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Koopman M, Güngördü L, Janssen L, Seinstra RI, Richmond JE, Okerlund N, Wardenaar R, Islam P, Hogewerf W, Brown AEX, Jorgensen EM, Nollen EAA. Rebalancing the motor circuit restores movement in a Caenorhabditis elegans model for TDP-43 toxicity. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114204. [PMID: 38748878 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis can be caused by abnormal accumulation of TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) in the cytoplasm of neurons. Here, we use a C. elegans model for TDP-43-induced toxicity to identify the biological mechanisms that lead to disease-related phenotypes. By applying deep behavioral phenotyping and subsequent dissection of the neuromuscular circuit, we show that TDP-43 worms have profound defects in GABA neurons. Moreover, acetylcholine neurons appear functionally silenced. Enhancing functional output of repressed acetylcholine neurons at the level of, among others, G-protein-coupled receptors restores neurotransmission, but inefficiently rescues locomotion. Rebalancing the excitatory-to-inhibitory ratio in the neuromuscular system by simultaneous stimulation of the affected GABA- and acetylcholine neurons, however, not only synergizes the effects of boosting individual neurotransmitter systems, but instantaneously improves movement. Our results suggest that interventions accounting for the altered connectome may be more efficient in restoring motor function than those solely focusing on diseased neuron populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Koopman
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Lale Güngördü
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Leen Janssen
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Renée I Seinstra
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Janet E Richmond
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Nathan Okerlund
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and School of Biological Science, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - René Wardenaar
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Priota Islam
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Wytse Hogewerf
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Andre E X Brown
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Erik M Jorgensen
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and School of Biological Science, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ellen A A Nollen
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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2
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Esperante IJ, Meyer M, Banzan C, Kruse MS, Lima A, Roig P, Guennoun R, Schumacher M, De Nicola AF, Gonzalez Deniselle MC. Testosterone Reduces Myelin Abnormalities in the Wobbler Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Biomolecules 2024; 14:428. [PMID: 38672445 PMCID: PMC11048492 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040428] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal motoneuron degenerative disease that is associated with demyelination. The Wobbler (WR) mouse exhibits motoneuron degeneration, gliosis and myelin deterioration in the cervical spinal cord. Since male WRs display low testosterone (T) levels in the nervous system, we investigated if T modified myelin-relative parameters in WRs in the absence or presence of the aromatase inhibitor, anastrozole (A). We studied myelin by using luxol-fast-blue (LFB) staining, semithin sections, electron microscopy and myelin protein expression, density of IBA1+ microglia and mRNA expression of inflammatory factors, and the glutamatergic parameters glutamine synthetase (GS) and the transporter GLT1. Controls and WR + T showed higher LFB, MBP and PLP staining, lower g-ratios and compact myelin than WRs and WR + T + A, and groups showing the rupture of myelin lamellae. WRs showed increased IBA1+ cells and mRNA for CD11b and inflammatory factors (IL-18, TLR4, TNFαR1 and P2Y12R) vs. controls or WR + T. IBA1+ cells, and CD11b were not reduced in WR + T + A, but inflammatory factors' mRNA remained low. A reduction of GS+ cells and GLT-1 immunoreactivity was observed in WRs and WR + T + A vs. controls and WR + T. Clinically, WR + T but not WR + T + A showed enhanced muscle mass, grip strength and reduced paw abnormalities. Therefore, T effects involve myelin protection, a finding of potential clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan J. Esperante
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina; (I.J.E.); (M.M.); (C.B.); (A.F.D.N.)
| | - Maria Meyer
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina; (I.J.E.); (M.M.); (C.B.); (A.F.D.N.)
| | - Carolina Banzan
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina; (I.J.E.); (M.M.); (C.B.); (A.F.D.N.)
| | - Maria Sol Kruse
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina;
| | - Analia Lima
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina; (I.J.E.); (M.M.); (C.B.); (A.F.D.N.)
| | - Paulina Roig
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina; (I.J.E.); (M.M.); (C.B.); (A.F.D.N.)
| | - Rachida Guennoun
- U1195 INSERM and University Paris Sud: “Neuroprotective, Neuroregenerative and Remyelinating Small Molecules”, 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; (R.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Michael Schumacher
- U1195 INSERM and University Paris Sud: “Neuroprotective, Neuroregenerative and Remyelinating Small Molecules”, 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; (R.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Alejandro F. De Nicola
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina; (I.J.E.); (M.M.); (C.B.); (A.F.D.N.)
- Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires 1121, Argentina
| | - Maria Claudia Gonzalez Deniselle
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina; (I.J.E.); (M.M.); (C.B.); (A.F.D.N.)
- Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, UA1, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires 1121, Argentina
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Murphy S, Schmitt-John T, Dowling P, Henry M, Meleady P, Swandulla D, Ohlendieck K. Proteomic profiling of the brain from the wobbler mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis reveals elevated levels of the astrogliosis marker glial fibrillary acidic protein. Eur J Transl Myol 2023; 33:11555. [PMID: 37565261 PMCID: PMC10583141 DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2023.11555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The wobbler mouse is a widely used model system of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and exhibits progressive neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation in association with skeletal muscle wasting. This study has used wobbler brain preparations for the systematic and mass spectrometric determination of proteome-wide changes. The proteomic characterization of total protein extracts from wobbler specimens was carried out with the help of an Orbitrap mass spectrometer and revealed elevated levels of glia cell marker proteins, i.e., glial fibrillary acidic protein and the actin-binding protein coronin. In contrast, the abundance of the actin-binding protein neurabin and the scaffolding protein named piccolo of the presynaptic cytomatrix were shown to be reduced. The increased abundance of glial fibrillary acidic protein, which is frequently used in neuropathological studies as a marker protein of glial scar formation, was confirmed by immunoblotting. In analogy, the proteomic profiling of the brain from another established murine model of motor neuron disease, the SOD1mouse, also showed increased levels of this intermediate filament protein. This suggests that neurodegenerative processes are associated with astrogliosis in both the wobbler and SOD1 brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Murphy
- Charles River Laboratories, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden.
| | | | - Paul Dowling
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland; Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.
| | - Michael Henry
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin.
| | - Paula Meleady
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin.
| | - Dieter Swandulla
- Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn.
| | - Kay Ohlendieck
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland; Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.
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Paulson OB, Schousboe A, Hultborn H. The history of Danish neuroscience. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 58:2893-2960. [PMID: 37477973 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
The history of Danish neuroscience starts with an account of impressive contributions made at the 17th century. Thomas Bartholin was the first Danish neuroscientist, and his disciple Nicolaus Steno became internationally one of the most prominent neuroscientists in this period. From the start, Danish neuroscience was linked to clinical disciplines. This continued in the 19th and first half of the 20th centuries with new initiatives linking basic neuroscience to clinical neurology and psychiatry in the same scientific environment. Subsequently, from the middle of the 20th century, basic neuroscience was developing rapidly within the preclinical university sector. Clinical neuroscience continued and was even reinforced during this period with important translational research and a close co-operation between basic and clinical neuroscience. To distinguish 'history' from 'present time' is not easy, as many historical events continue in present time. Therefore, we decided to consider 'History' as new major scientific developments in Denmark, which were launched before the end of the 20th century. With this aim, scientists mentioned will have been born, with a few exceptions, no later than the early 1960s. However, we often refer to more recent publications in documenting the developments of initiatives launched before the end of the last century. In addition, several scientists have moved to Denmark after the beginning of the present century, and they certainly are contributing to the present status of Danish neuroscience-but, again, this is not the History of Danish neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olaf B Paulson
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, 9 Blegdamsvej, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Arne Schousboe
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hans Hultborn
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Wunsch FT, Metzler-Nolte N, Theiss C, Matschke V. Defects in Glutathione System in an Animal Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12051014. [PMID: 37237880 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12051014] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progredient neurodegenerative disease characterized by a degeneration of the first and second motor neurons. Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased levels of glutathione, which are important defense mechanisms against ROS, have been reported in the central nervous system (CNS) of ALS patients and animal models. The aim of this study was to determine the cause of decreased glutathione levels in the CNS of the ALS model wobbler mouse. We analyzed changes in glutathione metabolism in the spinal cord, hippocampus, cerebellum, liver, and blood samples of the ALS model, wobbler mouse, using qPCR, Western Blot, HPLC, and fluorometric assays. Here, we show for the first time a decreased expression of enzymes involved in glutathione synthesis in the cervical spinal cord of wobbler mice. We provide evidence for a deficient glutathione metabolism, which is not restricted to the nervous system, but can be seen in various tissues of the wobbler mouse. This deficient system is most likely the reason for an inefficient antioxidative system and, thus, for elevated ROS levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska T Wunsch
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN), Ruhr-University Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Nils Metzler-Nolte
- Inorganic Chemistry I-Bioinorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr-University Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Carsten Theiss
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN), Ruhr-University Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Veronika Matschke
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
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Poly-dipeptides produced from C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeats cause selective motor neuron hyperexcitability in ALS. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2113813119. [PMID: 35259014 PMCID: PMC8931230 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2113813119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
SignificanceThe GGGGCC hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) gene is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Despite myriad studies on the toxic effects of poly-dipeptides produced from the C9orf72 repeats, the mechanisms underlying the selective hyperexcitability of motor cortex that characterizes the early stages of C9orf72 ALS patients remain elusive. Here, we show that the proline-arginine poly-dipeptides cause hyperexcitability in cortical motor neurons by increasing persistent sodium currents conducted by the Nav1.2/β4 sodium channel complex, which is highly expressed in the motor cortex. These findings provide the basis for understanding how the C9orf72 mutation causes motor neuron hyperactivation that can lead to the motor neuron death in C9orf72 ALS.
