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Caredio D, Koderman M, Frontzek KJ, Sorce S, Nuvolone M, Bremer J, Mariutti G, Schwarz P, Madrigal L, Mitrovic M, Sellitto S, Streichenberger N, Scheckel C, Aguzzi A. Prion diseases disrupt glutamate/glutamine metabolism in skeletal muscle. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012552. [PMID: 39259763 PMCID: PMC11419395 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 09/23/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In prion diseases (PrDs), aggregates of misfolded prion protein (PrPSc) accumulate not only in the brain but also in extraneural organs. This raises the question whether prion-specific pathologies arise also extraneurally. Here we sequenced mRNA transcripts in skeletal muscle, spleen and blood of prion-inoculated mice at eight timepoints during disease progression. We detected gene-expression changes in all three organs, with skeletal muscle showing the most consistent alterations. The glutamate-ammonia ligase (GLUL) gene exhibited uniform upregulation in skeletal muscles of mice infected with three distinct scrapie prion strains (RML, ME7, and 22L) and in victims of human sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. GLUL dysregulation was accompanied by changes in glutamate/glutamine metabolism, leading to reduced glutamate levels in skeletal muscle. None of these changes were observed in skeletal muscle of humans with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, or dementia with Lewy bodies, suggesting that they are specific to prion diseases. These findings reveal an unexpected metabolic dimension of prion infections and point to a potential role for GLUL dysregulation in the glutamate/glutamine metabolism in prion-affected skeletal muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Caredio
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maruša Koderman
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Karl J. Frontzek
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Silvia Sorce
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mario Nuvolone
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Juliane Bremer
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Mariutti
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Petra Schwarz
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lidia Madrigal
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marija Mitrovic
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefano Sellitto
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Claudia Scheckel
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Adriano Aguzzi
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Chen KS, Koubek EJ, Sakowski SA, Feldman EL. Stem cell therapeutics and gene therapy for neurologic disorders. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00427. [PMID: 39096590 PMCID: PMC11345629 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00427] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Rapid advances in biological knowledge and technological innovation have greatly advanced the fields of stem cell and gene therapies to combat a broad spectrum of neurologic disorders. Researchers are currently exploring a variety of stem cell types (e.g., embryonic, progenitor, induced pluripotent) and various transplantation strategies, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Similarly, various gene modification techniques (zinc finger, TALENs, CRISPR-Cas9) are employed with various delivery vectors to modify underlying genetic contributors to neurologic disorders. While these two individual fields continue to blaze new trails, it is the combination of these technologies which enables genetically engineered stem cells and vastly increases investigational and therapeutic opportunities. The capability to culture and expand stem cells outside the body, along with their potential to correct genetic abnormalities in patient-derived cells or enhance cells with extra gene products, unleashes the full biological potential for innovative, multifaceted approaches to treat complex neurological disorders. In this review, we provide an overview of stem cell and gene therapies in the context of neurologic disorders, highlighting recent advances and current shortcomings, and discuss prospects for future therapies in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin S Chen
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Emily J Koubek
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Stacey A Sakowski
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Eva L Feldman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Shi Y, Zhen X, Zhang Y, Li Y, Koo S, Saiding Q, Kong N, Liu G, Chen W, Tao W. Chemically Modified Platforms for Better RNA Therapeutics. Chem Rev 2024; 124:929-1033. [PMID: 38284616 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
RNA-based therapies have catalyzed a revolutionary transformation in the biomedical landscape, offering unprecedented potential in disease prevention and treatment. However, despite their remarkable achievements, these therapies encounter substantial challenges including low stability, susceptibility to degradation by nucleases, and a prominent negative charge, thereby hindering further development. Chemically modified platforms have emerged as a strategic innovation, focusing on precise alterations either on the RNA moieties or their associated delivery vectors. This comprehensive review delves into these platforms, underscoring their significance in augmenting the performance and translational prospects of RNA-based therapeutics. It encompasses an in-depth analysis of various chemically modified delivery platforms that have been instrumental in propelling RNA therapeutics toward clinical utility. Moreover, the review scrutinizes the rationale behind diverse chemical modification techniques aiming at optimizing the therapeutic efficacy of RNA molecules, thereby facilitating robust disease management. Recent empirical studies corroborating the efficacy enhancement of RNA therapeutics through chemical modifications are highlighted. Conclusively, we offer profound insights into the transformative impact of chemical modifications on RNA drugs and delineates prospective trajectories for their future development and clinical integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesi Shi
