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Zhang J, Chen K, Chen Y, Hua L, Chen S, Chen X, Zou L, Li S, Yang X, Shen Y. Pathology reduction and motor behavior improvement associated with ultrasound-mediated delivery of arctiin to the motor cortex in a mutant SOD1 mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ULTRASONICS 2024; 144:107449. [PMID: 39217855 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultras.2024.107449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is marked by the deterioration of both cortical and spinal cord motor neurons. Despite the underlying causes of the disease remain elusive, there has been a growing attention on the well-being of cortical motor neurons in recent times. Focused ultrasound combined with microbubbles (FUS/MB) for opening the blood-brain barrier (BBB) provides a means for drug delivery to specific brain regions, holding significant promise for the treatment of neurological disorders. OBJECTIVES We aim to explore the outcomes of FUS/MB-mediated delivery of arctiin (Arc), a natural compound with anti-inflammatory activities, to the cerebral motor cortex area by using a transgenic ALS mouse model. METHODS The ALS mouse model with the SOD1G93A mutation was used and subjected to daily Arc administration with FUS/MB treatment twice a week. After six-week treatments, the motor performance was assessed by grip strength, wire hanging, and climbing-pole tests. Mouse brains, spinal cords and gastrocnemius muscle were harvested for histological staining. RESULTS Compared with the mice given Arc administration only, the combined treatments of FUS/MB with Arc induced further mitigation of the motor function decline, accompanied by improved health of the gastrocnemius muscle. Furthermore, notable neuroprotective effect was evidenced by the amelioration of motor neuron failure in the cortex and lumbar spinal cord. CONCLUSION These preliminary results indicated that the combined treatment of FUS/MB and arctiin exerted a potentially beneficial effect on neuromuscular function in the ALS disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Zhang
- National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, China
| | - Kaili Chen
- National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, China
| | - Yizhe Chen
- National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, China
| | - Lingchen Hua
- National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, China
| | - Siping Chen
- National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, China
| | - Xin Chen
- National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, China
| | - Liangyu Zou
- Department of Neurology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Second Clinical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shupeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xifei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Shenzhen, Shenzhen Medical Key Discipline of Health Toxicology (2020-2024), Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yuanyuan Shen
- National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, China.
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2
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Ebrahimi P, Davoudi E, Sadeghian R, Zadeh AZ, Razmi E, Heidari R, Morowvat MH, Sadeghian I. In vivo and ex vivo gene therapy for neurodegenerative diseases: a promise for disease modification. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:7501-7530. [PMID: 38775852 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03141-4] [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: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), including AD, PD, HD, and ALS, represent a growing public health concern linked to aging and lifestyle factors, characterized by progressive nervous system damage leading to motor and cognitive deficits. Current therapeutics offer only symptomatic management, highlighting the urgent need for disease-modifying treatments. Gene therapy has emerged as a promising approach, targeting the underlying pathology of diseases with diverse strategies including gene replacement, gene silencing, and gene editing. This innovative therapeutic approach involves introducing functional genetic material to combat disease mechanisms, potentially offering long-term efficacy and disease modification. With advancements in genomics, structural biology, and gene editing tools such as CRISPR/Cas9, gene therapy holds significant promise for addressing the root causes of NDDs. Significant progress in preclinical and clinical studies has demonstrated the potential of in vivo and ex vivo gene therapy to treat various NDDs, offering a versatile and precise approach in comparison to conventional treatments. The current review describes various gene therapy approaches employed in preclinical and clinical studies for the treatment of NDDs, including AD, PD, HD, and ALS, and addresses some of the key translational challenges in this therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pouya Ebrahimi
- Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Elham Davoudi
- Department of Biomedical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | | | - Amin Zaki Zadeh
- Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Emran Razmi
- Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Reza Heidari
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Morowvat
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Issa Sadeghian
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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3