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De Nicola AF, Meyer M, Garay L, Kruse MS, Schumacher M, Guennoun R, Gonzalez Deniselle MC. Progesterone and Allopregnanolone Neuroprotective Effects in the Wobbler Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 42:23-40. [PMID: 34138412 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-021-01118-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Progesterone regulates a number of processes in neurons and glial cells not directly involved in reproduction or sex behavior. Several neuroprotective effects are better observed under pathological conditions, as shown in the Wobbler mouse model of amyotrophic laterals sclerosis (ALS). Wobbler mice are characterized by forelimb atrophy due to motoneuron degeneration in the spinal cord, and include microgliosis and astrogliosis. Here we summarized current evidence on progesterone reversal of Wobbler neuropathology. We demonstrated that progesterone decreased motoneuron vacuolization with preservation of mitochondrial respiratory complex I activity, decreased mitochondrial expression and activity of nitric oxide synthase, increased Mn-dependent superoxide dismutase, stimulated brain-derived neurotrophic factor, increased the cholinergic phenotype of motoneurons, and enhanced survival with a concomitant decrease of death-related pathways. Progesterone also showed differential effects on glial cells, including increased oligodendrocyte density and downregulation of astrogliosis and microgliosis. These changes associate with reduced anti-inflammatory markers. The enhanced neurochemical parameters were accompanied by longer survival and increased muscle strength in tests of motor behavior. Because progesterone is locally metabolized to allopregnanolone (ALLO) in nervous tissues, we also studied neuroprotection by this derivative. Treatment of Wobbler mice with ALLO decreased oxidative stress and glial pathology, increased motoneuron viability and clinical outcome in a progesterone-like manner, suggesting that ALLO could mediate some progesterone effects in the spinal cord. In conclusion, the beneficial effects observed in different parameters support the versatile properties of progesterone and ALLO in a mouse model of motoneuron degeneration. The studies foresee future therapeutic opportunities with neuroactive steroids for deadly diseases like ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro F De Nicola
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina. .,Department of Human Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, 1425, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - María Meyer
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura Garay
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Department of Human Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, 1425, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Sol Kruse
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Michael Schumacher
- U1195 INSERM and University Paris Sud "Neuroprotective, Neuroregenerative and Remyelinating Small Molecules, 94276, Kremlin-Bicetre, France
| | - Rachida Guennoun
- U1195 INSERM and University Paris Sud "Neuroprotective, Neuroregenerative and Remyelinating Small Molecules, 94276, Kremlin-Bicetre, France
| | - Maria Claudia Gonzalez Deniselle
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, 1425, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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8
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Lara A, Esperante I, Meyer M, Liere P, Di Giorgio N, Schumacher M, Guennoun R, Gargiulo-Monachelli G, De Nicola AF, Gonzalez Deniselle MC. Neuroprotective Effects of Testosterone in Male Wobbler Mouse, a Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:2088-2106. [PMID: 33411236 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02209-5] [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: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Patients suffering of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) present motoneuron degeneration leading to muscle atrophy, dysphagia, and dysarthria. The Wobbler mouse, an animal model of ALS, shows a selective loss of motoneurons, astrocytosis, and microgliosis in the spinal cord. The incidence of ALS is greater in men; however, it increases in women after menopause, suggesting a role of sex steroids in ALS. Testosterone is a complex steroid that exerts its effects directly via androgen (AR) or Sigma-1 receptors and indirectly via estrogen receptors (ER) after aromatization into estradiol. Its reduced-metabolite 5α-dihydrotestosterone acts via AR. This study analyzed the effects of testosterone in male symptomatic Wobblers. Controls or Wobblers received empty or testosterone-filled silastic tubes for 2 months. The cervical spinal cord from testosterone-treated Wobblers showed (1) similar androgen levels to untreated control and (2) increased levels of testosterone, and its 5α-reduced metabolites, 5α- dihydrotestosterone, and 3β-androstanediol, but (3) undetectable levels of estradiol compared to untreated Wobblers. Testosterone-treated controls showed comparable steroid concentrations to its untreated counterpart. In testosterone- treated Wobblers a reduction of AR, ERα, and aromatase and high levels of Sigma-1 receptor mRNAs was demonstrated. Testosterone treatment increased ChAT immunoreactivity and the antiinflammatory mediator TGFβ, while it lessened vacuolated motoneurons, GFAP+ astrogliosis, the density of IBA1+ microgliosis, proinflammatory mediators, and oxidative/nitrosative stress. Clinically, testosterone treatment in Wobblers slowed the progression of paw atrophy and improved rotarod performance. Collectively, our findings indicate an antiinflammatory and protective effect of testosterone in the degenerating spinal cord. These results coincided with a high concentration of androgen-reduced derivatives after testosterone treatment suggesting that the steroid profile may have a beneficial role on disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustina Lara
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Iván Esperante
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Meyer
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Philippe Liere
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, 94276, France
| | - Noelia Di Giorgio
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, Buenos Aires, 1428, Argentina
