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Hoolachan JM, McCallion E, Sutton ER, Çetin Ö, Pacheco-Torres P, Dimitriadi M, Sari S, Miller GJ, Okoh M, Walter LM, Claus P, Wood MJA, Tonge DP, Bowerman M. A transcriptomics-based drug repositioning approach to identify drugs with similar activities for the treatment of muscle pathologies in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) models. Hum Mol Genet 2024; 33:400-425. [PMID: 37947217 PMCID: PMC10877467 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddad192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic neuromuscular disorder caused by the reduction of survival of motor neuron (SMN) protein levels. Although three SMN-augmentation therapies are clinically approved that significantly slow down disease progression, they are unfortunately not cures. Thus, complementary SMN-independent therapies that can target key SMA pathologies and that can support the clinically approved SMN-dependent drugs are the forefront of therapeutic development. We have previously demonstrated that prednisolone, a synthetic glucocorticoid (GC) improved muscle health and survival in severe Smn-/-;SMN2 and intermediate Smn2B/- SMA mice. However, long-term administration of prednisolone can promote myopathy. We thus wanted to identify genes and pathways targeted by prednisolone in skeletal muscle to discover clinically approved drugs that are predicted to emulate prednisolone's activities. Using an RNA-sequencing, bioinformatics, and drug repositioning pipeline on skeletal muscle from symptomatic prednisolone-treated and untreated Smn-/-; SMN2 SMA and Smn+/-; SMN2 healthy mice, we identified molecular targets linked to prednisolone's ameliorative effects and a list of 580 drug candidates with similar predicted activities. Two of these candidates, metformin and oxandrolone, were further investigated in SMA cellular and animal models, which highlighted that these compounds do not have the same ameliorative effects on SMA phenotypes as prednisolone; however, a number of other important drug targets remain. Overall, our work further supports the usefulness of prednisolone's potential as a second-generation therapy for SMA, identifies a list of potential SMA drug treatments and highlights improvements for future transcriptomic-based drug repositioning studies in SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Hoolachan
- School of Medicine, David Weatherall Building, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, United Kingdom
| | - Eve McCallion
- School of Medicine, David Weatherall Building, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, United Kingdom
| | - Emma R Sutton
- School of Medicine, David Weatherall Building, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, United Kingdom
| | - Özge Çetin
- School of Medicine, David Weatherall Building, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, United Kingdom
| | - Paloma Pacheco-Torres
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL910 9AB, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Dimitriadi
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL910 9AB, United Kingdom
| | - Suat Sari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Hacettepe University, Ankara, 06100, Turkey
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Lennard-Jones Building, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, United Kingdom
| | - Gavin J Miller
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Lennard-Jones Building, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, United Kingdom
- Centre for Glycoscience, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, United Kingdom
| | - Magnus Okoh
- School of Medicine, David Weatherall Building, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa M Walter
- SMATHERIA gGmbH – Non-Profit Biomedical Research Institute, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 31, 30625, Hannover, Germany
- Centre of Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover Medical School, Bünteweg 2, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Claus
- SMATHERIA gGmbH – Non-Profit Biomedical Research Institute, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 31, 30625, Hannover, Germany
- Centre of Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover Medical School, Bünteweg 2, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Matthew J A Wood
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Level 2, Children's Hospital, John Radcliffe, Headington Oxford, OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel P Tonge
- School of Life Sciences, Huxley Building, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, United Kingdom
| | - Melissa Bowerman
- School of Medicine, David Weatherall Building, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, United Kingdom
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, SY10 7AG, United Kingdom
