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Grønbæk-Thygesen M, Hartmann-Petersen R. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of aspartoacylase and its role in Canavan disease. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:45. [PMID: 38582917 PMCID: PMC10998430 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-024-01224-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Canavan disease is an autosomal recessive and lethal neurological disorder, characterized by the spongy degeneration of the white matter in the brain. The disease is caused by a deficiency of the cytosolic aspartoacylase (ASPA) enzyme, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), an abundant brain metabolite, into aspartate and acetate. On the physiological level, the mechanism of pathogenicity remains somewhat obscure, with multiple, not mutually exclusive, suggested hypotheses. At the molecular level, recent studies have shown that most disease linked ASPA gene variants lead to a structural destabilization and subsequent proteasomal degradation of the ASPA protein variants, and accordingly Canavan disease should in general be considered a protein misfolding disorder. Here, we comprehensively summarize the molecular and cell biology of ASPA, with a particular focus on disease-linked gene variants and the pathophysiology of Canavan disease. We highlight the importance of high-throughput technologies and computational prediction tools for making genotype-phenotype predictions as we await the results of ongoing trials with gene therapy for Canavan disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Grønbæk-Thygesen
- The Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200N, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Rasmus Hartmann-Petersen
- The Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200N, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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2
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Hull VL, Wang Y, McDonough J, Zhu M, Burns T, Al Ramel N, Dehghani A, Guo F, Pleasure D. Astroglial conditional Slc13a3 knockout is therapeutic in murine Canavan leukodystrophy. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2024; 11:1059-1062. [PMID: 38282243 PMCID: PMC11021635 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.52010] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Canavan disease is a leukodystrophy caused by ASPA mutations that diminish oligodendroglial aspartoacylase activity, and is characterized by markedly elevated brain concentrations of the aspartoacylase substrate N-acetyl-l-aspartate (NAA) and by astroglial and intramyelinic vacuolation. Astroglia express NaDC3 (encoded by SLC13A3), a sodium-coupled transporter for NAA and other dicarboxylates. Astroglial conditional Slc13a3 deletion in aspartoacylase-deficient Canavan disease model mice ("CD mice") reversed brain NAA elevation and improved motor function. These results demonstrate that astroglial NaDC3 contributes to brain NAA elevation in CD mice, and suggest that suppressing astroglial NaDC3 activity would ameliorate human Canavan disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa L. Hull
- Department of NeurologyUC Davis School of MedicineSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
- Shriners Hospital for ChildrenSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
- Department of PhysiologyDavid Geffen School of Medicine, UCLALos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of NeurologyUC Davis School of MedicineSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
- Shriners Hospital for ChildrenSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Meina Zhu
- Department of NeurologyUC Davis School of MedicineSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
- Shriners Hospital for ChildrenSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Travis Burns
- Department of NeurologyUC Davis School of MedicineSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
- Shriners Hospital for ChildrenSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Najmah Al Ramel
- Department of Biological SciencesKent State UniversityKentOhioUSA
| | - Ali Dehghani
- Department of NeurologyUC Davis School of MedicineSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
- Shriners Hospital for ChildrenSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Fuzheng Guo
- Department of NeurologyUC Davis School of MedicineSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
- Shriners Hospital for ChildrenSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - David Pleasure
- Department of NeurologyUC Davis School of MedicineSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
- Shriners Hospital for ChildrenSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
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Krause N, Wegner A. N-acetyl-aspartate metabolism at the interface of cancer, immunity, and neurodegeneration. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 85:103051. [PMID: 38103520 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.103051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
N-acetyl-L-aspartic acid (NAA) is a prominent amino acid derivative primarily associated with vertebrate brain metabolism. This review delineates the critical role of NAA across various cell types and its significance in pathophysiological contexts, including Canavan disease and cancer metabolism. Although traditionally linked with myelination and aspartoacylase-driven carbon donation, its significance as a carbon source for myelination remains debated. Evidence suggests that intact NAA might substantially impact cellular signaling, particularly processes such as histone acetylation. Beyond the brain, NAA metabolism's relevance is evident in diverse tissues, such as adipocytes, immune cells, and notably, cancer cells. In several cancer types, there is an observed upregulation of NAA synthesis accompanied by a simultaneous downregulation of its degradation. This pattern highlights the potential signaling role of intact NAA in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Krause
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biochemistry, Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Andre Wegner
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biochemistry, Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany.
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4
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Feng L, Chao J, Zhang M, Pacquing E, Hu W, Shi Y. Developing a human iPSC-derived three-dimensional myelin spheroid platform for modeling myelin diseases. iScience 2023; 26:108037. [PMID: 37867939 PMCID: PMC10589867 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Myelin defects cause a collection of myelin disorders in the brain. The lack of human models has limited us from better understanding pathological mechanisms of myelin diseases. While human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived spheroids or organoids have been used to study brain development and disorders, it has been difficult to recapitulate mature myelination in these structures. Here, we have developed a method to generate three-dimensional (3D) myelin spheroids from hiPSCs in a robust and reproducible manner. Using this method, we generated myelin spheroids from patient iPSCs to model Canavan disease (CD), a demyelinating disorder. By using CD patient iPSC-derived myelin spheroids treated with N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), we were able to recapitulate key pathological features of the disease and show that high-level NAA is sufficient to induce toxicity on myelin sheaths. Our study has established a 3D human cellular platform to model human myelin diseases for mechanistic studies and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhao Feng
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
- Oujiang Laboratory, Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Jianfei Chao
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Mingzi Zhang
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Elizabeth Pacquing
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Weidong Hu
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Yanhong Shi
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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de Ruiter Swain J, Michalopoulou E, Noch EK, Lukey MJ, Van Aelst L. Metabolic partitioning in the brain and its hijacking by glioblastoma. Genes Dev 2023; 37:681-702. [PMID: 37648371 PMCID: PMC10546978 DOI: 10.1101/gad.350693.123] [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] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The different cell types in the brain have highly specialized roles with unique metabolic requirements. Normal brain function requires the coordinated partitioning of metabolic pathways between these cells, such as in the neuron-astrocyte glutamate-glutamine cycle. An emerging theme in glioblastoma (GBM) biology is that malignant cells integrate into or "hijack" brain metabolism, co-opting neurons and glia for the supply of nutrients and recycling of waste products. Moreover, GBM cells communicate via signaling metabolites in the tumor microenvironment to promote tumor growth and induce immune suppression. Recent findings in this field point toward new therapeutic strategies to target the metabolic exchange processes that fuel tumorigenesis and suppress the anticancer immune response in GBM. Here, we provide an overview of the intercellular division of metabolic labor that occurs in both the normal brain and the GBM tumor microenvironment and then discuss the implications of these interactions for GBM therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jed de Ruiter Swain
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724, USA
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory School of Biological Sciences, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724, USA
| | | | - Evan K Noch
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuro-oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10021, USA
| | - Michael J Lukey
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724, USA;
| | - Linda Van Aelst
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724, USA;
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Lotun A, Li D, Xu H, Su Q, Tuncer S, Sanmiguel J, Mooney M, Baer CE, Ulbrich R, Eyles SJ, Strittmatter L, Hayward LJ, Gessler DJ, Gao G. Renewal of oligodendrocyte lineage reverses dysmyelination and CNS neurodegeneration through corrected N-acetylaspartate metabolism. Prog Neurobiol 2023; 226:102460. [PMID: 37149081 PMCID: PMC10330635 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2023.102460] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Myelinating oligodendrocytes are essential for neuronal communication and homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). One of the most abundant molecules in the mammalian CNS is N-acetylaspartate (NAA), which is catabolized into L-aspartate and acetate by the enzyme aspartoacylase (ASPA) in oligodendrocytes. The resulting acetate moiety is thought to contribute to myelin lipid synthesis. In addition, affected NAA metabolism has been implicated in several neurological disorders, including leukodystrophies and demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Genetic disruption of ASPA function causes Canavan disease, which is hallmarked by increased NAA levels, myelin and neuronal loss, large vacuole formation in the CNS, and early death in childhood. Although NAA's direct role in the CNS is inconclusive, in peripheral adipose tissue, NAA-derived acetate has been found to modify histones, a mechanism known to be involved in epigenetic regulation of cell differentiation. We hypothesize that a lack of cellular differentiation in the brain contributes to the disruption of myelination and neurodegeneration in diseases with altered NAA metabolism, such as Canavan disease. Our study demonstrates that loss of functional Aspa in mice disrupts myelination and shifts the transcriptional expression of neuronal and oligodendrocyte markers towards less differentiated stages in a spatiotemporal manner. Upon re-expression of ASPA, these oligodendrocyte and neuronal lineage markers are either improved or normalized, suggesting that NAA breakdown by Aspa plays an essential role in the maturation of neurons and oligodendrocytes. Also, this effect of ASPA re-expression is blunted in old mice, potentially due to limited ability of neuronal, rather than oligodendrocyte, recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anoushka Lotun
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Danning Li
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Hongxia Xu
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; University of Science and Technology of Kunming, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin Su
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | - Julio Sanmiguel
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Morgan Mooney
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Christina E Baer
- Sanderson Center for Optical Experimentation, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Russell Ulbrich
- ScientiaLux LLC, Tissue-Gnostics USA-East, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Stephen J Eyles
- Mass Spectrometry Core, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Lara Strittmatter
- Electron Microscopy Core, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, MA, USA
| | - Lawrence J Hayward
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, MA, USA
| | - Dominic J Gessler
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Department of Microbiology & Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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7
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Becker I, Eckhardt M. An enzymatic fluorimetric assay for determination of N-acetylaspartate. Anal Biochem 2023; 667:115083. [PMID: 36804395 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2023.115083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
N-acetylaspartate (NAA) is an abundant metabolite in the mammalian brain and a precursor of the neuropeptide N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG). The physiological role of NAA is not fully understood and requires further studies. We here describe the development of a coupled enzymatic fluorimetric assay for the determination of NAA in biological samples. Deproteinized tissue extracts are first passed through a strong cation exchange column to remove aspartate. NAA in the sample is hydrolysed by aspartoacylase and released aspartate oxidized using l-aspartate oxidase. Generated H2O2 is measured with peroxidase in a fluorimetric assay using Ampliflu Red. The limit of detection and the lower limit of quantification are 1.0 μM (10 pmol/well) and 3.3 μM (33 pmol/well), respectively, with a linear range to 100 μM. Specificity of the assay was confirmed using samples from mice deficient in NAA synthase Nat8l that were spiked with NAA. Analysis of samples from aspartoacylase-deficient mice showed a 2 to 3-fold increase in brain NAA concentration, in line with previous reports. Mice lacking NAAG synthetases had a slightly reduced (-10%) brain NAA level. Thus, the new fluorimetric enzymatic assay is useful to perform sensitive and large scale quantification of NAA in biological samples without the need for expensive equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivonne Becker
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Nussallee 11, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthias Eckhardt
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Nussallee 11, 53115, Bonn, Germany.