| | - Michael Schumacher
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, 94276, France
| | - Rachida Guennoun
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, 94276, France
| | - Gisella Gargiulo-Monachelli
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro Federico De Nicola
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Department of Human Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, 1121, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Claudia Gonzalez Deniselle
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina. .,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, Buenos Aires, 1121, Argentina.
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9
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Armada-Moreira A, Gomes JI, Pina CC, Savchak OK, Gonçalves-Ribeiro J, Rei N, Pinto S, Morais TP, Martins RS, Ribeiro FF, Sebastião AM, Crunelli V, Vaz SH. Going the Extra (Synaptic) Mile: Excitotoxicity as the Road Toward Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:90. [PMID: 32390802 PMCID: PMC7194075 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Excitotoxicity is a phenomenon that describes the toxic actions of excitatory neurotransmitters, primarily glutamate, where the exacerbated or prolonged activation of glutamate receptors starts a cascade of neurotoxicity that ultimately leads to the loss of neuronal function and cell death. In this process, the shift between normal physiological function and excitotoxicity is largely controlled by astrocytes since they can control the levels of glutamate on the synaptic cleft. This control is achieved through glutamate clearance from the synaptic cleft and its underlying recycling through the glutamate-glutamine cycle. The molecular mechanism that triggers excitotoxicity involves alterations in glutamate and calcium metabolism, dysfunction of glutamate transporters, and malfunction of glutamate receptors, particularly N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptors (NMDAR). On the other hand, excitotoxicity can be regarded as a consequence of other cellular phenomena, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, physical neuronal damage, and oxidative stress. Regardless, it is known that the excessive activation of NMDAR results in the sustained influx of calcium into neurons and leads to several deleterious consequences, including mitochondrial dysfunction, reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction, impairment of calcium buffering, the release of pro-apoptotic factors, among others, that inevitably contribute to neuronal loss. A large body of evidence implicates NMDAR-mediated excitotoxicity as a central mechanism in the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and epilepsy. In this review article, we explore different causes and consequences of excitotoxicity, discuss the involvement of NMDAR-mediated excitotoxicity and its downstream effects on several neurodegenerative disorders, and identify possible strategies to study new aspects of these diseases that may lead to the discovery of new therapeutic approaches. With the understanding that excitotoxicity is a common denominator in neurodegenerative diseases and other disorders, a new perspective on therapy can be considered, where the targets are not specific symptoms, but the underlying cellular phenomena of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Armada-Moreira
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Joana I. Gomes
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carolina Campos Pina
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Oksana K. Savchak
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Gonçalves-Ribeiro
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nádia Rei
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sara Pinto
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Tatiana P. Morais
- Neuroscience Division, School of Bioscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Robertta Silva Martins
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Filipa F. Ribeiro
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana M. Sebastião
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Vincenzo Crunelli
- Neuroscience Division, School of Bioscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Sandra H. Vaz
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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10
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Khademullah CS, Aqrabawi AJ, Place KM, Dargaei Z, Liang X, Pressey JC, Bedard S, Yang JW, Garand D, Keramidis I, Gasecka A, Côté D, De Koninck Y, Keith J, Zinman L, Robertson J, Kim JC, Woodin MA. Cortical interneuron-mediated inhibition delays the onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Brain 2020; 143:800-810. [DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal disease resulting from motor neuron degeneration in the cortex and spinal cord. Cortical hyperexcitability is a hallmark feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and is accompanied by decreased intracortical inhibition. Using electrophysiological patch-clamp recordings, we revealed parvalbumin interneurons to be hypoactive in the late pre-symptomatic SOD1*G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We discovered that using adeno-associated virus-mediated delivery of chemogenetic technology targeted to increase the activity of the interneurons within layer 5 of the primary motor cortex, we were able to rescue intracortical inhibition and reduce pyramidal neuron hyperexcitability. Increasing the activity of interneurons in the layer 5 of the primary motor cortex was effective in delaying the onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-associated motor deficits, slowing symptom progression, preserving neuronal populations, and increasing the lifespan of SOD1*G93A mice. Taken together, this study provides novel insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sahara Khademullah
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Harbord Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Afif J Aqrabawi
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, 100 St George Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G3, Canada
| | - Kara M Place
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Harbord Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Zahra Dargaei
