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Mayer C, Riera-Ponsati L, Kauppinen S, Klitgaard H, Erler JT, Hansen SN. Targeting the NRF2 pathway for disease modification in neurodegenerative diseases: mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1437939. [PMID: 39119604 PMCID: PMC11306042 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1437939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases constitute a global health issue and a major economic burden. They significantly impair both cognitive and motor functions, and their prevalence is expected to rise due to ageing societies and continuous population growth. Conventional therapies provide symptomatic relief, nevertheless, disease-modifying treatments that reduce or halt neuron death and malfunction are still largely unavailable. Amongst the common hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases are protein aggregation, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Transcription factor nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) constitutes a central regulator of cellular defense mechanisms, including the regulation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and mitochondrial pathways, making it a highly attractive therapeutic target for disease modification in neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we describe the role of NRF2 in the common hallmarks of neurodegeneration, review the current pharmacological interventions and their challenges in activating the NRF2 pathway, and present alternative therapeutic approaches for disease modification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lluís Riera-Ponsati
- NEUmiRNA Therapeutics, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for RNA Medicine, Aalborg University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sakari Kauppinen
- NEUmiRNA Therapeutics, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for RNA Medicine, Aalborg University, Copenhagen, Denmark
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2
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Tarot P, Lasbleiz C, Liévens JC. NRF2 signaling cascade in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: bridging the gap between promise and reality. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1006-1012. [PMID: 37862202 PMCID: PMC10749620 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.385283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a very disabling disease due to the degeneration of motor neurons. Symptoms include muscle weakness and atrophy, spasticity, and progressive paralysis. Currently, there is no treatment to reverse damage to motor neurons and cure amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The only two treatments actually approved, riluzole and edaravone, have shown mitigated beneficial effects. The difficulty to find a cure lies in the complexity and multifaceted pattern of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pathogenesis. Among mechanisms, abnormal RNA metabolism, nucleocytoplasmic transport defects, accumulation of unfolded protein, and mitochondrial dysfunction would in fine induce oxidative damage and vice versa. A potent therapeutic strategy will be to find molecules that break this vicious circle. Sharpening the nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 signaling may fulfill this objective since nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 has a multitarget profile controlling antioxidant defense, mitochondrial functioning, and inflammation. We here discuss the interest of developing nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2-based therapy in regard to the pathophysiological mechanisms and we provide a general overview of the attempted clinical assays in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Tarot
- MMDN, Univ Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, Montpellier, France
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3
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Xiang Y, Song X, Long D. Ferroptosis regulation through Nrf2 and implications for neurodegenerative diseases. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:579-615. [PMID: 38265475 PMCID: PMC10861688 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03660-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
This article provides an overview of the background knowledge of ferroptosis in the nervous system, as well as the key role of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in regulating ferroptosis. The article takes Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) as the starting point to explore the close association between Nrf2 and ferroptosis, which is of clear and significant importance for understanding the mechanism of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) based on oxidative stress (OS). Accumulating evidence links ferroptosis to the pathogenesis of NDs. As the disease progresses, damage to the antioxidant system, excessive OS, and altered Nrf2 expression levels, especially the inhibition of ferroptosis by lipid peroxidation inhibitors and adaptive enhancement of Nrf2 signaling, demonstrate the potential clinical significance of Nrf2 in detecting and identifying ferroptosis, as well as targeted therapy for neuronal loss and mitochondrial dysfunction. These findings provide new insights and possibilities for the treatment and prevention of NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Xiang
- School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, People's Republic of China
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohua Song
- School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, People's Republic of China
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, People's Republic of China
| | - Dingxin Long
- School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, People's Republic of China.
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, People's Republic of China.
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4
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Chen WT, Dodson M. The untapped potential of targeting NRF2 in neurodegenerative disease. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2023; 4:1270838. [PMID: 37840813 PMCID: PMC10569223 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2023.1270838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Since its initial discovery almost three decades ago, the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) has been shown to regulate a host of downstream transcriptional responses and play a critical role in preventing or promoting disease progression depending on the context. Critically, while the importance of proper nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 function has been demonstrated across a variety of pathological settings, the ability to progress NRF2-targeted therapeutics to clinic has remained frustratingly elusive. This is particularly true in the case of age-related pathologies, where nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 is a well-established mitigator of many of the observed pathogenic effects, yet options to target this pathway remain limited. Along these lines, loss of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 function has clearly been shown to enhance neuropathological outcomes, with enhancing nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathway activation to prevent neurodegenerative/neurological disease progression continuing to be an active area of interest. One critical obstacle in generating successful therapeutics for brain-related pathologies is the ability of the compound to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB), which has also hampered the implementation of several promising nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 inducers. Another limitation is that many nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 activators have undesirable off-target effects due to their electrophilic nature. Despite these constraints, the field has continued to evolve, and several viable means of targeting nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 in a neuropathological context have emerged. In this perspective, we will briefly discuss the key findings and promising therapeutic options that have been discovered to date, as well as highlight emerging areas of NRF2-neurodegeneration research that provide hope for successfully targeting this pathway in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew Dodson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
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5
