1
|
Misawa H, Kamishima K, Koyama T, Ohgaki L, Morisaki Y, Yamanaka T, Itohara S, Sawano S, Mizunoya W, Ogihara N. Type selective ablation of postnatal slow and fast fatigue-resistant motor neurons in mice induces late onset kinetic and postural tremor following fiber-type transition and myopathy. Exp Neurol 2024; 376:114772. [PMID: 38599366 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Animals on Earth need to hold postures and execute a series of movements under gravity and atmospheric pressure. VAChT-Cre is a transgenic Cre driver mouse line that expresses Cre recombinase selectively in motor neurons of S-type (slow-twitch fatigue-resistant) and FR-type (fast-twitch fatigue-resistant). Sequential motor unit recruitment is a fundamental principle for fine and smooth locomotion; smaller-diameter motor neurons (S-type, FR-type) first contract low-intensity oxidative type I and type IIa muscle fibers, and thereafter larger-diameter motor neurons (FInt-type, FF-type) are recruited to contract high-intensity glycolytic type IIx and type IIb muscle fibers. To selectively eliminate S- and FR-type motor neurons, VAChT-Cre mice were crossbred with NSE-DTA mice in which the cytotoxic diphtheria toxin A fragment (DTA) was expressed in Cre-expressing neurons. The VAChT-Cre;NSE-DTA mice were born normally but progressively manifested various characteristics, including body weight loss, kyphosis, kinetic and postural tremor, and muscular atrophy. The progressive kinetic and postural tremor was remarkable from around 20 weeks of age and aggravated. Muscular atrophy was apparent in slow muscles, but not in fast muscles. The increase in motor unit number estimation was detected by electromyography, reflecting compensatory re-innervation by remaining FInt- and FF-type motor neurons to the orphaned slow muscle fibers. The muscle fibers gradually manifested fast/slow hybrid phenotypes, and the remaining FInt-and FF-type motor neurons gradually disappeared. These results suggest selective ablation of S- and FR-type motor neurons induces progressive muscle fiber-type transition, exhaustion of remaining FInt- and FF-type motor neurons, and late-onset kinetic and postural tremor in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hidemi Misawa
- Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kai Kamishima
- Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tenkei Koyama
- Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Lisa Ohgaki
- Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuta Morisaki
- Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Yamanaka
- Department of Neuroscience of Disease, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Japan
| | - Shigeyoshi Itohara
- Laboratory for Behavioral Genetics, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Shoko Sawano
- Department of Food and Life Science, School of Life and Environmental Science, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Wataru Mizunoya
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Naomichi Ogihara
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kung M, Yang T, Lin C, Ho J, Hung T, Chang C, Huang K, Chen C, Chen Y. ADAR2 deficiency ameliorates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and muscle atrophy through modulating serum amyloid A1. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2024; 15:949-962. [PMID: 38533529 PMCID: PMC11154747 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, which is commonly associated with NAFLD. Adenosine-to-inosine editing, catalysed by adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR), is an important post-transcriptional modification of genome-encoded RNA transcripts. Three ADAR gene family members, including ADAR1, ADAR2 and ADAR3, have been identified. However, the functional role of ADAR2 in obesity-associated NAFLD and sarcopenia remains unclear. METHODS ADAR2+/+/GluR-BR/R mice (wild type [WT]) and ADAR2-/-/GluR-BR/R mice (ADAR2 knockout [KO]) were subjected to feeding with standard chow or high-fat diet (HFD) for 20 weeks at the age of 5 weeks. The metabolic parameters, hepatic lipid droplet, grip strength test, rotarod test, muscle weight, fibre cross-sectional area (CSA), fibre types and protein associated with protein degradation were examined. Systemic and local tissues serum amyloid A1 (SAA1) were measured. The effects of SAA1 on C2C12 myotube atrophy were investigated. RESULTS ADAR2 KO mice fed with HFD exhibited lower body weight (-7.7%, P < 0.05), lower liver tissue weight (-20%, P < 0.05), reduced liver lipid droplets in concert with a decrease in hepatic triglyceride content (-24%, P < 0.001) and liver injury (P < 0.01). ADAR2 KO mice displayed protection against HFD-induced glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia. Skeletal muscle mass (P < 0.01), muscle strength (P < 0.05), muscle endurance (P < 0.001) and fibre size (CSA; P < 0.0001) were improved in ADAR2 KO mice fed with HFD compared with WT mice fed with HFD. Muscle atrophy-associated transcripts, such as forkhead box protein O1, muscle atrophy F-box/atrogin-1 and muscle RING finger 1/tripartite motif-containing 63, were decreased in ADAR2 KO mice fed with HFD compared with WT mice fed with HFD. ADAR2 deficiency attenuates HFD-induced local liver and skeletal muscle tissue inflammation. ADAR2 deficiency abolished HFD-induced systemic (P < 0.01), hepatic (P < 0.0001) and muscular (P < 0.001) SAA1 levels. C2C12 myotubes treated with recombinant SAA1 displayed a decrease in myotube length (-37%, P < 0.001), diameter (-20%, P < 0.01), number (-39%, P < 0.001) and fusion index (-46%, P < 0.01). Myogenic markers (myosin heavy chain and myogenin) were decreased in SAA1-treated myoblast C2C12 cells. CONCLUSIONS These results provide novel evidence that ADAR2 deficiency may be important in obesity-associated sarcopenia and NAFLD. Increased SAA1 might be involved as a regulatory factor in developing sarcopenia in NAFLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mei‐Lang Kung
- Department of Medical Education and ResearchKaohsiung Veterans General HospitalKaohsiungTaiwan
| | - Tai‐Hua Yang
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringCollege of Engineering, National Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan
- Department of Orthopedic SurgeryNational Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan
| | - Chia‐Chi Lin
- Department of PharmacologyCollege of Medicine, National Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan
| | - Jia‐Yun Ho
- Department of PharmacologyCollege of Medicine, National Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan
| | - Tzu‐Chi Hung
- Department of PharmacologyCollege of Medicine, National Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan
| | - Chih‐Hsiang Chang
- Department of PharmacologyCollege of Medicine, National Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan
| | - Kuan‐Wen Huang
- Department of PharmacologyCollege of Medicine, National Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan
| | - Chien‐Chin Chen
- Department of PathologyDitmanson Medical Foundation Chia‐Yi Christian HospitalChiayiTaiwan
- Department of Cosmetic ScienceChia Nan University of Pharmacy and ScienceTainanTaiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Translational Medicine, Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational MedicineNational Chung Hsing UniversityTaichungTaiwan
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry SciencesCollege of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan
| | - Yun‐Wen Chen
- Department of PharmacologyCollege of Medicine, National Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Arnold FJ, Putka AF, Raychaudhuri U, Hsu S, Bedlack RS, Bennett CL, La Spada AR. Revisiting Glutamate Excitotoxicity in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Age-Related Neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5587. [PMID: 38891774 PMCID: PMC11171854 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common motor neuron disorder. While there are five FDA-approved drugs for treating this disease, each has only modest benefits. To design new and more effective therapies for ALS, particularly for sporadic ALS of unknown and diverse etiologies, we must identify key, convergent mechanisms of disease pathogenesis. This review focuses on the origin and effects of glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity in ALS (the cortical hyperexcitability hypothesis), in which increased glutamatergic signaling causes motor neurons to become hyperexcitable and eventually die. We characterize both primary and secondary contributions to excitotoxicity, referring to processes taking place at the synapse and within the cell, respectively. 'Primary pathways' include upregulation of calcium-permeable AMPA receptors, dysfunction of the EAAT2 astrocytic glutamate transporter, increased release of glutamate from the presynaptic terminal, and reduced inhibition by cortical interneurons-all of which have been observed in ALS patients and model systems. 'Secondary pathways' include changes to mitochondrial morphology and function, increased production of reactive oxygen species, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. By identifying key targets in the excitotoxicity cascade, we emphasize the importance of this pathway in the pathogenesis of ALS and suggest that intervening in this pathway could be effective for developing therapies for this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frederick J. Arnold
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (A.F.P.)
| | - Alexandra F. Putka
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (A.F.P.)
| | - Urmimala Raychaudhuri
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Solomon Hsu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Richard S. Bedlack
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (A.F.P.)
| | - Craig L. Bennett
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Albert R. La Spada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (A.F.P.)