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Lumpkin CJ, Harris AW, Connell AJ, Kirk RW, Whiting JA, Saieva L, Pellizzoni L, Burghes AHM, Butchbach MER. Evaluation of the orally bioavailable 4-phenylbutyrate-tethered trichostatin A analogue AR42 in models of spinal muscular atrophy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10374. [PMID: 37365234 PMCID: PMC10293174 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37496-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Proximal spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a leading genetic cause for infant death in the world and results from the selective loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord. SMA is a consequence of low levels of SMN protein and small molecules that can increase SMN expression are of considerable interest as potential therapeutics. Previous studies have shown that both 4-phenylbutyrate (4PBA) and trichostatin A (TSA) increase SMN expression in dermal fibroblasts derived from SMA patients. AR42 is a 4PBA-tethered TSA derivative that is a very potent histone deacetylase inhibitor. SMA patient fibroblasts were treated with either AR42, AR19 (a related analogue), 4PBA, TSA or vehicle for 5 days and then immunostained for SMN localization. AR42 as well as 4PBA and TSA increased the number of SMN-positive nuclear gems in a dose-dependent manner while AR19 did not show marked changes in gem numbers. While gem number was increased in AR42-treated SMA fibroblasts, there were no significant changes in FL-SMN mRNA or SMN protein. The neuroprotective effect of this compound was then assessed in SMNΔ7 SMA (SMN2+/+;SMNΔ7+/+;mSmn-/-) mice. Oral administration of AR42 prior to disease onset increased the average lifespan of SMNΔ7 SMA mice by ~ 27% (20.1 ± 1.6 days for AR42-treated mice vs. 15.8 ± 0.4 days for vehicle-treated mice). AR42 treatment also improved motor function in these mice. AR42 treatment inhibited histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity in treated spinal cord although it did not affect SMN protein expression in these mice. AKT and GSK3β phosphorylation were both significantly increased in SMNΔ7 SMA mouse spinal cords. In conclusion, presymptomatic administration of the HDAC inhibitor AR42 ameliorates the disease phenotype in SMNΔ7 SMA mice in a SMN-independent manner possibly by increasing AKT neuroprotective signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey J Lumpkin
- Division of Neurology, Nemours Children's Hospital Delaware, 4462 E400 DuPont Experimental Station, 200 Powder Mill Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Ashlee W Harris
- Division of Neurology, Nemours Children's Hospital Delaware, 4462 E400 DuPont Experimental Station, 200 Powder Mill Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Andrew J Connell
- Division of Neurology, Nemours Children's Hospital Delaware, 4462 E400 DuPont Experimental Station, 200 Powder Mill Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Ryan W Kirk
- Division of Neurology, Nemours Children's Hospital Delaware, 4462 E400 DuPont Experimental Station, 200 Powder Mill Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Joshua A Whiting
- Division of Neurology, Nemours Children's Hospital Delaware, 4462 E400 DuPont Experimental Station, 200 Powder Mill Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Luciano Saieva
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Livio Pellizzoni
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Arthur H M Burghes
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Matthew E R Butchbach
- Division of Neurology, Nemours Children's Hospital Delaware, 4462 E400 DuPont Experimental Station, 200 Powder Mill Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Chong LC, Gandhi G, Lee JM, Yeo WWY, Choi SB. Drug Discovery of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) from the Computational Perspective: A Comprehensive Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8962. [PMID: 34445667 PMCID: PMC8396480 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), one of the leading inherited causes of child mortality, is a rare neuromuscular disease arising from loss-of-function mutations of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, which encodes the SMN protein. When lacking the SMN protein in neurons, patients suffer from muscle weakness and atrophy, and in the severe cases, respiratory failure and death. Several therapeutic approaches show promise with human testing and three medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to date. Despite the shown promise of these approved therapies, there are some crucial limitations, one of the most important being the cost. The FDA-approved drugs are high-priced and are shortlisted among the most expensive treatments in the world. The price is still far beyond affordable and may serve as a burden for patients. The blooming of the biomedical data and advancement of computational approaches have opened new possibilities for SMA therapeutic development. This article highlights the present status of computationally aided approaches, including in silico drug repurposing, network driven drug discovery as well as artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted drug discovery, and discusses the future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chuin Chong
- Centre for Bioinformatics, School of Data Sciences, Perdana University, Suite 9.2, 9th Floor, Wisma Chase Perdana, Changkat Semantan, Kuala Lumpur 50490, Malaysia; (L.C.C.); (J.M.L.)
| | - Gayatri Gandhi
- Perdana University Graduate School of Medicine, Perdana University, Suite 9.2, 9th Floor, Wisma Chase Perdana, Changkat Semantan, Kuala Lumpur 50490, Malaysia; (G.G.); (W.W.Y.Y.)
| | - Jian Ming Lee
- Centre for Bioinformatics, School of Data Sciences, Perdana University, Suite 9.2, 9th Floor, Wisma Chase Perdana, Changkat Semantan, Kuala Lumpur 50490, Malaysia; (L.C.C.); (J.M.L.)
| | - Wendy Wai Yeng Yeo
- Perdana University Graduate School of Medicine, Perdana University, Suite 9.2, 9th Floor, Wisma Chase Perdana, Changkat Semantan, Kuala Lumpur 50490, Malaysia; (G.G.); (W.W.Y.Y.)
| | - Sy-Bing Choi
- Centre for Bioinformatics, School of Data Sciences, Perdana University, Suite 9.2, 9th Floor, Wisma Chase Perdana, Changkat Semantan, Kuala Lumpur 50490, Malaysia; (L.C.C.); (J.M.L.)