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Harbord Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Xinyi Liang
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Harbord Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Jessica C Pressey
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Harbord Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Simon Bedard
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Harbord Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Jy Wei Yang
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Harbord Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Danielle Garand
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Harbord Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Iason Keramidis
- CERVO Brain Research Institute, Laval University, 2601 Chemin de la Canardière, Québec, Québec, G1J 2G3, Canada
| | - Alicja Gasecka
- CERVO Brain Research Institute, Laval University, 2601 Chemin de la Canardière, Québec, Québec, G1J 2G3, Canada
| | - Daniel Côté
- CERVO Brain Research Institute, Laval University, 2601 Chemin de la Canardière, Québec, Québec, G1J 2G3, Canada
| | - Yves De Koninck
- CERVO Brain Research Institute, Laval University, 2601 Chemin de la Canardière, Québec, Québec, G1J 2G3, Canada
| | - Julia Keith
- Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Lorne Zinman
- Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Janice Robertson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology and Tanz Centre for Research into Neurodegenerative Diseases, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Jun Chul Kim
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, 100 St George Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G3, Canada
| | - Melanie A Woodin
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Harbord Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G5, Canada
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11
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Insights into the Therapeutic Potential of Glucocorticoid Receptor Modulators for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21062137. [PMID: 32244957 PMCID: PMC7139912 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are crucial for stress-coping, resilience, and adaptation. However, if the stress hormones become dysregulated, the vulnerability to stress-related diseases is enhanced. In this brief review, we discuss the role of glucocorticoids in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders in both human and animal models, and focus in particular on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). For this purpose, we used the Wobbler animal model, which mimics much of the pathology of ALS including a dysfunctional hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. We discuss recent studies that demonstrated that the pathological cascade characteristic for motoneuron degeneration of ALS is mimicked in the genetically selected Wobbler mouse and can be attenuated by treatment with the selective glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (GRA) CORT113176. In long-term treatment (3 weeks) GRA attenuated progression of the behavioral, inflammatory, excitatory, and cell-death-signaling pathways while increasing the survival signal of serine–threonine kinase (pAkt). The action mechanism of the GRA may be either by interfering with GR deactivation or by restoring the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory signaling pathways driven by the complementary mineralocorticoid receptor (MR)- and GR-mediated actions of corticosterone. Accordingly, GR antagonism may have clinical relevance for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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12
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Meyer M, Kruse MS, Garay L, Lima A, Roig P, Hunt H, Belanoff J, de Kloet ER, Deniselle MCG, De Nicola AF. Long-term effects of the glucocorticoid receptor modulator CORT113176 in murine motoneuron degeneration. Brain Res 2019; 1727:146551. [PMID: 31726042 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Wobbler mouse spinal cord shows vacuolated motoneurons, glial reaction, inflammation and abnormal glutamatergic parameters. Wobblers also show deficits of motor performance. These conditions resemble amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Wobbler mice also show high levels of corticosterone in blood, adrenals and brain plus adrenal hypertrophy, suggesting that chronically elevated glucocorticoids prime spinal cord neuroinflammation. Therefore, we analyzed if treatment of Wobbler mice with the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist CORT113176 mitigated the mentioned abnormalities. 30 mg/kg CORT113176 given daily for 3 weeks reduced motoneuron vacuolation, decreased astro and microgliosis, lowered the inflammatory mediators high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), toll-like receptor 4, myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88), p50 subunit of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor, and interleukin 18 (IL18) compared to untreated Wobblers. CORT113176 increased the survival signal pAKT (serine-threonine kinase) and decreased the death signal phosphorylated Junk-N-terminal kinase (pJNK), symptomatic of antiapoptosis. There was a moderate positive effect on glutamine synthase and astrocyte glutamate transporters, suggesting decreased glutamate excitotoxicity. In this pre-clinical study, Wobblers receiving CORT113176 showed enhanced resistance to fatigue in the rota rod test and lower forelimb atrophy at weeks 2-3. Therefore, long-term treatment with CORT113176 attenuated degeneration and inflammation, increased motor performance and decreased paw deformity. Antagonism of the GR may be of potential therapeutic value for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Meyer
- Laboratories of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry and Neurobiology, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Sol Kruse
- Laboratories of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry and Neurobiology, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura Garay
- Laboratories of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry and Neurobiology, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; Dept. of Human Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, 1425 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Analia Lima