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Fröhlich D, Kalotay E, von Jonquieres G, Bongers A, Lee B, Suchowerska AK, Housley GD, Klugmann M. Dual-function AAV gene therapy reverses late-stage Canavan disease pathology in mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1061257. [PMID: 36568275 PMCID: PMC9772617 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1061257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The leukodystrophy Canavan disease is a fatal white matter disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations of the aspartoacylase-encoding ASPA gene. There are no effective treatments available and experimental gene therapy trials have failed to provide sufficient amelioration from Canavan disease symptoms. Preclinical studies suggest that Canavan disease-like pathology can be addressed by either ASPA gene replacement therapy or by lowering the expression of the N-acetyl-L-aspartate synthesizing enzyme NAT8L. Both approaches individually prevent or even reverse pathological aspects in Canavan disease mice. Here, we combined both strategies and assessed whether intracranial adeno-associated virus-mediated gene delivery to a Canavan disease mouse model at 12 weeks allows for reversal of existing pathology. This was enabled by a single vector dual-function approach. In vitro and in vivo biopotency assessment revealed significant knockdown of neuronal Nat8l paired with robust ectopic aspartoacylase expression. Following nomination of the most efficient cassette designs, we performed proof-of-concept studies in post-symptomatic Aspa-null mice. Late-stage gene therapy resulted in a decrease of brain vacuoles and long-term reversal of all pathological hallmarks, including loss of body weight, locomotor impairments, elevated N-acetyl-L-aspartate levels, astrogliosis, and demyelination. These data suggest feasibility of a dual-function vector combination therapy, directed at replacing aspartoacylase with concomitantly suppressing N-acetyl-L-aspartate production, which holds potential to permanently alleviate Canavan disease symptoms and expands the therapeutic window towards a treatment option for adult subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Fröhlich
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia,*Correspondence: Dominik Fröhlich,
| | - Elizabeth Kalotay
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Georg von Jonquieres
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andre Bongers
- Biological Resources Imaging Laboratory, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Brendan Lee
- Biological Resources Imaging Laboratory, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alexandra K. Suchowerska
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gary D. Housley
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthias Klugmann
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Research Beyond Borders, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany,Matthias Klugmann,
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Wei H, Moffett JR, Amanat M, Fatemi A, Tsukamoto T, Namboodiri AM, Slusher BS. The pathogenesis of, and pharmacological treatment for, Canavan disease. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:2467-2483. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Pardo B, Herrada-Soler E, Satrústegui J, Contreras L, del Arco A. AGC1 Deficiency: Pathology and Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of the Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:528. [PMID: 35008954 PMCID: PMC8745132 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
AGC1/Aralar/Slc25a12 is the mitochondrial carrier of aspartate-glutamate, the regulatory component of the NADH malate-aspartate shuttle (MAS) that transfers cytosolic redox power to neuronal mitochondria. The deficiency in AGC1/Aralar leads to the human rare disease named "early infantile epileptic encephalopathy 39" (EIEE 39, OMIM # 612949) characterized by epilepsy, hypotonia, arrested psychomotor neurodevelopment, hypo myelination and a drastic drop in brain aspartate (Asp) and N-acetylaspartate (NAA). Current evidence suggest that neurons are the main brain cell type expressing Aralar. However, paradoxically, glial functions such as myelin and Glutamine (Gln) synthesis are markedly impaired in AGC1 deficiency. Herein, we discuss the role of the AGC1/Aralar-MAS pathway in neuronal functions such as Asp and NAA synthesis, lactate use, respiration on glucose, glutamate (Glu) oxidation and other neurometabolic aspects. The possible mechanism triggering the pathophysiological findings in AGC1 deficiency, such as epilepsy and postnatal hypomyelination observed in humans and mice, are also included. Many of these mechanisms arise from findings in the aralar-KO mice model that extensively recapitulate the human disease including the astroglial failure to synthesize Gln and the dopamine (DA) mishandling in the nigrostriatal system. Epilepsy and DA mishandling are a direct consequence of the metabolic defect in neurons due to AGC1/Aralar deficiency. However, the deficits in myelin and Gln synthesis may be a consequence of neuronal affectation or a direct effect of AGC1/Aralar deficiency in glial cells. Further research is needed to clarify this question and delineate the transcellular metabolic fluxes that control brain functions. Finally, we discuss therapeutic approaches successfully used in AGC1-deficient patients and mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Pardo
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (E.H.-S.); (J.S.); (L.C.)
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM)-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Herrada-Soler
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (E.H.-S.); (J.S.); (L.C.)
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM)-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorgina Satrústegui
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (E.H.-S.); (J.S.); (L.C.)
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM)-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Contreras
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (E.H.-S.); (J.S.); (L.C.)
