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Olechnowicz A, Blatkiewicz M, Jopek K, Isalan M, Mielcarek M, Rucinski M. Deregulated Transcriptome as a Platform for Adrenal Huntington's Disease-Related Pathology. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2176. [PMID: 38396853 PMCID: PMC10888552 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042176] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects mainly the central nervous system (CNS) by inducing progressive deterioration in both its structure and function. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the impact of HD on peripheral tissue function. Herein, we used the R6/2 mouse model of HD to investigate the influence of the disease on adrenal gland functioning. A transcriptomic analysis conducted using a well-established quantitative method, an Affymetrix array, revealed changes in gene expression in the R6/2 model compared to genetic background controls. For the first time, we identified disruptions in cholesterol and sterol metabolism, blood coagulation, and xenobiotic metabolism in HD adrenal glands. This study showed that the disrupted expression of these genes may contribute to the underlying mechanisms of Huntington's disease. Our findings may contribute to developing a better understanding of Huntington's disease progression and aid in the development of novel diagnostic or therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Olechnowicz
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-812 Poznan, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Blatkiewicz
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland
| | - Karol Jopek
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland
| | - Mark Isalan
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Michal Mielcarek
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Marcin Rucinski
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland
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Dickson E, Fryklund C, Soylu-Kucharz R, Sjögren M, Stenkula KG, Björkqvist M. Altered Adipocyte Cell Size Distribution Prior to Weight Loss in the R6/2 Model of Huntington's Disease. J Huntingtons Dis 2023; 12:253-266. [PMID: 37718850 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-230587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic alterations contribute to disease onset and prognosis of Huntington's disease (HD). Weight loss in the R6/2 mouse model of HD is a consistent feature, with onset in mid-to-late stage of disease. OBJECTIVE In the present study, we aimed to investigate molecular and functional changes in white adipose tissue (WAT) that occur at weight loss in R6/2 mice. We further elaborated on the effect of leptin-deficiency and early obesity in R6/2 mice. METHODS We performed analyses at 12 weeks of age; a time point that coincides with the start of weight loss in our R6/2 mouse colony. Gonadal (visceral) and inguinal (subcutaneous) WAT depot weights were monitored, as well as adipocyte size distribution. Response to isoprenaline-stimulated glycerol release and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in adipocytes from gonadal WAT was assessed. RESULTS In R6/2 mice, WAT depot weights were comparable to wildtype (WT) mice, and the response to insulin and isoprenaline in gonadal adipocytes was unaltered. Leptin-deficient R6/2 mice exhibited distinct changes compared to leptin-deficient WT mice. At 12 weeks, female leptin-deficient R6/2 mice had reduced body weight accompanied by an increased proportion of smaller adipocytes, while in contrast; male mice displayed a shift towards larger adipocyte sizes without a significant body weight reduction at this timepoint. CONCLUSIONS We here show that there are early sex-specific changes in adipocyte cell size distribution in WAT of R6/2 mice and leptin-deficient R6/2 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elna Dickson
- Brain Disease Biomarker Unit, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Claes Fryklund
- Glucose Transport and Protein Trafficking, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Rana Soylu-Kucharz
- Brain Disease Biomarker Unit, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marie Sjögren
- Brain Disease Biomarker Unit, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Karin G Stenkula
- Glucose Transport and Protein Trafficking, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Maria Björkqvist
- Brain Disease Biomarker Unit, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Singh A, Agrawal N. Metabolism in Huntington's disease: a major contributor to pathology. Metab Brain Dis 2022; 37:1757-1771. [PMID: 34704220 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-021-00844-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressively debilitating neurodegenerative disease exhibiting autosomal-dominant inheritance. It is caused by an unstable expansion in the CAG repeat tract of HD gene, which transforms the disease-specific Huntingtin protein (HTT) to a mutant form (mHTT). The profound neuronal death in cortico-striatal circuits led to its identification and characterisation as a neurodegenerative disease. However, equally disturbing are the concomitant whole-body manifestations affecting nearly every organ of the diseased individuals, at varying extents. Altered central and peripheral metabolism of energy, proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates encompass the gross pathology of the disease. Intense fluctuation of body weight, glucose homeostasis and organ-specific subcellular abnormalities are being increasingly recognised in HD. Many of these metabolic abnormalities exist years before the neuropathological manifestations such as chorea, cognitive decline and behavioural abnormalities develop, and prove to be reliable predictors of the disease progression. In this review, we provide a consolidated overview of the central and peripheral metabolic abnormalities associated with HD, as evidenced from clinical and experimental studies. Additionally, we have discussed the potential of metabolic biomolecules to translate into efficient biomarkers for the disease onset as well as progression. Finally, we provide a brief outlook on the efficacy of existing therapies targeting metabolic remediation. While it is clear that components of altered metabolic pathways can mark many aspects of the disease, it is only conceivable that combinatorial therapies aiming for neuronal protection in consort with metabolic upliftment will prove to be more efficient than the existing symptomatic treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Singh
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Namita Agrawal
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, 110007, India.