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Baird MC, Likhite SB, Vetter TA, Caporale JR, Girard HB, Roussel FS, Howard AE, Schwartz MK, Reed AR, Kaleem A, Zhang X, Meyer KC. Combination AAV therapy with galectin-1 and SOD1 downregulation demonstrates superior therapeutic effect in a severe ALS mouse model. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101312. [PMID: 39257530 PMCID: PMC11385756 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101312] [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: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a miscreant in accelerating progression of many neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, treatments targeting neuroinflammation alone have led to disappointing results in clinical trials. Both neuronal and non-neuronal cell types have been implicated in the pathogenesis of ALS, and multiple studies have shown correction of each cell type has beneficial effects on disease outcome. Previously, we shown that AAV9-mediated superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) suppression in motor neurons and astrocytes significantly improves motor function and extends survival in ALS mouse models. Despite neuron and astrocyte correction, ALS mice still succumb to death with microgliosis observed in endpoint tissue. Therefore, we hypothesized that the optimal therapeutic approach will target and simultaneously correct motor neurons, astrocytes, and microglia. Here, we developed a novel approach to indirectly target microglia with galectin-1 (Gal1) and combined this with our previously established AAV9.SOD1.short hairpin RNA treatment. We show Gal1 conditioning of SOD1 G93A microglia decreases inflammatory markers and rescues motor neuron death in vitro. When paired with SOD1 downregulation, we found a synergistic effect of combination treatment in vivo and show a significant extension of survival of SOD1 G93A mice over SOD1 suppression alone. These results highlight the importance of targeting inflammatory microglia as a critical component in future therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan C Baird
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Shibi B Likhite
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Tatyana A Vetter
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Joseph R Caporale
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Holly B Girard
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Florence S Roussel
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Abigail E Howard
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Maura K Schwartz
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Addison R Reed
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Abuzar Kaleem
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Xiaojin Zhang
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Kathrin C Meyer
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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4
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Weiss A, Gilbert JW, Flores IVR, Belgrad J, Ferguson C, Dogan EO, Wightman N, Mocarski K, Echeverria D, Summers A, Bramato B, McHugh N, Furgal R, Yamada N, Cooper D, Monopoli K, Godinho BM, Hassler MR, Yamada K, Greer P, Henninger N, Brown RH, Khvorova A. RNAi-mediated silencing of SOD1 profoundly extends survival and functional outcomes in ALS mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.20.599943. [PMID: 38979291 PMCID: PMC11230209 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.20.599943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative condition, with 20% of familial and 2-3% of sporadic cases linked to mutations in the cytosolic superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene. Mutant SOD1 protein is toxic to motor neurons, making SOD1 gene lowering a promising approach, supported by preclinical data and the 2023 FDA approval of the GapmeR ASO targeting SOD1, tofersen. Despite the approval of an ASO and the optimism it brings to the field, the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of therapeutic SOD1 modulation can be improved. Here, we developed a chemically stabilized divalent siRNA scaffold (di-siRNA) that effectively suppresses SOD1 expression in vitro and in vivo. With optimized chemical modification, it achieves remarkable CNS tissue permeation and SOD1 silencing in vivo. Administered intraventricularly, di-siRNASOD1 extended survival in SOD1-G93A ALS mice, surpassing survival previously seen in these mice by ASO modalities, slowed disease progression, and prevented ALS neuropathology. These properties offer an improved therapeutic strategy for SOD1-mediated ALS and may extend to other dominantly inherited neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Weiss
- Department of Neurology, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - James W. Gilbert
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | - Jillian Belgrad
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Chantal Ferguson
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Elif O. Dogan
- Department of Neurology, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Nicholas Wightman
- Department of Neurology, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Kit Mocarski
- Department of Neurology, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ashley Summers
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Brianna Bramato
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Nicholas McHugh
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Raymond Furgal
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Nozomi Yamada
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - David Cooper
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Kathryn Monopoli
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | - Matthew R. Hassler
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ken Yamada
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Paul Greer
- Program in Molecular Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Nils Henninger
- Department of Neurology, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Robert H. Brown
- Department of Neurology, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
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5