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Sensitivity analysis methods in the biomedical sciences. Math Biosci 2020; 323:108306. [PMID: 31953192 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbs.2020.108306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Sensitivity analysis is an important part of a mathematical modeller's toolbox for model analysis. In this review paper, we describe the most frequently used sensitivity techniques, discussing their advantages and limitations, before applying each method to a simple model. Also included is a summary of current software packages, as well as a modeller's guide for carrying out sensitivity analyses. Finally, we apply the popular Morris and Sobol methods to two models with biomedical applications, with the intention of providing a deeper understanding behind both the principles of these methods and the presentation of their results.
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Wadman RI, van der Pol WL, Bosboom WMJ, Asselman F, van den Berg LH, Iannaccone ST, Vrancken AFJE. Drug treatment for spinal muscular atrophy types II and III. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 1:CD006282. [PMID: 32006461 PMCID: PMC6995983 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd006282.pub5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by a homozygous deletion of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene on chromosome 5, or a heterozygous deletion in combination with a (point) mutation in the second SMN1 allele. This results in degeneration of anterior horn cells, which leads to progressive muscle weakness. Children with SMA type II do not develop the ability to walk without support and have a shortened life expectancy, whereas children with SMA type III develop the ability to walk and have a normal life expectancy. This is an update of a review first published in 2009 and previously updated in 2011. OBJECTIVES To evaluate if drug treatment is able to slow or arrest the disease progression of SMA types II and III, and to assess if such therapy can be given safely. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and ISI Web of Science conference proceedings in October 2018. In October 2018, we also searched two trials registries to identify unpublished trials. SELECTION CRITERIA We sought all randomised or quasi-randomised trials that examined the efficacy of drug treatment for SMA types II and III. Participants had to fulfil the clinical criteria and have a homozygous deletion or hemizygous deletion in combination with a point mutation in the second allele of the SMN1 gene (5q11.2-13.2) confirmed by genetic analysis. The primary outcome measure was change in disability score within one year after the onset of treatment. Secondary outcome measures within one year after the onset of treatment were change in muscle strength, ability to stand or walk, change in quality of life, time from the start of treatment until death or full-time ventilation and adverse events attributable to treatment during the trial period. Treatment strategies involving SMN1-replacement with viral vectors are out of the scope of this review, but a summary is given in Appendix 1. Drug treatment for SMA type I is the topic of a separate Cochrane Review. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We followed standard Cochrane methodology. MAIN RESULTS The review authors found 10 randomised, placebo-controlled trials of treatments for SMA types II and III for inclusion in this review, with 717 participants. We added four of the trials at this update. The trials investigated creatine (55 participants), gabapentin (84 participants), hydroxyurea (57 participants), nusinersen (126 participants), olesoxime (165 participants), phenylbutyrate (107 participants), somatotropin (20 participants), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) (nine participants), valproic acid (33 participants), and combination therapy with valproic acid and acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) (61 participants). Treatment duration was from three to 24 months. None of the studies investigated the same treatment and none was completely free of bias. All studies had adequate blinding, sequence generation and reporting of primary outcomes. Based on moderate-certainty evidence, intrathecal nusinersen improved motor function (disability) in children with SMA type II, with a 3.7-point improvement in the nusinersen group on the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE; range of possible scores 0 to 66), compared to a 1.9-point decline on the HFMSE in the sham procedure group (P < 0.01; n = 126). On all motor function scales used, higher scores indicate better function. Based on moderate-certainty evidence from two studies, the following interventions had no clinically important effect on motor function scores in SMA types II or III (or both) in comparison to placebo: creatine (median change 1 higher, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1 to 2; on