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Coffee Polyphenol, Chlorogenic Acid, Suppresses Brain Aging and Its Effects Are Enhanced by Milk Fat Globule Membrane Components. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105832. [PMID: 35628642 PMCID: PMC9145055 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mice feed with coffee polyphenols (CPP, chlorogenic acid) and milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) has increased survival rates and helps retain long-term memory. In the cerebral cortex of aged mice, CPP intake decreased the expression of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α, and lysosomal enzyme cathepsin B. The suppression of inflammation in the brain during aging was thought to result in the suppression of the repressor element 1-silencing transcription factor (REST) and prevention of brain aging. In contrast, CPP increased the expression of REST, cAMP-responsive element binding (CREB) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in the young hippocampus. The increased expression of these factors may contribute to the induction of neuronal differentiation and the suppression of memory decline with aging. Taken together, these results suggest that CPP increases CREB in the young hippocampus and suppresses inflammation in the old brain, resulting in a preventive effect on brain aging. The endotoxin levels were not elevated in the serum of aged mice. Although the mechanism of action of MFGM has not yet been elucidated, the increase in survival rate with both CPP and MFGM intake suggests that adding milk to coffee may improve not only the taste, but also the function.
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Singh A, Agrawal N. Deciphering the key mechanisms leading to alteration of lipid metabolism in Drosophila model of Huntington's disease. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166127. [PMID: 33722743 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited, progressively debilitating disorder marked by prominent degeneration in striatal and cortical brain regions. HD is caused by (CAG)n repeat expansion in huntingtin (HTT) gene that translates into a mutant form of the ubiquitously present Huntingtin (HTT) protein. Extensive metabolic dysfunction coexisting with overt neuropathies has been evidenced in clinical and experimental settings of HD. Body weight loss despite normal to high caloric intake remains a critical determinant of the disease progression and a challenge for therapeutic interventions. In the present study, we intended to monitor the cellular and molecular perturbations in Drosophila, caused by pan-neuronal expression of mHTT (mutant Huntingtin) protein. We found aberrant transcription profile of key lipolytic and lipogenic genes in whole-body of the fly with disease progression. Interestingly, fatbody undergoes extensive alteration of vital cellular processes and eventually surrenders to increased apoptotic cell death in terminal stage of the disease. Extensive mitochondrial dysfunction from early disease stage along with calcium derangement at terminal stage were observed in fatbody, which contribute to its deteriorating integrity. All the mechanisms were monitored progressively, at different disease stages, and many alterations were documented in the early stage itself. Our study hence provides insight into the mechanisms through which neuronal expression of mHTT might be inflicting the profound systemic effects, specifically on lipid metabolism, and may open new therapeutic avenues for alleviation of the multidimensional disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Singh
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Namita Agrawal
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India.