- Laboratories of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry and Neurobiology, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paulina Roig
- Laboratories of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry and Neurobiology, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Hazel Hunt
- CORCEPT Therapeutics, 149 Commonwealth Dr, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Joseph Belanoff
- CORCEPT Therapeutics, 149 Commonwealth Dr, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - E Ronald de Kloet
- Division of Endocrinology, Dept. of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Claudia Gonzalez Deniselle
- Laboratories of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry and Neurobiology, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; Dept. of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, 1425 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro F De Nicola
- Laboratories of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry and Neurobiology, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; Dept. of Human Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, 1425 Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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13
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Meyer M, Lara A, Hunt H, Belanoff J, de Kloet ER, Gonzalez Deniselle MC, De Nicola AF. The Selective Glucocorticoid Receptor Modulator Cort 113176 Reduces Neurodegeneration and Neuroinflammation in Wobbler Mice Spinal Cord. Neuroscience 2018; 384:384-396. [PMID: 29890290 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.05.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Wobbler mice are experimental models for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. As such they show motoneuron degeneration, motor deficits, and astrogliosis and microgliosis of the spinal cord. Additionally, Wobbler mice show increased plasma, spinal cord and brain corticosterone levels and focal adrenocortical hyperplasia, suggesting a pathogenic role for glucocorticoids in this disorder. Considering this endocrine background, we examined whether the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) modulator CORT 113176 prevents spinal cord neuropathology of Wobblers. CORT 113176 shows high affinity for the GR, with low or null affinity for other steroid receptors. We employed five-month-old genotyped Wobbler mice that received s.c. vehicle or 30 mg/kg/day for 4 days of CORT 113176 dissolved in sesame oil. The mice were used on the 4th day, 2 h after the last dose of CORT 113176. Vehicle-treated Wobbler mice presented vacuolated motoneurons, increased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)+ astrocytes and decreased glutamine synthase (GS)+ cells. There was strong neuroinflammation, shown by increased staining for IBA1+ microglia and CD11b mRNA, enhanced expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, its cognate receptor TNFR1, toll-like receptor 4, the inducible nitric oxide synthase, NFkB and the high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1). Treatment of Wobbler mice with CORT 113176 reversed the abnormalities of motoneurons and down-regulated proinflammatory mediators and glial reactivity. Expression of glutamate transporters GLT1 and GLAST mRNAs and GLT1 protein was significantly enhanced over untreated Wobblers. In summary, antagonism of GR with CORT 113176 prevented neuropathology and showed anti-inflammatory and anti-glutamatergic effects in the spinal cord of Wobbler mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Meyer
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustina Lara
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Hazel Hunt
- CORCEPT Therapeutics, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | | | - E Ronald de Kloet
- Division of Endocrinology, Dept. of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Claudia Gonzalez Deniselle
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; Dept. of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, 1425 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro F De Nicola
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; Dept. of Human Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, 1425 Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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14
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Driven to decay: Excitability and synaptic abnormalities in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Brain Res Bull 2018; 140:318-333. [PMID: 29870780 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2018.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 05/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common motor neuron (MN) disease and is clinically characterised by the death of corticospinal motor neurons (CSMNs), spinal and brainstem MNs and the degeneration of the corticospinal tract. Degeneration of CSMNs and MNs leads inexorably to muscle wastage and weakness, progressing to eventual death within 3-5 years of diagnosis. The CSMNs, located within layer V of the primary motor cortex, project axons constituting the corticospinal tract, forming synaptic connections with brainstem and spinal cord interneurons and MNs. Clinical ALS may be divided into familial (∼10% of cases) or sporadic (∼90% of cases), based on apparent random incidence. The emergence of transgenic murine models, expressing different ALS-associated mutations has accelerated our understanding of ALS pathogenesis, although precise mechanisms remain elusive. Multiple avenues of investigation suggest that cortical electrical abnormalities have pre-eminence in the pathophysiology of ALS. In addition, glutamate-mediated functional and structural alterations in both CSMNs and MNs are present in both sporadic and familial forms of ALS. This review aims to promulgate debate in the field with regard to the common aetiology of sporadic and familial ALS. A specific focus on a nexus point in ALS pathogenesis, namely, the synaptic and intrinsic hyperexcitability of CSMNs and MNs and alterations to their structure are comprehensively detailed. The association of extramotor dysfunction with neuronal structural/functional alterations will be discussed. Finally, the implications of the latest research on the dying-forward and dying-back controversy are considered.