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Jiang P, Liu Z, Fang T, Zhang Z, Zhang Y, Wang D, Little PJ, Xu S, Weng J. Growth differentiation factor 15 is dispensable for acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 132:343-353. [PMID: 36602134 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13834] [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: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury (AILI) has been recognized as a pivotal contributor to drug-induced liver failure in Western countries, but its molecular mechanism remains poorly understood. Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a pleiotropic factor that alleviates non-alcoholic liver steatohepatitis, liver fibrosis and liver injury. The aim of the present study was to examine the possibility whether GDF15 confers protection against AILI. We found that the gene expression of Gdf15 was increased significantly after APAP overdose in mice. Next, the role of Gdf15 in AILI was evaluated by hepatic Gdf15 overexpression (using adeno-associated virus serotype 8), injection with recombinant human GDF15 (rhGDF15) and Gdf15 knockout mice after challenge with APAP. A marked elevation of Gdf15 was observed after AILI. However, there were no significant differences in AILI-related liver injury and JNK phosphorylation after Gdf15 overexpression, rhGDF15 injection or Gdf15 deficiency. Together, we conclude that, despite a noticeable elevation of Gdf15 level after AILI, Gdf15 is dispensable for APAP-induced AILI. Our study further suggests that genomic analysis of mRNA expression after APAP overdose is of limited relevance unless followed up by a functional analysis of candidate genes in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Jiang
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhenghong Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Tingyu Fang
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhidan Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Dongdong Wang
- Centre for Metabolism, Obesity and Diabetes Research and the Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.,Sunshine Coast Health Institute and School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, Queensland, Australia
| | - Suowen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jianping Weng
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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6
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Killoy KM, Harlan BA, Pehar M, Vargas MR. NR1D1 downregulation in astrocytes induces a phenotype that is detrimental to cocultured motor neurons. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22262. [PMID: 35319791 PMCID: PMC9223394 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101275r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group D member 1 (NR1D1, also known as Rev-erbα) is a nuclear transcription factor that is part of the molecular clock encoding circadian rhythms and may link daily rhythms with metabolism and inflammation. NR1D1, unlike most nuclear receptors, lacks a ligand-dependent activation function domain 2 and is a constitutive transcriptional repressor. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common adult-onset motor neuron disease, caused by the progressive degeneration of motor neurons in the spinal cord, brain stem, and motor cortex. Approximately 10%-20% of familial ALS is caused by a toxic gain-of-function induced by mutations of the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1). Dysregulated clock and clock-controlled gene expression occur in multiple tissues from mutant hSOD1-linked ALS mouse models. Here we explore NR1D1 dysregulation in the spinal cord of ALS mouse models and its consequences on astrocyte-motor neuron interaction. NR1D1 protein and mRNA expression are significantly downregulated in the spinal cord of symptomatic mice expressing mutant hSOD1, while no changes were observed in age-matched animals overexpressing wild-type hSOD1. In addition, NR1D1 downregulation in primary astrocyte cultures induces a pro-inflammatory phenotype and decreases the survival of cocultured motor neurons. NR1D1 orchestrates the cross talk between physiological pathways identified to be disrupted in ALS (e.g., metabolism, inflammation, redox homeostasis, and circadian rhythms) and we observed that downregulation of NR1D1 alters astrocyte-motor neuron interaction. Our results suggest that NR1D1 could be a potential therapeutic target to prevent astrocyte-mediated motor neuron toxicity in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelby M Killoy
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Benjamin A Harlan
- Biomedical Sciences Training Program, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Mariana Pehar
- Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Marcelo R Vargas
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Arslanbaeva L, Bisaglia M. Activation of the Nrf2 Pathway as a Therapeutic Strategy for ALS Treatment. Molecules 2022; 27:1471. [PMID: 35268572 PMCID: PMC8911691 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27051471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive and fatal disease that causes motoneurons degeneration and functional impairment of voluntary muscles, with limited and poorly efficient therapies. Alterations in the Nrf2-ARE pathway are associated with ALS pathology and result in aberrant oxidative stress, making the stimulation of the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response a promising therapeutic strategy in ALS to reduce oxidative stress. In this review, we first introduce the involvement of the Nrf2 pathway in the pathogenesis of ALS and the role played by astrocytes in modulating such a protective pathway. We then describe the currently developed activators of Nrf2, used in both preclinical animal models and clinical studies, taking into consideration their potentialities as well as the possible limitations associated with their use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Bisaglia
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
- Center Study for Neurodegeneration (CESNE), University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
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8
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Bono S, Feligioni M, Corbo M. Impaired antioxidant KEAP1-NRF2 system in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: NRF2 activation as a potential therapeutic strategy. Mol Neurodegener 2021; 16:71. [PMID: 34663413 PMCID: PMC8521937 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-021-00479-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxidative stress (OS) is an imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant species and, together with other numerous pathological mechanisms, leads to the degeneration and death of motor neurons (MNs) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). MAIN BODY Two of the main players in the molecular and cellular response to OS are NRF2, the transcription nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, and its principal negative regulator, KEAP1, Kelch-like ECH (erythroid cell-derived protein with CNC homology)-associated protein 1. Here we first provide an overview of the structural organization, regulation, and critical role of the KEAP1-NRF2 system in counteracting OS, with a focus on its alteration in ALS. We then examine several compounds capable of promoting NRF2 activity thereby inducing cytoprotective effects, and which are currently in different stages of clinical development for many pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases. CONCLUSIONS Although challenges associated with some of these compounds remain, important advances have been made in the development of safer and more effective drugs that could actually represent a breakthrough for fatal degenerative diseases such as ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Bono
- Need Institute, Laboratory of Neurobiology for Translational Medicine, c/o Casa di Cura del Policlinico (CCP), Via Dezza 48, 20144 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Feligioni
- Need Institute, Laboratory of Neurobiology for Translational Medicine, c/o Casa di Cura del Policlinico (CCP), Via Dezza 48, 20144 Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Neuronal Cell Signaling, EBRI Rita Levi-Montalcini Foundation, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Corbo
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa di Cura del Policlinico (CCP), Via Dezza 48, 20144 Milan, Italy
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An Overview of the Nrf2/ARE Pathway and Its Role in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179592. [PMID: 34502501 PMCID: PMC8431732 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nrf2 is a basic region leucine-zipper transcription factor that plays a pivotal role in the coordinated gene expression of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes, promoting cell survival in adverse environmental or defective metabolic conditions. After synthesis, Nrf2 is arrested in the cytoplasm by the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 suppressor (Keap1) leading Nrf2 to ubiquitin-dependent degradation. One Nrf2 activation mechanism relies on disconnection from the Keap1 homodimer through the oxidation of cysteine at specific sites of Keap1. Free Nrf2 enters the nucleus, dimerizes with small musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma proteins (sMafs), and binds to the antioxidant response element (ARE) sequence of the target genes. Since oxidative stress, next to neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction, is one of the hallmarks of neurodegenerative pathologies, a molecular intervention into Nrf2/ARE signaling and the enhancement of the transcriptional activity of particular genes are targets for prevention or delaying the onset of age-related and inherited neurogenerative diseases. In this study, we review evidence for the Nrf2/ARE-driven pathway dysfunctions leading to various neurological pathologies, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases, as well as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and the beneficial role of natural and synthetic molecules that are able to interact with Nrf2 to enhance its protective efficacy.