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM)-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Araceli del Arco
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM)-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias Ambientales y Bioquímica, Universidad de Castilla La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain
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11
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Qi L, Martin-Sandoval MS, Merchant S, Gu W, Eckhardt M, Mathews TP, Zhao Z, Agathocleous M, Morrison SJ. Aspartate availability limits hematopoietic stem cell function during hematopoietic regeneration. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:1982-1999.e8. [PMID: 34450065 PMCID: PMC8571029 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The electron transport chain promotes aspartate synthesis, which is required for cancer cell proliferation. However, it is unclear whether aspartate is limiting in normal stem cells. We found that mouse hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) depend entirely on cell-autonomous aspartate synthesis, which increases upon HSC activation. Overexpression of the glutamate/aspartate transporter, Glast, or deletion of glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase 1 (Got1) each increased aspartate levels in HSCs/progenitor cells and increased the function of HSCs but not colony-forming progenitors. Conversely, deletion of Got2 reduced aspartate levels and the function of HSCs but not colony-forming progenitors. Deletion of Got1 and Got2 eliminated HSCs. Isotope tracing showed aspartate was used to synthesize asparagine and purines. Both contributed to increased HSC function as deletion of asparagine synthetase or treatment with 6-mercaptopurine attenuated the increased function of GLAST-overexpressing HSCs. HSC function is thus limited by aspartate, purine, and asparagine availability during hematopoietic regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Qi
- Children's Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Misty S Martin-Sandoval
- Children's Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Salma Merchant
- Children's Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Wen Gu
- Children's Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Matthias Eckhardt
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia 53115, Germany
| | - Thomas P Mathews
- Children's Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Zhiyu Zhao
- Children's Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Michalis Agathocleous
- Children's Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Sean J Morrison
- Children's Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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12
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Wang Y, Hull V, Sternbach S, Popovich B, Burns T, McDonough J, Guo F, Pleasure D. Ablating the Transporter Sodium-Dependent Dicarboxylate Transporter 3 Prevents Leukodystrophy in Canavan Disease Mice. Ann Neurol 2021; 90:845-850. [PMID: 34498299 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Canavan disease is caused by ASPA mutations that diminish brain aspartoacylase activity, and it is characterized by excessive brain storage of the aspartoacylase substrate, N-acetyl-l-aspartate (NAA), and by astroglial and intramyelinic vacuolation. Astroglia and the arachnoid mater express sodium-dependent dicarboxylate transporter (NaDC3), encoded by SLC13A3, a sodium-coupled transporter for NAA and other dicarboxylates. Constitutive Slc13a3 deletion in aspartoacylase-deficient Canavan disease mice prevents brain NAA overaccumulation, ataxia, and brain vacuolation. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:845-850.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, UC Davis, c/o Shriners Hospital, Sacramento, CA
| | - Vanessa Hull
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, UC Davis, c/o Shriners Hospital, Sacramento, CA
| | - Sarah Sternbach
- Department of Biological Sciences and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH
| | - Brad Popovich
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH
| | - Travis Burns
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, UC Davis, c/o Shriners Hospital, Sacramento, CA
| | - Jennifer McDonough
- Department of Biological Sciences and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH
| | - Fuzheng Guo
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, UC Davis, c/o Shriners Hospital, Sacramento, CA
| | - David Pleasure
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, UC Davis, c/o Shriners Hospital, Sacramento, CA
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13
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Kowalski R, Pikul P, Lewandowski K, Sakowicz-Burkiewicz M, Pawełczyk T, Zyśk M. The cAMP Inducers Modify N-Acetylaspartate Metabolism in Wistar Rat Brain. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:1404. [PMID: 34573036 PMCID: PMC8466109 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10091404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal N-acetylaspartate production appears in the presence of aspartate N-acetyltransferase (NAT8L) and binds acetyl groups from acetyl-CoA with aspartic acid. Further N-acetylaspartate pathways are still being elucidated, although they seem to involve neuron-glia crosstalk. Together with N-acetylaspartate, NAT8L takes part in oligoglia and astroglia cell maturation, myelin production, and dopamine-dependent brain signaling. Therefore, understanding N-acetylaspartate metabolism is an emergent task in neurobiology. This project used in in vitro and in vivo approaches in order to establish the impact of maturation factors and glial cells on N-acetylaspartate metabolism. Embryonic rat neural stem cells and primary neurons were maturated with either nerve growth factor, trans-retinoic acid or activators of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (dibutyryl-cAMP, forskolin, theophylline). For in vivo, adult male Wistar rats were injected with theophylline (20 mg/kg b.w.) daily for two or eight weeks. Our studies showed that the N-acetylaspartate metabolism differs between primary neurons and neural stem cell cultures. The presence of glia cells protected N-acetylaspartate metabolism from dramatic changes within the maturation processes, which was impossible in the case of pure primary neuron cultures. In the case of differentiation processes, our data points to dibutyryl-cAMP as the most prominent regulator of N-acetylaspartate metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Kowalski
- University Clinical Center in Gdansk, 80-952 Gdansk, Poland; (R.K.); (K.L.)
| | - Piotr Pikul
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Nephrology, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Krzysztof Lewandowski
- University Clinical Center in Gdansk, 80-952 Gdansk, Poland; (R.K.); (K.L.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Monika Sakowicz-Burkiewicz
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland; (M.S.-B.); (T.P.)
| | - Tadeusz Pawełczyk
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland; (M.S.-B.); (T.P.)
| | - Marlena Zyśk
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland; (M.S.-B.); (T.P.)
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14
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Broeks MH, van Karnebeek CDM, Wanders RJA, Jans JJM, Verhoeven‐Duif NM. Inborn disorders of the malate aspartate shuttle. J Inherit Metab Dis 2021; 44:792-808. [PMID: 33990986 PMCID: PMC8362162 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Over the last few years, various inborn disorders have been reported in the malate aspartate shuttle (MAS). The MAS consists of four metabolic enzymes and two transporters, one of them having two isoforms that are expressed in different tissues. Together they form a biochemical pathway that shuttles electrons from the cytosol into mitochondria, as the inner mitochondrial membrane is impermeable to the electron carrier NADH. By shuttling NADH across the mitochondrial membrane in the form of a reduced metabolite (malate), the MAS plays an important role in mitochondrial respiration. In addition, the MAS maintains the cytosolic NAD+ /NADH redox balance, by using redox reactions for the transfer of electrons. This explains why the MAS is also important in sustaining cytosolic redox-dependent metabolic pathways, such as glycolysis and serine biosynthesis. The current review provides insights into the clinical and biochemical characteristics of MAS deficiencies. To date, five out of seven potential MAS deficiencies have been reported. Most of them present with a clinical phenotype of infantile epileptic encephalopathy. Although not specific, biochemical characteristics include high lactate, high glycerol 3-phosphate, a disturbed redox balance, TCA abnormalities, high ammonia, and low serine, which may be helpful in reaching a diagnosis in patients with an infantile epileptic encephalopathy. Current implications for treatment include a ketogenic diet, as well as serine and vitamin B6 supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa H. Broeks
- Department of Genetics, Section Metabolic DiagnosticsUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Clara D. M. van Karnebeek
- Departments of PediatricsAmsterdam University Medical CenterAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud Center for Mitochondrial DiseasesRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
- On behalf of “United for Metabolic Diseases”The Netherlands
| | - Ronald J. A. Wanders
- Departments of Pediatrics and Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory Genetic Metabolic DiseasesAmsterdam University Medical Center, University of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Judith J. M. Jans
- Department of Genetics, Section Metabolic DiagnosticsUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
- On behalf of “United for Metabolic Diseases”The Netherlands
| | - Nanda M. Verhoeven‐Duif
- Department of Genetics, Section Metabolic DiagnosticsUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
- On behalf of “United for Metabolic Diseases”The Netherlands
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15
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von Jonquieres G, Rae CD, Housley GD. Emerging Concepts in Vector Development for Glial Gene Therapy: Implications for Leukodystrophies. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:661857. [PMID: 34239416 PMCID: PMC8258421 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.661857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Central Nervous System (CNS) homeostasis and function rely on intercellular synchronization of metabolic pathways. Developmental and neurochemical imbalances arising from mutations are frequently associated with devastating and often intractable neurological dysfunction. In the absence of pharmacological treatment options, but with knowledge of the genetic cause underlying the pathophysiology, gene therapy holds promise for disease control. Consideration of leukodystrophies provide a case in point; we review cell type – specific expression pattern of the disease – causing genes and reflect on genetic and cellular treatment approaches including ex vivo hematopoietic stem cell gene therapies and in vivo approaches using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. We link recent advances in vectorology to glial targeting directed towards gene therapies for specific leukodystrophies and related developmental or neurometabolic disorders affecting the CNS white matter and frame strategies for therapy development in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg von Jonquieres
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Caroline D Rae
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Gary D Housley
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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16