the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), scale 0 to 264; n = 40); and combination therapy with valproic acid and carnitine (mean difference (MD) 0.64, 95% CI -1.1 to 2.38; on the Modified Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale (MHFMS), scale 0 to 40; n = 61). Based on low-certainty evidence from other single studies, the following interventions had no clinically important effect on motor function scores in SMA types II or III (or both) in comparison to placebo: gabapentin (median change 0 in the gabapentin group and -2 in the placebo group on the SMA Functional Rating Scale (SMAFRS), scale 0 to 50; n = 66); hydroxyurea (MD -1.88, 95% CI -3.89 to 0.13 on the GMFM, scale 0 to 264; n = 57), phenylbutyrate (MD -0.13, 95% CI -0.84 to 0.58 on the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale (HFMS) scale 0 to 40; n = 90) and monotherapy of valproic acid (MD 0.06, 95% CI -1.32 to 1.44 on SMAFRS, scale 0 to 50; n = 31). Very low-certainty evidence suggested that the following interventions had little or no effect on motor function: olesoxime (MD 2, 95% -0.25 to 4.25 on the Motor Function Measure (MFM) D1 + D2, scale 0 to 75; n = 160) and somatotropin (median change at 3 months 0.25 higher, 95% CI -1 to 2.5 on the HFMSE, scale 0 to 66; n = 19). One small TRH trial did not report effects on motor function and the certainty of evidence for other outcomes from this trial were low or very low. Results of nine completed trials investigating 4-aminopyridine, acetyl-L-carnitine, CK-2127107, hydroxyurea, pyridostigmine, riluzole, RO6885247/RG7800, salbutamol and valproic acid were awaited and not available for analysis at the time of writing. Various trials and studies investigating treatment strategies other than nusinersen (e.g. SMN2-augmentation by small molecules), are currently ongoing. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Nusinersen improves motor function in SMA type II, based on moderate-certainty evidence. Creatine, gabapentin, hydroxyurea, phenylbutyrate, valproic acid and the combination of valproic acid and ALC probably have no clinically important effect on motor function in SMA types II or III (or both) based on low-certainty evidence, and olesoxime and somatropin may also have little to no clinically important effect but evidence was of very low-certainty. One trial of TRH did not measure motor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renske I Wadman
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center Rudolf MagnusDepartment of NeurologyHeidelberglaan 100UtrechtNetherlands3584 CX
| | - W Ludo van der Pol
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center Rudolf MagnusDepartment of NeurologyHeidelberglaan 100UtrechtNetherlands3584 CX
| | - Wendy MJ Bosboom
- Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis locatie WestDepartment of NeurologyAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - Fay‐Lynn Asselman
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center Rudolf MagnusDepartment of NeurologyHeidelberglaan 100UtrechtNetherlands3584 CX
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center Rudolf MagnusDepartment of NeurologyHeidelberglaan 100UtrechtNetherlands3584 CX
| | - Susan T Iannaccone
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDepartment of Pediatrics5323 Harry Hines BoulevardDallasTexasUSA75390
| | - Alexander FJE Vrancken
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center Rudolf MagnusDepartment of NeurologyHeidelberglaan 100UtrechtNetherlands3584 CX
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Using Systems Biology and Mathematical Modeling Approaches in the Discovery of Therapeutic Targets for Spinal Muscular Atrophy. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2018. [PMID: 30334226 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-94593-4_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Systems biology uses a combination of experimental and mathematical approaches to investigate the complex and dynamic interactions with a given system or biological process. Systems biology integrates genetics, signal transduction, biochemistry and cell biology with mathematical modeling. It can be used to identify novel pathways implicated in diseases as well as to understand the mechanisms by which a specific gene is regulated. This review describes the development of mathematical models for the regulation of an endogenous modifier gene, SMN2, in spinal muscular atrophy-an early-onset motor neuron disease that is a leading genetic cause of infant mortality worldwide-by cAMP signaling. These mathematical models not only can aid in understanding how SMN2 expression is regulated but they can also be used to examine the best ways to manipulate cAMP signaling to maximally increase SMN2 expression. These models will lead to the development of therapeutic strategies for treating SMA. This systems biology approach can also be applied to other neurological diseases, particularly those in which a disease-causing gene or a modifier gene has been identified.