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10
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Valori CF, Possenti A, Brambilla L, Rossi D. Challenges and Opportunities of Targeting Astrocytes to Halt Neurodegenerative Disorders. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082019. [PMID: 34440788 PMCID: PMC8395029 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are a heterogeneous group of disorders whose incidence is likely to duplicate in the next 30 years along with the progressive aging of the western population. Non-cell-specific therapeutics or therapeutics designed to tackle aberrant pathways within neurons failed to slow down or halt neurodegeneration. Yet, in the last few years, our knowledge of the importance of glial cells to maintain the central nervous system homeostasis in health conditions has increased exponentially, along with our awareness of their fundamental and multifaced role in pathological conditions. Among glial cells, astrocytes emerge as promising therapeutic targets in various neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we present the latest evidence showing the astonishing level of specialization that astrocytes display to fulfill the demands of their neuronal partners as well as their plasticity upon injury. Then, we discuss the controversies that fuel the current debate on these cells. We tackle evidence of a potential beneficial effect of cell therapy, achieved by transplanting astrocytes or their precursors. Afterwards, we introduce the different strategies proposed to modulate astrocyte functions in neurodegeneration, ranging from lifestyle changes to environmental cues. Finally, we discuss the challenges and the recent advancements to develop astrocyte-specific delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara F. Valori
- Molecular Neuropathology of Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Correspondence: (C.F.V.); (D.R.); Tel.: +49-7071-9254-122 (C.F.V.); +39-0382-592064 (D.R.)
| | - Agostino Possenti
- Laboratory for Research on Neurodegenerative Disorders, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (A.P.); (L.B.)
| | - Liliana Brambilla
- Laboratory for Research on Neurodegenerative Disorders, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (A.P.); (L.B.)
| | - Daniela Rossi
- Laboratory for Research on Neurodegenerative Disorders, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (A.P.); (L.B.)
- Correspondence: (C.F.V.); (D.R.); Tel.: +49-7071-9254-122 (C.F.V.); +39-0382-592064 (D.R.)
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11
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Killoy KM, Pehar M, Harlan BA, Vargas MR. Altered expression of clock and clock-controlled genes in a hSOD1-linked amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mouse model. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21343. [PMID: 33508151 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000386rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Most physiological processes in mammals are subjected to daily oscillations that are governed by a circadian system. The circadian rhythm orchestrates metabolic pathways in a time-dependent manner and loss of circadian timekeeping has been associated with cellular and system-wide alterations in metabolism, redox homeostasis, and inflammation. Here, we investigated the expression of clock and clock-controlled genes in multiple tissues (suprachiasmatic nucleus, spinal cord, gastrocnemius muscle, and liver) from mutant hSOD1-linked amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mouse models. We identified tissue-specific changes in the relative expression, as well as altered daily expression patterns, of clock genes, sirtuins (Sirt1, Sirt3, and Sirt6), metabolic enzymes (Pfkfb3, Cpt1, and Nampt), and redox regulators (Nrf2, G6pd, and Pgd). In addition, astrocytes transdifferentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells from SOD1-linked and FUS RNA binding protein-linked ALS patients also displayed altered expression of clock genes. Overall, our results raise the possibility of disrupted cross-talk between the suprachiasmatic nucleus and peripheral tissues in hSOD1G93A mice, preventing proper peripheral clock regulation and synchronization. Since these changes were observed in symptomatic mice, it remains unclear whether this dysregulation directly drives or it is a consequence of the degenerative process. However, because metabolism and redox homeostasis are intimately entangled with circadian rhythms, our data suggest that altered expression of clock genes may contribute to metabolic and redox impairment in ALS. Since circadian dyssynchrony can be rescued, these results provide the groundwork for potential disease-modifying interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelby M Killoy
- Biomedical Sciences Training Program, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Mariana Pehar
- Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Benjamin A Harlan
- Biomedical Sciences Training Program, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Marcelo R Vargas
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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12
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Sigfridsson E, Marangoni M, Hardingham GE, Horsburgh K, Fowler JH. Deficiency of Nrf2 exacerbates white matter damage and microglia/macrophage levels in a mouse model of vascular cognitive impairment. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:367. [PMID: 33261626 PMCID: PMC7709339 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-02038-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion causes damage to the brain's white matter underpinning vascular cognitive impairment. Inflammation and oxidative stress have been proposed as key pathophysiological mechanisms of which the transcription factor Nrf2 is a master regulator. We hypothesised that white matter pathology, microgliosis, blood-brain barrier breakdown and behavioural deficits induced by chronic hypoperfusion would be exacerbated in mice deficient in the transcription factor Nrf2. METHODS Mice deficient in Nrf2 (male heterozygote or homozygous for Nrf2 knockout) or wild-type littermates on a C57Bl6/J background underwent bilateral carotid artery stenosis (BCAS) to induce chronic cerebral hypoperfusion or sham surgery and survived for a further 6 weeks. White matter pathology was assessed with MAG immunohistochemistry as a marker of altered axon-glial integrity; alterations to astrocytes and microglia/macrophages were assessed with GFAP and Iba1 immunohistochemistry, and blood-brain barrier breakdown was assessed with IgG immunohistochemistry. Behavioural alterations were assessed using 8-arm radial arm maze, and alterations to Nrf2-related and inflammatory-related genes were assessed with qRT-PCR. RESULTS Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion induced white matter pathology, elevated microglial/macrophage levels and blood-brain barrier breakdown in white matter tracts that were increased in Nrf2+/- mice and further exacerbated by the complete absence of Nrf2. Chronic hypoperfusion induced white matter astrogliosis and induced an impairment in behaviour assessed with radial arm maze; however, these measures were not affected by Nrf2 deficiency. Although Nrf2-related antioxidant gene expression was not altered by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, there was evidence for elevated pro-inflammatory related gene expression following chronic hypoperfusion that was not affected by Nrf2 deficiency. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrate that the absence of Nrf2 exacerbates white matter pathology and microgliosis following cerebral hypoperfusion but does not affect behavioural impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Sigfridsson
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB UK
| | - Martina Marangoni
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB UK
- Present address: Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giles E. Hardingham
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB UK
- The UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Karen Horsburgh
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB UK
| | - Jill H. Fowler
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB UK
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13
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Siciliano G, Chico L, Lo Gerfo A, Simoncini C, Schirinzi E, Ricci G. Exercise-Related Oxidative Stress as Mechanism to Fight Physical Dysfunction in Neuromuscular Disorders. Front Physiol 2020; 11:451. [PMID: 32508674 PMCID: PMC7251329 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) are a group of often severely disabling disorders characterized by dysfunction in one of the main constituents of the motor unit, the cardinal anatomic-functional structure behind force and movement production. Irrespective of the different pathogenic mechanisms specifically underlying these disease conditions genetically determined or acquired, and the related molecular pathways involved in doing that, oxidative stress has often been shown to play a relevant role within the chain of events that induce or at least modulate the clinical manifestations of these disorders. Due to such a putative relevance of the imbalance of redox status occurring in contractile machinery and/or its neural drive in NMDs, physical exercise appears as one of the most important conditions able to positively interfere along an ideal axis, going from a deranged metabolic cell homeostasis in motor unit components to the reduced motor performance profile exhibited by the patient in everyday life. If so, it comes out that it would be important to identify a proper training program, suitable for load and type of exercise that is able to improve motor performance in adaptation and response to such a homeostatic imbalance. This review therefore analyzes the role of different exercise trainings on oxidative stress mechanisms, both in healthy and in NMDs, also including preclinical studies, to elucidate at which extent these can be useful to counteract muscle impairment associated to the disease, with the final aim of improving physical functions and quality of life of NMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Siciliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Chico