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Romer SH, Metzger S, Peraza K, Wright MC, Jobe DS, Song LS, Rich MM, Foy BD, Talmadge RJ, Voss AA. A mouse model of Huntington's disease shows altered ultrastructure of transverse tubules in skeletal muscle fibers. J Gen Physiol 2021; 153:211860. [PMID: 33683318 PMCID: PMC7931643 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202012637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a fatal and progressive condition with severe debilitating motor defects and muscle weakness. Although classically recognized as a neurodegenerative disorder, there is increasing evidence of cell autonomous toxicity in skeletal muscle. We recently demonstrated that skeletal muscle fibers from the R6/2 model mouse of HD have a decrease in specific membrane capacitance, suggesting a loss of transverse tubule (t-tubule) membrane in R6/2 muscle. A previous report also indicated that Cav1.1 current was reduced in R6/2 skeletal muscle, suggesting defects in excitation–contraction (EC) coupling. Thus, we hypothesized that a loss and/or disruption of the skeletal muscle t-tubule system contributes to changes in EC coupling in R6/2 skeletal muscle. We used live-cell imaging with multiphoton confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy to assess the t-tubule architecture in late-stage R6/2 muscle and found no significant differences in the t-tubule system density, regularity, or integrity. However, electron microscopy images revealed that the cross-sectional area of t-tubules at the triad were 25% smaller in R6/2 compared with age-matched control skeletal muscle. Computer simulation revealed that the resulting decrease in the R6/2 t-tubule luminal conductance contributed to, but did not fully explain, the reduced R6/2 membrane capacitance. Analyses of bridging integrator-1 (Bin1), which plays a primary role in t-tubule formation, revealed decreased Bin1 protein levels and aberrant splicing of Bin1 mRNA in R6/2 muscle. Additionally, the distance between the t-tubule and sarcoplasmic reticulum was wider in R6/2 compared with control muscle, which was associated with a decrease in junctophilin 1 and 2 mRNA levels. Altogether, these findings can help explain dysregulated EC coupling and motor impairment in Huntington’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon H Romer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wright State University, Dayton, OH.,Odyssey Systems, Environmental Health Effects Laboratory, Navy Medical Research Unit, Dayton, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH
| | - Sabrina Metzger
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH
| | - Kristiana Peraza
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Pomona, CA
| | - Matthew C Wright
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Pomona, CA
| | - D Scott Jobe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wright State University, Dayton, OH
| | - Long-Sheng Song
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA
| | - Mark M Rich
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH
| | - Brent D Foy
- Department of Physics, Wright State University, Dayton, OH
| | - Robert J Talmadge
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Pomona, CA
| | - Andrew A Voss
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wright State University, Dayton, OH
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Almaguer-Mederos LE, Pérez-Ávila I, Aguilera-Rodríguez R, Velázquez-Garcés M, Almaguer-Gotay D, Hechavarría-Pupo R, Rodríguez-Estupiñán A, Auburger G. Body Mass Index Is Significantly Associated With Disease Severity in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2 Patients. Mov Disord 2021; 36:1372-1380. [PMID: 33548146 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder due to an unstable expansion of a CAG repeat in the ATXN2 gene. Although weight loss has been associated with disease progression in several neurodegenerative conditions, it has been barely assessed in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to test whether body mass index is altered in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 with varying expansion sizes from early to late disease stages. METHODS A cross-sectional case-control study was performed, which included 222 clinically and molecularly diagnosed patients and 214 sex- and age-matched healthy individuals. ATXN2 genotypes and sex were considered as risk factors. Clinical outcomes included the body mass index, age at onset, disease duration, Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia score, disease stage, dysphagia, and progression rate. Multiple linear regression models were generated. RESULTS Body mass index was significantly decreased in male patients, but not in female patients, relative to control subjects. In addition to sex, body mass index was significantly associated with age at onset and progression rate. Conversely, body mass index, along with repeat length in ATXN2 expanded alleles and disease duration, was associated with Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia score. In addition, body mass index, along with the age at onset and the repeat length in ATXN2 normal and expanded alleles, has a significant influence on progression rate. CONCLUSIONS Body mass index might be a useful biomarker of disease severity, particularly in male patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 in the context of nutritional interventions or clinical trials assessing the efficacy of promising new drugs. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ilbedis Pérez-Ávila
- Center for the Investigation and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Holguín, Cuba.,Center for Sports Medicine, Holguín, Cuba
| | | | | | - Dennis Almaguer-Gotay
