discusses the relevant developments and opportunities pertaining to this. Expert opinion: With a number of in vitro and in vivo models available, and with having several drugs, all with various mechanisms of action, either approved or in late stage development, the NPC field is in an exciting time. One of the challenges for researchers and developers will be the ability to make use of the lessons learnt from existing late-stage programs as well as the incorporation not only of the opportunities but also the limitations of the many models into successful drug discovery and translational development programs.
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8
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Rajakumar T, Munkacsi AB, Sturley SL. Exacerbating and reversing lysosomal storage diseases: from yeast to humans. MICROBIAL CELL 2017; 4:278-293. [PMID: 28913343 PMCID: PMC5597791 DOI: 10.15698/mic2017.09.588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) arise from monogenic deficiencies in lysosomal proteins and pathways and are characterized by a tissue-wide accumulation of a vast variety of macromolecules, normally specific to each genetic lesion. Strategies for treatment of LSDs commonly depend on reduction of the offending metabolite(s) by substrate depletion or enzyme replacement. However, at least 44 of the ~50 LSDs are currently recalcitrant to intervention. Murine models have provided significant insights into our understanding of many LSD mechanisms; however, these systems do not readily permit phenotypic screening of compound libraries, or the establishment of genetic or gene-environment interaction networks. Many of the genes causing LSDs are evolutionarily conserved, thus facilitating the application of models system to provide additional insight into LSDs. Here, we review the utility of yeast models of 3 LSDs: Batten disease, cystinosis, and Niemann-Pick type C disease. We will focus on the translation of research from yeast models into human patients suffering from these LSDs. We will also discuss the use of yeast models to investigate the penetrance of LSDs, such as Niemann-Pick type C disease, into more prevalent syndromes including viral infection and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamayanthi Rajakumar
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand 6012
| | - Andrew B Munkacsi
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand 6012.,Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand 6012
| | - Stephen L Sturley
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
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9
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Peter F, Rost S, Rolfs A, Frech MJ. Activation of PKC triggers rescue of NPC1 patient specific iPSC derived glial cells from gliosis. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2017; 12:145. [PMID: 28841900 PMCID: PMC5574080 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-017-0697-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Niemann-Pick disease Type C1 (NPC1) is a rare progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the NPC1 gene. The pathological mechanisms, underlying NPC1 are not yet completely understood. Especially the contribution of glial cells and gliosis to the progression of NPC1, are controversially discussed. As an analysis of affected cells is unfeasible in NPC1-patients, we recently developed an in vitro model system, based on cells derived from NPC1-patient specific iPSCs. Here, we asked if this model system recapitulates gliosis, observed in non-human model systems and NPC1 patient post mortem biopsies. We determined the amount of reactive astrocytes and the regulation of the intermediate filaments GFAP and vimentin, all indicating gliosis. Furthermore, we were interested in the assembly and phosphorylation of these intermediate filaments and finally the impact of the activation of protein kinase C (PKC), which is described to ameliorate the pathogenic phenotype of NPC1-deficient fibroblasts, including hypo-phosphorylation of vimentin and cholesterol accumulation. METHODS We analysed glial cells derived from NPC1 patient specific induced pluripotent stem cells, carrying different NPC1 mutations. The amount of reactive astrocytes was determined by means of immuncytochemical stainings and FACS-analysis. Semi-quantitative western blot was used to determine the amount of phosphorylated GFAP and vimentin. Cholesterol accumulation was analysed by Filipin staining and quantified by Amplex Red Assay. U18666A was used to induce NPC1 phenotype in unaffected cells of the control cell line. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) was used to activate PKC. RESULTS Immunocytochemical detection of GFAP, vimentin and Ki67 revealed that NPC1 mutant glial cells undergo gliosis. We found hypo-phosphorylation of the intermediate filaments GFAP and vimentin and alterations in the assembly of these intermediate filaments in NPC1 mutant cells. The application of U18666A induced not only NPC1 phenotypical accumulation of cholesterol, but characteristics of gliosis in glial cells derived from unaffected control cells. The application of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, an activator of protein kinase C resulted in a significantly reduced number of reactive astrocytes and further characteristics of gliosis in NPC1-deficient cells. Furthermore, it triggered a restoration of cholesterol amounts to level of control cells. CONCLUSION Our data demonstrate that glial cells derived from NPC1-patient specific iPSCs undergo gliosis. The application of U18666A induced comparable characteristics in un-affected control cells, suggesting that gliosis is triggered by hampered function of NPC1 protein. The activation of protein kinase C induced an amelioration of gliosis, as well as a reduction of cholesterol amount. These results provide further support for the line of evidence that gliosis might not be only a secondary reaction to the loss of neurons, but might be a direct consequence of a reduced PKC activity due to the phenotypical cholesterol accumulation observed in NPC1. In addition, our data support the involvement of PKCs in NPC1 disease pathogenesis and suggest that PKCs may be targeted in future efforts to develop therapeutics for NPC1 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Peter
- Albrecht-Kossel-Institute for Neuroregeneration (AKos), University Medicine Rostock, Gehlsheimer Straße 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Sebastian Rost
- Albrecht-Kossel-Institute for Neuroregeneration (AKos), University Medicine Rostock, Gehlsheimer Straße 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Arndt Rolfs
- Albrecht-Kossel-Institute for Neuroregeneration (AKos), University Medicine Rostock, Gehlsheimer Straße 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Moritz J. Frech
- Albrecht-Kossel-Institute for Neuroregeneration (AKos), University Medicine Rostock, Gehlsheimer Straße 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany
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10
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Rabenstein M, Peter F, Joost S, Trilck M, Rolfs A, Frech MJ. Decreased calcium flux in Niemann-Pick type C1 patient-specific iPSC-derived neurons due to higher amount of calcium-impermeable AMPA receptors. Mol Cell Neurosci 2017; 83:27-36. [PMID: 28666962 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2017.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick disease type C1 (NPC1) is a rare progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the NPC1 gene, resulting mainly in the accumulation of cholesterol and the ganglioside GM2. Recently, we described accumulations of these lipids in neuronal differentiated cells derived from NPC1 patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). As these lipids are essential for proper cell membrane composition, we were interested in the expression and function of voltage-gated ion channels and excitatory AMPA receptors (AMPARs) in neurons derived from three patient-specific iPSC lines. By means of patch clamp recordings and microfluorimetric measurements of calcium (Ca2+), we examined the expression of voltage-gated ion channels and AMPARs. Cells of the three used cell lines carrying the c.1836A>C/c.1628delC, the c.1180T>C or the c.3182T>C mutation demonstrated a significantly reduced AMPA-induced Ca2+-influx, suggesting an altered expression profile of these receptors. RT-qPCR revealed a significant upregulation of mRNA for the AMPA receptor subunits GluA1 and GluA2 and western blot analysis showed increased protein level of GluA2. Thus, we conclude that the observed reduced Ca2+-influx is based on an increase of GluA2 containing Ca2+-impermeable AMPARs. An attenuated function of GluRs in neurons potentially contributes to the progressive neurodegeneration observed in NPC1 and might represent an objective in regard of the development of new therapeutic approaches in NPC1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Rabenstein
- Albrecht-Kossel-Institute for Neuroregeneration (AKos), University Medicine Rostock, Gehlsheimer Straße 20, D-18147 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Franziska Peter
- Albrecht-Kossel-Institute for Neuroregeneration (AKos), University Medicine Rostock, Gehlsheimer Straße 20, D-18147 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Sarah Joost
- Albrecht-Kossel-Institute for Neuroregeneration (AKos), University Medicine Rostock, Gehlsheimer Straße 20, D-18147 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Michaela Trilck
- Albrecht-Kossel-Institute for Neuroregeneration (AKos), University Medicine Rostock, Gehlsheimer Straße 20, D-18147 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Arndt Rolfs
- Albrecht-Kossel-Institute for Neuroregeneration (AKos), University Medicine Rostock, Gehlsheimer Straße 20, D-18147 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Moritz J Frech
- Albrecht-Kossel-Institute for Neuroregeneration (AKos), University Medicine Rostock, Gehlsheimer Straße 20, D-18147 Rostock, Germany.