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Romano R, Bucci C. Antisense therapy: a potential breakthrough in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1027-1035. [PMID: 37862205 PMCID: PMC10749614 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.385285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are a group of disorders characterized by the progressive degeneration of neurons in the central or peripheral nervous system. Currently, there is no cure for neurodegenerative diseases and this means a heavy burden for patients and the health system worldwide. Therefore, it is necessary to find new therapeutic approaches, and antisense therapies offer this possibility, having the great advantage of not modifying cellular genome and potentially being safer. Many preclinical and clinical studies aim to test the safety and effectiveness of antisense therapies in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The objective of this review is to summarize the recent advances in the development of these new technologies to treat the most common neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on those antisense therapies that have already received the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Romano
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Cecilia Bucci
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
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6
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Zambon AA, Falzone YM, Bolino A, Previtali SC. Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for neuromuscular diseases. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:198. [PMID: 38678519 PMCID: PMC11056344 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05229-9] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Neuromuscular diseases encompass a heterogeneous array of disorders characterized by varying onset ages, clinical presentations, severity, and progression. While these conditions can stem from acquired or inherited causes, this review specifically focuses on disorders arising from genetic abnormalities, excluding metabolic conditions. The pathogenic defect may primarily affect the anterior horn cells, the axonal or myelin component of peripheral nerves, the neuromuscular junction, or skeletal and/or cardiac muscles. While inherited neuromuscular disorders have been historically deemed not treatable, the advent of gene-based and molecular therapies is reshaping the treatment landscape for this group of condition. With the caveat that many products still fail to translate the positive results obtained in pre-clinical models to humans, both the technological development (e.g., implementation of tissue-specific vectors) as well as advances on the knowledge of pathogenetic mechanisms form a collective foundation for potentially curative approaches to these debilitating conditions. This review delineates the current panorama of therapies targeting the most prevalent forms of inherited neuromuscular diseases, emphasizing approved treatments and those already undergoing human testing, offering insights into the state-of-the-art interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Andrea Zambon
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Institute for Experimental Neurology, Inspe, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Yuri Matteo Falzone
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Institute for Experimental Neurology, Inspe, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bolino
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Institute for Experimental Neurology, Inspe, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Carlo Previtali
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Institute for Experimental Neurology, Inspe, Milan, Italy.
- Neurology Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
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7
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Costa-Pinto S, Gonçalves-Ribeiro J, Tedim-Moreira J, Socodato R, Relvas JB, Sebastião AM, Vaz SH. Communication defects with astroglia contribute to early impairments in the motor cortex plasticity of SOD1 G93A mice. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 193:106435. [PMID: 38336279 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106435] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease, involving the selective degeneration of cortical upper synapses in the primary motor cortex (M1). Excitotoxicity in ALS occurs due to an imbalance between excitation and inhibition, closely linked to the loss/gain of astrocytic function. Using the ALS SOD1G93A mice, we investigated the astrocytic contribution for the electrophysiological alterations observed in the M1 of SOD1G93A mice, throughout disease progression. Results showed that astrocytes are involved in synaptic dysfunction observed in presymptomatic SOD1G93A mice, since astrocytic glutamate transport currents are diminished and pharmacological inhibition of astrocytes only impaired long-term potentiation and basal transmission in wild-type mice. Proteomic analysis revealed major differences in neuronal transmission, metabolism, and immune system in upper synapses, confirming early communication deficits between neurons and astroglia. These results provide valuable insights into the early impact of upper synapses in ALS and the lack of supportive functions of cortical astrocytes, highlighting the possibility of manipulating astrocytes to improve synaptic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Costa-Pinto
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Joana Gonçalves-Ribeiro
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Joana Tedim-Moreira
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde and Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), University of Porto, Porto 4200-135, Portugal; Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto 4200-135, Portugal
| | - Renato Socodato
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde and Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), University of Porto, Porto 4200-135, Portugal
| | - João B Relvas
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde and Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), University of Porto, Porto 4200-135, Portugal; Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto 4200-135, Portugal
| | - Ana M Sebastião
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Sandra H Vaz
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon 1649-028, Portugal.