- Center for the Investigation and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Holguín, Cuba
| | | | | | - Georg Auburger
- Experimental Neurology, Goethe University Medical Faculty, Frankfurt, Germany
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8
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Abstract
Since the discovery of functionally competent, energy-consuming brown adipose tissue (BAT) in adult humans, much effort has been devoted to exploring this tissue as a means for increasing energy expenditure to counteract obesity. However, despite promising effects on metabolic rate and insulin sensitivity, no convincing evidence for weight-loss effects of cold-activated human BAT exists to date. Indeed, increasing energy expenditure would naturally induce compensatory feedback mechanisms to defend body weight. Interestingly, BAT is regulated by multiple interactions with the hypothalamus from regions overlapping with centers for feeding behavior and metabolic control. Therefore, in the further exploration of BAT as a potential source of novel drug targets, we discuss the hypothalamic orchestration of BAT activity and the relatively unexplored BAT feedback mechanisms on neuronal regulation. With a holistic view on hypothalamic-BAT interactions, we aim to raise ideas and provide a new perspective on this circuit and highlight its clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo B Henningsen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Camilla Scheele
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark;
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9
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Mitchell CT, Krier I, Arjomand J, Borowsky B, Tabrizi SJ, Leavitt BR, Luthi-Carter R. Longitudinal expression changes are weak correlates of disease progression in Huntington's disease. Brain Commun 2020; 2:fcaa172. [PMID: 33305259 PMCID: PMC7713990 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcaa172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease is a severe but slowly progressive hereditary illness for which only symptomatic treatments are presently available. Clinical measures of disease progression are somewhat subjective and may require years to detect significant change. There is a clear need to identify more sensitive, objective and consistent measures to detect disease progression in Huntington's disease clinical trials. Whereas Huntington's disease demonstrates a robust and consistent gene expression signature in the brain, previous studies of blood cell RNAs have lacked concordance with clinical disease stage. Here we utilized longitudinally collected samples from a well-characterized cohort of control, Huntington's disease-at-risk and Huntington's disease subjects to evaluate the possible correlation of gene expression and disease status within individuals. We interrogated these data in both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. A number of changes in gene expression showed consistency within this study and as compared to previous reports in the literature. The magnitude of the mean disease effect over 2 years' time was small, however, and did not track closely with motor symptom progression over the same time period. We therefore conclude that while blood-derived gene expression indicators can be of value in understanding Huntington's disease pathogenesis, they are insufficiently sensitive to be of use as state biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher T Mitchell
- University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
- School of Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Irina Krier
- École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Sarah J Tabrizi
- UCL Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Huntington's Disease Centre, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Blair R Leavitt
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 75Z 4H4
| | - Ruth Luthi-Carter
- University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
- School of Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
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10
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Son MJ, Oh KJ, Park A, Kwon MG, Suh JM, Kim IC, Kim S, Lee SC, Kim WK, Bae KH. GATA3 induces the upregulation of UCP-1 by directly binding to PGC-1α during adipose tissue browning. Metabolism 2020; 109:154280. [PMID: 32473155 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2020.154280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Obesity is recognized as the cause of multiple metabolic diseases and is rapidly increasing worldwide. As obesity is due to an imbalance in energy homeostasis, the promotion of energy consumption through browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy to counter the obesity epidemic. However, the molecular mechanisms of the browning process are not well understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of the GATA family of transcription factors on the browning process. METHODS We used qPCR to analyze the expression of GATA family members during WAT browning. In order to investigate the function of GATA3 in the browning process, we used the lentivirus system for the ectopic expression and knockdown of GATA3. Western blot and real-time qPCR analyses revealed the regulation of thermogenic genes upon ectopic expression and knockdown of GATA3. Luciferase reporter assays, co-immunoprecipitation, and chromatin immunoprecipitation were performed to demonstrate that GATA3 interacts with proliferator-activated receptor-γ co-activator-1α (PGC-1α) to regulate the promoter activity of uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1). Enhanced energy expenditure by GATA3 was confirmed using oxygen consumption assays, and the mitochondrial content was assessed using MitoTracker. Furthermore, we examined