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11
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Ordoñez MP, Steele JW. Modeling Niemann Pick type C1 using human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells. Brain Res 2017; 1656:63-67. [PMID: 26972536 PMCID: PMC5018240 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Revised: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Data generated in Niemann Pick type C1 (NPC1) human embryonic and human induced pluripotent stem cell derived neurons complement on-going studies in animal models and provide the first example, in disease-relevant human cells, of processes that underlie preferential neuronal defects in a NPC1. Our work and that of other investigators in human neurons derived from stem cells highlight the importance of performing rigorous mechanistic studies in relevant cell types to guide drug discovery and therapeutic development, alongside of existing animal models. Through the use of human stem cell-derived models of disease, we can identify and discover or repurpose drugs that revert early events that lead to neuronal failure in NPC1. Together with the study of disease pathogenesis and efficacy of therapies in animal models, these strategies will fulfill the promise of stem cell technology in the development of new treatments for human diseases. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI: Exploiting human neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Paulina Ordoñez
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States; Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States.
| | - John W Steele
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
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12
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Munkacsi AB, Hammond N, Schneider RT, Senanayake DS, Higaki K, Lagutin K, Bloor SJ, Ory DS, Maue RA, Chen FW, Hernandez-Ono A, Dahlson N, Repa JJ, Ginsberg HN, Ioannou YA, Sturley SL. Normalization of Hepatic Homeostasis in the Npc1nmf164 Mouse Model of Niemann-Pick Type C Disease Treated with the Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor Vorinostat. J Biol Chem 2016; 292:4395-4410. [PMID: 28031458 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.770578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick type C (NP-C) disease is a fatal genetic lipidosis for which there is no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapy. Vorinostat, an FDA-approved inhibitor of histone deacetylases, ameliorates lysosomal lipid accumulation in cultured NP-C patient fibroblasts. To assess the therapeutic potential of histone deacetylase inhibition, we pursued these in vitro observations in two murine models of NP-C disease. Npc1nmf164 mice, which express a missense mutation in the Npc1 gene, were treated intraperitoneally, from weaning, with the maximum tolerated dose of vorinostat (150 mg/kg, 5 days/week). Disease progression was measured via gene expression, liver function and pathology, serum and tissue lipid levels, body weight, and life span. Transcriptome analyses of treated livers indicated multiple changes consistent with reversal of liver dysfunction that typifies NP-C disease. Significant improvements in liver pathology and function were achieved by this treatment regimen; however, NPC1 protein maturation and levels, disease progression, weight loss, and animal morbidity were not detectably altered. Vorinostat concentrations were >200 μm in the plasma compartment of treated animals but were almost 100-fold lower in brain tissue. Apolipoprotein B metabolism and the expression of key components of lipid homeostasis in primary hepatocytes from null (Npc1-/-) and missense (Npc1nmf164 ) mutant mice were altered by vorinostat treatment, consistent with a response by these cells independent of the status of the Npc1 locus. These results suggest that HDAC inhibitors have utility to treat visceral NP-C disease. However, it is clear that improved blood-brain barrier penetration will be required to alleviate the neurological symptoms of human NP-C disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew B Munkacsi
- From the School of Biological Sciences and .,Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
| | | | | | | | - Katsumi Higaki
- the Division of Functional Genomics, Research Center for Bioscience and Technology, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
| | | | | | - Daniel S Ory
- the Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Robert A Maue
- the Department of Physiology and Neurobiology and the Department of Biochemistry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755
| | - Fannie W Chen
- the Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029
| | | | - Nicole Dahlson
- the Departments of Physiology and Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, and
| | - Joyce J Repa
- the Departments of Physiology and Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, and
| | | | - Yiannis A Ioannou
- the Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029
| | - Stephen L Sturley
- the Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
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13
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Koens LH, Kuiper A, Coenen MA, Elting JWJ, de Vries JJ, Engelen M, Koelman JHTM, van Spronsen FJ, Spikman JM, de Koning TJ, Tijssen MAJ. Ataxia, dystonia and myoclonus in adult patients with Niemann-Pick type C. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2016; 11:121. [PMID: 27581084 PMCID: PMC5007743 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-016-0502-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Niemann-Pick type C (NP-C) is a rare autosomal recessive progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the NP-C 1 or 2 gene. Besides visceral symptoms, presentation in adolescent and adult onset variants is often with neurological symptoms. The most frequently reported presenting symptoms of NP-C in adulthood are psychiatric symptoms (38 %), cognitive decline (23 %) and ataxia (20 %). Myoclonus can be present, but its value in early diagnosis and the evolving clinical phenotype in NP-C is unclear. In this paper we present eight Dutch cases of NP-C of whom five with myoclonus. Methods Eight patients with genetically confirmed NP-C were recruited from two Dutch University Medical Centers. A structured interview and neuropsychological tests (for working and verbal memory, attention and emotion recognition) were performed. Movement disorders were assessed using a standardized video protocol. Quality of life was evaluated by questionnaires (Rand-36, SIP-68, HAQ). In four of the five patients with myoclonic jerks simultaneous EEG with EMG was performed. Results A movement disorder was the initial neurological symptom in six patients: three with myoclonus and three with ataxia. Two others presented with psychosis. Four experienced cognitive deficits early in the course of the disease. Patients showed cognitive deficits in all investigated domains. Five patients showed myoclonic jerks, including negative myoclonus. In all registered patients EEG-EMG coherence analysis and/or back-averaging proved a cortical origin of myoclonus. Patients with more severe movement disorders experienced significantly more physical disabilities. Conclusions Presenting neurological symptoms of NP-C include movement disorders, psychosis and cognitive deficits. At current neurological examination movement disorders were seen in all patients. The incidence of myoclonus in our cohort was considerably higher (63 %) than in previous publications and it was the presenting symptom in 38 %. A cortical origin of myoclonus was demonstrated. Our data suggest that myoclonus may be overlooked in patients with NP-C. All patients scored significantly lower on physical domains of HRQoL. Symptomatic treatment of movement disorders may improve physical functioning and subsequently HRQoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- L H Koens
- Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - A Kuiper
- Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M A Coenen
- Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - J W J Elting
- Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - J J de Vries
- Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M Engelen
- Department of Neurology, University of Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J H T M Koelman
- Department of Neurology, University of Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - F J van Spronsen
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Beatrix Children's Hospital, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - J M Spikman
- Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, University of Groningen, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Grote Kruisstraat 2/1, 9712 TS, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - T J de Koning
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Beatrix Children's Hospital, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M A J Tijssen
- Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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14
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Hepatic Primary and Secondary Cholesterol Deposition and Damage in Niemann-Pick Disease. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2016; 186:517-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2015.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Revised: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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15
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Marella C, Torda AE, Schwudke D. The LUX Score: A Metric for Lipidome Homology. PLoS Comput Biol 2015; 11:e1004511. [PMID: 26393792 PMCID: PMC4578897 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1004511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A lipidome is the set of lipids in a given organism, cell or cell compartment and this set reflects the organism’s synthetic pathways and interactions with its environment. Recently, lipidomes of biological model organisms and cell lines were published and the number of functional studies of lipids is increasing. In this study we propose a homology metric that can quantify systematic differences in the composition of a lipidome. Algorithms were developed to 1. consistently convert lipids structure into SMILES, 2. determine structural similarity between molecular species and 3. describe a lipidome in a chemical space model. We tested lipid structure conversion and structure similarity metrics, in detail, using sets of isomeric ceramide molecules and chemically related phosphatidylinositols. Template-based SMILES showed the best properties for representing lipid-specific structural diversity. We also show that sequence analysis algorithms are best suited to calculate distances between such template-based SMILES and we adjudged the Levenshtein distance as best choice for quantifying structural changes. When all lipid molecules of the LIPIDMAPS structure database were mapped in chemical space, they automatically formed clusters corresponding to conventional chemical families. Accordingly, we mapped a pair of lipidomes into the same chemical space and determined the degree of overlap by calculating the Hausdorff distance. We named this metric the ‘Lipidome jUXtaposition (LUX) score’. First, we tested this approach for estimating the lipidome similarity on four yeast strains with known genetic alteration in fatty acid synthesis. We show that the LUX score reflects the genetic relationship and growth temperature better than conventional methods although the score is based solely on lipid structures. Next, we applied this metric to high-throughput data of larval tissue lipidomes of Drosophila. This showed that the LUX score is sufficient to cluster tissues and determine the impact of nutritional changes in an unbiased manner, despite the limited information on the underlying structural diversity of each lipidome. This study is the first effort to define a lipidome homology metric based on structures that will enrich functional association of lipids in a similar manner to measures used in genetics. Finally, we discuss the significance of the LUX score to perform comparative lipidome studies across species borders. Because of their role in health and disease, lipids are often the focus of biochemical studies. Advances in analytical biochemistry have made it possible to detect all the lipids from a cell, tissue or organism (termed lipidome). Much of this research is based on model organisms, but it is difficult to transfer results from a fruit fly or yeast to human biochemistry. A central problem is that there is no agreed-upon method for comparing lipidomes. We have developed the LUX score, which enables us to determine the homology between lipidomes. All constituent lipids are first embedded in a chemical space according to their similarity to each other. When we treat all lipids as points in such a space, one can overlay different lipidomes and estimate their differences. We expect that this kind of metric will be useful for translating findings from model organisms to human diseases and in understanding fundamental biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chakravarthy Marella