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8
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Laperle AH, Moser VA, Avalos P, Lu B, Wu A, Fulton A, Ramirez S, Garcia VJ, Bell S, Ho R, Lawless G, Roxas K, Shahin S, Shelest O, Svendsen S, Wang S, Svendsen CN. Human iPSC-derived neural progenitor cells secreting GDNF provide protection in rodent models of ALS and retinal degeneration. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:1629-1642. [PMID: 37084724 PMCID: PMC10444557 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.03.016] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a renewable cell source that can be differentiated into neural progenitor cells (iNPCs) and transduced with glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (iNPC-GDNFs). The goal of the current study is to characterize iNPC-GDNFs and test their therapeutic potential and safety. Single-nuclei RNA-seq show iNPC-GDNFs express NPC markers. iNPC-GDNFs delivered into the subretinal space of the Royal College of Surgeons rodent model of retinal degeneration preserve photoreceptors and visual function. Additionally, iNPC-GDNF transplants in the spinal cord of SOD1G93A amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) rats preserve motor neurons. Finally, iNPC-GDNF transplants in the spinal cord of athymic nude rats survive and produce GDNF for 9 months, with no signs of tumor formation or continual cell proliferation. iNPC-GDNFs survive long-term, are safe, and provide neuroprotection in models of both retinal degeneration and ALS, indicating their potential as a combined cell and gene therapy for various neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander H Laperle
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - V Alexandra Moser
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Pablo Avalos
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bin Lu
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Amanda Wu
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Aaron Fulton
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Stephany Ramirez
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Veronica J Garcia
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shaughn Bell
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ritchie Ho
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - George Lawless
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kristina Roxas
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Saba Shahin
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Oksana Shelest
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Soshana Svendsen
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shaomei Wang
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Clive N Svendsen
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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9
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Genç B, Nho B, Seung H, Helmold B, Park H, Gözütok Ö, Kim S, Park J, Ye S, Lee H, Lee N, Yu SS, Kim S, Lee J, Özdinler H. Novel rAAV vector mediated intrathecal HGF delivery has an impact on neuroimmune modulation in the ALS motor cortex with TDP-43 pathology. Gene Ther 2023; 30:560-574. [PMID: 36823441 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00383-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)-based gene therapies offer an immense opportunity for rare diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which is defined by the loss of the upper and the lower motor neurons. Here, we describe generation, characterization, and utilization of a novel vector system, which enables expression of the active form of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) under EF-1α promoter with bovine growth hormone (bGH) poly(A) sequence and is effective with intrathecal injections. HGF's role in promoting motor neuron survival had been vastly reported. Therefore, we investigated whether intrathecal delivery of HGF would have an impact on one of the most common pathologies of ALS: the TDP-43 pathology. Increased astrogliosis, microgliosis and progressive upper motor neuron loss are important consequences of ALS in the motor cortex with TDP-43 pathology. We find that cortex can be modulated via intrathecal injection, and that expression of HGF reduces astrogliosis, microgliosis in the motor cortex, and help restore ongoing UMN degeneration. Our findings not only introduce a novel viral vector for the treatment of ALS, but also demonstrate modulation of motor cortex by intrathecal viral delivery, and that HGF treatment is effective in reducing astrogliosis and microgliosis in the motor cortex of ALS with TDP-43 pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barış Genç
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Boram Nho
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, 1, Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Helixmith Co., Ltd., R&D Center, 21, Magokjungang 8-ro 7-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07794, Republic of Korea
| | - Hana Seung
- Helixmith Co., Ltd., R&D Center, 21, Magokjungang 8-ro 7-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07794, Republic of Korea
| | - Benjamin Helmold
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Huiwon Park
- Helixmith Co., Ltd., R&D Center, 21, Magokjungang 8-ro 7-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07794, Republic of Korea
| | - Öge Gözütok
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Seunghyun Kim
- Helixmith Co., Ltd., R&D Center, 21, Magokjungang 8-ro 7-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07794, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinil Park
- Helixmith Co., Ltd., R&D Center, 21, Magokjungang 8-ro 7-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07794, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghyun Ye
- Helixmith Co., Ltd., R&D Center, 21, Magokjungang 8-ro 7-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07794, Republic of Korea
| | - Haneul Lee
- Helixmith Co., Ltd., R&D Center, 21, Magokjungang 8-ro 7-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07794, Republic of Korea
| | - Nayeon Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, 1, Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Shin Yu
- Helixmith Co., Ltd., R&D Center, 21, Magokjungang 8-ro 7-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07794, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunyoung Kim
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, 1, Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Helixmith Co., Ltd., R&D Center, 21, Magokjungang 8-ro 7-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07794, Republic of Korea
| | - Junghun Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, 1, Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
- Helixmith Co., Ltd., R&D Center, 21, Magokjungang 8-ro 7-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07794, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hande Özdinler
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery, Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA.