- Department of Neurology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- UCI Center for Neurotherapeutics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kung ML, Cheng SM, Wang YH, Cheng KP, Li YL, Hsiao YT, Tan BCM, Chen YW. Deficiency of ADAR2 ameliorates metabolic-associated fatty liver disease via AMPK signaling pathways in obese mice. Commun Biol 2024; 7:594. [PMID: 38760406 PMCID: PMC11101631 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06215-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic disease caused by hepatic steatosis. Adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADARs) catalyze adenosine to inosine RNA editing. However, the functional role of ADAR2 in NAFLD is unclear. ADAR2+/+/GluR-BR/R mice (wild type, WT) and ADAR2-/-/GluR-BR/R mice (ADAR2 KO) mice are fed with standard chow or high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. ADAR2 KO mice exhibit protection against HFD-induced glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. Moreover, ADAR2 KO mice display reduced liver lipid droplets in concert with decreased hepatic TG content, improved hepatic insulin signaling, better pyruvate tolerance, and increased glycogen synthesis. Mechanistically, ADAR2 KO effectively mitigates excessive lipid production via AMPK/Sirt1 pathway. ADAR2 KO inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis via the AMPK/CREB pathway and promotes glycogen synthesis by activating the AMPK/GSK3β pathway. These results provide evidence that ADAR2 KO protects against NAFLD progression through the activation of AMPK signaling pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Lang Kung
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Siao Muk Cheng
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes (NHRI), Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Han Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Pi Cheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Lin Li
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Tsen Hsiao
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Bertrand Chin-Ming Tan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
- Research Center for Emerging Viral Infections, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Wen Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Salzinger A, Ramesh V, Das Sharma S, Chandran S, Thangaraj Selvaraj B. Neuronal Circuit Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2024; 13:792. [PMID: 38786016 PMCID: PMC11120636 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The primary neural circuit affected in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients is the corticospinal motor circuit, originating in upper motor neurons (UMNs) in the cerebral motor cortex which descend to synapse with the lower motor neurons (LMNs) in the spinal cord to ultimately innervate the skeletal muscle. Perturbation of these neural circuits and consequent loss of both UMNs and LMNs, leading to muscle wastage and impaired movement, is the key pathophysiology observed. Despite decades of research, we are still lacking in ALS disease-modifying treatments. In this review, we document the current research from patient studies, rodent models, and human stem cell models in understanding the mechanisms of corticomotor circuit dysfunction and its implication in ALS. We summarize the current knowledge about cortical UMN dysfunction and degeneration, altered excitability in LMNs, neuromuscular junction degeneration, and the non-cell autonomous role of glial cells in motor circuit dysfunction in relation to ALS. We further highlight the advances in human stem cell technology to model the complex neural circuitry and how these can aid in future studies to better understand the mechanisms of neural circuit dysfunction underpinning ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Salzinger
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; (A.S.); (V.R.); (S.D.S.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Vidya Ramesh
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; (A.S.); (V.R.); (S.D.S.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Shreya Das Sharma
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; (A.S.); (V.R.); (S.D.S.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; (A.S.); (V.R.); (S.D.S.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic (ARRNC), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Bhuvaneish Thangaraj Selvaraj
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; (A.S.); (V.R.); (S.D.S.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic (ARRNC), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kobayashi A, Kitagawa Y, Nasser A, Wakimoto H, Yamada K, Tanaka S. Emerging Roles and Mechanisms of RNA Modifications in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Glioma. Cells 2024; 13:457. [PMID: 38474421 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050457] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite a long history of research, neurodegenerative diseases and malignant brain tumor gliomas are both considered incurable, facing challenges in the development of treatments. Recent evidence suggests that RNA modifications, previously considered as static components of intracellular RNAs, are in fact dynamically regulated across various RNA species in cells and play a critical role in major biological processes in the nervous system. Innovations in next-generation sequencing have enabled the accurate detection of modifications on bases and sugars within various RNA molecules. These RNA modifications influence the stability and transportation of RNA, and crucially affect its translation. This review delves into existing knowledge on RNA modifications to offer a comprehensive inventory of these modifications across different RNA species. The detailed regulatory functions and roles of RNA modifications within the nervous system are discussed with a focus on neurodegenerative diseases and gliomas. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the fundamental mechanisms and emerging roles of RNA modifications in these diseases, which can facilitate the creation of innovative diagnostics and therapeutics for these conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ami Kobayashi
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yosuke Kitagawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Translational Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Ali Nasser
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Translational Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Hiroaki Wakimoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Translational Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Keisuke Yamada
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0075, Japan
| | - Shota Tanaka
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0075, Japan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
De Marchi F, Venkatesan S, Saraceno M, Mazzini L, Grossini E. Acetyl-L-carnitine and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Current Evidence and Potential use. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2024; 23:588-601. [PMID: 36998125 DOI: 10.2174/1871527322666230330083757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The management of neurodegenerative diseases can be frustrating for clinicians, given the limited progress of conventional medicine in this context. AIM For this reason, a more comprehensive, integrative approach is urgently needed. Among various emerging focuses for intervention, the modulation of central nervous system energetics, oxidative stress, and inflammation is becoming more and more promising. METHODS In particular, electrons leakage involved in the mitochondrial energetics can generate reactive oxygen-free radical-related mitochondrial dysfunction that would contribute to the etiopathology of many disorders, such as Alzheimer's and other dementias, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). RESULTS In this context, using agents, like acetyl L-carnitine (ALCAR), provides mitochondrial support, reduces oxidative stress, and improves synaptic transmission. CONCLUSION This narrative review aims to update the existing literature on ALCAR molecular profile, tolerability, and translational clinical potential use in neurodegeneration, focusing on ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola De Marchi
- ALS Center, Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Sakthipriyan Venkatesan
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Massimo Saraceno
- ALS Center, Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Letizia Mazzini
- ALS Center, Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Elena Grossini
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale 28100, Novara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Habib MZ, Elnahas EM, Aboul-Ela YM, Ebeid MA, Tarek M, Sadek DR, Negm EA, Abdelhakam DA, Aboul-Fotouh S. Risperidone impedes glutamate excitotoxicity in a valproic acid rat model of autism: Role of ADAR2 in AMPA GluA2 RNA editing. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 955:175916. [PMID: 37460052 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Several reports indicate a plausible role of calcium (Ca2+) permeable AMPA glutamate receptors (with RNA hypo-editing at the GluA2 Q/R site) and the subsequent excitotoxicity-mediated neuronal death in the pathogenesis of a wide array of neurological disorders including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study was designed to examine the effects of chronic risperidone treatment on the expression of adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 2 (Adar2), the status of AMPA glutamate receptor GluA2 editing, and its effects on oxidative/nitrosative stress and excitotoxicity-mediated neuronal death in the prenatal valproic acid (VPA) rat model of ASD. Prenatal VPA exposure was associated with autistic-like behaviors accompanied by an increase in the apoptotic marker "caspase-3" and a decrease in the antiapoptotic marker "BCL2" alongside a reduction in the Adar2 relative gene expression and an increase in GluA2 Q:R ratio in the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex. Risperidone, at doses of 1 and 3 mg, improved the VPA-induced behavioral deficits and enhanced the Adar2 relative gene expression and the subsequent GluA2 subunit editing. This was reflected on the cellular level where risperidone impeded VPA-induced oxidative/nitrosative stress and neurodegenerative changes. In conclusion, the present study confirms a possible role for Adar2 downregulation and the subsequent hypo-editing of the GluA2 subunit in the pathophysiology of the prenatal VPA rat model of autism and highlights the favorable effect of risperidone on reversing the RNA editing machinery deficits, giving insights into a new possible mechanism of risperidone in autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Z Habib
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Esraa M Elnahas
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Yasmin M Aboul-Ela
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mai A Ebeid
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa Tarek
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Doaa R Sadek
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman A Negm
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Dina A Abdelhakam
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sawsan Aboul-Fotouh
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt; Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Navarro-Martínez A, Vicente-García C, Carvajal JJ. NMJ-related diseases beyond the congenital myasthenic syndromes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1216726. [PMID: 37601107 PMCID: PMC10436495 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1216726] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are a special type of chemical synapse that transmits electrical stimuli from motor neurons (MNs) to their innervating skeletal muscle to induce a motor response. They are an ideal model for the study of synapses, given their manageable size and easy accessibility. Alterations in their morphology or function lead to neuromuscular disorders, such as the congenital myasthenic syndromes, which are caused by mutations in proteins located in the NMJ. In this review, we highlight novel potential candidate genes that may cause or modify NMJs-related pathologies in humans by exploring the phenotypes of hundreds of mouse models available in the literature. We also underscore the fact that NMJs may differ between species, muscles or even sexes. Hence the importance of choosing a good model organism for the study of NMJ-related diseases: only taking into account the specific features of the mammalian NMJ, experimental results would be efficiently translated to the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Cristina Vicente-García
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, CSIC-UPO-JA, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hosaka T, Tsuji H, Kwak S. Roles of Aging, Circular RNAs, and RNA Editing in the Pathogenesis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Potential Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets. Cells 2023; 12:1443. [PMID: 37408276 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable motor neuron disease caused by upper and lower motor neuron death. Despite advances in our understanding of ALS pathogenesis, effective treatment for this fatal disease remains elusive. As aging is a major risk factor for ALS, age-related molecular changes may provide clues for the development of new therapeutic strategies. Dysregulation of age-dependent RNA metabolism plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of ALS. In addition, failure of RNA editing at the glutamine/arginine (Q/R) site of GluA2 mRNA causes excitotoxicity due to excessive Ca2+ influx through Ca2+-permeable α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid receptors, which is recognized as an underlying mechanism of motor neuron death in ALS. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a circular form of cognate RNA generated by back-splicing, are abundant in the brain and accumulate with age. Hence, they are assumed to play a role in neurodegeneration. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that age-related dysregulation of RNA editing and changes in circRNA expression are involved in ALS pathogenesis. Herein, we review the potential associations between age-dependent changes in circRNAs and RNA editing, and discuss the possibility of developing new therapies and biomarkers for ALS based on age-related changes in circRNAs and dysregulation of RNA editing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Hosaka
- Department of Neurology, Division of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Japan
- University of Tsukuba Hospital/Jichi Medical University Joint Ibaraki Western Regional Clinical Education Center, Chikusei 308-0813, Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ibaraki Western Medical Center, Chikusei 308-0813, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Tsuji
- Department of Neurology, Division of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Japan
| | - Shin Kwak