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Arcaro CA, Assis RP, Zanon NM, Paula-Gomes S, Navegantes LCC, Kettelhut IC, Brunetti IL, Baviera AM. Involvement of cAMP/EPAC/Akt signaling in the antiproteolytic effects of pentoxifylline on skeletal muscles of diabetic rats. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2017; 124:704-716. [PMID: 29357512 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00499.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in the knowledge of the mechanisms controlling protein breakdown in skeletal muscles have allowed the exploration of new options for treating muscle-wasting conditions. Pentoxifylline (PTX), a nonselective phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor, attenuates the loss of muscle mass during catabolic conditions, mainly via inhibiting protein breakdown. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanisms by which PTX inhibits proteolysis in the soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The levels of atrogin-1 and muscle RING finger-1 were decreased, as were the activities of caspase-3 (EDL) and calpains (soleus and EDL), in diabetic rats treated with PTX, which at least partly explains the drop in the ubiquitin conjugate (EDL) levels and in proteasome activity (soleus and EDL). Treatment with PTX decreased PDE activity and increased cAMP content in muscles of diabetic rats; moreover, it also increased both the protein levels of exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC, a cAMP effector) and the phosphorylation of Akt. The loss of muscle mass was practically prevented in diabetic rats treated with PTX. These findings advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the antiproteolytic effects of PTX and suggest the use of PDE inhibitors as a strategy to activate cAMP signaling, which is emerging as a promising target for treating muscle mass loss during atrophic conditions. NEW & NOTEWORTHY cAMP signaling has been explored as a strategy to attenuate skeletal muscle atrophies. Therefore, in addition to β2AR agonists, phosphodiesterase inhibitors such as pentoxifylline (PTX) can be an interesting option. This study advances the understanding of the mechanisms related to the antiproteolytic effects of PTX on skeletal muscles of diabetic rats, which involve the activation of both exchange protein directly activated by cAMP and Akt effectors, inhibiting the expression of atrogenes and calpain/caspase-3-proteolytic machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Alberto Arcaro
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University, Araraquara, University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Renata Pires Assis
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University, Araraquara, University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Neusa Maria Zanon
- Department of Physiology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto Medical School , Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Silvia Paula-Gomes
- Department of Biochemistry/Immunology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto Medical School , Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo , Brazil
| | | | - Isis Carmo Kettelhut
- Department of Physiology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto Medical School , Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo , Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry/Immunology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto Medical School , Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Iguatemy Lourenço Brunetti
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University, Araraquara, University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Amanda Martins Baviera
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University, Araraquara, University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
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Hyperlipidemia-induced cholesterol crystal production by endothelial cells promotes atherogenesis. Nat Commun 2017; 8:1129. [PMID: 29066718 PMCID: PMC5654750 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-01186-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (EC) play a key role in atherosclerosis. Although EC are in constant contact with low density lipoproteins (LDL), how EC process LDL and whether this influences atherogenesis, is unclear. Here we show that EC take up and metabolize LDL, and when overburdened with intracellular cholesterol, generate cholesterol crystals (CC). The CC are deposited on the basolateral side, and compromise endothelial function. When hyperlipidemic mice are given a high fat diet, CC appear in aortic sinus within 1 week. Treatment with cAMP-enhancing agents, forskolin/rolipram (F/R), mitigates effects of CC on endothelial function by not only improving barrier function, but also inhibiting CC formation both in vitro and in vivo. A proof of principle study using F/R incorporated into liposomes, designed to target inflamed endothelium, shows reduced atherosclerosis and CC formation in ApoE−/− mice. Our findings highlight an important mechanism by which EC contribute to atherogenesis under hyperlipidemic conditions. Atherosclerosis is characterized by subendothelial lipid retention believed to be the result of endothelial trancytosis. Here, the authors show that endothelium can take up and process LDL, generating cholesterol crystals that are deposited on the basolateral side of the cells, causing their dysfunction that can be prevented by forskolin/rolipram treatment.
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The effects of C5-substituted 2,4-diaminoquinazolines on selected transcript expression in spinal muscular atrophy cells. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180657. [PMID: 28662219 PMCID: PMC5491266 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
C5-substituted 2,4-diaminoquinazolines (2,4-DAQs) ameliorate disease severity in SMA mice. It is uncertain, however, that these compounds increase SMN protein levels in vivo even though they were identified as activators of the SMN2 promoter. These compounds also regulate the expression of other transcripts in neuroblastoma cells. In this study, we investigate the mechanism by which the 2,4-DAQs regulate the expression of SMN2 as well as other targets. D156844, D158872, D157161 and D157495 (RG3039) increased SMN2 promoter-driven reporter gene activity by at least 3-fold in NSC-34 cells. These compounds, however, did not significantly increase SMN2 mRNA levels in type II SMA fibroblasts nor in NSC-34 cells, although there was a trend for these compounds increasing SMN protein in SMA fibroblasts. The number of SMN-containing gems was increased in SMA fibroblasts in response to 2,4-DAQ treatment in a dose-dependent manner. ATOH7 mRNA levels were significantly lower in type II SMA fibroblasts. 2,4-DAQs significantly increased ATOH7, DRNT1 and DRTN2 transcript levels in type II SMA fibroblasts and restored ATOH7 levels to those observed in healthy fibroblasts. These compounds also increase Atoh7 mRNA expression in NSC-34 cells. In conclusion, 2,4-DAQs regulate SMN2 by increasing protein levels and gem localization. They also increase ATOH7, DRNT1 and DRNT2 transcript levels. This study reveals that the protective effects of 2,4-DAQs in SMA may be independent of SMN2 gene regulation. These compounds could be used in concert with a proven SMN2 inducer to develop a multi-faceted approach to treating SMA.