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10
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Shen Y, Zhang J, Xu Y, Sun S, Chen K, Chen S, Yang X, Chen X. Ultrasound-enhanced brain delivery of edaravone provides additive amelioration on disease progression in an ALS mouse model. Brain Stimul 2023; 16:628-641. [PMID: 36931463 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2023.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease and unfortunately incurable yet, incremental attention has been drawn to targeting the health of corticospinal motor neurons. Focused ultrasound combined with systemically circulating microbubbles (FUS/MB) is an emerging modality capable of site-specific molecular delivery temporarily and noninvasively within a range of appropriate parameters. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of FUS/MB-enhanced delivery of therapeutics to the motor cortex on the disease progression by using a transgenic mouse model of ALS. METHODS Multiple FUS/MB-enhanced deliveries of Edaravone (Eda) to the motor cortex were performed on the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS. The motor function of the animals was evaluated by gait analysis, grip strength and wire hanging tests. Corticospinal and spinal motor neuronal health, misfolded SOD1 protein and neuroinflammation after treatments were evaluated by histological examination. RESULTS Ultrasound-enhanced delivery of Eda in the targeted motor cortex was achieved by a two-fold increase without gross tissue damage. Compared with the ALS mice administered Eda treatments only, the animals given additionally FUS/MB-enhanced brain delivery of Eda (FUS/MB + Eda) exhibited further improvements in neuromuscular functions characterized by gait patterns, muscular strength, and motor coordination along with rescued muscle atrophy. FUS/MB + Eda treatments conferred remarkable neuroprotection to both upper and lower motor neurons revealed by normalized neuronal morphology with increasing cell body size and profoundly alleviated neuroinflammation and misfolded SOD1 protein in the brains and lumbar spinal cords. CONCLUSION We report a pilot study that non-invasive ultrasound-enhanced brain delivery of Eda provides additive amelioration on disease progression of ALS and suggest that broadening the target from spinal to cortical network functions using the FUS/MB-enhanced delivery can be a rational therapeutic strategy of this debilitating disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Shen
- National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, China
| | - Ji Zhang
- National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, China
| | - Yiluo Xu
- National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, China
| | - Shuneng Sun
- National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, China
| | - Kaili Chen
- National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, China
| | - Siping Chen
- National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, China
| | - Xifei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Shenzhen, Shenzhen Medical Key Discipline of Health Toxicology (2020-2024), Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Xin Chen
- National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, China.
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11
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Gautam M, Genç B, Helmold B, Ahrens A, Kuka J, Makrecka-Kuka M, Günay A, Koçak N, Aguilar-Wickings IR, Keefe D, Zheng G, Swaminathan S, Redmon M, Zariwala HA, Özdinler PH. SBT-272 improves TDP-43 pathology in ALS upper motor neurons by modulating mitochondrial integrity, motility, and function. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 178:106022. [PMID: 36716828 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial defects are one of the common underlying causes of neuronal vulnerability in neurodegenerative diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and TDP-43 pathology is the most commonly observed proteinopathy. Disrupted inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) reported in the upper motor neurons (UMNs) of ALS patients with TDP-43 pathology is recapitulated in the UMNs of well-characterized hTDP-43 mouse model of ALS. The construct validity, such as shared and common cellular pathology in mice and human, offers a unique opportunity to test treatment strategies that may translate to patients. SBT-272 is a well-tolerated brain-penetrant small molecule that stabilizes cardiolipin, a phospholipid found in IMM, thereby restoring mitochondrial structure and respiratory function. We investigated whether SBT-272 can improve IMM structure and health in UMNs diseased with TDP-43 pathology in our well-characterized UMN reporter line for ALS. We found that SBT-272 significantly improved mitochondrial structural integrity and restored mitochondrial motility and function. This led to improved health of diseased UMNs in vitro. In comparison to edaravone and AMX0035, SBT-272 appeared more effective in restoring health of diseased UMNs. Chronic treatment of SBT-272 for sixty days starting at an early symptomatic stage of the disease in vivo led to a significant reduction in astrogliosis, microgliosis, and TDP-43 pathology in the ALS motor cortex. Our results underscore the therapeutic potential of SBT-272, especially within the context of TDP-43 pathology and mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukesh Gautam
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Barış Genç
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Benjamin Helmold
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Angela Ahrens
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Janis Kuka
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis (LIOS), Aizkraukles Street 21, LV-2006 Riga, Latvia
| | - Marina Makrecka-Kuka
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis (LIOS), Aizkraukles Street 21, LV-2006 Riga, Latvia
| | - Aksu Günay
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Nuran Koçak
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Izaak R Aguilar-Wickings
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Dennis Keefe
- Stealth BioTherapeutics, 140 Kendrick St Building C, Needham, MA 02494, USA
| | - Guozhu Zheng
- Stealth BioTherapeutics, 140 Kendrick St Building C, Needham, MA 02494, USA
| | - Suchitra Swaminathan
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 420 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Research Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 675 N St Clair Fl 21 Ste 100, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Martin Redmon
- Stealth BioTherapeutics, 140 Kendrick St Building C, Needham, MA 02494, USA
| | - Hatim A Zariwala
- Stealth BioTherapeutics, 140 Kendrick St Building C, Needham, MA 02494, USA
| | - P Hande Özdinler
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Research Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 675 N St Clair Fl 21 Ste 100, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Department of Molecular Biosciences, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery, Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Northwestern University, 2205 Tech Dr, Evanston, IL 60208, USA..