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yang L, Huang L, Mu Y, Li K. Characterization of A-to-I Editing in Pigs under a Long-Term High-Energy Diet. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097921. [PMID: 37175634 PMCID: PMC10178050 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097921] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-term high-energy intake has detrimental effects on pig health and elevates the risk of metabolic disease. RNA editing modifying RNA bases in a post-transcriptional process has been extensively studied for model animals. However, less evidence is available that RNA editing plays a role in the development of metabolic disorders. Here, we profiled the A-to-I editing in three tissues and six gut segments and characterized the functional aspect of editing sites in model pigs for metabolic disorders. We detected 64,367 non-redundant A-to-I editing sites across the pig genome, and 20.1% correlated with their located genes' expression. The largest number of A-to-I sites was found in the abdominal aorta with the highest editing levels. The significant difference in editing levels between high-energy induced and control pigs was detected in the abdominal aorta, testis, duodenum, ileum, colon, and cecum. We next focused on 6041 functional A-to-I sites that detected differences or specificity between treatments. We found functional A-to-I sites specifically involved in a tissue-specific manner. Two of them, located in gene SLA-DQB1 and near gene B4GALT5 were found to be shared by three tissues and six gut segments. Although we did not find them enriched in each of the gene features, in correlation analysis, we noticed that functional A-to-I sites were significantly enriched in gene 3'-UTRs. This result indicates, in general, A-to-I editing has the largest potential in the regulation of gene expression through changing the 3'-UTRs' sequence, which is functionally involved in pigs under a long-term high-energy diet. Our work provides valuable knowledge of A-to-I editing sites functionally involved in the development of the metabolic disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liu Yang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
| | - Lei Huang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
| | - Yulian Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Kui Li
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gatsiou A, Tual-Chalot S, Napoli M, Ortega-Gomez A, Regen T, Badolia R, Cesarini V, Garcia-Gonzalez C, Chevre R, Ciliberti G, Silvestre-Roig C, Martini M, Hoffmann J, Hamouche R, Visker JR, Diakos N, Wietelmann A, Silvestris DA, Georgiopoulos G, Moshfegh A, Schneider A, Chen W, Guenther S, Backs J, Kwak S, Selzman CH, Stamatelopoulos K, Rose-John S, Trautwein C, Spyridopoulos I, Braun T, Waisman A, Gallo A, Drakos SG, Dimmeler S, Sperandio M, Soehnlein O, Stellos K. The RNA editor ADAR2 promotes immune cell trafficking by enhancing endothelial responses to interleukin-6 during sterile inflammation. Immunity 2023; 56:979-997.e11. [PMID: 37100060 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2023.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Immune cell trafficking constitutes a fundamental component of immunological response to tissue injury, but the contribution of intrinsic RNA nucleotide modifications to this response remains elusive. We report that RNA editor ADAR2 exerts a tissue- and stress-specific regulation of endothelial responses to interleukin-6 (IL-6), which tightly controls leukocyte trafficking in IL-6-inflamed and ischemic tissues. Genetic ablation of ADAR2 from vascular endothelial cells diminished myeloid cell rolling and adhesion on vascular walls and reduced immune cell infiltration within ischemic tissues. ADAR2 was required in the endothelium for the expression of the IL-6 receptor subunit, IL-6 signal transducer (IL6ST; gp130), and subsequently, for IL-6 trans-signaling responses. ADAR2-induced adenosine-to-inosine RNA editing suppressed the Drosha-dependent primary microRNA processing, thereby overwriting the default endothelial transcriptional program to safeguard gp130 expression. This work demonstrates a role for ADAR2 epitranscriptional activity as a checkpoint in IL-6 trans-signaling and immune cell trafficking to sites of tissue injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini Gatsiou
- Biosciences Institute, Vascular Biology and Medicine Theme, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; RNA Metabolism and Vascular Inflammation Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Department of Cardiology, JW Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Simon Tual-Chalot
- Biosciences Institute, Vascular Biology and Medicine Theme, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Matteo Napoli
- Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology, Walter Brendel Center for Experimental Medicine Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Almudena Ortega-Gomez
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), LMU Munich Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Tommy Regen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Rachit Badolia
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (CVRTI), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Valeriana Cesarini
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Raphael Chevre
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), LMU Munich Hospital, Munich, Germany; Institute for Experimental Pathology (ExPat), Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, WWU Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Giorgia Ciliberti
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Carlos Silvestre-Roig
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), LMU Munich Hospital, Munich, Germany; Institute for Experimental Pathology (ExPat), Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, WWU Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Maurizio Martini
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli," IRCCS, UOC Anatomia Patologica, Rome, Italy; Istituto di Anatomia Patologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Jedrzej Hoffmann
- Department of Cardiology, Goethe University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Rana Hamouche
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (CVRTI), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Joseph R Visker
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (CVRTI), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Nikolaos Diakos
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (CVRTI), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Astrid Wietelmann
- Max-Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Domenico Alessandro Silvestris
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Georgios Georgiopoulos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece; Translational Research Institute, Vascular Biology and Medicine Theme, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ali Moshfegh
- Kancera AB, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Oncology and Pathology at Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andre Schneider
- Max-Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Medi-X Institute, SUSTech Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Stefan Guenther
- Max-Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Johannes Backs
- Institute of Experimental Cardiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung, DZHK), Heidelberg/Mannheim Partner Site, Heidelberg and Mannheim, Germany
| | - Shin Kwak
- Department of Molecular Neuropathogenesis, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Craig H Selzman
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (CVRTI), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Kimon Stamatelopoulos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece; Translational Research Institute, Vascular Biology and Medicine Theme, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Stefan Rose-John
- Institute of Biochemistry, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Christian Trautwein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ioakim Spyridopoulos
- Translational Research Institute, Vascular Biology and Medicine Theme, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Department of Cardiology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Thomas Braun
- Max-Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Ari Waisman
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Angela Gallo
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Stavros G Drakos
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (CVRTI), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Stefanie Dimmeler
- Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Center of Molecular Medicine, JW Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung, DZHK), Frankfurt Partner Site, Germany
| | - Markus Sperandio
- Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology, Walter Brendel Center for Experimental Medicine Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung, DZHK), Munich Heart Alliance Partner Site, Munich, Germany
| | - Oliver Soehnlein
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), LMU Munich Hospital, Munich, Germany; Institute for Experimental Pathology (ExPat), Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, WWU Muenster, Muenster, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung, DZHK), Munich Heart Alliance Partner Site, Munich, Germany; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (FyFa), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Konstantinos Stellos
- Biosciences Institute, Vascular Biology and Medicine Theme, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; RNA Metabolism and Vascular Inflammation Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Department of Cardiology, JW Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Department of Cardiovascular Research, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung, DZHK), Heidelberg/Mannheim Partner Site, Heidelberg and Mannheim, Germany; Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Tassinari V, La Rosa P, Guida E, Colopi A, Caratelli S, De Paolis F, Gallo A, Cenciarelli C, Sconocchia G, Dolci S, Cesarini V. Contribution of A-to-I RNA editing, M6A RNA Methylation, and Alternative Splicing to physiological brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Mech Ageing Dev 2023; 212:111807. [PMID: 37023929 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2023.111807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Aging is a physiological and progressive phenomenon in all organisms' life cycle, characterized by the accumulation of degenerative processes triggered by several alterations within molecular pathways. These changes compromise cell fate, resulting in the loss of functions in tissues throughout the body, including the brain. Physiological brain aging has been linked to structural and functional alterations, as well as to an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Post-transcriptional RNA modifications modulate mRNA coding properties, stability, translatability, expanding the coding capacity of the genome, and are involved in all cellular processes. Among mRNA post-transcriptional modifications, the A-to-I RNA editing, m6A RNA Methylation and Alternative Splicing play a critical role in all the phases of a neuronal cell life cycle and alterations in their mechanisms of action significantly contribute to aging and neurodegeneration. Here we review our current understanding of the contribution of A-to-I RNA editing, m6A RNA Methylation, and Alternative Splicing to physiological brain aging process and neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Tassinari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Piergiorgio La Rosa
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; European Center for Brain Research, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenia Guida
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Ambra Colopi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Caratelli
- Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca De Paolis
- Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Gallo
- RNA Editing Lab., Oncohaematology Department, Cellular and Gene Therapy Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Cenciarelli
- Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sconocchia
- Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Dolci
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeriana Cesarini
- Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kato H, Naito M, Saito T, Hideyama T, Terashi H, Kwak S, Aizawa H. Effect of Serum Perampanel Concentration on Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Progression. J Clin Neurol 2023; 19:280-287. [PMID: 36929060 PMCID: PMC10169924 DOI: 10.3988/jcn.2022.0213] [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: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE To clarify the effect of perampanel (PER) on sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (sALS) progression, the relationship between the changes in Revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) scores and serum PER concentrations was investigated. METHODS 12 patients with sALS from our hospital who agreed to participate and completed the PER for sALS randomized phase 2 study were included. After completing the study, we retrospectively obtained serum PER concentration data from the patients. Based on their mean PER concentrations, we divided the patients who had been taking PER into two groups: four patients with a mean PER concentration of ≥400 ng/mL were assigned to the H group, and three with a mean PER concentration of <400 ng/mL were assigned to the L group. The control group consisted of five patients who had been taking a placebo. We obtained the ALSFRS-R scores of each patient at 36 and 48 weeks after randomization. The differences in ALSFRS-R scores at baseline (0 weeks) and each subsequent week were used in the analysis. RESULTS At 48 weeks, there were no differences in the degree of deterioration of the bulbar, upper and lower limb, and respiratory ALSFRS-R subscores and total ALSFRS-R score. However, at 36 weeks, the bulbar subscore was significantly lower in the H group than in the control group (p=0.032). CONCLUSIONS Because high PER concentrations may exacerbate bulbar symptoms in patients with sALS, serum PER measurements may be beneficial when patients with sALS are taking PER.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haruhisa Kato
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Makiko Naito
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Saito
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuto Hideyama
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroo Terashi
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shin Kwak
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Aizawa
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
The Profiles and Functions of RNA Editing Sites Associated with High-Altitude Adaptation in Goats. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043115. [PMID: 36834526 PMCID: PMC9964554 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
High-altitude environments dramatically influenced the genetic evolution of vertebrates. However, little is known about the role of RNA editing on high-altitude adaptation in non-model species. Here, we profiled the RNA editing sites (RESs) of heart, lung, kidney, and longissimus dorsi muscle from Tibetan cashmere goats (TBG, 4500 m) and Inner Mongolia cashmere goats (IMG, 1200 m) to reveal RNA editing-related functions of high-altitude adaptation in goats. We identified 84,132 high-quality RESs that were unevenly distributed across the autosomes in TBG and IMG, and more than half of the 10,842 non-redundant editing sites were clustered. The majority (62.61%) were adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) sites, followed by cytidine-to-uridine (C-to-U) sites (19.26%), and 32.5% of them had a significant correlation with the expression of catalytic genes. Moreover, A-to-I and C-to-U RNA editing sites had different flanking sequences, amino acid mutations, and alternative splicing activity. TBG had higher editing levels of A-to-I and C-to-U than IMG in the kidney, whereas a lower level was found in the longissimus dorsi muscle. Furthermore, we identified 29 IMG and 41 TBG population-specific editing sites (pSESs) and 53 population-differential editing sites (pDESs) that were functionally involved in altering RNA splicing or recoding protein products. It is worth noting that 73.3% population-differential, 73.2% TBG-specific, and 80% IMG-specific A-to-I sites were nonsynonymous sites. Moreover, the pSESs and pDESs editing-related genes play critical functions in energy metabolisms such as ATP binding molecular function, translation, and adaptive immune response, which may be linked to goat high-altitude adaptation. Our results provide valuable information for understanding the adaptive evolution of goats and studying plateau-related diseases.