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Bley A, Denecke J, Kohlschütter A, Schön G, Hischke S, Guder P, Bierhals T, Lau H, Hempel M, Eichler FS. The natural history of Canavan disease: 23 new cases and comparison with patients from literature. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2021; 16:227. [PMID: 34011350 PMCID: PMC8132415 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-020-01659-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canavan disease (CD, MIM # 271900) is a rare and devastating leukodystrophy of early childhood. To identify clinical features that could serve as endpoints for treatment trials, the clinical course of CD was studied retrospectively and prospectively in 23 CD patients. Results were compared with data of CD patients reported in three prior large series. Kaplan Meier survival analysis including log rank test was performed for pooled data of 82 CD patients (study cohort and literature patients). RESULTS Onset of symptoms was between 0 and 6 months. Psychomotor development of patients was limited to abilities that are usually gained within the first year of life. Macrocephaly became apparent between 4 and 18 months of age. Seizure frequency was highest towards the end of the first decade. Ethnic background was more diverse than in studies previously reported. A CD severity score with assessment of 11 symptoms and abilities was developed. CONCLUSIONS Early hallmarks of CD are severe psychomotor disability and macrocephaly that develop within the first 18 months of life. While rare in the first year of life, seizures increase in frequency over time in most patients. CD occurs more frequently outside Ashkenazi Jewish communities than previously reported. Concordance of phenotypes between siblings but not patients with identical ASPA mutations suggest the influence of yet unknown modifiers. A CD severity score may allow for assessment of CD disease severity both retrospectively and prospectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Bley
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martini-Str. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Jonas Denecke
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martini-Str. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alfried Kohlschütter
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martini-Str. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Schön
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martini-Str. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Hischke
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martini-Str. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Guder
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martini-Str. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tatjana Bierhals
- Department of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martini-Str. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Heather Lau
- Department of Neurogenetics, NYU, 222 East 41st Street, New York, NY, 10017, USA
| | - Maja Hempel
- Department of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martini-Str. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Florian S Eichler
- Department of Neurology, MGH, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
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17
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Lotun A, Gessler DJ, Gao G. Canavan Disease as a Model for Gene Therapy-Mediated Myelin Repair. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:661928. [PMID: 33967698 PMCID: PMC8102781 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.661928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the scientific and therapeutic fields for rare, genetic central nervous system (CNS) diseases such as leukodystrophies, or white matter disorders, have expanded significantly in part due to technological advancements in cellular and clinical screenings as well as remedial therapies using novel techniques such as gene therapy. However, treatments aimed at normalizing the pathological changes associated with leukodystrophies have especially been complicated due to the innate and variable effects of glial abnormalities, which can cause large-scale functional deficits in developmental myelination and thus lead to downstream neuronal impairment. Emerging research in the past two decades have depicted glial cells, particularly oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, as key, regulatory modulators in constructing and maintaining myelin function and neuronal viability. Given the significance of myelin formation in the developing brain, myelin repair in a time-dependent fashion is critical in restoring homeostatic functionality to the CNS of patients diagnosed with white matter disorders. Using Canavan Disease (CD) as a leukodystrophy model, here we review the hypothetical roles of N-acetylaspartate (NAA), one of the brain's most abundant amino acid derivatives, in Canavan disease's CNS myelinating pathology, as well as discuss the possible functions astrocytes serve in both CD and other leukodystrophies' time-sensitive disease correction. Through this analysis, we also highlight the potential remyelinating benefits of gene therapy for other leukodystrophies in which alternative CNS cell targeting for white matter disorders may be an applicable path for reparative treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anoushka Lotun
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Dominic J Gessler
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States.,Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States.,Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
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18
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Hussain MS, Wang Q, Viola RE. Engineering of a critical membrane-anchored enzyme for high solubility and catalytic activity. Arch Biochem Biophys 2021; 703:108870. [PMID: 33831357 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2021.108870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Membrane-associated proteins carry out a wide range of essential cellular functions but the structural characterization needed to understand these functions is dramatically underrepresented in the Protein Data Bank. Producing a soluble, stable and active form of a membrane-associated protein presents formidable challenges, as evidenced by the variety of approaches that have been attempted with a multitude of different membrane proteins to achieve this goal. Aspartate N-acetyltransferase (ANAT) is a membrane-anchored enzyme that performs a critical function, the synthesis of N-acetyl-l-aspartate (NAA), the second most abundant amino acid in the brain. This amino acid is a precursor for a neurotransmitter, and alterations in brain NAA levels have been implicated as a causative effect in Canavan disease and has been suggested to be involved in other neurological disorders. Numerous prior attempts have failed to produce a soluble form of ANAT that is amenable for functional and structural investigations. Through the application of a range of different approaches, including fusion partner constructs, linker modifications, membrane-anchor modifications, and domain truncations, a highly soluble, stable and fully active form of ANAT has now been obtained. Producing this modified enzyme form will accelerate studies aimed at structural characterization and structure-guided inhibitor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad S Hussain
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43606, USA
| | - Qinzhe Wang
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43606, USA
| | - Ronald E Viola
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43606, USA.
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19
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Becker I, Wang-Eckhardt L, Lodder-Gadaczek J, Wang Y, Grünewald A, Eckhardt M. Mice deficient in the NAAG synthetase II gene Rimkla are impaired in a novel object recognition task. J Neurochem 2021; 157:2008-2023. [PMID: 33638175 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) is an abundant neuropeptide in the mammalian nervous system, synthesized by two related NAAG synthetases I and II (NAAGS-I and -II) encoded by the genes Rimklb and Rimkla, respectively. NAAG plays a role in cognition and memory, according to studies using inhibitors of the NAAG hydrolase glutamate carboxypeptidase II that increase NAAG concentration. To examine consequences of reduced NAAG concentration, Rimkla-deficient (Rimkla-/- ) mice were generated. These mice exhibit normal NAAG level at birth, likely because of the intact Rimklb gene, but have significantly reduced NAAG levels in all brain regions in adulthood. In wild type mice NAAGS-II was most abundant in brainstem and spinal cord, as demonstrated using a new NAAGS-II antiserum. In the hippocampus, NAAGS-II was only detectable in neurons expressing parvalbumin, a marker of GABAergic interneurons. Apart from reduced open field activity, general behavior of adult (6 months old) Rimkla-/- mice examined in different tests (dark-light transition, optokinetic behavior, rotarod, and alternating T-maze) was not significantly altered. However, Rimkla-/- mice were impaired in a short-term novel object recognition test. This was also the case for mice lacking NAA synthase Nat8l, which are devoid of NAAG. Together with results from previous studies showing that inhibition of the NAAG degrading enzyme glutamate carboxypeptidase II is associated with a significant improvement in object recognition, these results suggest a direct involvement of NAAG synthesized by NAAGS-II in the memory consolidation underlying the novel object recognition task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivonne Becker
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lihua Wang-Eckhardt
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Julia Lodder-Gadaczek
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Yong Wang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Agathe Grünewald
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthias Eckhardt
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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20
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Francis JS, Markov V, Wojtas ID, Gray S, McCown T, Samulski RJ, Figueroa M, Leone P. Preclinical biodistribution, tropism, and efficacy of oligotropic AAV/Olig001 in a mouse model of congenital white matter disease. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 20:520-534. [PMID: 33614826 PMCID: PMC7878967 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in adeno-associated viral (AAV) capsid variants with novel oligotropism require validation in models of disease in order to be viable candidates for white matter disease gene therapy. We present here an assessment of the biodistribution, tropism, and efficacy of a novel AAV capsid variant (AAV/ Olig001) in a model of Canavan disease. We first define a combination of dose and route of administration of an AAV/Olig001-GFP reporter conducive to widespread CNS oligodendrocyte transduction in acutely symptomatic animals that model the Canavan brain at time of diagnosis. Administration of AAV/Olig001-GFP resulted in >70% oligotropism in all regions of interest except the cerebellum without the need for lineage-specific expression elements. Intracerebroventricular infusion into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was identified as the most appropriate route of administration and employed for delivery of an AAV/Olig001 vector to reconstitute oligodendroglial aspartoacylase (ASPA) in adult Canavan mice, which resulted in a dose-dependent rescue of ASPA activity, motor function, and a near-total reduction in vacuolation. A head-to-head efficacy comparison with astrogliotropic AAV9 highlighted a significant advantage conferred by oligotropic AAV/Olig001 that was independent of overall transduction efficiency. These results support the continued development of AAV/Olig001 for advancement to clinical application to white matter disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy S Francis
- Cell and Gene Therapy Center, Department of Cell Biology & Neuroscience, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA
| | - Vladimir Markov
- Cell and Gene Therapy Center, Department of Cell Biology & Neuroscience, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA
| | - Irenuez D Wojtas
- Cell and Gene Therapy Center, Department of Cell Biology & Neuroscience, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA
| | - Steve Gray
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Thomas McCown
- Gene Therapy Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - R Jude Samulski
- Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Marciano Figueroa
- Cell and Gene Therapy Center, Department of Cell Biology & Neuroscience, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA
| | - Paola Leone
- Cell and Gene Therapy Center, Department of Cell Biology & Neuroscience, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA
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21