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12
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Ghauri MS, Ou L. AAV Engineering for Improving Tropism to the Central Nervous System. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:186. [PMID: 36829465 PMCID: PMC9953251 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a non-pathogenic virus that mainly infects primates with the help of adenoviruses. AAV is being widely used as a delivery vector for in vivo gene therapy, as evidenced by five currently approved drugs and more than 255 clinical trials across the world. Due to its relatively low immunogenicity and toxicity, sustained efficacy, and broad tropism, AAV holds great promise for treating many indications, including central nervous system (CNS), ocular, muscular, and liver diseases. However, low delivery efficiency, especially for the CNS due to the blood-brain barrier (BBB), remains a significant challenge for more clinical application of AAV gene therapy. Thus, there is an urgent need for utilizing AAV engineering to discover next-generation capsids with improved properties, e.g., enhanced BBB penetrance, lower immunogenicity, and higher packaging efficiency. AAV engineering methods, including directed evolution, rational design, and in silico design, have been developed, resulting in the discovery of novel capsids (e.g., PhP.B, B10, PAL1A/B/C). In this review, we discuss key studies that identified engineered CNS capsids and/or established methodological improvements. Further, we also discussed important issues that need to be addressed, including cross-species translatability, cell specificity, and modular engineering to improve multiple properties simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad S. Ghauri
- School of Medicine, California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, CA 92324, USA
| | - Li Ou
- Genemagic Biosciences, Media, PA 19086, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA
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13
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Ng W, Ng SY. Remodeling of astrocyte secretome in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: uncovering novel targets to combat astrocyte-mediated toxicity. Transl Neurodegener 2022; 11:54. [PMID: 36567359 PMCID: PMC9791755 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-022-00332-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset paralytic disease characterized by progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons in the motor cortex, brainstem and spinal cord. Motor neuron degeneration is typically caused by a combination of intrinsic neuronal (cell autonomous) defects as well as extrinsic (non-cell autonomous) factors such as astrocyte-mediated toxicity. Astrocytes are highly plastic cells that react to their microenvironment to mediate relevant responses. In neurodegeneration, astrocytes often turn reactive and in turn secrete a slew of factors to exert pro-inflammatory and neurotoxic effects. Various efforts have been carried out to characterize the diseased astrocyte secretome over the years, revealing that pro-inflammatory chemokines, cytokines and microRNAs are the main players in mediating neuronal death. As metabolomic technologies mature, these studies begin to shed light on neurotoxic metabolites such as secreted lipids. In this focused review, we will discuss changes in the astrocyte secretome during ALS. In particular, we will discuss the components of the reactive astrocyte secretome that contribute to neuronal death in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winanto Ng
- grid.418812.60000 0004 0620 9243Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR Research Entities, Singapore, 138673 Singapore
| | - Shi-Yan Ng
- grid.418812.60000 0004 0620 9243Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR Research Entities, Singapore, 138673 Singapore
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14
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Nishimune H, Stanford KG, Chen J, Odum JD, Rorie AD, Rogers RS, Wheatley JL, Geiger PC, Stanford JA. Forelimb Resistance Exercise Protects Against Neuromuscular Junction Denervation in the SOD1-G93A Rat Model of ALS. Degener Neurol Neuromuscul Dis 2022; 12:145-155. [PMID: 36444378 PMCID: PMC9700444 DOI: 10.2147/dnnd.s388455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The symptoms of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) include muscle weakness and eventual paralysis. These symptoms result from denervation of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and motor neuron cell death in the brain and spinal cord. Due to the "dying back" pattern of motor neuron degeneration, protecting NMJs should be a therapeutic priority. Although exercise has the potential to protect against NMJ denervation, its use in ALS has been controversial. Most preclinical studies have focused on aerobic exercise, which report that exercise can be beneficial at moderate intensities. The effects of resistance exercise on NMJ preservation in limb muscles have not been explored. METHODS We trained male SOD1-G93A rats, which model ALS, to perform a unilateral isometric forelimb resistance exercise task. This task allows within-animal comparisons of trained and untrained forelimbs. We then determined the effects of isometric resistance exercise on NMJ denervation and AMP kinase (AMPK) activation in forelimb muscles. RESULTS Our results revealed that SOD1-G93A rats were able to learn and perform the task similarly to wildtype rats, even after loss of body weight. SOD1-G93A rats exhibited significantly greater NMJ innervation in their trained vs their untrained forelimb biceps muscles. Measures of activated (phosphorylated) AMPK (pAMPK) were also greater in the trained vs untrained forelimb triceps muscles. DISCUSSION These results demonstrate that isometric resistance exercise may protect against NMJ denervation in ALS. Future studies are required to determine the extent to which our findings generalize to female SOD1-G93A rats and to other subtypes of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Nishimune