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Annalisa Lo Gerfo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Costanza Simoncini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Erika Schirinzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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14
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Granatiero V, Konrad C, Bredvik K, Manfredi G, Kawamata H. Nrf2 signaling links ER oxidative protein folding and calcium homeostasis in health and disease. Life Sci Alliance 2019; 2:2/5/e201900563. [PMID: 31658977 PMCID: PMC6819749 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.201900563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative protein folding in the ER generates ROS, leading to Nrf2-dependent feedback on protein folding via ER calcium level modulation. This feedback loop is suppressed in ALS-associated mutant astrocytes but can be rescued by dimethyl fumarate. We report a signaling pathway linking two fundamental functions of the ER, oxidative protein folding, and intracellular calcium regulation. Cells sense ER oxidative protein folding through H2O2, which induces Nrf2 nuclear translocation. Nrf2 regulates the expression of GPx8, an ER glutathione peroxidase that modulates ER calcium levels. Because ER protein folding is dependent on calcium, this pathway functions as rheostat of ER calcium levels. Protein misfolding and calcium dysregulation contribute to the pathophysiology of many diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, in which astrocytic calcium dysregulation participates in causing motor neuron death. In human-derived astrocytes harboring mutant SOD1 causative of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, we show that impaired ER redox signaling decreases Nrf2 nuclear translocation, resulting in ER calcium overload and increased calcium-dependent cell secretion, leading to motor neuron death. Nrf2 activation in SOD1 mutant astrocytes with dimethyl fumarate restores calcium homeostasis and ameliorates motor neuron death. These results highlight a regulatory mechanism of intracellular calcium homeostasis by ER redox signaling and suggest that this mechanism could be a therapeutic target in SOD1 mutant astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Granatiero
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Csaba Konrad
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kirsten Bredvik
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Giovanni Manfredi
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hibiki Kawamata
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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15
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Abstract
Motor neuron disorders are highly debilitating and mostly fatal conditions for which only limited therapeutic options are available. To overcome this limitation and develop more effective therapeutic strategies, it is critical to discover the pathogenic mechanisms that trigger and sustain motor neuron degeneration with the greatest accuracy and detail. In the case of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), several genes have been associated with familial forms of the disease, whilst the vast majority of cases develop sporadically and no defined cause can be held responsible. On the contrary, the huge majority of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) occurrences are caused by loss-of-function mutations in a single gene, SMN1. Although the typical hallmark of both diseases is the loss of motor neurons, there is increasing awareness that pathological lesions are also present in the neighbouring glia, whose dysfunction clearly contributes to generating a toxic environment in the central nervous system. Here, ALS and SMA are sequentially presented, each disease section having a brief introduction, followed by a focussed discussion on the role of the astrocytes in the disease pathogenesis. Such a dissertation is substantiated by the findings that built awareness on the glial involvement and how the glial-neuronal interplay is perturbed, along with the appraisal of this new cellular site for possible therapeutic intervention.
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16
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McLeod VM, Lau CL, Chiam MD, Rupasinghe TW, Roessner U, Djouma E, Boon WC, Turner BJ. Androgen receptor antagonism accelerates disease onset in the SOD1 G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 176:2111-2130. [PMID: 30849180 PMCID: PMC6555856 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease typically more common in males, implicating androgens in progression of both patients and mouse models. Androgen effects are mediated by androgen receptor which is highly expressed in spinal motor neurons and skeletal muscles. To clarify the role of androgen receptors in ALS, we therefore examined the effect of androgen receptor antagonism in the SOD1G93A mouse model. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The androgen receptor antagonist, flutamide, was administered to presymptomatic SOD1G93A mice as a slow-release subcutaneous implant (5 mg·day-1 ). Testosterone, flutamide, and metabolite levels were measured in blood and spinal cord tissue by LC-MS-MS. Effects on disease onset and progression were assessed using motor function tests, survival, muscle, and neuropathological analyses. KEY RESULTS Flutamide was metabolised to 2-hydroxyflutamide achieving steady-state plasma levels across the study duration and reached the spinal cord at pharmacologically active concentrations. Flutamide treatment accelerated disease onset and locomotor dysfunction in male SOD1G93A mice, but not female mice, without affecting survival. Analysis of hindlimb muscles revealed exacerbation of myofibre atrophy in male SOD1G93A mice treated with flutamide, although motor neuron pathology was not affected. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS The androgen receptor antagonist accelerated disease onset in male SOD1G93A mice, leading to exacerbated muscle pathology, consistent with a role of androgens in modulating disease severity, sexual dimorphism, and peripheral pathology in ALS. These results also demonstrate a key contribution of skeletal muscle pathology to disease onset, but not outcome, in this mouse model of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria M. McLeod
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVICAustralia
| | - Chew L. Lau
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVICAustralia
| | - Mathew D.F. Chiam
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVICAustralia
| | - Thusitha W. Rupasinghe
- Metabolomics Australia, School of BioSciencesUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Ute Roessner
- Metabolomics Australia, School of BioSciencesUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Elvan Djouma
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and MicrobiologyLa Trobe UniversityBundooraVICAustralia
| | - Wah C. Boon
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVICAustralia
| | - Bradley J. Turner
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVICAustralia
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17
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Bansal Y, Singh R, Parhar I, Kuhad A, Soga T. Quinolinic Acid and Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 in Depression: Role in Neuroprogression. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:452. [PMID: 31164818 PMCID: PMC6536572 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is an incapacitating neuropsychiatric disorder. The serotonergic system in the brain plays an important role in the pathophysiology of depression. However, due to delayed and/or poor performance of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in treating depressive symptoms, the role of the serotonergic system in depression has been recently questioned further. Evidence from recent studies suggests that increased inflammation and oxidative stress may play significant roles in the pathophysiology of depression. The consequences of these factors can lead to the neuroprogression of depression, involving neurodegeneration, astrocytic apoptosis, reduced neurogenesis, reduced plasticity (neuronal and synaptic), and enhanced immunoreactivity. Specifically, increased proinflammatory cytokine levels have been shown to activate the kynurenine pathway, which causes increased production of quinolinic acid (QA, an N-Methyl-D-aspartate agonist) and decreases the synthesis of serotonin. QA exerts many deleterious effects on the brain via mechanisms including N-methyl-D-aspartate excitotoxicity, increased oxidative stress, astrocyte degeneration, and neuronal apoptosis. QA may also act directly as a pro-oxidant. Additionally, the nuclear translocation of antioxidant defense factors, such as nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), is downregulated in depression. Hence, in the present review, we discuss the role of QA in increasing oxidative stress in depression by modulating the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 and thus affecting the synthesis of antioxidant enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashika Bansal