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xueyan Zhen
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Yiming Zhang
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Yongjiang Li
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Seyoung Koo
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Qimanguli Saiding
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Na Kong
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Gang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Wei Tao
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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Williams K, Foliaki ST, Race B, Smith A, Thomas T, Groveman BR, Haigh CL. Neural cell engraftment therapy for sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease restores neuroelectrophysiological parameters in a cerebral organoid model. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:348. [PMID: 38049877 PMCID: PMC10696693 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03591-2] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD), the most common human prion disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with currently no treatment options. Stem cell therapy for neurodegenerative diseases is emerging as a possible treatment option. However, while there are a few clinical trials for other neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease, prion disease cell therapy research has so far been confined to animal models. METHODS Here, we use a novel approach to study cell therapies in sCJD using a human cerebral organoid model. Cerebral organoids can be infected with sCJD prions allowing us to assess how neural precursor cell (NPC) therapy impacts the progression of sCJD. After 90 days of sCJD or mock infection, organoids were either seeded with NPCs or left unseeded and monitored for cellular composition changes, prion infection parameters and neuroelectrophysiological function at 180 days post-infection. RESULTS Our results showed NPCs integrated into organoids leading to an increase in neuronal markers and changes in cell signaling irrespective of sCJD infection. Although a small, but significant, decrease in protease-resistant PrP deposition was observed in the CJD-infected organoids that received the NPCs, other disease-associated parameters showed minimal changes. However, the NPCs had a beneficial impact on organoid function following infection. sCJD infection caused reduction in neuronal spike rate and mean burst spike rate, indicative of reduced action potentials. NPC seeding restored these electrophysiological parameters to the uninfected control level. CONCLUSIONS Together with the previous animal studies, our results support that cell therapy may have some functional benefit for the treatment of human prion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Williams
- Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Division of Intramural Research, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institutes of Health, 903 South 4Th Street, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Simote T Foliaki
- Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Division of Intramural Research, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institutes of Health, 903 South 4Th Street, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Brent Race
- Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Division of Intramural Research, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institutes of Health, 903 South 4Th Street, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Anna Smith
- Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Division of Intramural Research, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institutes of Health, 903 South 4Th Street, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Tina Thomas
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Division of Intramural Research, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institutes of Health, 903 South 4Th Street, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Bradley R Groveman
- Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Division of Intramural Research, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institutes of Health, 903 South 4Th Street, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Cathryn L Haigh
- Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Division of Intramural Research, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institutes of Health, 903 South 4Th Street, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA.
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Tsakiri M, Zivko C, Demetzos C, Mahairaki V. Lipid-based nanoparticles and RNA as innovative neuro-therapeutics. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:900610. [PMID: 36016560 PMCID: PMC9395673 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.900610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA-delivery is a promising tool to develop therapies for difficult to treat diseases such as neurological disorders, by silencing pathological genes or expressing therapeutic proteins. However, in many cases RNA delivery requires a vesicle that could effectively protect the molecule from bio-degradation, bypass barriers i.e., the blood brain barrier, transfer it to a targeted tissue and efficiently release the RNA inside the cells. Many vesicles such as viral vectors, and polymeric nanoparticles have been mentioned in literature. In this review, we focus in the discussion of lipid-based advanced RNA-delivery platforms. Liposomes and lipoplexes, solid lipid nanoparticles and lipid nanoparticles are the main categories of lipidic platforms for RNA-delivery to the central nervous systems (CNS). A variety of surface particles' modifications and routes of administration have been studied to target CNS providing encouraging results in vivo. It is concluded that lipid-based nanoplatforms will play a key role in the development of RNA neuro-therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tsakiri
- Section of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Cristina Zivko
- Section of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Costas Demetzos
- Section of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Mahairaki