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Hardt R, Jordans S, Winter D, Gieselmann V, Wang-Eckhardt L, Eckhardt M. Decreased turnover of the CNS myelin protein Opalin in a mouse model of hereditary spastic paraplegia 35. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 29:3616-3630. [PMID: 33215680 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spastic paraplegia 35 (SPG35) (OMIM: 612319) or fatty acid hydroxylase-associated neurodegeneration (FAHN) is caused by deficiency of fatty acid 2-hydroxylase (FA2H). This enzyme synthesizes sphingolipids containing 2-hydroxylated fatty acids, which are particularly abundant in myelin. Fa2h-deficient (Fa2h-/-) mice develop symptoms reminiscent of the human disease and therefore serve as animal model of SPG35. In order to understand further the pathogenesis of SPG35, we compared the proteome of purified CNS myelin isolated from wild type and Fa2h-/- mice at different time points of disease progression using tandem mass tag labeling. Data analysis with a focus on myelin membrane proteins revealed a significant increase of the oligodendrocytic myelin paranodal and inner loop protein (Opalin) in Fa2h-/- mice, whereas the concentration of other major myelin proteins was not significantly changed. Western blot analysis revealed an almost 6-fold increase of Opalin in myelin of Fa2h-/- mice aged 21-23 months. A concurrent unaltered Opalin gene expression suggested a decreased turnover of the Opalin protein in Fa2h-/- mice. Supporting this hypothesis, Opalin protein half-life was reduced significantly when expressed in CHO cells synthesizing 2-hydroxylated sulfatide, compared to cells synthesizing only non-hydroxylated sulfatide. Degradation of Opalin was inhibited by inhibitors of lysosomal degradation but unaffected by proteasome inhibitors. Taken together, these results reveal a new function of 2-hydroxylated sphingolipids namely affecting the turnover of a myelin membrane protein. This may play a role in the pathogenesis of SPG35.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Hardt
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn 53115, Germany
| | - Silvia Jordans
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn 53115, Germany
| | - Dominic Winter
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn 53115, Germany
| | - Volkmar Gieselmann
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn 53115, Germany
| | - Lihua Wang-Eckhardt
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn 53115, Germany
| | - Matthias Eckhardt
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn 53115, Germany
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22
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Zeng H, Zhang X, Wang W, Shen Z, Dai Z, Yu Z, Xu S, Yan G, Huang Q, Wu R, Chen X, Xu H. Maternal separation with early weaning impairs neuron-glia integrity: non-invasive evaluation and substructure demonstration. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19440. [PMID: 33173142 PMCID: PMC7656452 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76640-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes and oligodendrocytes play essential roles in regulating neural signal transduction along neural circuits in CNS. The perfect coordination of neuron/astrocyte and neuron/oligodendrocyte entities was termed as neuron-glia integrity recently. Here we monitored the status of neuron-glia integrity via non-invasive neuroimaging methods and demonstrated the substructures of it using other approaches in an animal model of maternal separation with early weaning (MSEW), which mimics early life neglect and abuse in humans. Compared to controls, MSEW rats showed higher glutamate level, but lower GABA in prefrontal cortex (PFC) detected by chemical exchange saturation transfer and 1H-MRS methods, lower levels of glial glutamate transporter-1 and ATP-α, but increased levels of glutamate decarboxylase-65 and glutamine synthetase in PFC; reduced fractional anisotropy in various brain regions revealed by diffusion tensor imaging, along with increased levels of N-acetyl-aspartate measured by 1H-MRS; and hypomyelination in PFC as evidenced by relevant cellular and molecular changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Zeng
- The Mental Health Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Xianyue Hospital/Xiamen Mental Health Center, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaolei Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Wenqiang Wang
- Xianyue Hospital/Xiamen Mental Health Center, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhiwei Shen
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Zhuozhi Dai
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Zhijia Yu
- The Mental Health Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Shuqin Xu
- Department of Anatomy, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Gen Yan
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Qingjun Huang
- The Mental Health Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Renhua Wu
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Xi Chen
- McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, USA
| | - Haiyun Xu
- The Mental Health Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China.
- Department of Anatomy, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China.
- The School of Psychiatry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
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23
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Pleasure D, Guo F, Chechneva O, Bannerman P, McDonough J, Burns T, Wang Y, Hull V. Pathophysiology and Treatment of Canavan Disease. Neurochem Res 2020; 45:561-565. [PMID: 30535831 PMCID: PMC11131954 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-018-2693-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David Pleasure
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Research, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California and UC Davis School of Medicine, 2425 Stockton Blvd, 95817, Sacramento, CA, USA.
- , C/o Shriners Hospital, 2425 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
| | - Fuzheng Guo
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Research, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California and UC Davis School of Medicine, 2425 Stockton Blvd, 95817, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Olga Chechneva
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Research, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California and UC Davis School of Medicine, 2425 Stockton Blvd, 95817, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Peter Bannerman
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Research, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California and UC Davis School of Medicine, 2425 Stockton Blvd, 95817, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer McDonough
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Travis Burns
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Research, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California and UC Davis School of Medicine, 2425 Stockton Blvd, 95817, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Research, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California and UC Davis School of Medicine, 2425 Stockton Blvd, 95817, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Vanessa Hull
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Research, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California and UC Davis School of Medicine, 2425 Stockton Blvd, 95817, Sacramento, CA, USA
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24
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Hull V, Wang Y, Burns T, Zhang S, Sternbach S, McDonough J, Guo F, Pleasure D. Antisense Oligonucleotide Reverses Leukodystrophy in Canavan Disease Mice. Ann Neurol 2020; 87:480-485. [PMID: 31925837 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Marked elevation in the brain concentration of N-acetyl-L-aspartate (NAA) is a characteristic feature of Canavan disease, a vacuolar leukodystrophy resulting from deficiency of the oligodendroglial NAA-cleaving enzyme aspartoacylase. We now demonstrate that inhibiting NAA synthesis by intracisternal administration of a locked nucleic acid antisense oligonucleotide to young-adult aspartoacylase-deficient mice reverses their pre-existing ataxia and diminishes cerebellar and thalamic vacuolation and Purkinje cell dendritic atrophy. Ann Neurol 2020;87:480-485.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Hull
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children, Sacramento, CA
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children, Sacramento, CA
| | - Travis Burns
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children, Sacramento, CA
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children, Sacramento, CA
| | - Sarah Sternbach
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH
| | | | - Fuzheng Guo
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children, Sacramento, CA
| | - David Pleasure
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children, Sacramento, CA
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25
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Hofer DC, Zirkovits G, Pelzmann HJ, Huber K, Pessentheiner AR, Xia W, Uno K, Miyazaki T, Kon K, Tsuneki H, Pendl T, Al Zoughbi W, Madreiter-Sokolowski CT, Trausinger G, Abdellatif M, Schoiswohl G, Schreiber R, Eisenberg T, Magnes C, Sedej S, Eckhardt M, Sasahara M, Sasaoka T, Nitta A, Hoefler G, Graier WF, Kratky D, Auwerx J, Bogner-Strauss JG. N-acetylaspartate availability is essential for juvenile survival on fat-free diet and determines metabolic health. FASEB J 2019; 33:13808-13824. [PMID: 31638418 PMCID: PMC6894082 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201801323r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
N-acetylaspartate (NAA) is synthesized by aspartate N-acetyltransferase (gene: Nat8l) from acetyl-coenzyme A and aspartate. In the brain, NAA is considered an important energy metabolite for lipid synthesis. However, the role of NAA in peripheral tissues remained elusive. Therefore, we characterized the metabolic phenotype of knockout (ko) and adipose tissue-specific (ako) Nat8l-ko mice as well as NAA-supplemented mice on various diets. We identified an important role of NAA availability in the brain during adolescence, as 75% of Nat8l-ko mice died on fat-free diet (FFD) after weaning but could be rescued by NAA supplementation. In adult life, NAA deficiency promotes a beneficial metabolic phenotype, as Nat8l-ko and Nat8l-ako mice showed reduced body weight, increased energy expenditure, and improved glucose tolerance on chow, high-fat, and FFDs. Furthermore, Nat8l-deficient adipocytes exhibited increased mitochondrial respiration, ATP synthesis, and an induction of browning. Conversely, NAA-treated wild-type mice showed reduced adipocyte respiration and lipolysis and increased de novo lipogenesis, culminating in reduced energy expenditure, glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity. Mechanistically, our data point to a possible role of NAA as modulator of pancreatic insulin secretion and suggest NAA as a critical energy metabolite for adipocyte and whole-body energy homeostasis.-Hofer, D. C., Zirkovits, G., Pelzmann, H. J., Huber, K., Pessentheiner, A. R., Xia, W., Uno, K., Miyazaki, T., Kon, K., Tsuneki, H., Pendl, T., Al Zoughbi, W., Madreiter-Sokolowski, C. T., Trausinger, G., Abdellatif, M., Schoiswohl, G., Schreiber, R., Eisenberg, T., Magnes, C., Sedej, S., Eckhardt, M., Sasahara, M., Sasaoka, T., Nitta, A., Hoefler, G., Graier, W. F., Kratky, D., Auwerx, J., Bogner-Strauss, J. G. N-acetylaspartate availability is essential for juvenile survival on fat-free diet and determines metabolic health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina C. Hofer
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
- Laboratory of Integrative and Systems Physiology, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gabriel Zirkovits
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Helmut J. Pelzmann
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
- Fresenius Kabi Austria GmbH, Graz, Austria
| | - Katharina Huber
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
- Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ariane R. Pessentheiner
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
- Department of Medicine, University of California–San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Wenmin Xia
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Kyosuke Uno
- Department of Pharmaceutical Therapy and Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Toh Miyazaki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Therapy and Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Kanta Kon
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Tsuneki
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Tobias Pendl
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, NAWI Graz, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Wael Al Zoughbi
- Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Gert Trausinger