- Pharmacology Research Lab, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences UGC-Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Raghunath Singh
- Pharmacology Research Lab, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences UGC-Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ishwar Parhar
- Brain Research Institute Monash Sunway, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Anurag Kuhad
- Pharmacology Research Lab, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences UGC-Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Tomoko Soga
- Brain Research Institute Monash Sunway, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
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18
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Harlan BA, Pehar M, Killoy KM, Vargas MR. Enhanced SIRT6 activity abrogates the neurotoxic phenotype of astrocytes expressing ALS-linked mutant SOD1. FASEB J 2019; 33:7084-7091. [PMID: 30841754 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201802752r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Sirtuins (SIRTs) are NAD+-dependent deacylases that play a key role in transcription, DNA repair, metabolism, and oxidative stress resistance. Increasing NAD+ availability regulates endogenous SIRT activity, leading to increased resistance to oxidative stress and decreased mitochondrial reactive oxygen production in multiple cell types and disease models. This protection, at least in part, depends on the activation of antioxidant mitochondrial proteins. We now show that increasing total NAD+ content in astrocytes leads to the activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor, erythroid-derived 2, like 2 (Nfe2l2 or Nrf2) and up-regulation of the antioxidant proteins heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and sulfiredoxin 1 (SRXN1). Nrf2 activation also occurs as a result of SIRT6 overexpression. Mutations in Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) cause familial forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Astrocytes isolated from mutant human SOD1-overexpressing mice induce motor neuron death in coculture. Treatment with nicotinamide mononucleotide or nicotinamide riboside increases total NAD+ content in ALS astrocytes and abrogates their toxicity toward cocultured motor neurons. The observed neuroprotection depends on SIRT6 expression in astrocytes. Moreover, overexpression of SIRT6 in astrocytes by itself abrogates the neurotoxic phenotype of ALS astrocytes. Our results identify SIRT6 as a potential therapeutic target to prevent astrocyte-mediated motor neuron death in ALS.-Harlan, B. A., Pehar, M., Killoy, K. M., Vargas, M. R. Enhanced SIRT6 activity abrogates the neurotoxic phenotype of astrocytes expressing ALS-linked mutant SOD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin A Harlan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Mariana Pehar
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Kelby M Killoy
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Marcelo R Vargas
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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19
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Greco V, Spalloni A, Corasolla Carregari V, Pieroni L, Persichilli S, Mercuri NB, Urbani A, Longone P. Proteomics and Toxicity Analysis of Spinal-Cord Primary Cultures upon Hydrogen Sulfide Treatment. Antioxidants (Basel) 2018; 7:antiox7070087. [PMID: 29996549 PMCID: PMC6070951 DOI: 10.3390/antiox7070087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous gasotransmitter recognized as an essential body product with a dual, biphasic action. It can function as an antioxidant and a cytoprotective, but also as a poison with a high probability of causing brain damage when present at noxious levels. In a previous study, we measured toxic liquoral levels of H2S in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients and in the familial ALS (fALS) mouse model, SOD1G93A. In addition, we experimentally demonstrated that H2S is extremely and selectively toxic to motor neurons, and that it is released by glial cells and increases Ca2+ concentration in motor neurons due to a lack of ATP. The presented study further examines the effect of toxic concentrations of H2S on embryonic mouse spinal-cord cultures. We performed a proteomic analysis that revealed a significant H2S-mediated activation of pathways related to oxidative stress and cell death, particularly the Nrf-2-mediated oxidative stress response and peroxiredoxins. Furthermore, we report that Na2S (a stable precursor of H2S) toxicity is, at least in part, reverted by the Bax inhibitor V5 and by necrostatin, a potent necroptosis inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Greco
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostic and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli-IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Alida Spalloni
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy.
| | - Victor Corasolla Carregari
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostic and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli-IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Luisa Pieroni
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Proteomics and Metabonomics Unit, Fondazione Santa Lucia-IRCCS, 00143 Rome, Italy.
| | - Silvia Persichilli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostic and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli-IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Nicola B Mercuri
- Department of Systems Medicine, Policlinico Universitario "Tor Vergata", University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy.
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Experimental Neurology Unit, 00143 Rome, Italy.
| | - Andrea Urbani
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostic and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli-IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Longone
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy.
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20
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Diminished stress resistance and defective adaptive homeostasis in age-related diseases. Clin Sci (Lond) 2017; 131:2573-2599. [PMID: 29070521 DOI: 10.1042/cs20160982] [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: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Adaptive homeostasis is defined as the transient expansion or contraction of the homeostatic range following exposure to subtoxic, non-damaging, signaling molecules or events, or the removal or cessation of such molecules or events (Mol. Aspects Med. (2016) 49, 1-7). Adaptive homeostasis allows us to transiently adapt (and then de-adapt) to fluctuating levels of internal and external stressors. The ability to cope with transient changes in internal and external environmental stress, however, diminishes with age. Declining adaptive homeostasis may make older people more susceptible to many diseases. Chronic oxidative stress and defective protein homeostasis (proteostasis) are two major factors associated with the etiology of age-related disorders. In the present paper, we review the contribution of impaired responses to oxidative stress and defective adaptive homeostasis in the development of age-associated diseases.
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21
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Are Astrocytes the Predominant Cell Type for Activation of Nrf2 in Aging and Neurodegeneration? Antioxidants (Basel) 2017; 6:antiox6030065. [PMID: 28820437 PMCID: PMC5618093 DOI: 10.3390/antiox6030065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that regulates hundreds of antioxidant genes, and is activated in response to oxidative stress. Given that many neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington’s disease and multiple sclerosis are characterised by oxidative stress, Nrf2 is commonly activated in these diseases. Evidence demonstrates that Nrf2 activity is repressed in neurons in vitro, and only cultured astrocytes respond strongly to Nrf2 inducers, leading to the interpretation that Nrf2 signalling is largely restricted to astrocytes. However, Nrf2 activity can be observed in neurons in post-mortem brain tissue and animal models of disease. Thus this interpretation may be false, and a detailed analysis of the cell type expression of Nrf2 in neurodegenerative diseases is required. This review describes the evidence for Nrf2 activation in each cell type in prominent neurodegenerative diseases and normal aging in human brain and animal models of neurodegeneration, the response to pharmacological and genetic modulation of Nrf2, and clinical trials involving Nrf2-modifying drugs.