the in vivo effects of lentiviral GATA3 overexpression and knockdown in inguinal adipose tissue of mice. RESULTS Gata3 expression levels were significantly elevated in the inguinal adipose tissue of mice exposed to cold conditions. Ectopic expression of GATA3 enhanced the expression of UCP-1 and thermogenic genes upon treatment with norepinephrine whereas GATA3 knockdown had the opposite effect. Luciferase reporter assays using the UCP-1 promoter region showed that UCP-1 expression was increased in a dose-dependent manner by GATA3 regardless of norepinephrine treatment. GATA3 was found to directly bind to the promoter region of UCP-1. Furthermore, our results indicated that GATA3 interacts with the transcriptional coactivator PGC-1α to increase the expression of UCP-1. Taken together, we demonstrate that GATA3 has an important role in enhancing energy expenditure by increasing the expression of thermogenic genes both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION GATA3 may represent a promising target for the prevention and treatment of obesity by regulating thermogenic capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Jeong Son
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Jin Oh
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Anna Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Gi Kwon
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Myoung Suh
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Il-Chul Kim
- Department of Biology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Seyun Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Chul Lee
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
| | - Won Kon Kim
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kwang-Hee Bae
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
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11
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Donzis EJ, Estrada-Sánchez AM, Indersmitten T, Oikonomou K, Tran CH, Wang C, Latifi S, Golshani P, Cepeda C, Levine MS. Cortical Network Dynamics Is Altered in Mouse Models of Huntington's Disease. Cereb Cortex 2020; 30:2372-2388. [PMID: 31761935 PMCID: PMC7174987 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by involuntary movements, cognitive deficits, and psychiatric disturbances. Although evidence indicates that projections from motor cortical areas play a key role in the development of dysfunctional striatal activity and motor phenotype, little is known about the changes in cortical microcircuits and their role in the development of the HD phenotype. Here we used two-photon laser-scanning microscopy to evaluate network dynamics of motor cortical neurons in layers II/III in behaving transgenic R6/2 and knock-in Q175+/- mice. Symptomatic R6/2 mice displayed increased motion manifested by a significantly greater number of motion epochs, whereas symptomatic Q175 mice displayed decreased motion. In both models, calcium transients in symptomatic mice displayed reduced amplitude, suggesting decreased bursting activity. Changes in frequency were genotype- and time-dependent; for R6/2 mice, the frequency was reduced during both motion and nonmotion, whereas in symptomatic Q175 mice, the reduction only occurred during nonmotion. In presymptomatic Q175 mice, frequency was increased during both behavioral states. Interneuronal correlation coefficients were generally decreased in both models, suggesting disrupted interneuronal communication in HD cerebral cortex. These results indicate similar and contrasting effects of the HD mutation on cortical ensemble activity depending on mouse model and disease stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elissa J Donzis
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior
| | - Ana María Estrada-Sánchez
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior
| | - Tim Indersmitten
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior
| | - Katerina Oikonomou
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior
| | - Conny H Tran
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior
| | - Catherine Wang
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior
| | - Shahrzad Latifi
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Peyman Golshani
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Neurology, West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA
| | - Carlos Cepeda
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior
| | - Michael S Levine
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior
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12
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Kielar C, Morton AJ. Early Neurodegeneration in R6/2 Mice Carrying the Huntington's Disease Mutation with a Super-Expanded CAG Repeat, Despite Normal Lifespan. J Huntingtons Dis 2019; 7:61-76. [PMID: 29480204 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-170265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The threshold of CAG repeat expansion in the HTT gene that causes HD is 36 CAG repeats, although 'superlong' expansions are found in individual neurons in postmortem brains. Previously, we showed that, compared to mice with <250 CAG repeats, onset of disease in R6/2 mice carrying superlong (>440) CAG repeat expansions was delayed, and disease progression was slower. Inclusion pathology also differed from 250 CAG repeat mice, being dominated by a novel kind of extranuclear neuronal inclusion (nENNI) that resembles a class of aggregate seen in patients with the adult onset form of HD. Here, we characterised neuropathology in R6/2 mice with >400 CAG repeats using light and electron microscopy. nENNIs were found with increased frequency and wider distribution with age. Some nENNIs appear to 'mature' as the disease develops, developing a multi-layered cored structure. Mice with superlong CAG repeats do not develop clinical signs until they are around 30-40 weeks of age, and they attain a normal life span (>2 years). Nevertheless, they show brain atrophy and unequivocal neuron loss from the striatum and cortex by 22 weeks of age, an age at which similar pathology is seen in 250 CAG repeat mice. Since this time-point is 'end stage' for a 250 CAG mouse, but very far (at least 18 months) from end stage for a > 440 CAG repeat mouse, our data confirm that the appearance of clinical signs, the formation of inclusions, and neurodegeneration are processes that progress independently. A better understanding of the relationship between CAG repeat length, neurodegenerative pathways, and clinical behavioural signs is essential, if we are to find strategies to delay or reverse the course of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Kielar