- Joanneum Research, HEALTH–Institute for Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Graz, Austria
| | | | | | - Renate Schreiber
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Tobias Eisenberg
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, NAWI Graz, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Christoph Magnes
- Joanneum Research, HEALTH–Institute for Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Graz, Austria
| | - Simon Sedej
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Matthias Eckhardt
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Toshiyasu Sasaoka
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Atsumi Nitta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Therapy and Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Gerald Hoefler
- Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Wolfgang F. Graier
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Dagmar Kratky
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Johan Auwerx
- Laboratory of Integrative and Systems Physiology, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Juliane G. Bogner-Strauss
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
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26
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Nagarajan B, Harder A, Japp A, Häberlein F, Mingardo E, Kleinert H, Yilmaz Ö, Zoons A, Rau B, Christ A, Kubitscheck U, Eiberger B, Sandhoff R, Eckhardt M, Hartmann D, Odermatt B. CNS myelin protein 36K regulates oligodendrocyte differentiation through Notch. Glia 2019; 68:509-527. [PMID: 31702067 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In contrast to humans and other mammals, zebrafish can successfully regenerate and remyelinate central nervous system (CNS) axons following injury. In addition to common myelin proteins found in mammalian myelin, 36K protein is a major component of teleost fish CNS myelin. Although 36K is one of the most abundant proteins in zebrafish brain, its function remains unknown. Here we investigate the function of 36K using translation-blocking Morpholinos. Morphant larvae showed fewer dorsally migrated oligodendrocyte precursor cells as well as upregulation of Notch ligand. A gamma secretase inhibitor, which prevents activation of Notch, could rescue oligodendrocyte precursor cell numbers in 36K morphants, suggesting that 36K regulates initial myelination through inhibition of Notch signaling. Since 36K like other short chain dehydrogenases might act on lipids, we performed thin layer chromatography and mass spectrometry of lipids and found changes in lipid composition in 36K morphant larvae. Altogether, we suggest that during early development 36K regulates membrane lipid composition, thereby altering the amount of transmembrane Notch ligands and the efficiency of intramembrane gamma secretase processing of Notch and thereby influencing oligodendrocyte precursor cell differentiation and further myelination. Further studies on the role of 36K short chain dehydrogenase in oligodendrocyte precursor cell differentiation during remyelination might open up new strategies for remyelination therapies in human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhuvaneswari Nagarajan
- Institute of Anatomy, Division of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Clinics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexander Harder
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Anna Japp
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Clinics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Felix Häberlein
- Institute of Anatomy, Division of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Clinics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Molecular, Cellular and Pharmacobiology Section, Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Enrico Mingardo
- Institute of Anatomy, Division of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Clinics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Henning Kleinert
- Institute of Anatomy, Division of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Clinics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Öznur Yilmaz
- Institute of Anatomy, Division of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Clinics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Angelika Zoons
- Institute of Anatomy, Division of Neuroanatomy, University Clinics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Birgit Rau
- Institute of Anatomy, Division of Neuroanatomy, University Clinics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Andrea Christ
- Institute of Anatomy, Division of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Clinics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ulrich Kubitscheck
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Britta Eiberger
- Institute of Anatomy, Division of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Clinics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Roger Sandhoff
- Lipid Pathobiochemistry Group, German Cancer Research Centre, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Eckhardt
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University Clinics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dieter Hartmann
- Institute of Anatomy, Division of Neuroanatomy, University Clinics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Benjamin Odermatt
- Institute of Anatomy, Division of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Clinics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Institute of Anatomy, Division of Neuroanatomy, University Clinics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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27
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Mucke HA. Patent highlights October-November 2017. Pharm Pat Anal 2018; 7:73-81. [PMID: 29417883 DOI: 10.4155/ppa-2017-0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A snapshot of noteworthy recent developments in the patent literature of relevance to pharmaceutical and medical research and development.
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28
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Malamon JS, Kriete A. Integrated Systems Approach Reveals Sphingolipid Metabolism Pathway Dysregulation in Association with Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease. BIOLOGY 2018; 7:biology7010016. [PMID: 29425116 PMCID: PMC5872042 DOI: 10.3390/biology7010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD) and age are significantly correlated such that one-third of Americans beyond 85 years of age are afflicted. We have designed and implemented a pilot study that combines systems biology approaches with traditional next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis techniques to identify relevant regulatory pathways, infer functional relationships and confirm the dysregulation of these biological pathways in LOAD. Our study design is a most comprehensive systems approach combining co-expression network modeling derived from RNA-seq data, rigorous quality control (QC) standards, functional ontology, and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) derived from whole exome (WES) single nucleotide variant (SNV) genotype data. Our initial results reveal several statistically significant, biologically relevant genes involved in sphingolipid metabolism. To validate these findings, we performed a gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The GSEA revealed the sphingolipid metabolism pathway and regulation of autophagy in association with LOAD cases. In the execution of this study, we have successfully tested an integrative approach to identify both novel and known LOAD drivers in order to develop a broader and more detailed picture of the highly complex transcriptional and regulatory landscape of age-related dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Stephen Malamon
- Bossone Research Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Andres Kriete
- Bossone Research Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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29
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Bannerman P, Guo F, Chechneva O, Burns T, Zhu X, Wang Y, Kim B, Singhal NK, McDonough JA, Pleasure D. Brain Nat8l Knockdown Suppresses Spongiform Leukodystrophy in an Aspartoacylase-Deficient Canavan Disease Mouse Model. Mol Ther 2018; 26:793-800. [PMID: 29456021 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Canavan disease, a leukodystrophy caused by loss-of-function ASPA mutations, is characterized by brain dysmyelination, vacuolation, and astrogliosis ("spongiform leukodystrophy"). ASPA encodes aspartoacylase, an oligodendroglial enzyme that cleaves the abundant brain amino acid N-acetyl-L-aspartate (NAA) to L-aspartate and acetate. Aspartoacylase deficiency results in a 50% or greater elevation in brain NAA concentration ([NAAB]). Prior studies showed that homozygous constitutive knockout of Nat8l, the gene encoding the neuronal NAA synthesizing enzyme N-acetyltransferase 8-like, prevents aspartoacylase-deficient mice from developing spongiform leukodystrophy. We now report that brain Nat8l knockdown elicited by intracerebroventricular/intracisternal administration of an adeno-associated viral vector carrying a short hairpin Nat8l inhibitory RNA to neonatal aspartoacylase-deficient AspaNur7/Nur7 mice lowers [NAAB] and suppresses development of spongiform leukodystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Bannerman
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Fuzheng Guo
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Olga Chechneva
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Travis Burns
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Xiaoqing Zhu
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266-61, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Bokyung Kim
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Naveen K Singhal
- Department of Biological Sciences and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Jennifer A McDonough
- Department of Biological Sciences and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - David Pleasure
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
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30
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Uncoupling N-acetylaspartate from brain pathology: implications for Canavan disease gene therapy. Acta Neuropathol 2018; 135:95-113. [PMID: 29116375 PMCID: PMC5756261 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-017-1784-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
N-Acetylaspartate (NAA) is the second most abundant organic metabolite in the brain, but its physiological significance remains enigmatic. Toxic NAA accumulation appears to be the key factor for neurological decline in Canavan disease—a fatal neurometabolic disorder caused by deficiency in the NAA-degrading enzyme aspartoacylase. To date clinical outcome of gene replacement therapy for this spongiform leukodystrophy has not met expectations. To identify the target tissue and cells for maximum anticipated treatment benefit, we employed comprehensive phenotyping of novel mouse models to assess cell type-specific consequences of NAA depletion or elevation. We show that NAA-deficiency causes neurological deficits affecting unconscious defensive reactions aimed at protecting the body from external threat. This finding suggests, while NAA reduction is pivotal to treat Canavan disease, abrogating NAA synthesis should be avoided. At the other end of the spectrum, while predicting pathological severity in Canavan disease mice, increased brain NAA levels are not neurotoxic per se. In fact, in transgenic mice overexpressing the NAA synthesising enzyme Nat8l in neurons, supra-physiological NAA levels were uncoupled from neurological deficits. In contrast, elimination of aspartoacylase expression exclusively in oligodendrocytes elicited Canavan disease like pathology. Although conditional aspartoacylase deletion in oligodendrocytes abolished expression in the entire CNS, the remaining aspartoacylase in peripheral organs was sufficient to lower NAA levels, delay disease onset and ameliorate histopathology. However, comparable endpoints of the conditional and complete aspartoacylase knockout indicate that optimal Canavan disease gene replacement therapies should restore aspartoacylase expression in oligodendrocytes. On the basis of these findings we executed an ASPA gene replacement therapy targeting oligodendrocytes in Canavan disease mice resulting in reversal of pre-existing CNS pathology and lasting neurological benefits. This finding signifies the first successful post-symptomatic treatment of a white matter disorder using an adeno-associated virus vector tailored towards oligodendroglial-restricted transgene expression.