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22
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Gerstgrasser A, Melhem H, Leonardi I, Atrott K, Schäfer M, Werner S, Rogler G, Frey-Wagner I. Cell-specific Activation of the Nrf2 Antioxidant Pathway Increases Mucosal Inflammation in Acute but Not in Chronic Colitis. J Crohns Colitis 2017; 11:485-499. [PMID: 27683801 DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjw172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The transcription factor Nrf2 is a major modulator of the cellular antioxidant response. Oxidative burst of infiltrating macrophages leads to a massive production of reactive oxygen species in inflamed tissue of inflammatory bowel disease patients. This oxidative burst contributes to tissue destruction and epithelial permeability, but it is also an essential part of the antibacterial defence. We therefore investigated the impact of the Nrf2 orchestrated antioxidant response in both acute and chronic intestinal inflammation. METHODS To study the role of Nrf2 overexpression in mucosal inflammation, we used transgenic mice conditionally expressing a constitutively active form of Nrf2 [caNrf2] either in epithelial cells or in the myeloid cell lineage. Acute colitis was induced by dextran sulphate sodium [DSS] in transgenic and control animals, and changes in gene expression were evaluated by genome-wide expression studies. Long-term effects of Nrf2 activation were studied in mice with an IL-10-/- background. RESULTS Expression of caNrf2 either in epithelial cells or myeloid cells resulted in aggravation of DSS-induced acute colitis. Aggravation of inflammation by caNrf2 was not observed in the IL-10-/- model of spontaneous chronic colitis, where even a trend towards reduced prolapse rate was observed. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that a well-balanced redox homeostasis is as important in epithelial cells as in myeloid cells during induction of colitis. Aggravation of acute DSS colitis in response to constitutive Nrf2 expression emphasises the importance of tight regulation of Nrf2 during the onset of intestinal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Gerstgrasser
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology [ZIHP], University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hassan Melhem
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Irina Leonardi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology [ZIHP], University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kirstin Atrott
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Schäfer
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Werner
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gerhard Rogler
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology [ZIHP], University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Frey-Wagner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology [ZIHP], University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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23
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Pehar M, Harlan BA, Killoy KM, Vargas MR. Role and Therapeutic Potential of Astrocytes in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Curr Pharm Des 2017; 23:5010-5021. [PMID: 28641533 PMCID: PMC5740017 DOI: 10.2174/1381612823666170622095802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 06/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by the progressive degeneration of motor neurons in the spinal cord, brain stem, and motor cortex. The molecular mechanism underlying the progressive degeneration of motor neuron remains uncertain but involves a non-cell autonomous process. In acute injury or degenerative diseases astrocytes adopt a reactive phenotype known as astrogliosis. Astrogliosis is a complex remodeling of astrocyte biology and most likely represents a continuum of potential phenotypes that affect neuronal function and survival in an injury-specific manner. In ALS patients, reactive astrocytes surround both upper and lower degenerating motor neurons and play a key role in the pathology. It has become clear that astrocytes play a major role in ALS pathology. Through loss of normal function or acquired new characteristics, astrocytes are able to influence motor neuron fate and the progression of the disease. The use of different cell culture models indicates that ALS-astrocytes are able to induce motor neuron death by secreting a soluble factor(s). Here, we discuss several pathogenic mechanisms that have been proposed to explain astrocyte-mediated motor neuron death in ALS. In addition, examples of strategies that revert astrocyte-mediated motor neuron toxicity are reviewed to illustrate the therapeutic potential of astrocytes in ALS. Due to the central role played by astrocytes in ALS pathology, therapies aimed at modulating astrocyte biology may contribute to the development of integral therapeutic approaches to halt ALS progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Pehar
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Benjamin A. Harlan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Kelby M. Killoy
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Marcelo R. Vargas
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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24
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Goode A, Rea S, Sultana M, Shaw B, Searle MS, Layfield R. ALS-FTLD associated mutations of SQSTM1 impact on Keap1-Nrf2 signalling. Mol Cell Neurosci 2016; 76:52-58. [PMID: 27554286 PMCID: PMC5062946 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2016.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor Nrf2 and its repressor protein Keap1 play key roles in the regulation of antioxidant stress responses and both Keap1-Nrf2 signalling and oxidative stress have been implicated in the pathogenesis of the ALS-FTLD spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders. The Keap1-binding partner and autophagy receptor SQSTM1/p62 has also recently been linked genetically to ALS-FTLD, with some missense mutations identified in patients mapping within or close to its Keap1-interacting region (KIR, residues 347–352). Here we report the effects on protein function of four different disease associated mutations of SQSTM1/p62 which affect the KIR region. Only mutations mapping precisely to the KIR (P348L and G351A) were associated with a loss of Keap1 binding in co-immunoprecipitations comparable to wild-type SQSTM1/p62. These selective effects on Keap1 recognition were entirely rational based on protein structural models. Consistent with impaired Keap1 binding, the P348L and G351A KIR mutants showed reduced ability to activate Nrf2 signalling compared to wild-type SQSTM1/p62 in antioxidant response element (ARE)-luciferase reporter assays. The results suggest that SQSTM1 mutations within the KIR of SQSTM1/p62 contribute to aetiology of some cases of ALS-FTLD through a mechanism involving aberrant expression or regulation of oxidative response genes. ALS-FTLD associated KIR mutations of SQSTM1/p62 disrupt Keap1 binding. KIR mutants of SQSTM1/p62 are unable to activate Nrf2 signalling in reporter assays. Some SQSTM1 mutations may contribute to ALS-FTLD through an aberrant antioxidant stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Goode
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, UK.