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - A Jennifer Morton
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Sjögren M, Soylu-Kucharz R, Dandunna U, Stan TL, Cavalera M, Sandelius Å, Zetterberg H, Björkqvist M. Leptin deficiency reverses high metabolic state and weight loss without affecting central pathology in the R6/2 mouse model of Huntington's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 132:104560. [PMID: 31419548 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Body weight has been shown to be a predictor of clinical progression in Huntington's disease (HD). Alongside widespread neuronal pathology, both HD patients and the R6/2 mouse model of HD exhibit weight loss and increased energy expenditure, providing a rationale for targeting whole-body energy metabolism in HD. Leptin-deficient mice display low energy expenditure and increased body weight. We therefore hypothesized that normalizing energy metabolism in R6/2 mice, utilizing leptin- deficiency, would lead to a slower disease progression in the R6/2 mouse. In this study, we show that R6/2 mice on a leptin-deficient genetic background display increased body weight and increased fat mass compared to R6/2 mice, as well as wild type littermates. The increased body weight was accompanied by low energy expenditure, illustrated by a reduction in respiratory exchange rate. Leptin-deficient R6/2 mice had large white adipocytes with white adipocyte gene expression characteristics, in contrast to white adipose tissue in R6/2 mice, where white adipose tissue showed signs of browning. Leptin-deficient R6/2 mice did not exhibit improved neuropathological measures. Our results indicate that lowering energy metabolism in HD, by increasing fat mass and reducing respiratory exchange rate, is not sufficient to affect neuropathology. Further studies targeting energy metabolism in HD are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Sjögren
- Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Brain Disease Biomarker Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Rana Soylu-Kucharz
- Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Brain Disease Biomarker Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Unali Dandunna
- Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Brain Disease Biomarker Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Tiberiu Loredan Stan
- Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Brain Disease Biomarker Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Michele Cavalera
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cardiovascular Research, Translational Studies, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Åsa Sandelius
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden; Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden; Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom; UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Björkqvist
- Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Brain Disease Biomarker Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Analysis of Tks4 Knockout Mice Suggests a Role for Tks4 in Adipose Tissue Homeostasis in the Context of Beigeing. Cells 2019; 8:cells8080831. [PMID: 31387265 PMCID: PMC6721678 DOI: 10.3390/cells8080831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity and adipocyte malfunction are related to and arise as consequences of disturbances in signaling pathways. Tyrosine kinase substrate with four Src homology 3 domains (Tks4) is a scaffold protein that establishes a platform for signaling cascade molecules during podosome formation and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling. Several lines of evidence have also suggested that Tks4 has a role in adipocyte biology; however, its roles in the various types of adipocytes at the cellular level and in transcriptional regulation have not been studied. Therefore, we hypothesized that Tks4 functions as an organizing molecule in signaling networks that regulate adipocyte homeostasis. Our aims were to study the white and brown adipose depots of Tks4 knockout (KO) mice using immunohistology and western blotting and to analyze gene expression changes regulated by the white, brown, and beige adipocyte-related transcription factors via a PCR array. Based on morphological differences in the Tks4-KO adipocytes and increased uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) expression in the white adipose tissue (WAT) of Tks4-KO mice, we concluded that the beigeing process was more robust in the WAT of Tks4-KO mice compared to the wild-type animals. Furthermore, in the Tks4-KO WAT, the expression profile of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ)-regulated adipogenesis-related genes was shifted in favor of the appearance of beige-like cells. These results suggest that Tks4 and its downstream signaling partners are novel regulators of adipocyte functions and PPARγ-directed white to beige adipose tissue conversion.