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Suppressing N-Acetyl-l-Aspartate Synthesis Prevents Loss of Neurons in a Murine Model of Canavan Leukodystrophy. J Neurosci 2017; 37:413-421. [PMID: 28077719 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2013-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Canavan disease is a leukodystrophy caused by aspartoacylase (ASPA) deficiency. The lack of functional ASPA, an enzyme enriched in oligodendroglia that cleaves N-acetyl-l-aspartate (NAA) to acetate and l-aspartic acid, elevates brain NAA and causes "spongiform" vacuolation of superficial brain white matter and neighboring gray matter. In children with Canavan disease, neuroimaging shows early-onset dysmyelination and progressive brain atrophy. Neuron loss has been documented at autopsy in some cases. Prior studies have shown that mice homozygous for the Aspa nonsense mutation Nur7 also develop brain vacuolation. We now report that numbers of cerebral cortical and cerebellar neurons are decreased and that cerebral cortex progressively thins in AspaNur7/Nur7 mice. This neuronal pathology is prevented by constitutive disruption of Nat8l, which encodes the neuronal NAA-synthetic enzyme N-acetyltransferase-8-like. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This is the first demonstration of cortical and cerebellar neuron depletion and progressive cerebral cortical thinning in an animal model of Canavan disease. Genetic suppression of N-acetyl-l-aspartate (NAA) synthesis, previously shown to block brain vacuolation in aspartoacylase-deficient mice, also prevents neuron loss and cerebral cortical atrophy in these mice. These results suggest that lowering the concentration of NAA in the brains of children with Canavan disease would prevent or slow progression of neurological deficits.
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32
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Liu L, Huang C, Bian Y, Miao L. GC-MS based metabolomics of CSF and blood serum: Metabolic phenotype for a rat model of cefoperazone-induced disulfiram-like reaction. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 490:1066-1073. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.06.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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33
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Appu AP, Moffett JR, Arun P, Moran S, Nambiar V, Krishnan JKS, Puthillathu N, Namboodiri AMA. Increasing N-acetylaspartate in the Brain during Postnatal Myelination Does Not Cause the CNS Pathologies of Canavan Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:161. [PMID: 28626388 PMCID: PMC5454052 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Canavan disease is caused by mutations in the gene encoding aspartoacylase (ASPA), a deacetylase that catabolizes N-acetylaspartate (NAA). The precise involvement of elevated NAA in the pathogenesis of Canavan disease is an ongoing debate. In the present study, we tested the effects of elevated NAA in the brain during postnatal development. Mice were administered high doses of the hydrophobic methyl ester of NAA (M-NAA) twice daily starting on day 7 after birth. This treatment increased NAA levels in the brain to those observed in the brains of Nur7 mice, an established model of Canavan disease. We evaluated various serological parameters, oxidative stress, inflammatory and neurodegeneration markers and the results showed that there were no pathological alterations in any measure with increased brain NAA levels. We examined oxidative stress markers, malondialdehyde content (indicator of lipid peroxidation), expression of NADPH oxidase and nuclear translocation of the stress-responsive transcription factor nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF-2) in brain. We also examined additional pathological markers by immunohistochemistry and the expression of activated caspase-3 and interleukin-6 by Western blot. None of the markers were increased in the brains of M-NAA treated mice, and no vacuoles were observed in any brain region. These results show that ASPA expression prevents the pathologies associated with excessive NAA concentrations in the brain during postnatal myelination. We hypothesize that the pathogenesis of Canavan disease involves not only disrupted NAA metabolism, but also excessive NAA related signaling processes in oligodendrocytes that have not been fully determined and we discuss some of the potential mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhilash P. Appu
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, United States
| | - John R. Moffett
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, United States
| | - Peethambaran Arun
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sean Moran
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, United States
| | - Vikram Nambiar
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jishnu K. S. Krishnan
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, United States
| | - Narayanan Puthillathu
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, United States
| | - Aryan M. A. Namboodiri
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, United States
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34
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Docking, molecular dynamics and free energy studies on aspartoacylase mutations involved in Canavan disease. J Mol Graph Model 2017; 74:44-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2017.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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35
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Uno K, Miyazaki T, Sodeyama K, Miyamoto Y, Nitta A. Methamphetamine induces Shati/Nat8L expression in the mouse nucleus accumbens via CREB- and dopamine D1 receptor-dependent mechanism. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174196. [PMID: 28319198 PMCID: PMC5358781 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Shati/Nat8L significantly increased in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of mice after repeated methamphetamine (METH) treatment. We reported that Shati/Nat8L overexpression in mouse NAc attenuated METH-induced hyperlocomotion, locomotor sensitization, and conditioned place preference. We recently found that Shati/Nat8L overexpression in NAc regulates the dopaminergic neuronal system via the activation of group II mGluRs by elevated N-acetylaspartylglutamate following N-acetylaspartate increase due to the overexpression. These findings suggest that Shati/Nat8L suppresses METH-induced responses. However, the mechanism by which METH increases the Shati/Nat8L mRNA expression in NAc is unclear. To investigate the regulatory mechanism of Shati/Nat8L mRNA expression, we performed a mouse Shati/Nat8L luciferase assay using PC12 cells. Next, we investigated the response of METH to Shati/Nat8L expression and CREB activity using mouse brain slices of NAc, METH administration to mice, and western blotting for CREB activity of specific dopamine receptor signals in vivo and ex vivo. We found that METH activates CREB binding to the Shati/Nat8L promoter to induce the Shati/Nat8L mRNA expression. Furthermore, the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390, but not the dopamine D2 receptor antagonist sulpiride, inhibited the upregulation of Shati/Nat8L and CREB activities in the mouse NAc slices. Thus, the administration of the dopamine D1 receptor agonist SKF38393 increased the Shati/Nat8L mRNA expression in mouse NAc. These results showed that the Shati/Nat8L mRNA was increased by METH-induced CREB pathway via dopamine D1 receptor signaling in mouse NAc. These findings may contribute to development of a clinical tool for METH addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyosuke Uno
- Department of Pharmaceutical Therapy and Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Toh Miyazaki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Therapy and Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Kengo Sodeyama
- Department of Pharmaceutical Therapy and Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Miyamoto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Therapy and Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Atsumi Nitta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Therapy and Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
- * E-mail:
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36
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Gessler DJ, Li D, Xu H, Su Q, Sanmiguel J, Tuncer S, Moore C, King J, Matalon R, Gao G. Redirecting N-acetylaspartate metabolism in the central nervous system normalizes myelination and rescues Canavan disease. JCI Insight 2017; 2:e90807. [PMID: 28194442 PMCID: PMC5291725 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.90807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Canavan disease (CD) is a debilitating and lethal leukodystrophy caused by mutations in the aspartoacylase (ASPA) gene and the resulting defect in N-acetylaspartate (NAA) metabolism in the CNS and peripheral tissues. Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and widely transduce the CNS. We developed a rAAV-based and optimized gene replacement therapy, which achieves early, complete, and sustained rescue of the lethal disease phenotype in CD mice. Our treatment results in a super-mouse phenotype, increasing motor performance of treated CD mice beyond that of WT control mice. We demonstrate that this rescue is oligodendrocyte independent, and that gene correction in astrocytes is sufficient, suggesting that the establishment of an astrocyte-based alternative metabolic sink for NAA is a key mechanism for efficacious disease rescue and the super-mouse phenotype. Importantly, the use of clinically translatable high-field imaging tools enables the noninvasive monitoring and prediction of therapeutic outcomes for CD and might enable further investigation of NAA-related cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic J. Gessler
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Centre for Child and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Child Neurology and Metabolic Medicine
- Ruprecht-Karls University, Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Danning Li
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hongxia Xu
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- University of Science and Technology of Kunming, China
| | - Qin Su
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julio Sanmiguel
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Constance Moore
- Center for Comparative Neuroimaging, Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jean King
- Center for Comparative Neuroimaging, Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Guangping Gao
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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37
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Design and optimization of aspartate N -acetyltransferase inhibitors for the potential treatment of Canavan disease. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 25:870-885. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2016.11.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2016] [Revised: 11/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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38
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Merrill ST, Nelson GR, Longo N, Bonkowsky JL. Cytotoxic edema and diffusion restriction as an early pathoradiologic marker in canavan disease: case report and review of the literature. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2016; 11:169. [PMID: 27927234 PMCID: PMC5142413 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-016-0549-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Canavan disease is a devastating autosomal recessive leukodystrophy leading to spongiform degeneration of the white matter. There is no cure or treatment for Canavan disease, and disease progression is poorly understood. Results We report a new presentation of a patient found to have Canavan disease; brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed white matter cytotoxic edema, indicative of an acute active destructive process. We performed a comprehensive review of published cases of Canavan disease reporting brain MRI findings, and found that cytotoxic brain edema is frequently reported in early Canavan disease. Conclusions Our results and the literature review support the notion of an acute phase in Canavan disease progression. These findings suggest that there is a window available for therapeutic intervention and support the need for early identification of patients with Canavan disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven T Merrill
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Touro University Nevada, Henderson, NV, USA
| | - Gary R Nelson
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Nicola Longo
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, 295 Chipeta Way/Williams Building, 84108, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Joshua L Bonkowsky
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, 295 Chipeta Way/Williams Building, 84108, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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39
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Xu H, Zhang H, Zhang J, Huang Q, Shen Z, Wu R. Evaluation of neuron-glia integrity by in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy: Implications for psychiatric disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 71:563-577. [PMID: 27702600 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2016] [Revised: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) has been widely applied in human studies. There is now a large literature describing findings of brain MRS studies with mental disorder patients including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorders. However, the findings are mixed and cannot be reconciled by any of the existing interpretations. Here we proposed the new theory of neuron-glia integrity to explain the findings of brain 1H-MRS stuies. It proposed the neurochemical correlates of neuron-astrocyte integrity and axon-myelin integrity on the basis of update of neurobiological knowledge about neuron-glia communication and of experimental MRS evidence for impairments in neuron-glia integrity from the authors and the other investigators. Following the neuron-glia integrity theories, this review collected evidence showing that glutamate/glutamine change is a good marker for impaired neuron-astrocyte integrity and that changes in N-acetylaspartate and lipid precursors reflect impaired myelination. Moreover, this new theory enables us to explain the differences between MRS findings in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyun Xu
- The Mental Health Center, Shantou University Medical College, China.