| | - Sarah Rea
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Australia; Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Melanie Sultana
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Australia; Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Barry Shaw
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Mark S Searle
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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25
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Hadano S, Mitsui S, Pan L, Otomo A, Kubo M, Sato K, Ono S, Onodera W, Abe K, Chen X, Koike M, Uchiyama Y, Aoki M, Warabi E, Yamamoto M, Ishii T, Yanagawa T, Shang HF, Yoshii F. Functional links between SQSTM1 and ALS2 in the pathogenesis of ALS: cumulative impact on the protection against mutant SOD1-mediated motor dysfunction in mice. Hum Mol Genet 2016; 25:3321-3340. [PMID: 27439389 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a selective loss of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Multiple toxicity pathways, such as oxidative stress, misfolded protein accumulation, and dysfunctional autophagy, are implicated in the pathogenesis of ALS. However, the molecular basis of the interplay between such multiple factors in vivo remains unclear. Here, we report that two independent ALS-linked autophagy-associated gene products; SQSTM1/p62 and ALS2/alsin, but not antioxidant-related factor; NFE2L2/Nrf2, are implicated in the pathogenesis in mutant SOD1 transgenic ALS models. We generated SOD1H46R mice either on a Nfe2l2-null, Sqstm1-null, or Sqstm1/Als2-double null background. Loss of SQSTM1 but not NFE2L2 exacerbated disease symptoms. A simultaneous inactivation of SQSTM1 and ALS2 further accelerated the onset of disease. Biochemical analyses revealed that loss of SQSTM1 increased the level of insoluble SOD1 at the intermediate stage of the disease, whereas no further elevation occurred at the end-stage. Notably, absence of SQSTM1 rather suppressed the mutant SOD1-dependent accumulation of insoluble polyubiquitinated proteins, while ALS2 loss enhanced it. Histopathological examinations demonstrated that loss of SQSTM1 accelerated motor neuron degeneration with accompanying the preferential accumulation of ubiquitin-positive aggregates in spinal neurons. Since SQSTM1 loss is more detrimental to SOD1H46R mice than lack of ALS2, the selective accumulation of such aggregates in neurons might be more insulting than the biochemically-detectable insoluble proteins. Collectively, two ALS-linked factors, SQSTM1 and ALS2, have distinct but additive protective roles against mutant SOD1-mediated toxicity by modulating neuronal proteostasis possibly through the autophagy-endolysosomal system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinji Hadano
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan .,Research Center for Brain and Nervous Diseases, Tokai University Graduate School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan.,The Institute of Medical Sciences, Tokai University, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shun Mitsui
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Lei Pan
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Asako Otomo
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan.,The Institute of Medical Sciences, Tokai University, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan.,Micro/Nano Technology Center, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Mizuki Kubo
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kai Sato
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Suzuka Ono
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Wakana Onodera
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Koichiro Abe
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - XuePing Chen
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Masato Koike
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuo Uchiyama
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masashi Aoki
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Eiji Warabi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tennoudai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Masayuki Yamamoto
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Ishii
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tennoudai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Toru Yanagawa
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tennoudai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hui-Fang Shang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fumihito Yoshii
- The Institute of Medical Sciences, Tokai University, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan.,Department of Neurology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
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Loeffler J, Picchiarelli G, Dupuis L, Gonzalez De Aguilar J. The Role of Skeletal Muscle in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Brain Pathol 2016; 26:227-36. [PMID: 26780251 PMCID: PMC8029271 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal adult-onset disease primarily characterized by upper and lower motor neuron degeneration, muscle wasting and paralysis. It is increasingly accepted that the pathological process leading to ALS is the result of multiple disease mechanisms that operate within motor neurons and other cell types both inside and outside the central nervous system. The implication of skeletal muscle has been the subject of a number of studies conducted on patients and related animal models. In this review, we describe the features of ALS muscle pathology and discuss on the contribution of muscle to the pathological process. We also give an overview of the therapeutic strategies proposed to alleviate muscle pathology or to deliver curative agents to motor neurons. ALS muscle mainly suffers from oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and bioenergetic disturbances. However, the way by which the disease affects different types of myofibers depends on their contractile and metabolic features. Although the implication of muscle in nourishing the degenerative process is still debated, there is compelling evidence suggesting that it may play a critical role. Detailed understanding of the muscle pathology in ALS could, therefore, lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean‐Philippe Loeffler
- Université de Strasbourg, UMR_S 1118StrasbourgFrance
- INSERM, U1118, Mécanismes Centraux et Péripheriques de la NeurodégénérescenceStrasbourgFrance
| | - Gina Picchiarelli
- Université de Strasbourg, UMR_S 1118StrasbourgFrance
- INSERM, U1118, Mécanismes Centraux et Péripheriques de la NeurodégénérescenceStrasbourgFrance
| | - Luc Dupuis
- Université de Strasbourg, UMR_S 1118StrasbourgFrance
- INSERM, U1118, Mécanismes Centraux et Péripheriques de la NeurodégénérescenceStrasbourgFrance
| | - Jose‐Luis Gonzalez De Aguilar
- Université de Strasbourg, UMR_S 1118StrasbourgFrance
- INSERM, U1118, Mécanismes Centraux et Péripheriques de la NeurodégénérescenceStrasbourgFrance
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Johnson DA, Johnson JA. Nrf2--a therapeutic target for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Free Radic Biol Med 2015; 88:253-267. [PMID: 26281945 PMCID: PMC4809057 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2015.07.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 255] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Revised: 07/19/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The brain is very sensitive to changes in redox status; thus maintaining redox homeostasis in the brain is critical for the prevention of accumulating oxidative damage. Aging is the primary risk factor for developing neurodegenerative diseases. In addition to age, genetic and environmental risk factors have also been associated with disease development. The primary reactive insults associated with the aging process are a result of oxidative stress (OS) and nitrosative stress (NS). Markers of increased oxidative stress, protein and DNA modification, inflammation, and dysfunctional proteostasis have all been implicated in contributing to the progression of neurodegeneration. The ability of the cell to combat OS/NS and maintain a clearance mechanism for misfolded aggregating proteins determines whether or not it will survive. A critical pathway in this regard is the Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2)- antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway. Nrf2 activation has been shown to mitigate a number of pathologic mechanisms associated with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, and multiple sclerosis. This review will focus on the role of Nrf2 in these diseases and the potential for Nrf2 activation to attenuate disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delinda A Johnson
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
| | - Jeffrey A Johnson
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
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Riancho J, Ruiz-Soto M, Berciano MT, Berciano J, Lafarga M. Neuroprotective Effect of Bexarotene in the SOD1(G93A) Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:250. [PMID: 26190974 PMCID: PMC4486838 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive weakness and muscle atrophy related to the loss of upper and lower motor neurons (MNs) without a curative treatment. There is experimental evidence suggesting that retinoids may be involved in ALS pathogenesis. Bexarotene (Bxt) is a retinoid-X receptor agonist used in the treatment of cutaneous lymphoma with a favorable safety profile whose effects have been recently investigated in other neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we analyze the potential therapeutic effect of Bxt in the SOD1(G93A) mouse model of ALS. Mice were treated with Bxt or vehicle five times per week from day 60 onward. Survival, weight, and neuromuscular function studies together with histological and biochemical analyses were performed. Bxt significantly delayed motor function deterioration, ameliorated the loss of body weight, and extended mice survival up to 30% of the symptomatic period. Histological analyses of the lumbosacral spinal cord revealed that Bxt markedly delayed the early motor-neuron degeneration occurring at presymptomatic stages in ALS-transgenic mice. Bxt treatment contributed to preserve the MN homeostasis in the SOD1(G93A) mice. Particularly, it reduced the neuronal loss and the chromatolytic response, induced nucleolar hypertrophy, decreased the formation of ubiquitylated inclusions, and modulated the lysosomal response. As an agonist of the retinoic-X receptor (RXR) pathway, Bxt notably increased the nuclear expression of the RXRα throughout transcriptionally active euchromatin domains. Bxt also contributed to protect the MN environment by reducing reactive astrogliosis and preserving perisomatic synapsis. Overall, these neuroprotective effects suggest that treatment with Bxt could be useful in ALS, particularly in those cases related to SOD1 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Riancho
- Neurology Service, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla (IDIVAL), University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - María Ruiz-Soto
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla (IDIVAL), University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - María T. Berciano
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla (IDIVAL), University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - José Berciano
- Neurology Service, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla (IDIVAL), University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Miguel Lafarga
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla (IDIVAL), University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
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30
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RBM45 Modulates the Antioxidant Response in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis through Interactions with KEAP1. Mol Cell Biol 2015; 35:2385-99. [PMID: 25939382 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00087-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the selective loss of motor neurons. Various factors contribute to the disease, including RNA binding protein dysregulation and oxidative stress, but their exact role in pathogenic mechanisms remains unclear. We have recently linked another RNA binding protein, RBM45, to ALS via increased levels of protein in the cerebrospinal fluid of ALS patients and its localization to cytoplasmic inclusions in ALS motor neurons. Here we show RBM45 nuclear exit in ALS spinal cord motor neurons compared to controls, a phenotype recapitulated in vitro in motor neurons treated with oxidative stressors. We find that RBM45 binds and stabilizes KEAP1, the inhibitor of the antioxidant response transcription factor NRF2. ALS lumbar spinal cord lysates similarly show increased cytoplasmic binding of KEAP1 and RBM45. Binding of RBM45 to KEAP1 impedes the protective antioxidant response, thus contributing to oxidative stress-induced cellular toxicity. Our findings thus describe a novel link between a mislocalized RNA binding protein implicated in ALS (RBM45) and dysregulation of the neuroprotective antioxidant response seen in the disease.