Collapse
|
16
|
Naito M, Hideyama T, Teramoto S, Saito T, Kato H, Terashi H, Kwak S, Aizawa H. Pathological features of glial cells and motor neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord in sporadic ALS using ADAR2 conditional knockout mice. J Neurol Sci 2023; 444:120520. [PMID: 36527980 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2022.120520] [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: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the selective degeneration of motor neurons (MNs). In the MNs of patients with ALS, adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 2 (ADAR2)-mediated RNA editing of GluA2 mRNA at the Q/R site is profoundly deficient. In genetically modified mice (ADAR2flox/flox/VAChT-Cre.Fast; AR2), the selective knockout of ADAR2 in cholinergic neurons induced progressive loss of lower MNs. MNs exhibiting an age-related increase in abnormal TDP-43 localization and reduced ADAR2 immunoreactivity are localized in the lateral areas of the anterior horns (AHs) in aged wild-type mice. However, the patterns in the AHs of AR2 mice remain unknown. In this study, we investigated whether similar degeneration is observed in AR2 mice. We compared the number of astrocytes and MNs in the lateral and medial AHs of the lumbar spinal cord of 12-month-old AR2 mice with age-matched wild-type mice. The number of MNs significantly decreased in both the lateral and medial areas in AR2 mice AHs, particularly in the former. The number of reactive astrocytes increased significantly in the lateral areas of the AHs of AR2 mice. In conclusion, stronger activation of astrocytes with reduction of MNs in the ADAR2 deficiency-related lateral area increases in AR2 mice AHs. Fast fatigable MNs are expected to be present in the lateral area of the AHs. We found that MN death is more common in the lateral area of AHs associated with FF MNs due to differences in vulnerability to MN under ADAR2 deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Makiko Naito
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuto Hideyama
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Sayaka Teramoto
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Saito
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Haruhisa Kato
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroo Terashi
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shin Kwak
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Aizawa
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hajji K, Sedmík J, Cherian A, Amoruso D, Keegan LP, O'Connell MA. ADAR2 enzymes: efficient site-specific RNA editors with gene therapy aspirations. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 28:1281-1297. [PMID: 35863867 PMCID: PMC9479739 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079266.122] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) enzymes are essential for neuronal function and innate immune control. ADAR1 RNA editing prevents aberrant activation of antiviral dsRNA sensors through editing of long, double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs). In this review, we focus on the ADAR2 proteins involved in the efficient, highly site-specific RNA editing to recode open reading frames first discovered in the GRIA2 transcript encoding the key GLUA2 subunit of AMPA receptors; ADAR1 proteins also edit many of these sites. We summarize the history of ADAR2 protein research and give an up-to-date review of ADAR2 structural studies, human ADARBI (ADAR2) mutants causing severe infant seizures, and mouse disease models. Structural studies on ADARs and their RNA substrates facilitate current efforts to develop ADAR RNA editing gene therapy to edit disease-causing single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Artificial ADAR guide RNAs are being developed to retarget ADAR RNA editing to new target transcripts in order to correct SNP mutations in them at the RNA level. Site-specific RNA editing has been expanded to recode hundreds of sites in CNS transcripts in Drosophila and cephalopods. In Drosophila and C. elegans, ADAR RNA editing also suppresses responses to self dsRNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khadija Hajji
- CEITEC Masaryk University, Brno 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Sedmík
- CEITEC Masaryk University, Brno 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Cherian
- CEITEC Masaryk University, Brno 62500, Czech Republic
| | | | - Liam P Keegan
- CEITEC Masaryk University, Brno 62500, Czech Republic
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Shafik AM, Allen EG, Jin P. Epitranscriptomic dynamics in brain development and disease. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:3633-3646. [PMID: 35474104 PMCID: PMC9596619 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01570-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Distinct cell types are generated at specific times during brain development and are regulated by epigenetic, transcriptional, and newly emerging epitranscriptomic mechanisms. RNA modifications are known to affect many aspects of RNA metabolism and have been implicated in the regulation of various biological processes and in disease. Recent studies imply that dysregulation of the epitranscriptome may be significantly associated with neuropsychiatric, neurodevelopmental, and neurodegenerative disorders. Here we review the current knowledge surrounding the role of the RNA modifications N6-methyladenosine, 5-methylcytidine, pseudouridine, A-to-I RNA editing, 2'O-methylation, and their associated machinery, in brain development and human diseases. We also highlight the need for the development of new technologies in the pursuit of directly mapping RNA modifications in both genome- and single-molecule-level approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Shafik
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Emily G Allen
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Peng Jin
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kato H, Naito M, Saito T, Hideyama T, Suzuki Y, Kimura T, Kwak S, Aizawa H. Prolyl Isomerase Pin1 Expression in the Spinal Motor Neurons of Patients With Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. J Clin Neurol 2022; 18:463-469. [PMID: 35796272 PMCID: PMC9262457 DOI: 10.3988/jcn.2022.18.4.463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal motor neuron disease. Selective deficiency of edited adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 2 (ADAR2), a key molecule in the acquisition of Ca2+ resistance in motor neurons, has been reported in sporadic ALS (sALS) spinal motor neurons. Since ADAR2 activity is positively regulated by prolyl isomerase Protein never in mitosis gene A interacting-1 (Pin1), a known phosphorylation-dependent peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase, we investigated Pin1 expression in spinal motor neurons in sALS. Methods Specimens of the spinal cord were obtained from the lumbar region in eight sALS patients and age-matched five controls after postmortem examinations. The specimens were double stained with anti-Pin1 and anti-TAR DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43) antibodies, and examined under a fluorescence microscope. Results This study analyzed 254 and 422 spinal motor neurons from 8 sALS patients and 5 control subjects, respectively. The frequency of motor neurons with high cytoplasmic Pin1 expression from the spinal cord did not differ significantly between sALS specimens without cytoplasmic TDP-43 inclusions and control specimens. However, in sALS specimens, neurons for which the Pin1 immunoluminescence intensity in the cytoplasm was at least twice that in the background were more common in specimens with cytoplasmic TDP-43 inclusions (p<0.05 in χ2 test). Conclusions In sALS, neurons with higher expression levels of Pin1 levels had more TDP-43 inclusions. Despite the feedback mechanism between Pin1 and ADAR2 being unclear, since Pin1 positively regulates ADAR2, our results suggest that higher Pin1 expression levels in motor neurons with TDP-43 pathology from sALS patients represent a compensatory mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haruhisa Kato
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Makiko Naito
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Saito
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuto Hideyama
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Suzuki
- Department of Neurology, Asahikawa Medical Center, National Hospital Organization, Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Takashi Kimura
- Department of Neurology, Asahikawa Medical Center, National Hospital Organization, Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Shin Kwak
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Aizawa
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
Fibroblasts play an important role in the pathogenic mechanisms of several socially significant diseases, including pulmonary and cardiovascular fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, systemic sclerosis, progressive kidney disease. The alterations of the epitranscriptome, including more than 170 distinct post-transcriptional RNA modifications or editing events, justified their investigation as an important modulator of fibrosis. Recent development of high-throughput methods allows the identification of RNA modification sites and their mechanistic aspect in the fibrosis development. The most common RNA modification is methylation of N6-adenosine deposited by the m6A methyltransferase complex (METTL3/14/16, WTAP, KIAA1429, and RBM15/15B), erased by demethylases (FTO and ALKBH5), and recognized by binding proteins (e.g., YTHDF1/2/3, YTHDC1/2, IGF2BP1/2/3, etc.). Adenosine to inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing is another abundant editing event converting adenosine to inosine in double-stranded RNA regions through the action of the adenosine deaminase (ADAR) proteins. Last, but not least, 5-methylcytosine (m5C) regulates the stability and translation of mRNAs. All those RNA modifications have been observed in mRNA as well as the non-coding regions of pre-mRNA and ncRNAs, and demonstrate to be involved in fibrosis in different cellular and animal models. This Mini-Review focuses on the latest research on epitranscriptomic marks related to fibroblast biology and fibrosis as well as elucidates the future research directions in this context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mirolyuba Ilieva
- Center for RNA Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Copenhagen SV, Denmark
| | - Shizuka Uchida
- Center for RNA Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Copenhagen SV, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Lin SH, Chen SCC. RNA Editing in Glioma as a Sexually Dimorphic Prognostic Factor That Affects mRNA Abundance in Fatty Acid Metabolism and Inflammation Pathways. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071231. [PMID: 35406793 PMCID: PMC8997934 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA editing alters the nucleotide sequence and has been associated with cancer progression. However, little is known about its prognostic and regulatory roles in glioma, one of the most common types of primary brain tumors. We characterized and analyzed RNA editomes of glioblastoma and isocitrate dehydrogenase mutated (IDH-MUT) gliomas from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA). We showed that editing change during glioma progression was another layer of molecular alterations and that editing profiles predicted the prognosis of glioblastoma and IDH-MUT gliomas in a sex-dependent manner. Hyper-editing was associated with poor survival in females but better survival in males. Moreover, noncoding editing events impacted mRNA abundance of the host genes. Genes associated with inflammatory response (e.g., EIF2AK2, a key mediator of innate immunity) and fatty acid oxidation (e.g., acyl-CoA oxidase 1, the rate-limiting enzyme in fatty acid β-oxidation) were editing-regulated and associated with glioma progression. The above findings were further validated in CGGA samples. Establishment of the prognostic and regulatory roles of RNA editing in glioma holds promise for developing editing-based therapeutic strategies against glioma progression. Furthermore, sexual dimorphism at the epitranscriptional level highlights the importance of developing sex-specific treatments for glioma.
Collapse
|
22
|
Todd TW, Petrucelli L. Modelling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in rodents. Nat Rev Neurosci 2022; 23:231-251. [PMID: 35260846 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-022-00564-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The efficient study of human disease requires the proper tools, one of the most crucial of which is an accurate animal model that faithfully recapitulates the human condition. The study of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is no exception. Although the majority of ALS cases are considered sporadic, most animal models of this disease rely on genetic mutations identified in familial cases. Over the past decade, the number of genes associated with ALS has risen dramatically and, with each new genetic variant, there is a drive to develop associated animal models. Rodent models are of particular importance as they allow for the study of ALS in the context of a living mammal with a comparable CNS. Such models not only help to verify the pathogenicity of novel mutations but also provide critical insight into disease mechanisms and are crucial for the testing of new therapeutics. In this Review, we aim to summarize the full spectrum of ALS rodent models developed to date.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany W Todd
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Leonard Petrucelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Dutta N, Deb I, Sarzynska J, Lahiri A. Inosine and its methyl derivatives: Occurrence, biogenesis, and function in RNA. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 169-170:21-52. [PMID: 35065168 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Inosine is one of the most common post-transcriptional modifications. Since its discovery, it has been noted for its ability to contribute to non-Watson-Crick interactions within RNA. Rapidly accumulating evidence points to the widespread generation of inosine through hydrolytic deamination of adenosine to inosine by different classes of adenosine deaminases. Three naturally occurring methyl derivatives of inosine, i.e., 1-methylinosine, 2'-O-methylinosine and 1,2'-O-dimethylinosine are currently reported in RNA modification databases. These modifications are expected to lead to changes in the structure, folding, dynamics, stability and functions of RNA. The importance of the modifications is indicated by the strong conservation of the modifying enzymes across organisms. The structure, binding and catalytic mechanism of the adenosine deaminases have been well-studied, but the underlying mechanism of the catalytic reaction is not very clear yet. Here we extensively review the existing data on the occurrence, biogenesis and functions of inosine and its methyl derivatives in RNA. We also included the structural and thermodynamic aspects of these modifications in our review to provide a detailed and integrated discussion on the consequences of A-to-I editing in RNA and the contribution of different structural and thermodynamic studies in understanding its role in RNA. We also highlight the importance of further studies for a better understanding of the mechanisms of the different classes of deamination reactions. Further investigation of the structural and thermodynamic consequences and functions of these modifications in RNA should provide more useful information about their role in different diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nivedita Dutta
- Department of Biophysics, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Calcutta, 92, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road, Kolkata, 700009, West Bengal, India
| | - Indrajit Deb
- Department of Biophysics, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Calcutta, 92, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road, Kolkata, 700009, West Bengal, India
| | - Joanna Sarzynska
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznan, Poland
| | - Ansuman Lahiri
- Department of Biophysics, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Calcutta, 92, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road, Kolkata, 700009, West Bengal, India.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Aizawa H, Kato H, Oba K, Kawahara T, Okubo Y, Saito T, Naito M, Urushitani M, Tamaoka A, Nakamagoe K, Ishii K, Kanda T, Katsuno M, Atsuta N, Maeda Y, Nagai M, Nishiyama K, Ishiura H, Toda T, Kawata A, Abe K, Yabe I, Takahashi-Iwata I, Sasaki H, Warita H, Aoki M, Sobue G, Mizusawa H, Matsuyama Y, Haga T, Kwak S. Randomized phase 2 study of perampanel for sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol 2022; 269:885-896. [PMID: 34191081 PMCID: PMC8782807 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10670-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of perampanel in patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (SALS). METHODS This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, phase 2 clinical study was conducted at 12 sites. Patients with probable or definite ALS as defined by revised El Escorial criteria were enrolled. Sixty-six patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive placebo, 4 mg perampanel, or 8 mg perampanel daily for 48 weeks. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded throughout the trial period. The primary efficacy outcome was the change in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) score after 48 weeks of treatment. RESULTS One patient withdrew before starting the treatment. Of 65 patients included, 18 of 22 patients randomized to placebo (82%), 14 of 22 patients randomized to 4 mg perampanel (64%), and 7 of 21 patients randomized to 8 mg perampanel (33%) completed the trial. There was a significant difference in the change of ALSFRS-R scores [- 8.4 (95% CI - 13.9 to - 2.9); p = 0.015] between the placebo and the perampanel 8 mg group, primarily due to worsening of the bulbar subscore in the perampanel 8 mg group. Serious AEs were more frequent in the perampanel 8 mg group than in the placebo group (p = 0.0483). CONCLUSIONS Perampanel was associated with a significant decline in ALSFRS-R score and was linked to worsening of the bulbar subscore in the 8 mg group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Aizawa