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Recent Advances in Therapeutic Applications of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Cell Reprogram 2017; 19:65-74. [DOI: 10.1089/cell.2016.0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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Harahap NIF, Nurputra DK, Ar Rochmah M, Shima A, Morisada N, Takarada T, Takeuchi A, Tohyama Y, Yanagisawa S, Nishio H. Salbutamol inhibits ubiquitin-mediated survival motor neuron protein degradation in spinal muscular atrophy cells. Biochem Biophys Rep 2015; 4:351-356. [PMID: 29124224 PMCID: PMC5669398 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2015.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Revised: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a common autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder that is currently incurable. SMA is caused by decreased levels of the survival motor neuron protein (SMN), as a result of loss or mutation of SMN1. Although the SMN1 homolog SMN2 also produces some SMN protein, it does not fully compensate for the loss or dysfunction of SMN1. Salbutamol, a β2-adrenergic receptor agonist and well-known bronchodilator used in asthma patients, has recently been shown to ameliorate symptoms in SMA patients. However, the precise mechanism of salbutamol action is unclear. We treated SMA fibroblast cells lacking SMN1 and HeLa cells with salbutamol and analyzed SMN2 mRNA and SMN protein levels in SMA fibroblasts, and changes in SMN protein ubiquitination in HeLa cells. Salbutamol increased SMN protein levels in a dose-dependent manner in SMA fibroblast cells lacking SMN1, though no significant changes in SMN2 mRNA levels were observed. Notably, the salbutamol-induced increase in SMN was blocked by a protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor and deubiquitinase inhibitor, respectively. Co-immunoprecipitation assay using HeLa cells showed that ubiquitinated SMN levels decreased in the presence of salbutamol, suggesting that salbutamol inhibited ubiquitination. The results of this study suggest that salbutamol may increase SMN protein levels in SMA by inhibiting ubiquitin-mediated SMN degradation via activating β2-adrenergic receptor-PKA pathways. Salbutamol increased SMN level in SMA fibroblast cells. The increase of SMN is related to β2-adrenergic receptor-PKA pathways. Salbutamol inhibits SMN ubiquitination in HeLa cells. Salbutamol prevents ubiquitin-mediated SMN degradation via activated PKA pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Imma Fatimah Harahap
- Department of Community Medicine and Social Healthcare Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Dian Kesumapramudya Nurputra
- Department of Community Medicine and Social Healthcare Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Mawaddah Ar Rochmah
- Department of Community Medicine and Social Healthcare Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Ai Shima
- Department of Community Medicine and Social Healthcare Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Naoya Morisada
- Department of Community Medicine and Social Healthcare Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Toru Takarada
- Analytical Center, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, 4-19-1 Motoyamakitamachi, Higasinada-ku, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Kobe 658-8558, Japan
| | - Atsuko Takeuchi
- Analytical Center, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, 4-19-1 Motoyamakitamachi, Higasinada-ku, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Kobe 658-8558, Japan
| | - Yumi Tohyama
- Division of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Himeji Dokkyo University, 7-2-1 Kamiono, Himeji 670-8524, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Yanagisawa
- Division of Medical Economics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Himeji Dokkyo University, 7-2-1 Kamiono, Himeji 670-8524, Japan
| | - Hisahide Nishio
- Department of Community Medicine and Social Healthcare Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
- Correspondence to: Division of Epidemiology, Department of Community Medicine and Social Healthcare Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan. Fax: +81 78 382 5559.Division of Epidemiology, Department of Community Medicine and Social Healthcare Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-kuKobe650-0017Japan
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