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Rudenko O, Springer C, Skov LJ, Madsen AN, Hasholt L, Nørremølle A, Holst B. Ghrelin-mediated improvements in the metabolic phenotype in the R6/2 mouse model of Huntington's disease. J Neuroendocrinol 2019; 31:e12699. [PMID: 30776164 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a heritable neurodegenerative disorder, characterised by metabolic disturbances, along with cognitive and psychiatric impairments. Targeting metabolic HD dysfunction via the maintenance of body weight and fat mass and restoration of peripheral energy metabolism can improve the progression of neurological symptoms. In this respect, we focused on the therapeutic potential of the orexigenic peptide hormone ghrelin, which plays an important role in promoting a positive energy balance. In the present study, we found a significant disruption of circadian metabolic regulation in a R6/2 mouse HD model in the late stage of disease. Daily circadian rhythms of activity, energy expenditure, respiratory exchange ratio and feeding were strongly attenuated in R6/2 mice. During the rest phase, R6/2 mice had a higher total activity, elevated energy expenditure and excessive water consumption compared to control mice. We also found that, in the late stage of disease, R6/2 mice had ghrelin axis deficiency as a result of low circulating ghrelin levels, in addition to down-regulation of the ghrelin receptor and several key signalling molecules in the hypothalamus, as well as a reduced responsiveness to exogenous peripheral ghrelin. We demonstrated that, in pre-symptomatic mice, responsiveness to ghrelin is preserved. Chronic ghrelin treatment efficiently increased lean body mass and decreased the energy expenditure and fat utilisation of R6/2 mice in the early stage of disease. In addition, ghrelin treatment was also effective in the normalisation of drinking behaviour and the rest activity of these mice. Ghrelin treatment could provide a novel therapeutic possibility for delaying disease progression; however, deficiency in ghrelin receptor expression could limit its therapeutic potential in the late stage of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Rudenko
- Laboratory for Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Section for Metabolic Receptology, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cecilie Springer
- Laboratory for Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Section for Metabolic Receptology, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Louisa J Skov
- Laboratory for Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Section for Metabolic Receptology, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas N Madsen
- Laboratory for Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Section for Metabolic Receptology, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lis Hasholt
- Medical Genetics Program, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Nørremølle
- Medical Genetics Program, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Birgitte Holst
- Laboratory for Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Section for Metabolic Receptology, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Smatlikova P, Juhas S, Juhasova J, Suchy T, Hubalek Kalbacova M, Ellederova Z, Motlik J, Klima J. Adipogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Pig Transgenic Model Expressing Human Mutant Huntingtin. J Huntingtons Dis 2018; 8:33-51. [PMID: 30584151 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-180303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the highest expression of mutant huntingtin (mtHtt) was observed in the brain, its negative effects were also apparent in other tissues. Specifically, mtHtt impairs metabolic homeostasis and causes transcriptional dysregulation in adipose tissue. Adipogenic differentiation can be induced by the activation of two transcription factors: CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (CEBPα) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). These same transcription factors were found to be compromised in some tissues of Huntington's disease (HD) mouse models and in lymphocytes of HD patients. OBJECTIVE This study investigated the adipogenic potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from transgenic Huntington's disease (TgHD) minipigs expressing human mtHtt (1-548aa) containing 124 glutamines. Two differentiation conditions were used, employing PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone or indomethacin. METHODS Bone marrow MSCs were isolated from TgHD and WT minipig siblings and compared by their cluster of differentiation using flow cytometry. Their adipogenic potential in vitro was analyzed using quantitative immunofluorescence and western blot analysis of transcription factors and adipogenic markers. RESULTS Flow cytometry analysis did not reveal any significant difference between WT and TgHD MSCs. Nevertheless, following differentiation into adipocytes, the expression of CEBPα nuclear, PPARγ and adipogenic marker FABP4/AP2 were significantly lower in TgHD cells compared to WT cells. In addition, we proved both rosiglitazone and indomethacin to be efficient for adipogenic differentiation of porcine MSCs, with rosiglitazone showing a better adipogenic profile. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated a negative influence of mtHtt on adipogenic differentiation of porcine MSCs in vitro associated with compromised expression of adipogenic transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Smatlikova
- PIGMOD Centre, Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Libechov, Czech Republic.,Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Stefan Juhas