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Haruhisa Kato
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Oba
- Department of Biostatics, School of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuya Kawahara
- Central Coordinating Unit, Clinical Research Support Center, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Okubo
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Saito
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makiko Naito
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Urushitani
- Department of Neurology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Akira Tamaoka
- Division of Clinical Medicine, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kiyotaka Nakamagoe
- Division of Clinical Medicine, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Ishii
- Division of Clinical Medicine, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takashi Kanda
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | | | - Naoki Atsuta
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasushi Maeda
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization Kumamoto Saishun Medical Center, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Makiko Nagai
- Department of Neurology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Nishiyama
- Department of Neurology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Japan
| | | | - Tatsushi Toda
- Department of Neurology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiro Kawata
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Abe
- Department of Neurology, University of Okayama, Okayama, Japan
| | - Ichiro Yabe
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Ikuko Takahashi-Iwata
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hidenao Sasaki
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Warita
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masashi Aoki
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Gen Sobue
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | | | - Yutaka Matsuyama
- Department of Biostatics, School of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Haga
- Central Coordinating Unit, Clinical Research Support Center, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shin Kwak
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Akamatsu M, Yamashita T, Teramoto S, Huang Z, Lynch J, Toda T, Niu L, Kwak S. Testing of the therapeutic efficacy and safety of AMPA receptor RNA aptamers in an ALS mouse model. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:5/4/e202101193. [PMID: 35022247 PMCID: PMC8761490 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202101193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In motor neurons of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, the RNA editing at the glutamine/arginine site of the GluA2 subunit of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptors is defective or incomplete. As a result, AMPA receptors containing the abnormally expressed, unedited isoform of GluA2 are highly Ca2+-permeable, and are responsible for mediating abnormal Ca2+ influx, thereby triggering motor neuron degeneration and cell death. Thus, blocking the AMPA receptor-mediated, abnormal Ca2+ influx is a potential therapeutic strategy for treatment of sporadic ALS. Here, we report a study of the efficacy and safety of two RNA aptamers targeting AMPA receptors on the ALS phenotype of AR2 mice. A 12-wk continuous, intracerebroventricular infusion of aptamers to AR2 mice reduced the progression of motor dysfunction, normalized TDP-43 mislocalization, and prevented death of motor neurons. Our results demonstrate that the use of AMPA receptor aptamers as a novel class of AMPA receptor antagonists is a promising strategy for developing an ALS treatment approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megumi Akamatsu
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takenari Yamashita
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sayaka Teramoto
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Zhen Huang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Janet Lynch
- Department of Chemistry, University of Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Tatsushi Toda
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Li Niu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Shin Kwak
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan .,Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Zanganeh PF, Barton SK, Lim K, Qian EL, Crombie DE, Bye CR, Turner BJ. OUP accepted manuscript. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac081. [PMID: 35445192 PMCID: PMC9016138 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a late-onset adult neurodegenerative disease, although there is mounting electrophysiological and pathological evidence from patients and animal models for a protracted preclinical period of motor neuron susceptibility and dysfunction, long before clinical diagnosis. The key molecular mechanisms linked to motor neuron vulnerability in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis have been extensively studied using transcriptional profiling in motor neurons isolated from adult mutant superoxide dismutase 1 mice. However, neonatal and embryonic motor neurons from mutant superoxide dismutase 1 mice show abnormal morphology and hyperexcitability, suggesting preceding transcriptional dysregulation. Here, we used RNA sequencing on motor neurons isolated from embryonic superoxide dismutase 1G93A mice to determine the earliest molecular mechanisms conferring neuronal susceptibility and dysfunction known in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Transgenic superoxide dismutase 1G93A mice expressing the spinal motor neuron homeobox HB9:green fluorescent protein reporter allowed unambiguous identification and isolation of motor neurons using fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Gene expression profiling of isolated motor neurons revealed transcriptional dysregulation in superoxide dismutase 1G93A mice as early as embryonic Day 12.5 with the majority of differentially expressed genes involved in RNA processing and α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate-mediated glutamate receptor signalling. We confirmed dysregulation of the α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate receptor Subunit 2, at transcript and protein levels, in embryonic superoxide dismutase 1G93A mouse motor neurons and human motor neurons derived from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patient induced pluripotent stem cells harbouring pathogenic superoxide dismutase 1 mutations. Mutant superoxide dismutase 1 induced pluripotent stem cell-derived motor neurons showed greater vulnerability to α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate-mediated excitotoxicity, consistent with α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate receptor Subunit 2 downregulation. Thus, α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate receptor Subunit 2 deficiency leading to enhanced α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate receptor signalling, calcium influx, hyperexcitability, and chronic excitotoxicity is a very early and intrinsic property of spinal motor neurons that may trigger amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pathogenesis later in life. This study reinforces the concept of therapeutic targeting of hyperexcitability and excitotoxicity as potential disease-modifying approaches for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pardis F. Zanganeh
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Samantha K. Barton
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Katherine Lim
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Elizabeth L. Qian
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Duncan E. Crombie
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Christopher R. Bye
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Correspondence may also be addressed to: Christopher Bye E-mail:
| | - Bradley J. Turner
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Queen Elizabeth Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA 6150, Australia
- Correspondence to: Bradley Turner Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health 30 Royal Parade University of Melbourne Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Huber N, Korhonen S, Hoffmann D, Leskelä S, Rostalski H, Remes AM, Honkakoski P, Solje E, Haapasalo A. Deficient neurotransmitter systems and synaptic function in frontotemporal lobar degeneration-Insights into disease mechanisms and current therapeutic approaches. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:1300-1309. [PMID: 34799692 PMCID: PMC9095474 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01384-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) comprises a heterogenous group of fatal neurodegenerative diseases and, to date, no validated diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers or effective disease-modifying therapies exist for the different clinical or genetic subtypes of FTLD. Current treatment strategies rely on the off-label use of medications for symptomatic treatment. Changes in several neurotransmitter systems including the glutamatergic, GABAergic, dopaminergic, and serotonergic systems have been reported in FTLD spectrum disease patients. Many FTLD-related clinical and neuropsychiatric symptoms such as aggressive and compulsive behaviour, agitation, as well as altered eating habits and hyperorality can be explained by disturbances in these neurotransmitter systems, suggesting that their targeting might possibly offer new therapeutic options for treating patients with FTLD. This review summarizes the present knowledge on neurotransmitter system deficits and synaptic dysfunction in model systems and patients harbouring the most common genetic causes of FTLD, the hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9orf72 and mutations in the granulin (GRN) and microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) genes. We also describe the current pharmacological treatment options for FLTD that target different neurotransmitter systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Huber
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sonja Korhonen
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Dorit Hoffmann
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Stina Leskelä
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Hannah Rostalski
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anne M. Remes
- grid.10858.340000 0001 0941 4873Unit of Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology, University of Oulu, P. O. Box 8000, University of Oulu, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland ,grid.412326.00000 0004 4685 4917MRC Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, P. O. Box 8000, University of Oulu, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland
| | - Paavo Honkakoski
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70210 Kuopio, Finland ,grid.10698.360000000122483208Department of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Eino Solje
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490Institute of Clinical Medicine—Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70210 Kuopio, Finland ,grid.410705.70000 0004 0628 207XNeuro Center, Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, P.O. Box 100, KYS, FI-70029 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Annakaisa Haapasalo
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Hosaka T, Tsuji H, Kwak S. RNA Editing: A New Therapeutic Target in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Other Neurological Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222010958. [PMID: 34681616 PMCID: PMC8536083 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222010958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The conversion of adenosine to inosine in RNA editing (A-to-I RNA editing) is recognized as a critical post-transcriptional modification of RNA by adenosine deaminases acting on RNAs (ADARs). A-to-I RNA editing occurs predominantly in mammalian and human central nervous systems and can alter the function of translated proteins, including neurotransmitter receptors and ion channels; therefore, the role of dysregulated RNA editing in the pathogenesis of neurological diseases has been speculated. Specifically, the failure of A-to-I RNA editing at the glutamine/arginine (Q/R) site of the GluA2 subunit causes excessive permeability of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptors to Ca2+, inducing fatal status epilepticus and the neurodegeneration of motor neurons in mice. Therefore, an RNA editing deficiency at the Q/R site in GluA2 due to the downregulation of ADAR2 in the motor neurons of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients suggests that Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors and the dysregulation of RNA editing are suitable therapeutic targets for ALS. Gene therapy has recently emerged as a new therapeutic opportunity for many heretofore incurable diseases, and RNA editing dysregulation can be a target for gene therapy; therefore, we reviewed neurological diseases associated with dysregulated RNA editing and a new therapeutic approach targeting dysregulated RNA editing, especially one that is effective in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Hosaka
- Department of Neurology, Division of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Ibaraki, Japan; (T.H.); (H.T.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tsukuba University Hospital Kensei Area Medical Education Center, Chikusei 308-0813, Ibaraki, Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ibaraki Western Medical Center, Chikusei 308-0813, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Tsuji
- Department of Neurology, Division of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Ibaraki, Japan; (T.H.); (H.T.)
| | - Shin Kwak
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-3-3342-6111
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Guo C, Ma YY. Calcium Permeable-AMPA Receptors and Excitotoxicity in Neurological Disorders. Front Neural Circuits 2021; 15:711564. [PMID: 34483848 PMCID: PMC8416103 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.711564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Excitotoxicity is one of the primary mechanisms of cell loss in a variety of diseases of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Other than the previously established signaling pathways of excitotoxicity, which depend on the excessive release of glutamate from axon terminals or over-activation of NMDA receptors (NMDARs), Ca2+ influx-triggered excitotoxicity through Ca2+-permeable (CP)-AMPA receptors (AMPARs) is detected in multiple disease models. In this review, both acute brain insults (e.g., brain trauma or spinal cord injury, ischemia) and chronic neurological disorders, including Epilepsy/Seizures, Huntington’s disease (HD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), chronic pain, and glaucoma, are discussed regarding the CP-AMPAR-mediated excitotoxicity. Considering the low expression or absence of CP-AMPARs in most cells, specific manipulation of the CP-AMPARs might be a more plausible strategy to delay the onset and progression of pathological alterations with fewer side effects than blocking NMDARs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Changyong Guo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Yao-Ying Ma
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.,Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Role of EphA4 in Mediating Motor Neuron Death in MND. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179430. [PMID: 34502339 PMCID: PMC8430883 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor neuron disease (MND) comprises a group of fatal neurodegenerative diseases with no effective cure. As progressive motor neuron cell death is one of pathological characteristics of MND, molecules which protect these cells are attractive therapeutic targets. Accumulating evidence indicates that EphA4 activation is involved in MND pathogenesis, and inhibition of EphA4 improves functional outcomes. However, the underlying mechanism of EphA4’s function in MND is unclear. In this review, we first present results to demonstrate that EphA4 signalling acts directly on motor neurons to cause cell death. We then review the three most likely mechanisms underlying this effect.