- Section of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Hernandez C, Shukla S. Liposome based drug delivery as a potential treatment option for Alzheimer's disease. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:1190-1198. [PMID: 34782553 PMCID: PMC8643057 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.327328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative condition leading to atrophy of the brain and robbing nearly 5.8 million individuals in the United States age 65 and older of their cognitive functions. Alzheimer's disease is associated with dementia and a progressive decline in memory, thinking, and social skills, eventually leading to a point that the individual can no longer perform daily activities independently. Currently available drugs on the market temporarily alleviate the symptoms, however, they are not successful in slowing down the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Treatment and cures have been constricted due to the difficulty of drug delivery to the blood-brain barrier. Several studies have led to identification of vesicles to transport the necessary drugs through the blood-brain barrier that would typically not achieve the targeted area through systemic delivered medications. Recently, liposomes have emerged as a viable drug delivery agent to transport drugs that are not able to cross the blood-brain barrier. Liposomes are being used as a component of nanoparticle drug delivery; due to their biocompatible nature; and possessing the capability to carry both lipophilic and hydrophilic therapeutic agents across the blood brain barrier into the brain cells. Studies indicate the importance of liposomal based drug delivery in treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. The idea is to encapsulate the drugs inside the properly engineered liposome to generate a response of treatment. Liposomes are engineered to target specific diseased moieties and also several surface modifications of liposomes are under research to create a clinical path to the management of Alzheimer's disease. This review deals with Alzheimer's disease and emphasize on challenges associated with drug delivery to the brain, and how liposomal drug delivery can play an important role as a drug delivery method for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. This review also sheds some light on variation of liposomes. Additionally, it emphasizes on the liposomal formulations which are currently researched or used for treatment of Alzheimer's disease and also discusses the future prospect of liposomal based drug delivery in Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carely Hernandez
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Larkin University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Surabhi Shukla
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Larkin University, Miami, FL, USA
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Dexter E, Kong Q. Neuroprotective effect and potential of cellular prion protein and its cleavage products for treatment of neurodegenerative disorders part II: strategies for therapeutics development. Expert Rev Neurother 2021; 21:983-991. [PMID: 34470554 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2021.1965882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The cellular prion protein (PrPC), some of its derivatives (especially PrP N-terminal N1 peptide and shed PrP), and PrPC-containing exosomes have strong neuroprotective activities, which have been reviewed in the companion article (Part I) and are briefly summarized here.Areas covered: We propose that elevating the extracellular levels of a protective PrP form using gene therapy and other approaches is a very promising novel avenue for prophylactic and therapeutic treatments against prion disease, Alzheimer's disease, and several other neurodegenerative diseases. We will dissect the pros and cons of various potential PrP-based treatment options and propose a few strategies that are more likely to succeed. The cited references were obtained from extensive PubMed searches of recent literature, including peer-reviewed original articles and review articles.Expert opinion: Concurrent knockdown of celllular PrP expression and elevation of the extracellular levels of a neuroprotective PrP N-terminal peptide via optimized gene therapy vectors is a highly promising broad-spectrum prophylactic and therapeutic strategy against several neurodegenerative diseases, including prion diseases, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Dexter
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Qingzhong Kong
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Dexter E, Kong Q. Neuroprotective effect and potential of cellular prion protein and its cleavage products for treatment of neurodegenerative disorders part I. a literature review. Expert Rev Neurother 2021; 21:969-982. [PMID: 34470561 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2021.1965881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The cellular prion protein (PrPC) is well known for its pathogenic roles in prion diseases, several other neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's disease), and multiple types of cancer, but the beneficial aspects of PrPC and its cleavage products received much less attention. AREAS COVERED Here the authors will systematically review the literatures on the negative as well as protective aspects of PrPC and its derivatives (especially PrP N-terminal N1 peptide and shed PrP). The authors will dissect the current findings on N1 and shed PrP, including evidence for their neuroprotective effects, the categories of PrPC cleavage, and numerous cleavage enzymes involved. The authors will also discuss the protective effects and therapeutic potentials of PrPC-rich exosomes. The cited articles were obtained from extensive PubMed searches of recent literature, including peer-reviewed original articles and review articles. EXPERT OPINION PrP and its N-terminal fragments have strong neuroprotective activities that should be explored for therapeutics and prophylactics development against prion disease, Alzheimer's disease and a few other neurodegenerative diseases. The strategies to develop PrP-based therapeutics and prophylactics for these neurodegenerative diseases will be discussed in a companion article (Part II).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Dexter
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