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz-Center for Medicine and Biosciences, Borstel, SH, Germany
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore, KA, India
| | - Andrew E. Torda
- Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dominik Schwudke
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz-Center for Medicine and Biosciences, Borstel, SH, Germany
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore, KA, India
- Airway Research Center North, German Center for Lung Research, Grosshansdorf, SH, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, TTU-Tb, Borstel, SH, Germany
- * E-mail:
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16
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Lin DS, Hsiao CD, Lee AYL, Ho CS, Liu HL, Wang TJ, Jian YR, Hsu JC, Huang ZD, Lee TH, Chiang MF. Mitigation of cerebellar neuropathy in globoid cell leukodystrophy mice by AAV-mediated gene therapy. Gene 2015; 571:81-90. [PMID: 26115766 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.06.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2015] [Revised: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD) is an autosomal recessive, lysosomal storage disease caused by deficiency of the enzyme galactocerebrosidase (GALC). The absence of GALC activity leads to the accumulation of the toxic substance psychosine and the preferential loss of myelinating cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Profound demyelination, astrogliosis and axonopathy are the hallmarks of the pathogenesis of GLD, and cerebellar ataxia is one of the dominant manifestations in adolescents and adults affected with GLD. To date, studies regarding cerebellar degeneration in GLD are limited. In this study, the efficacy of cerebellum-targeted gene therapy on the cerebellar neuropathology in twitcher mice (a murine model of GLD) has been validated. We observed degeneration of Purkinje cells, Bergmann glia, and granule cells in addition to astrocytosis and demyelination in the cerebellum of the twitcher mice. Ultrastructural analysis revealed dark cell degeneration and disintegration of the cellular composition of Purkinje cells in untreated twitcher mice. In addition, the expressions of neurotrophic factors CNTF, GDNF and IGF-I were up-regulated and the expression of BDNF was down-regulated. Intracerebellar-mediated gene therapy efficiently corrected enzymatic deficiency by direct transduction to Purkinje cells and cross-correction in other cell types in the cerebellum, leading to the amelioration of both neuroinflammation and demyelination. The population, dendritic territory, and axonal processes of Purkinje cells remained normal in the cerebellum of treated twitcher mice, where radial fibers of Bergmann glia spanned the molecular layer and collateral branches ensheathed the dendritic processes of Purkinje cells. Moreover, the aberrant expressions of neurotrophic factors were mitigated in the cerebellum of treated twitcher mice, indicating the preservation of cellular function in addition to maintaining the neuronal architecture. The life span of the treated twitcher mice was significantly prolonged and their neurobehavioral performance was improved. Taken together, our findings underscore the complexity of cerebellar neurodegeneration in GLD and highlight the potential effectiveness of gene therapy in mitigating neuropathological deficits in GLD and other neurodegenerative disorders in which Purkinje cells are involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dar-Shong Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chung-Der Hsiao
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taiwan
| | - Allan Yueh-Luen Lee
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Che-Sheng Ho
- Department of Pediatrics, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsuan-Liang Liu
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tuen-Jen Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Ren Jian
- Department of Medical Research, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Cheng Hsu
- Department of Medical Research, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Zon-Darr Huang
- Department of Medical Research, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Han Lee
- Department of Medical Research, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Fu Chiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Injury Prevention and Control, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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17
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Platt N, Speak AO, Colaco A, Gray J, Smith DA, Williams IM, Wallom KL, Platt FM. Immune dysfunction in Niemann-Pick disease type C. J Neurochem 2015; 136 Suppl 1:74-80. [PMID: 25946402 PMCID: PMC4833189 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Revised: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Lysosomal storage diseases are inherited monogenic disorders in which lysosome function is compromised. Although individually very rare, they occur at a collective frequency of approximately one in five thousand live births and usually have catastrophic consequences for health. The lysosomal storage diseases Niemann‐Pick disease type C (NPC) is caused by mutations predominantly in the lysosomal integral membrane protein NPC1 and clinically presents as a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. In this article we review data that demonstrate significant dysregulation of innate immunity in NPC, which occurs both in peripheral organs and the CNS. In particular pro‐inflammatory responses promote disease progression and anti‐inflammatory drugs provide benefit in animal models of the disease and are an attractive target for clinical intervention in this disorder.