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15
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Mouse models of neurodegenerative disease: preclinical imaging and neurovascular component. Brain Imaging Behav 2017; 12:1160-1196. [PMID: 29075922 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-017-9770-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases represent great challenges for basic science and clinical medicine because of their prevalence, pathologies, lack of mechanism-based treatments, and impacts on individuals. Translational research might contribute to the study of neurodegenerative diseases. The mouse has become a key model for studying disease mechanisms that might recapitulate in part some aspects of the corresponding human diseases. Neurodegenerative disorders are very complicated and multifactorial. This has to be taken in account when testing drugs. Most of the drugs screening in mice are very difficult to be interpretated and often useless. Mouse models could be condiderated a 'pathway models', rather than as models for the whole complicated construct that makes a human disease. Non-invasive in vivo imaging in mice has gained increasing interest in preclinical research in the last years thanks to the availability of high-resolution single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), high field Magnetic resonance, Optical Imaging scanners and of highly specific contrast agents. Behavioral test are useful tool to characterize different animal models of neurodegenerative pathology. Furthermore, many authors have observed vascular pathological features associated to the different neurodegenerative disorders. Aim of this review is to focus on the different existing animal models of neurodegenerative disorders, describe behavioral tests and preclinical imaging techniques used for diagnose and describe the vascular pathological features associated to these diseases.
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16
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Excitatory-inhibitory imbalance in the brain of the wobbler mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis substantiated by riluzole and diazepam. Neurosci Lett 2017; 658:85-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2017] [Revised: 07/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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17
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Benedetti L, Ghilardi A, Rottoli E, De Maglie M, Prosperi L, Perego C, Baruscotti M, Bucchi A, Del Giacco L, Francolini M. INaP selective inhibition reverts precocious inter- and motorneurons hyperexcitability in the Sod1-G93R zebrafish ALS model. Sci Rep 2016; 6:24515. [PMID: 27079797 PMCID: PMC4832213 DOI: 10.1038/srep24515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenic role of SOD1 mutations in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was investigated using a zebrafish disease model stably expressing the ALS-linked G93R mutation. In addition to the main pathological features of ALS shown by adult fish, we found remarkably precocious alterations in the development of motor nerve circuitry and embryo behavior, and suggest that these alterations are prompted by interneuron and motor neuron hyperexcitability triggered by anomalies in the persistent pacemaker sodium current INaP. The riluzole-induced modulation of INaP reduced spinal neuron excitability, reverted the behavioral phenotypes and improved the deficits in motor nerve circuitry development, thus shedding new light on the use of riluzole in the management of ALS. Our findings provide a valid phenotype-based tool for unbiased in vivo drug screening that can be used to develop new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Benedetti
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), Via Vanvitelli 32, 20139 Milano, Italy
| | - Anna Ghilardi
- Department of BioSciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Elsa Rottoli
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), Via Vanvitelli 32, 20139 Milano, Italy
| | - Marcella De Maglie
- Department of Veterinary Science and Public Health, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Laura Prosperi
- Department of BioSciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Carla Perego
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Trentacoste 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Mirko Baruscotti
- Department of BioSciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Annalisa Bucchi
- Department of BioSciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Luca Del Giacco
- Department of BioSciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Maura Francolini
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), Via Vanvitelli 32, 20139 Milano, Italy
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18
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Saberi D, Ott B, Dahlke C, Matschke V, Schmitt-John T, Theiss C. The Spatiotemporal Pattern of Degeneration in the Cerebellum of the Wobbler Mouse. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2016; 75:347-57. [PMID: 26945034 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlw005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a common neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons in the spinal cord and motor cortex. Various mouse models have been used to investigate the progression of the pathology of sporadic and familial ALS. Degeneration in the spinal cord and motor cortex in the Wobbler mouse model of sporadic ALS have been documented, but alterations of the cerebellum during disease progression have not been well characterized. We analyzed neurodegeneration and inflammatory responses in the cerebellar cortex of preclinical (p20), clinical (p40), and late (p60) stages in these mice. We did not identify evidence of neuron cell death, but we observed an inflammatory response detected by IL1B and TNFA expression by quantitative PCR, increased activated microglia and astrocytosis by immunohistochemistry, and ultrastructural abnormalities in the cerebella of Wobbler mice at late stages. These alterations may be caused by protein aggregations and variations in the distribution of cytoskeletal proteins; they might be reflected in the early manifestation of head tremor, which precedes motor deficits in these mice. Thus, we conclude that, in addition to the motor cortex and spinal cord, the cerebellum is affected by neurodegenerative and inflammatory processes in the Wobbler mouse model of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darius Saberi