Collapse
|
31
|
Marceca GP, Tomasello L, Distefano R, Acunzo M, Croce CM, Nigita G. Detecting and Characterizing A-To-I microRNA Editing in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1699. [PMID: 33916692 PMCID: PMC8038323 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosine to inosine (A-to-I) editing consists of an RNA modification where single adenosines along the RNA sequence are converted into inosines. Such a biochemical transformation is catalyzed by enzymes belonging to the family of adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADARs) and occurs either co- or post-transcriptionally. The employment of powerful, high-throughput detection methods has recently revealed that A-to-I editing widely occurs in non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs). MiRNAs are a class of small regulatory non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) acting as translation inhibitors, known to exert relevant roles in controlling cell cycle, proliferation, and cancer development. Indeed, a growing number of recent researches have evidenced the importance of miRNA editing in cancer biology by exploiting various detection and validation methods. Herein, we briefly overview early and currently available A-to-I miRNA editing detection and validation methods and discuss the significance of A-to-I miRNA editing in human cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gioacchino P. Marceca
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Luisa Tomasello
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (L.T.); (R.D.); (C.M.C.)
| | - Rosario Distefano
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (L.T.); (R.D.); (C.M.C.)
| | - Mario Acunzo
- Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
| | - Carlo M. Croce
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (L.T.); (R.D.); (C.M.C.)
| | - Giovanni Nigita
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (L.T.); (R.D.); (C.M.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Abstract
The brain is one of the organs that are preferentially targeted by adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing, a posttranscriptional modification. This chemical modification affects neuronal development and functions at multiple levels, leading to normal brain homeostasis by increasing the complexity of the transcriptome. This includes modulation of the properties of ion channel and neurotransmitter receptors by recoding, redirection of miRNA targets by changing sequence complementarity, and suppression of immune response by altering RNA structure. Therefore, from another perspective, it appears that the brain is highly vulnerable to dysregulation of A-to-I RNA editing. Here, we focus on how aberrant A-to-I RNA editing is involved in neurological and neurodegenerative diseases of humans including epilepsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, psychiatric disorders, developmental disorders, brain tumors, and encephalopathy caused by autoimmunity. In addition, we provide information regarding animal models to better understand the mechanisms behind disease phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Henrique Costa Cruz
- Department of RNA Biology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yukio Kawahara
- Department of RNA Biology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Ghasemi M, Keyhanian K, Douthwright C. Glial Cell Dysfunction in C9orf72-Related Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Cells 2021; 10:cells10020249. [PMID: 33525344 PMCID: PMC7912327 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of the chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) repeat expansion mutation in 2011 as the most common genetic abnormality in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), progress in understanding the signaling pathways related to this mutation can only be described as intriguing. Two major theories have been suggested-(i) loss of function or haploinsufficiency and (ii) toxic gain of function from either C9orf72 repeat RNA or dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs) generated from repeat-associated non-ATG (RAN) translation. Each theory has provided various signaling pathways that potentially participate in the disease progression. Dysregulation of the immune system, particularly glial cell dysfunction (mainly microglia and astrocytes), is demonstrated to play a pivotal role in both loss and gain of function theories of C9orf72 pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss the pathogenic roles of glial cells in C9orf72 ALS/FTD as evidenced by pre-clinical and clinical studies showing the presence of gliosis in C9orf72 ALS/FTD, pathologic hallmarks in glial cells, including TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) and p62 aggregates, and toxicity of C9orf72 glial cells. A better understanding of these pathways can provide new insights into the development of therapies targeting glial cell abnormalities in C9orf72 ALS/FTD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Ghasemi
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-774-441-7726; Fax: +1-508-856-4485
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Yang Y, Okada S, Sakurai M. Adenosine-to-inosine RNA editing in neurological development and disease. RNA Biol 2021; 18:999-1013. [PMID: 33393416 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2020.1867797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) editing is one of the most prevalent post-transcriptional RNA modifications in metazoan. This reaction is catalysed by enzymes called adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADARs). RNA editing is involved in the regulation of protein function and gene expression. The numerous A-to-I editing sites have been identified in both coding and non-coding RNA transcripts. These editing sites are also found in various genes expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and play an important role in neurological development and brain function. Aberrant regulation of RNA editing has been associated with the pathogenesis of neurological and psychiatric disorders, suggesting the physiological significance of RNA editing in the CNS. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge of editing on neurological disease and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Yang
- Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Noda-shi, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shunpei Okada
- Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Noda-shi, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masayuki Sakurai
- Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Noda-shi, Chiba, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Yamashita T, Hatakeyama T, Sato K, Fukui Y, Hishikawa N, Takemoto M, Ohta Y, Nishiyama Y, Kawai N, Tamiya T, Abe K. Hypoxic stress visualized in the cervical spinal cord of ALS patients. Neurol Res 2020; 43:429-433. [PMID: 33377424 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2020.1866383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal motor neuron disease. Hypoxic stress is suspected as the pathogenesis of ALS, however, no positron emission tomography (PET) study for hypoxic stress has been conducted in the spinal cord of ALS patients.Methods: In the present study, we examined cervical spinal hypoxic stress of nineALS patients with upper extremity (U/E) atrophy by18F-fluoromisonidazole (FMISO) PET.Results: On the ipsilateral side of C1 and C5 levels, 18F-FMISO uptake increased significantly compared with the contralateral side (*p < 0.05) and the control subject (**p < 0.01). In addition, a strong correlation was found between 18F-FMISO uptake of the C5 level and the rate of progression of the ALS FRS-R score (R = 0.781, *p = 0.013).Conclusion: These results indicate that hypoxic stress increased in the spinal cord of ALS patients with a close link to ALS progression. Both hypoxic stress and a compromised response to hypoxia, which may lead to subsequent motor neuron death, could be a potential therapeutic target for ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toru Yamashita
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Tetsuhiro Hatakeyama
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Kota Sato
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yusuke Fukui
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Nozomi Hishikawa
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Mami Takemoto
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Ohta
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Nishiyama
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Kawai
- Department of Neurological Surgery, KagawaGeneralRehabilitationHospital, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Takashi Tamiya
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Koji Abe
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Sladek AL, Nawy S. Ocular Hypertension Drives Remodeling of AMPA Receptors in Select Populations of Retinal Ganglion Cells. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2020; 12:30. [PMID: 32792936 PMCID: PMC7393603 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2020.00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
AMPA-type glutamate receptors in the CNS are normally impermeable to Ca2+, but the aberrant expression of Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors (CP-AMPARs) occurs in pathological conditions such as ischemia or epilepsy, or degenerative diseases such as ALS. Here, we show that select populations of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) similarly express high levels of CP-AMPARs in a mouse model of glaucoma. CP-AMPAR expression increased dramatically in both On sustained alpha and Off transient alpha RGCs, and this increase was prevented by genomic editing of the GluA2 subunit. On sustained alpha RGCs with elevated CP-AMPAR levels displayed profound synaptic depression, which was reduced by selectively blocking CP-AMPARs, buffering Ca2+ with BAPTA, or with the CB1 antagonist AM251, suggesting that depression was mediated by a retrograde transmitter which might be triggered by the influx of Ca2+ through CP-AMPARs. Thus, glaucoma may alter the composition of AMPARs and depress excitatory synaptic input in select populations of RGCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Scott Nawy
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Konen LM, Wright AL, Royle GA, Morris GP, Lau BK, Seow PW, Zinn R, Milham LT, Vaughan CW, Vissel B. A new mouse line with reduced GluA2 Q/R site RNA editing exhibits loss of dendritic spines, hippocampal CA1-neuron loss, learning and memory impairments and NMDA receptor-independent seizure vulnerability. Mol Brain 2020; 13:27. [PMID: 32102661 PMCID: PMC7045468 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-020-0545-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium (Ca2+)-permeable AMPA receptors may, in certain circumstances, contribute to normal synaptic plasticity or to neurodegeneration. AMPA receptors are Ca2+-permeable if they lack the GluA2 subunit or if GluA2 is unedited at a single nucleic acid, known as the Q/R site. In this study, we examined mice engineered with a point mutation in the intronic editing complementary sequence (ECS) of the GluA2 gene, Gria2. Mice heterozygous for the ECS mutation (named GluA2+/ECS(G)) had a ~ 20% reduction in GluA2 RNA editing at the Q/R site. We conducted an initial phenotypic analysis of these mice, finding altered current-voltage relations (confirming expression of Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors at the synapse). Anatomically, we observed a loss of hippocampal CA1 neurons, altered dendritic morphology and reductions in CA1 pyramidal cell spine density. Behaviourally, GluA2+/ECS(G) mice exhibited reduced motor coordination, and learning and memory impairments. Notably, the mice also exhibited both NMDA receptor-independent long-term potentiation (LTP) and vulnerability to NMDA receptor-independent seizures. These NMDA receptor-independent seizures were rescued by the Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptor antagonist IEM-1460. In summary, unedited GluA2(Q) may have the potential to drive NMDA receptor-independent processes in brain function and disease. Our study provides an initial characterisation of a new mouse model for studying the role of unedited GluA2(Q) in synaptic and dendritic spine plasticity in disorders where unedited GluA2(Q), synapse loss, neurodegeneration, behavioural impairments and/or seizures are observed, such as ischemia, seizures and epilepsy, Huntington’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, astrocytoma, cocaine seeking behaviour and Alzheimer’s disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lyndsey M Konen