- PIGMOD Centre, Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Juhasova
- PIGMOD Centre, Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Suchy
- Department of Composites and Carbon Materials, Institute of Rock Structure and Mechanics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic; Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Hubalek Kalbacova
- Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, Pilsen, Czech Republic; Institute of Pathological Physiology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenka Ellederova
- PIGMOD Centre, Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Motlik
- PIGMOD Centre, Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Klima
- PIGMOD Centre, Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Libechov, Czech Republic
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Weydt P, Dupuis L, Petersen Å. Thermoregulatory disorders in Huntington disease. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2018; 157:761-775. [PMID: 30459039 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64074-1.00047-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Huntington disease (HD) is a paradigmatic autosomal-dominant adult-onset neurodegenerative disease. Since the identification of an abnormal expansion of a trinucleotide repeat tract in the huntingtin gene as the underlying genetic defect, a broad range of transgenic animal models of the disease has become available and these have helped to unravel the relevant molecular pathways in unprecedented detail. Of note, some of the most informative of these models develop thermoregulatory defects such as hypothermia, problems with adaptive thermogenesis, and an altered circadian temperature rhythm. Both central, e.g., in the hypothalamus and peripheral, i.e., the brown adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, problems contribute to the phenotype. Importantly, these structures and pathways are also affected in human HD. Yet, currently the evidence for bona fide thermodysregulation in human HD patients remains anecdotal. This may be due to a lack of reliable tools for monitoring body temperature in an outpatient setting. Regardless, study of the temperature phenotype has contributed to the identification of unexpected molecular targets, such as the PGC-1α pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Weydt
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Gerontopsychiatry/Neurology, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Luc Dupuis
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Åsa Petersen
- Translational Neuroendocrine Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Sjögren M, Duarte AI, McCourt AC, Shcherbina L, Wierup N, Björkqvist M. Ghrelin rescues skeletal muscle catabolic profile in the R6/2 mouse model of Huntington's disease. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13896. [PMID: 29066728 PMCID: PMC5654969 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13713-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests altered energy metabolism as a key feature in Huntington’s disease (HD) pathology. Hyper-catabolism, including weight loss and muscle atrophy, is seen in HD patients and HD mouse models. Metabolic hormones are key players, not only in energy metabolism, but also in neurodegenerative processes. Ghrelin, a gut peptide-hormone, plays an important role in regulating energy metabolism, stimulating appetite, and affects brain function and increases neuronal survival. The R6/2 mouse model of HD has previously been shown to exhibit progressive weight loss, dysregulated glucose metabolism, skeletal muscle atrophy and altered body composition. In this study, we targeted energy metabolism in R6/2 mice using ghrelin administration, with the primary aim to delay weight loss and reduce muscle atrophy. We also evaluated glucose metabolism and behaviour. We here demonstrate that ghrelin administration (subcutaneous 150 μg/kg daily injections) for 4 weeks, reversed the catabolic gene expression profile (increased expression of Caspase 8, Traf-5 and Creb1) seen in R6/2 mouse skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscle morphology was also improved with ghrelin, and importantly, ghrelin administration normalized behavioural deficits in R6/2 mice. Taken together, our findings encourage further studies targeting metabolism in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Sjögren
- Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Brain Disease Biomarker Unit, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Ana I Duarte
- Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Brain Disease Biomarker Unit, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rua Larga, Faculty of Medicine (Pólo 1, 1st Floor), University of Coimbra, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão - Pólo II, Rua D. Francisco de Lemos, 3030-789, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Andrew C McCourt
- Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Brain Disease Biomarker Unit, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Liliya Shcherbina
- Lund University Diabetes Centre, Neuroendocrine Cell Biology, Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Clinical research center, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Nils Wierup
- Lund University Diabetes Centre, Neuroendocrine Cell Biology, Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Clinical research center, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Maria Björkqvist
- Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Brain Disease Biomarker Unit, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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