- From the Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany (DS, BO, CD, VM, CT); and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Neurogenetics, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark (TSJ)
| | - Bastian Ott
- From the Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany (DS, BO, CD, VM, CT); and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Neurogenetics, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark (TSJ)
| | - Carolin Dahlke
- From the Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany (DS, BO, CD, VM, CT); and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Neurogenetics, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark (TSJ)
| | - Veronika Matschke
- From the Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany (DS, BO, CD, VM, CT); and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Neurogenetics, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark (TSJ)
| | - Thomas Schmitt-John
- From the Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany (DS, BO, CD, VM, CT); and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Neurogenetics, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark (TSJ)
| | - Carsten Theiss
- From the Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany (DS, BO, CD, VM, CT); and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Neurogenetics, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark (TSJ).
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19
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Spalloni A, Longone P. Cognitive impairment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, clues from the SOD1 mouse. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 60:12-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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20
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A novel dualistic profile of an allosteric AMPA receptor modulator identified through studies on recombinant receptors, mouse hippocampal synapses and crystal structures. Neuroscience 2015; 310:709-22. [PMID: 26450748 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.09.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of 2-amino-3-(3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolyl)propionic acid (AMPA) receptors receive increasing interest as therapeutic drugs and have long served as important experimental tools in the study of the molecular mechanisms underlying glutamate-mediated neurotransmission. The aim of this study was to investigate functional and structural aspects of a novel analog of the AMPA receptor PAM cyclothiazide (CTZ) on recombinant and native glutamate receptors. We expressed rat GluA4flip and flop in Xenopus oocytes and characterized NS1376 and CTZ under two-electrode voltage-clamp. The dose-response analyses revealed dual effects of NS1376. The modulator induced 30-fold and 42-fold reductions in glutamate potency and increased the glutamate efficacy by 3.2-fold and 5.3-fold at GluA4flip and GluA4flop, respectively. Rapid application of glutamate to excised outside-out patches showed that NS1376 markedly attenuated desensitization, supporting the increased efficacy observed in the oocytes. Furthermore, when applied to acutely isolated mouse brain slices, NS1376 reduced the field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) in the hippocampus to 51.6 ± 4.3% of baseline, likely as a consequence of reduced glutamate potency. However, the modulator displayed no effects on a sub-maximal long-term potentiation (LTP) protocol. We confirmed that CTZ increases presynaptic transmitter release, a property which was not shared by NS1376. Finally, we obtained detailed molecular information through X-ray structures, docking and molecular dynamics, which revealed that NS1376 interacts at the dimer interface of the ligand-binding domain in a manner overall similar to CTZ. NS1376 reveals that minor structural changes in CTZ can result in an altered modulatory profile, both enhancing agonist efficacy while markedly reducing agonist potency. These unique properties add new aspects to the complexity of allosteric modulations in neuronal systems.
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21
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The progesterone receptor agonist Nestorone holds back proinflammatory mediators and neuropathology in the wobbler mouse model of motoneuron degeneration. Neuroscience 2015; 308:51-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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22
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Correction: The Wobbler mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) displays hippocampal hyperexcitability, and reduced number of interneurons, but no presynaptic vesicle release impairments. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0121772. [PMID: 25806789 PMCID: PMC4373816 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
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23
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Saba L, Viscomi MT, Caioli S, Pignataro A, Bisicchia E, Pieri M, Molinari M, Ammassari-Teule M, Zona C. Altered Functionality, Morphology, and Vesicular Glutamate Transporter Expression of Cortical Motor Neurons from a Presymptomatic Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cereb Cortex 2015; 26:1512-28. [DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhu317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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