- Centre for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine (CNRM), Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123 Broadway, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia.,St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, 2011, Australia
| | - Amanda L Wright
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia
| | - Gordon A Royle
- Middlemore Hospital, Counties Manukau DHB, Otahuhu, Auckland, 1062, New Zealand.,The University of Auckland, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Gary P Morris
- Centre for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine (CNRM), Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123 Broadway, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia.,St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, 2011, Australia
| | - Benjamin K Lau
- Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2065, Australia
| | - Patrick W Seow
- Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2065, Australia
| | - Raphael Zinn
- Centre for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine (CNRM), Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123 Broadway, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia.,St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, 2011, Australia
| | - Luke T Milham
- Centre for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine (CNRM), Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123 Broadway, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia.,St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, 2011, Australia
| | - Christopher W Vaughan
- Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2065, Australia
| | - Bryce Vissel
- Centre for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine (CNRM), Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123 Broadway, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia. .,St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, 2011, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Tanaka M, Watanabe Y. RNA Editing of Serotonin 2C Receptor and Alcohol Intake. Front Neurosci 2020; 13:1390. [PMID: 32009879 PMCID: PMC6971223 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Serotonin 2C receptor (5-HT2 CR) belongs to the superfamily of seven transmembrane domain receptors coupled to G proteins (GPCR). It is broadly distributed in the CNS and its expression is relatively high in the limbic system including the amygdala, nucleus accumbens (NAc), hippocampus, and hypothalamus. Based on its expression patterns and numerous pharmacological studies, 5-HT2 CR is thought to be involved in various brain functions including emotion, appetite, and motor behavior. Here, we review 5-HT2 CR and its relationship with alcohol intake with a particular focus on the involvement of 5-HT2 CR mRNA editing and its association with alcohol preference in mice. RNA editing is a post-transcriptional modification mechanism. In mammals, adenosine is converted to inosine by the deamination enzymes ADAR1 and ADAR2. 5-HT2 CR is the only GPCR subjected to RNA editing within the coding region. It has five editing sites in exon 5 that encode the second intracellular loop. Consequently, three amino acids residues (I156, N158, and I160) of the unedited receptor (INI) may be altered to differently edited isoforms, resulting in a change of receptor activity such as 5-HT potency and G-protein coupling. 5-HT2 CR in the NAc is involved in enhanced alcohol drinking after chronic alcohol exposure and alterations in 5-HT2 CR mRNA editing is important in determining the alcohol preference using different strains of mice and genetically modified mice. RNA editing of this receptor may participate in the development of alcoholism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Tanaka
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Watanabe
- Department of Basic Geriatrics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
LoRusso E, Hickman JJ, Guo X. Ion channel dysfunction and altered motoneuron excitability in ALS. NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS & EPILEPSY JOURNAL 2019; 3:124. [PMID: 32313901 PMCID: PMC7170321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulated excitability is a hallmark of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) pathology both in ALS research models and in clinical settings. This primarily results from the dysfunction of Na+, K+, and Ca2+ ion channels responsible for maintaining neuronal thresholds and executing signal transduction or synaptic transmission. The exact dysfunction that each of these ion channel currents display in ALS pathology can vary between different ALS models, mainly induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived human motoneurons and ALS mouse models. Moreover, results can vary further across ALS mutations and between different developmental periods of these disease models. This review attempts to gather observations regarding ion channel dysfunction contributing to both hyperexcitable and hypoexcitable phenotypes in ALS motoneurons both in vivo and in vitro, so as to assess their potential as therapeutic targets.
Collapse
|
40
|
MacDougall G, Anderton RS, Mastaglia FL, Knuckey NW, Meloni BP. Proteomic analysis of cortical neuronal cultures treated with poly-arginine peptide-18 (R18) and exposed to glutamic acid excitotoxicity. Mol Brain 2019; 12:66. [PMID: 31315638 PMCID: PMC6637488 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-019-0486-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract Poly-arginine peptide-18 (R18) has recently emerged as a highly effective neuroprotective agent in experimental stroke models, and is particularly efficacious in protecting cortical neurons against glutamic acid excitotoxicity. While we have previously demonstrated that R18 can reduce excitotoxicity-induced neuronal calcium influx, other molecular events associated with R18 neuroprotection are yet to investigated. Therefore, in this study we were particularly interested in protein expression changes in R18 treated neurons subjected to excitotoxicity. Proteomic analysis was used to compare protein expression patterns in primary cortical neuronal cultures subjected to: (i) R18-treatment alone (R18); (ii) glutamic acid excitotoxic injury (Glut); (iii) R18-treatment and glutamic acid injury (R18 + Glut); (iv) no treatment (Cont). Whole cell lysates were harvested 24 h post-injury and subjected to quantitative proteomic analysis (iTRAQ), coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and subsequent bioinformatic analysis of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Relative to control cultures, R18, Glut, and R18 + Glut treatment resulted in the detection of 5, 95 and 14 DEPs respectively. Compared to Glut alone, R18 + Glut revealed 98 DEPs, including 73 proteins whose expression was also altered by treatment with Glut and/or R18 alone, as well as 25 other uniquely regulated proteins. R18 treatment reversed the up- or down-regulation of all 73 Glut-associated DEPs, which included proteins involved in mitochondrial integrity, ATP generation, mRNA processing and protein translation. Analysis of protein-protein interactions of the 73 DEPs showed they were primarily associated with mitochondrial respiration, proteasome activity and protein synthesis, transmembrane trafficking, axonal growth and neuronal differentiation, and carbohydrate metabolism. Identified protein pathways associated with proteostasis and energy metabolism, and with pathways involved in neurodegeneration. Collectively, the findings indicate that R18 neuroprotection following excitotoxicity is associated with preservation of neuronal protein profiles, and differential protein expression that assists in maintaining mitochondrial function and energy production, protein homeostasis, and membrane trafficking. Graphical abstract ![]()
Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13041-019-0486-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella MacDougall
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Sciences, QEII Medical Centre, Ground Floor, RR Block, 8 Verdun St, Nedlands, Western Australia, 6009, Australia. .,School of Heath Sciences and Institute for Health Research, The University Notre Dame, Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Ryan S Anderton
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Sciences, QEII Medical Centre, Ground Floor, RR Block, 8 Verdun St, Nedlands, Western Australia, 6009, Australia.,School of Heath Sciences and Institute for Health Research, The University Notre Dame, Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Frank L Mastaglia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Sciences, QEII Medical Centre, Ground Floor, RR Block, 8 Verdun St, Nedlands, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Neville W Knuckey
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia.,Department of Neurosurgery, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Sciences, QEII Medical Centre, Ground Floor, RR Block, 8 Verdun St, Nedlands, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Bruno P Meloni
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia.,Department of Neurosurgery, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Sciences, QEII Medical Centre, Ground Floor, RR Block, 8 Verdun St, Nedlands, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Moore S, Alsop E, Lorenzini I, Starr A, Rabichow BE, Mendez E, Levy JL, Burciu C, Reiman R, Chew J, Belzil VV, W. Dickson D, Robertson J, Staats KA, Ichida JK, Petrucelli L, Van Keuren-Jensen K, Sattler R. ADAR2 mislocalization and widespread RNA editing aberrations in C9orf72-mediated ALS/FTD. Acta Neuropathol 2019; 138:49-65. [PMID: 30945056 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-019-01999-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The hexanucleotide repeat expansion GGGGCC (G4C2)n in the C9orf72 gene is the most common genetic abnormality associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Recent findings suggest that dysfunction of nuclear-cytoplasmic trafficking could affect the transport of RNA binding proteins in C9orf72 ALS/FTD. Here, we provide evidence that the RNA editing enzyme adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 2 (ADAR2) is mislocalized in C9orf72 repeat expansion mediated ALS/FTD. ADAR2 is responsible for adenosine (A) to inosine (I) editing of double-stranded RNA, and its function has been shown to be essential for survival. Here we show the mislocalization of ADAR2 in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived motor neurons (hiPSC-MNs) from C9orf72 patients, in mice expressing (G4C2)149, and in C9orf72 ALS/FTD patient postmortem tissue. As a consequence of this mislocalization we observe alterations in RNA editing in our model systems and across multiple brain regions. Analysis of editing at 408,580 known RNA editing sites indicates that there are vast RNA A to I editing aberrations in C9orf72-mediated ALS/FTD. These RNA editing aberrations are found in many cellular pathways, such as the ALS pathway and the crucial EIF2 signaling pathway. Our findings suggest that the mislocalization of ADAR2 in C9orf72 mediated ALS/FTD is responsible for the alteration of RNA processing events that may impact vast cellular functions, including the integrated stress response (ISR) and protein translation.