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31
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Li Y, Cao Y, Wang F, Pu S, Zhang Y, Li C. Tert-butylhydroquinone attenuates scrotal heat-induced damage by regulating Nrf2-antioxidant system in the mouse testis. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 208:12-20. [PMID: 25260249 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Revised: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ), a widely used nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activator, was always employed to investigate the potential protective role of Nrf2 activation. In this study, to elucidate the effect of tBHQ on scrotal heat-induced damage and Nrf2-antioxidant system in mouse testes, eight-week-old mice were administrated with or without dietary tBHQ (1%w/w) for 1week and afterward subjected to a single scrotal heat treatment (42°C for 25min). Trunk blood and testes were collected 3h or 1, 2, or 7days later. Mice displayed less germ cell loss in testes, higher relative testis weight and lower testosterone concentration on day 2 in tBHQ treatment group. Before heat treatment, there were significant increases in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in tBHQ treatment group. After heat treatment, mice in tBHQ treatment group showed lower MDA concentration than those in non-tBHQ treatment group. In addition, both tBHQ pretreatment and scrotal heat treatment induced markedly increased Nrf2 protein expression in cytoplasm and nuclei of interstitial cells, accompanying with elevated mRNA expression of Nrf2 and Nrf2-regulated genes in mice testes. Our data indicated that pretreatment to tBHQ induced a mild oxidative stress, and further enhanced the cellular antioxidative ability to protect testicular cells against scrotal heat-induced damage via a mechanism that might involve the Nrf2-antioxidant system in mice testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yansen Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Yun Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Fei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Shaoxia Pu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Yonghui Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - ChunMei Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China.
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Gan L, Johnson JA. Oxidative damage and the Nrf2-ARE pathway in neurodegenerative diseases. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2014; 1842:1208-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2013.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 367] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2013] [Revised: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Wang F, Lu Y, Qi F, Su Q, Wang L, You C, Che F, Yu J. Effect of the human SOD1-G93A gene on the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway in NSC-34 cells. Mol Med Rep 2014; 9:2453-8. [PMID: 24682253 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Dominant mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) are a frequent cause of the lethal neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The nuclear factor erythroid 2‑related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway is the major cellular defense mechanism against oxidative stress, however, its role in ALS remains to be fully elucidated. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate whether the human SOD1-G93A gene affected the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway in an ALS cell model. The soma became round and the number of neurites decreased in the NSC-34 cells transfected with the hSOD1-G93A gene, and the neurites were shorter and oxidative stress was increased compared with the normal NSC-34 cells. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2, heme oxygenase-1 and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 was significantly decreased in the NSC-34 cells transfected with the human SOD1-G93A gene. The present study indicated that human SOD1-G93A damaged the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway in the ALS cell model and reduced the ability of cells to protect against oxidative injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumin Wang
- Department of Clinical Neurology, School of Neurology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Yucheng Lu
- Central Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, Shandong 276003, P.R. China
| | - Faying Qi
- Department of Neurology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, Shandong 276003, P.R. China
| | - Quanping Su
- Central Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, Shandong 276003, P.R. China
| | - Long Wang
- Central Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, Shandong 276003, P.R. China
| | - Cuiping You
- Central Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, Shandong 276003, P.R. China
| | - Fengyuan Che
- Department of Neurology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, Shandong 276003, P.R. China
| | - Jixu Yu
- Department of Neurology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, Shandong 276003, P.R. China
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Milani P, Ambrosi G, Gammoh O, Blandini F, Cereda C. SOD1 and DJ-1 converge at Nrf2 pathway: a clue for antioxidant therapeutic potential in neurodegeneration. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2013; 2013:836760. [PMID: 23983902 PMCID: PMC3745953 DOI: 10.1155/2013/836760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2013] [Revised: 07/03/2013] [Accepted: 07/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases share diverse pathological features and among these oxidative stress (OS) plays a leading role. Impaired activity and reduced expression of antioxidant proteins have been reported as common events in several aging-associated disorders. In this review paper, we first provide an overview of the involvement of reactive oxygen species- (ROS-) induced oxidative damage in Parkinson's disease (PD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Subsequently, we focus on DJ-1 and SOD1 proteins, which are involved in PD and ALS and also exert a prominent role in the interaction between redox homeostasis and neurodegeneration. Interestingly, recent studies demonstrated that DJ-1 and SOD1 are both tightly connected with Nrf2 protein, a transcriptional factor and master regulator of the expression of many antioxidant/detoxification genes. Nrf2 is emerging as a key neuroprotective protein in neurodegenerative diseases, since it helps neuronal cells to cope with toxic insults and OS. We herein summarize the recent literature providing a detailed picture of the promising therapeutic efficacy of Nrf2 natural and synthetic inducers as disease-modifying molecules for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Milani
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurobiology, National Neurological Institute C. Mondino, IRCCS, Pavia, Italy.
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