| | - Handi Zhang
- The Mental Health Center, Shantou University Medical College, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- The Mental Health Center, Shantou University Medical College, China
| | - Qingjun Huang
- The Mental Health Center, Shantou University Medical College, China
| | - Zhiwei Shen
- The Department of Radiology, the second affiliated hospital, Shantou University Medical College, China
| | - Renhua Wu
- The Department of Radiology, the second affiliated hospital, Shantou University Medical College, China
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Francis JS, Wojtas I, Markov V, Gray SJ, McCown TJ, Samulski RJ, Bilaniuk LT, Wang DJ, De Vivo DC, Janson CG, Leone P. N-acetylaspartate supports the energetic demands of developmental myelination via oligodendroglial aspartoacylase. Neurobiol Dis 2016; 96:323-334. [PMID: 27717881 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2016.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Breakdown of neuro-glial N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) metabolism results in the failure of developmental myelination, manifest in the congenital pediatric leukodystrophy Canavan disease caused by mutations to the sole NAA catabolizing enzyme aspartoacylase. Canavan disease is a major point of focus for efforts to define NAA function, with available evidence suggesting NAA serves as an acetyl donor for fatty acid synthesis during myelination. Elevated NAA is a diagnostic hallmark of Canavan disease, which contrasts with a broad spectrum of alternative neurodegenerative contexts in which levels of NAA are inversely proportional to pathological progression. Recently generated data in the nur7 mouse model of Canavan disease suggests loss of aspartoacylase function results in compromised energetic integrity prior to oligodendrocyte death, abnormalities in myelin content, spongiform degeneration, and motor deficit. The present study utilized a next-generation "oligotropic" adeno-associated virus vector (AAV-Olig001) to quantitatively assess the impact of aspartoacylase reconstitution on developmental myelination. AAV-Olig001-aspartoacylase promoted normalization of NAA, increased bioavailable acetyl-CoA, and restored energetic balance within a window of postnatal development preceding gross histopathology and deteriorating motor function. Long-term effects included increased oligodendrocyte numbers, a global increase in myelination, reversal of vacuolation, and rescue of motor function. Effects on brain energy observed following AAV-Olig001-aspartoacylase gene therapy are shown to be consistent with a metabolic profile observed in mild cases of Canavan disease, implicating NAA in the maintenance of energetic integrity during myelination via oligodendroglial aspartoacylase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy S Francis
- Department of Cell Biology, Cell & Gene Therapy Center, Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA
| | - Ireneusz Wojtas
- Department of Cell Biology, Cell & Gene Therapy Center, Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA
| | - Vladimir Markov
- Department of Cell Biology, Cell & Gene Therapy Center, Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA
| | - Steven J Gray
- Department of Ophthalmology, UNC, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - R Jude Samulski
- Department of Pharmacology and Gene Therapy Center, UNC, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Larissa T Bilaniuk
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Dah-Jyuu Wang
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Christopher G Janson
- Department of Neurology & Rehabilitation, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Paola Leone
- Department of Cell Biology, Cell & Gene Therapy Center, Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA.
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Duncan ID, Radcliff AB. Inherited and acquired disorders of myelin: The underlying myelin pathology. Exp Neurol 2016; 283:452-75. [PMID: 27068622 PMCID: PMC5010953 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2016] [Revised: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Remyelination is a major therapeutic goal in human myelin disorders, serving to restore function to demyelinated axons and providing neuroprotection. The target disorders that might be amenable to the promotion of this repair process are diverse and increasing in number. They range primarily from those of genetic, inflammatory to toxic origin. In order to apply remyelinating strategies to these disorders, it is essential to know whether the myelin damage results from a primary attack on myelin or the oligodendrocyte or both, and whether indeed these lead to myelin breakdown and demyelination. In some disorders, myelin sheath abnormalities are prominent but demyelination does not occur. This review explores the range of human and animal disorders where myelin pathology exists and focusses on defining the myelin changes in each and their cause, to help define whether they are targets for myelin repair therapy. We reviewed myelin disorders of the CNS in humans and animals. Myelin damage results from primary attack on the oligodendrocyte or myelin sheath. All major categories of disease can affect CNS myelin. Myelin vacuolation is common, yet does not always result in demyelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian D Duncan
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.
| | - Abigail B Radcliff
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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42
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Del Arco A, Contreras L, Pardo B, Satrustegui J. Calcium regulation of mitochondrial carriers. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2016; 1863:2413-21. [PMID: 27033520 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2016.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial function is regulated by calcium. In addition to the long known effects of matrix Ca(2+), regulation of metabolite transport by extramitochondrial Ca(2+) represents an alternative Ca(2+)-dependent mechanism to regulate mitochondrial function. The Ca(2+) regulated mitochondrial transporters (CaMCs) are well suited for that role, as they contain long N-terminal extensions harboring EF-hand Ca(2+) binding domains facing the intermembrane space. They fall in two groups, the aspartate/glutamate exchangers, AGCs, major components of the NADH malate aspartate shuttle (MAS) and urea cycle, and the ATP-Mg(2+)/Pi exchangers or short CaMCs (APCs or SCaMCs). The AGCs are activated by relatively low Ca(2+) levels only slightly higher than resting Ca(2+), whereas all SCaMCs studied so far require strong Ca(2+) signals, above micromolar, for activation. In addition, AGCs are not strictly Ca(2+) dependent, being active even in Ca(2+)-free conditions. Thus, AGCs are well suited to respond to small Ca(2+) signals and that do not reach mitochondria. In contrast, ATP-Mg(2+)/Pi carriers are inactive in Ca(2+) free conditions and activation requires Ca(2+) signals that will also activate the calcium uniporter (MCU). By changing the net content of adenine nucleotides of the matrix upon activation, SCaMCs regulate the activity of the permeability transition pore, and the Ca(2+) retention capacity of mitochondria (CRC), two functions synergizing with those of the MCU. The different Ca(2+) activation properties of the two CaMCs are discussed in relation to their newly obtained structures. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Mitochondrial Channels edited by Pierre Sonveaux, Pierre Maechler and Jean-Claude Martinou.
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Affiliation(s)
- Araceli Del Arco
- Facultad de Ciencias Ambientales y Bioquímica, Centro RegionaI de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Castilla la Mancha, Toledo 45071, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Contreras
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28049 Madrid, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD), Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Pardo
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28049 Madrid, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorgina Satrustegui
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28049 Madrid, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD), Madrid, Spain.
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