Collapse
|
42
|
Ragagnin AMG, Shadfar S, Vidal M, Jamali MS, Atkin JD. Motor Neuron Susceptibility in ALS/FTD. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:532. [PMID: 31316328 PMCID: PMC6610326 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the death of both upper and lower motor neurons (MNs) in the brain, brainstem and spinal cord. The neurodegenerative mechanisms leading to MN loss in ALS are not fully understood. Importantly, the reasons why MNs are specifically targeted in this disorder are unclear, when the proteins associated genetically or pathologically with ALS are expressed ubiquitously. Furthermore, MNs themselves are not affected equally; specific MNs subpopulations are more susceptible than others in both animal models and human patients. Corticospinal MNs and lower somatic MNs, which innervate voluntary muscles, degenerate more readily than specific subgroups of lower MNs, which remain resistant to degeneration, reflecting the clinical manifestations of ALS. In this review, we discuss the possible factors intrinsic to MNs that render them uniquely susceptible to neurodegeneration in ALS. We also speculate why some MN subpopulations are more vulnerable than others, focusing on both their molecular and physiological properties. Finally, we review the anatomical network and neuronal microenvironment as determinants of MN subtype vulnerability and hence the progression of ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Audrey M G Ragagnin
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sina Shadfar
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Marta Vidal
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Md Shafi Jamali
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Julie D Atkin
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Chen G, Katrekar D, Mali P. RNA-Guided Adenosine Deaminases: Advances and Challenges for Therapeutic RNA Editing. Biochemistry 2019; 58:1947-1957. [PMID: 30943016 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.9b00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Targeted transcriptome engineering, in contrast to genome engineering, offers a complementary and potentially tunable and reversible strategy for cellular engineering. In this regard, adenosine to inosine (A-to-I) RNA base editing was recently engineered to make programmable base conversions on target RNAs. Similar to the DNA base editing technology, A-to-I RNA editing may offer an attractive alternative in a therapeutic setting, especially for the correction of point mutations. This Perspective introduces five currently characterized RNA editing systems and serves as a reader's guide for implementing an appropriate RNA editing strategy for applications in research or therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Genghao Chen
- Department of Bioengineering , University of California, San Diego , La Jolla , California 92093-0412 , United States
| | - Dhruva Katrekar
- Department of Bioengineering , University of California, San Diego , La Jolla , California 92093-0412 , United States
| | - Prashant Mali
- Department of Bioengineering , University of California, San Diego , La Jolla , California 92093-0412 , United States
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
|
45
|
Bitar M, Barry G. Multiple Innovations in Genetic and Epigenetic Mechanisms Cooperate to Underpin Human Brain Evolution. Mol Biol Evol 2019; 35:263-268. [PMID: 29177456 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msx303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Our knowledge of how the human brain differs from those of other species in terms of evolutionary adaptations and functionality is limited. Comparative genomics reveal valuable insight, especially the expansion of human-specific noncoding regulatory and repeat-containing regions. Recent studies add to our knowledge of evolving brain function by investigating cellular mechanisms such as protein emergence, extensive sequence editing, retrotransposon activity, dynamic epigenetic modifications, and multiple noncoding RNA functions. These findings present an opportunity to combine newly discovered genetic and epigenetic mechanisms with more established concepts into a more comprehensive picture to better understand the uniquely evolved human brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mainá Bitar
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Guy Barry
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Shirahase T, Watanabe Y, Tsujimura A, Kwak S, Yamamoto T, Kanamura N, Tanaka M. Ethanol Preference and Drinking Behavior Are Controlled by RNA Editing in the Nucleus Accumbens. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 12:331. [PMID: 30697154 PMCID: PMC6340988 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA editing plays critical roles in normal brain function, and alteration of its activity causes various disorders. We previously found that chronic consumption of ethanol was associated with increased levels of RNA editing of serotonin 2C receptor in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). However, it remains unknown whether RNA editing in the NAc modulates alcohol addiction through the brain reward system. To investigate the involvement of NAc RNA editing in alcohol addiction, we generated NAc-specific knockout mice of the double-stranded RNA-specific adenosine deaminase ADAR2 using AAV-GFP/Cre and conducted a battery of behavioral tests including anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. In addition, NAc-specific ADAR2 knockout mice were exposed to ethanol vapor for 20 days, followed by ethanol-drinking and conditioned place preference (CPP) tests. NAc-specific ADAR2 knockout mice showed a significant decrease in locomotor activity in the open field test although they did not develop anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. In addition, the enhancements of ethanol intake and ethanol preference that are usually observed after chronic ethanol vapor exposure were significantly reduced in these mice. These results suggest that ADAR2-mediated RNA editing in the NAc is involved in determination of alcohol preference after chronic alcohol consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takahira Shirahase
- Department of Basic Geriatrics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Dental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Watanabe
- Department of Basic Geriatrics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Atsushi Tsujimura
- Department of Basic Geriatrics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shin Kwak
- Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshiro Yamamoto
- Department of Dental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Narisato Kanamura
- Department of Dental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masaki Tanaka
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Aizawa H, Yamashita T, Kato H, Kimura T, Kwak S. Impaired Nucleoporins Are Present in Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Motor Neurons that Exhibit Mislocalization of the 43-kDa TAR DNA-Binding Protein. J Clin Neurol 2019; 15:62-67. [PMID: 30618218 PMCID: PMC6325357 DOI: 10.3988/jcn.2019.15.1.62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Disruption of nucleoporins has been reported in the motor neurons of patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (sALS). However, the precise changes in the morphology of nucleoporins associated with the pathology of the 43-kDa TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP-43) in the disease process remain unknown. We investigated the expression of nucleoporins that constitute the nuclear pore complex (NPC) in spinal motor neurons that exhibit sALS in relation to TDP-43 pathology, which is a reliable neuropathological hallmark of sALS. METHODS Paraffin-embedded sections of the lumbar spinal cord were obtained for immunofluorescence analysis from seven control subjects and six sALS patients. Anti-TDP-43 antibody, anti-nucleoporin p62 (NUP62) antibody, and anti-karyopherin beta 1 (KPNB1) antibody were applied as primary antibodies, and then visualized using appropriate secondary antibodies. The sections were then examined under a fluorescence microscope. RESULTS NUP62 and KPNB1 immunoreactivity appeared as a smooth round rim bordering the nuclear margin in normal spinal motor neurons that exhibited nuclear TDP-43 immunoreactivity. sALS spinal motor neurons with apparent TDP-43 mislocalization demonstrated irregular, disrupted nuclear staining for NUP62 or KPNB1. Some atrophic sALS spinal motor neurons with TDP-43 mislocalization presented no NUP62 immunoreactivity. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest a close relationship between NPC alterations and TDP-43 pathology in the degenerative process of the motor neurons of sALS patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Aizawa
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Takenari Yamashita
- Division of Clinical Biotechnology, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Haruhisa Kato
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Kimura
- Department of Neurology, Asahikawa Medical Center, National Hospital Organization, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Shin Kwak
- Division of Clinical Biotechnology, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Hosaka T, Yamashita T, Teramoto S, Hirose N, Tamaoka A, Kwak S. ADAR2-dependent A-to-I RNA editing in the extracellular linear and circular RNAs. Neurosci Res 2018; 147:48-57. [PMID: 30448461 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2018.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Currently, no reliable biomarkers of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) exist. In sporadic ALS, RNA editing at the glutamine/arginine site of GluA2 mRNA is specifically reduced in the motor neurons due to the downregulation of adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 2 (ADAR2). Furthermore, TDP-43 pathology, the pathological hallmark of ALS, is observed in the ADAR2-lacking motor neurons in ALS patients and conditional ADAR2 knockout mice, suggesting a pivotal role of ADAR2 downregulation in the ALS pathogenesis. Extracellular RNAs were shown to represent potential disease biomarkers and the editing efficiencies at their ADAR2-dependent sites may reflect cellular ADAR2 activity, suggesting that these RNAs isolated from the body fluids may represent the biomarkers of ALS. We searched for ADAR2-dependent sites in the mouse motor neurons and human-derived cultured cells and found 10 sites in five host RNAs expressed in SH-SY5Y cells and their culture medium. Of these, the arginine/glycine site of SON mRNA was newly identified as an ADAR2-dependent site. Furthermore, we detected a circular RNA with an ADAR2-dependent site in the SH-SY5Y cells and their culture medium. Therefore, the changes in the editing efficiencies at the identified host RNA sites isolated from the body fluids may represent potential biomarkers of ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Hosaka
- Department of Neurology, Division of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan; Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Takenari Yamashita
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan; Department of Pathophysiology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, 160-8402, Japan
| | - Sayaka Teramoto
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Naoki Hirose
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Akira Tamaoka
- Department of Neurology, Division of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Shin Kwak
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Gatsiou A, Vlachogiannis N, Lunella FF, Sachse M, Stellos K. Adenosine-to-Inosine RNA Editing in Health and Disease. Antioxid Redox Signal 2018; 29:846-863. [PMID: 28762759 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2017.7295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Adenosine deamination in transcriptome results in the formation of inosine, a process that is called A-to-I RNA editing. Adenosine deamination is one of the more than 140 described RNA modifications. A-to-I RNA editing is catalyzed by adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) enzymes and is essential for life. Recent Advances: Accumulating evidence supports a critical role of RNA editing in all aspects of RNA metabolism, including mRNA stability, splicing, nuclear export, and localization, as well as in recoding of proteins. These advances have significantly enhanced the understanding of mechanisms involved in development and in homeostasis. Furthermore, recent studies have indicated that RNA editing may be critically involved in cancer, aging, neurological, autoimmune, or cardiovascular diseases. CRITICAL ISSUES This review summarizes recent and significant achievements in the field of A-to-I RNA editing and discusses the importance and translational value of this RNA modification for gene expression, cellular, and organ function, as well as for disease development. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Elucidation of the exact RNA editing-dependent mechanisms in a single-nucleotide level may pave the path toward the development of novel therapeutic strategies focusing on modulation of ADAR function in the disease context. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 29, 846-863.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini Gatsiou
- 1 Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Center of Molecular Medicine, JW Goethe University Frankfurt , Frankfurt, Germany .,2 Department of Biosciences, JW Goethe University Frankfurt , Frankfurt, Germany .,3 Department of Cardiology, Center of Internal Medicine, JW Goethe University Frankfurt , Frankfurt, Germany .,4 German Center of Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) , Rhein-Main Partner Site, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nikolaos Vlachogiannis
- 5 Rheumatology Unit, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine and Joint Rheumatology Academic Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Athens, Greece
| | - Federica Francesca Lunella
- 1 Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Center of Molecular Medicine, JW Goethe University Frankfurt , Frankfurt, Germany .,2 Department of Biosciences, JW Goethe University Frankfurt , Frankfurt, Germany .,3 Department of Cardiology, Center of Internal Medicine, JW Goethe University Frankfurt , Frankfurt, Germany .,4 German Center of Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) , Rhein-Main Partner Site, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Marco Sachse
- 1 Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Center of Molecular Medicine, JW Goethe University Frankfurt , Frankfurt, Germany .,3 Department of Cardiology, Center of Internal Medicine, JW Goethe University Frankfurt , Frankfurt, Germany .,4 German Center of Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) , Rhein-Main Partner Site, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Konstantinos Stellos
- 1 Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Center of Molecular Medicine, JW Goethe University Frankfurt , Frankfurt, Germany .,3 Department of Cardiology, Center of Internal Medicine, JW Goethe University Frankfurt , Frankfurt, Germany .,4 German Center of Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) , Rhein-Main Partner Site, Frankfurt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Yamashita T, Kwak S. Cell death cascade and molecular therapy in ADAR2-deficient motor neurons of ALS. Neurosci Res 2018; 144:4-13. [PMID: 29944911 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2018] [Revised: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP-43) pathology in the motor neurons is the most reliable pathological hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and motor neurons bearing TDP-43 pathology invariably exhibit failure in RNA editing at the GluA2 glutamine/arginine (Q/R) site due to down-regulation of adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 2 (ADAR2). Conditional ADAR2 knockout (AR2) mice display ALS-like phenotype, including progressive motor dysfunction due to loss of motor neurons. Motor neurons devoid of ADAR2 express Q/R site-unedited GluA2, and AMPA receptors with unedited GluA2 in their subunit assembly are abnormally permeable to Ca2+, which results in progressive neuronal death. Moreover, analysis of AR2 mice has demonstrated that exaggerated Ca2+ influx through the abnormal AMPA receptors overactivates calpain, a Ca2+-dependent protease, that cleaves TDP-43 into aggregation-prone fragments, which serve as seeds for TDP-43 pathology. Activated calpain also disrupts nucleo-cytoplasmic transport and gene expression by cleaving molecules involved in nucleocytoplasmic transport, including nucleoporins. These lines of evidence prompted us to develop molecular targeting therapy for ALS by normalization of disrupted intracellular environment due to ADAR2 down-regulation. In this review, we have summarized the work from our group on the cell death cascade in sporadic ALS and discussed a potential therapeutic strategy for ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takenari Yamashita
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Shin Kwak
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan; Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, 6-7-1, Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|