| | - Qingzhong Kong
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA.,Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
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Abstract
Introduction: Prion diseases are a class of rare and fatal neurodegenerative diseases for which no cure is currently available. They are characterized by conformational conversion of cellular prion protein (PrPC) into the disease-associated 'scrapie' isoform (PrPSc). Under an etiological point of view, prion diseases can be divided into acquired, genetic, and idiopathic form, the latter of which are the most frequent.Areas covered: Therapeutic approaches targeting prion diseases are based on the use of chemical and nature-based compounds, targeting either PrPC or PrPSc or other putative player in pathogenic mechanism. Other proposed anti-prion treatments include passive and active immunization strategies, peptides, aptamers, and PrPC-directed RNA interference techniques. The treatment efficacy has been mainly assessed in cell lines or animal models of the disease testing their ability to reduce prion accumulation.Expert opinion: The assessed strategies focussing on the identification of an efficient anti-prion therapy faced various issues, which go from permeation of the blood brain barrier to immunological tolerance of the host. Indeed, the use of combinatory approaches, which could boost a synergistic anti-prion effect and lower the potential side effects of single treatments and may represent an extreme powerful and feasible way to tackle prion disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Zattoni
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore Di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Legname
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore Di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
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Zabel MD, Mollnow L, Bender H. siRNA Therapeutics for Protein Misfolding Diseases of the Central Nervous System. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2282:377-394. [PMID: 33928585 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1298-9_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticles have been used to deliver siRNA to tissues and cells to silence specific genes in diverse organisms. Research and clinical application of nanoparticles like liposomes for drug delivery requires targeting them to specific anatomic regions or cell types, while avoiding off-target effects or clearance by the liver, kidney, or the immune system. Delivery to the central nervous system (CNS) presents additional challenges to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to specific cell types like neurons, astrocytes, or glia. Here, we describe the generation of three different liposomal siRNA delivery vehicles to the CNS using the thin film hydration method. Utilizing cationic or anionic liposomes protects the siRNA from serum nucleases and proteases en route. To deliver the siRNA specifically to the CNS, the liposomes are complexed to a peptide that acts as a neuronal address by binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAchRs). When injected intravenously or instilled intranasally, these liposome-siRNA-peptide complexes (LSPCs) or peptide addressed liposome-encapsulated therapeutic siRNA (PALETS) resist serum degradation, effectively cross the BBB, and deliver siRNA to AchR-expressing cells to suppress protein expression in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Zabel
- Prion Research Center, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
| | - Luke Mollnow
- Prion Research Center, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Heather Bender
- Prion Research Center, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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Colini Baldeschi A, Vanni S, Zattoni M, Legname G. Novel regulators of PrP C expression as potential therapeutic targets in prion diseases. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:759-776. [PMID: 32631090 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1782384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prion diseases are rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorders. The key molecular event in these disorders is the misfolding of the physiological form of the cellular prion protein, PrPC, leading to the accumulation of a pathological isoform, PrPSc, with unique features. Both isoforms share the same primary sequence, lacking detectable differences in posttranslational modification, a major hurdle for their biochemical or biophysical independent characterization. The mechanism underlying the conversion of PrPC to PrPSc is not completely understood, so finding an effective therapy to cure prion disorders is extremely challenging. AREAS COVERED This review discusses the strategies for decreasing prion replication and throws a spotlight on the relevance of PrPC in the prion accumulation process. EXPERT OPINION PrPC is the key substrate for prion pathology; hence, the most promising therapeutic approach appears to be the targeting of PrPC to block the production of the infectious isoform. The use of RNA interference and antisense oligonucleotide technologies may offer opportunities for treatment because of their success in clinical trials for other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Colini Baldeschi
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore Di Studi Avanzati (SISSA) , Trieste, Italy
| | - Silvia Vanni
- Osteoncology and Rare Tumors Center, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per Lo Studio E La Cura Dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS , Meldola, Italy
| | - Marco Zattoni
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore Di Studi Avanzati (SISSA) , Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Legname
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore Di Studi Avanzati (SISSA) , Trieste, Italy
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Verma A, Tiwari A, Panda PK, Saraf S, Jain A, Raikwar S, Bidla P, Jain SK. Liposomes for Advanced Drug Delivery. ADVANCED BIOPOLYMERIC SYSTEMS FOR DRUG DELIVERY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-46923-8_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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