![]() Niemann‐Pick disease type C is a rare, devastating, inherited lysosomal storage disease with a unique cellular phenotype characterized by lysosomal accumulation of sphingosine, various glycosphingolipids and cholesterol and a reduction in lysosomal calcium. In this review we highlight the impact of the disease on innate immune activities in both the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral tissues and discuss their contributions to pathology and the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Platt
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - James Gray
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - David A Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ian M Williams
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Frances M Platt
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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18
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Tsigkos S, Mariz S, Llinares J, Fregonese L, Aarum S, Naumann-Winter F, Frauke NW, Westermark K, Sepodes B. Establishing medical plausibility in the context of orphan medicines designation in the European Union. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2014; 9:175. [PMID: 25475155 PMCID: PMC4264401 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-014-0175-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the European Union, sponsors have the responsibility to demonstrate the “intention to diagnose, prevent or treat” a serious and rare condition before the Committee of Orphan Medicinal Products (COMP), for a medicinal product to meet the criteria for Orphan Designation. This requirement is commonly referred to as “medical plausibility” and the justification of this intention is assessed on the merits of each application by the COMP, which deliberates over the scientific evaluation of the evidence submitted. The scientific assessment of the applications for orphan designation by the Committee is based on the review of non-clinical (such as in vitro and in vivo) and/or clinical data submitted by the sponsor. Several challenges regarding the evidence provided emerge when the sponsor is applying for a designation at an early stage of development. Herein we discuss specific examples from the experience of the COMP, in order to elaborate on the type and level of evidence generally considered necessary for the purpose of justification of the intention to treat an orphan condition. Importantly, it is pointed out that bridging of data from other products, irrespectively of how comparable they may be, or from settings not directly associated with the condition as applied for designation, is by and large not a successful exercise and may only be exceptionally considered. It is further exemplified that, as reflected in the updated ‘Guideline on the format and context of the applications for designation’ and the guidance document ‘Recommendation on elements required to support the medical plausibility and the assumption of significant benefit for an orphan designation’ available on the EMA website, the sponsor should provide data with the specific product as applied for in specific models of the condition or in patients affected by the same condition subject of each application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stelios Tsigkos
- Orphan Medicines Office, European Medicines Agency, 7 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, E144HB, London, UK.
| | - Segundo Mariz
- Orphan Medicines Office, European Medicines Agency, 7 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, E144HB, London, UK.
| | - Jordi Llinares
- Orphan Medicines Office, European Medicines Agency, 7 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, E144HB, London, UK.
| | - Laura Fregonese
- Orphan Medicines Office, European Medicines Agency, 7 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, E144HB, London, UK.
| | - Stiina Aarum
- Orphan Medicines Office, European Medicines Agency, 7 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, E144HB, London, UK.
| | | | - Naumann-Winter Frauke
- Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, Kurt-Georg-Kiesinger-Allee 3, 53175, Bonn, Germany.
| | | | - Bruno Sepodes
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMED.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, 1649-003, Lisboa, Portugal.
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19
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Lipids in the nervous system: from biochemistry and molecular biology to patho-physiology. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2014; 1851:51-60. [PMID: 25150974 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2014.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Revised: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Lipids in the nervous system accomplish a great number of key functions, from synaptogenesis to impulse conduction, and more. Most of the lipids of the nervous system are localized in myelin sheaths. It has long been known that myelin structure and brain homeostasis rely on specific lipid-protein interactions and on specific cell-to-cell signaling. In more recent years, the growing advances in large-scale technologies and genetically modified animal models have provided valuable insights into the role of lipids in the nervous system. Key findings recently emerged in these areas are here summarized. In addition, we briefly discuss how this new knowledge can open novel approaches for the treatment of diseases associated with alteration of lipid metabolism/homeostasis in the nervous system. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Linking transcription to physiology in lipidomics.
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