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Neurobiology of Aging, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kimberly G Stanford
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - James D Odum
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Alexander D Rorie
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Robert S Rogers
- Departments of Physiology and Basic Sciences, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, Joplin, MO, USA
| | - Joshua L Wheatley
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Paige C Geiger
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - John A Stanford
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
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15
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Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating motor neuron disease for which there is currently no robust therapy. Recent progress in understanding ALS disease mechanisms and genetics in combination with innovations in gene modulation strategies creates promising new options for the development of ALS therapies. In recent years, six gene modulation therapies have been tested in ALS patients. These target gain-of-function pathology of the most common ALS genes, SOD1, C9ORF72, FUS, and ATXN2, using adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated microRNAs and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). Here, we review the latest clinical and preclinical advances in gene modulation approaches for ALS, including gene silencing, gene correction, and gene augmentation. These techniques have the potential to positively impact the direction of future research trials and transform ALS treatments for this grave disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina E Meijboom
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Robert H Brown
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
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16
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Gene Therapy in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11132066. [PMID: 35805149 PMCID: PMC9265980 DOI: 10.3390/cells11132066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene mutation, in 1993, as the first genetic abnormality in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), over 50 genes have been identified as either cause or modifier in ALS and ALS/frontotemporal dementia (FTD) spectrum disease. Mutations in C9orf72, SOD1, TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TARDBP), and fused in sarcoma (FUS) genes are the four most common ones. During the last three decades, tremendous effort has been made worldwide to reveal biological pathways underlying the pathogenesis of these gene mutations in ALS/FTD. Accordingly, targeting etiologic genes (i.e., gene therapies) to suppress their toxic effects have been investigated widely. It includes four major strategies: (i) removal or inhibition of abnormal transcribed RNA using microRNA or antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), (ii) degradation of abnormal mRNA using RNA interference (RNAi), (iii) decrease or inhibition of mutant proteins (e.g., using antibodies against misfolded proteins), and (iv) DNA genome editing with methods such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (CRISPR/Cas). The promising results of these studies have led to the application of some of these strategies into ALS clinical trials, especially for C9orf72 and SOD1. In this paper, we will overview advances in gene therapy in ALS/FTD, focusing on C9orf72, SOD1, TARDBP, and FUS genes.
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17
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Lee PJ, Kennedy Z, Wang Y, Lu Y, Cefaliello C, Uyan Ö, Song C, Godinho BMDC, Xu Z, Rusckowski M, Xue W, Brown RH. Imaging Net Retrograde Axonal Transport In Vivo: A Physiological Biomarker. Ann Neurol 2022; 91:716-729. [PMID: 35178738 PMCID: PMC9313858 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to develop a novel method for monitoring the integrity of motor neurons in vivo by quantifying net retrograde axonal transport. METHODS The method uses single photon emission computed tomography to quantify retrograde transport to spinal cord of tetanus toxin fragment C (125 I-TTC) following intramuscular injection. We characterized the transport profiles in 3 transgenic mouse models carrying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-associated genes, aging mice, and SOD1G93A transgenic mice following CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Lastly, we studied the effect of prior immunization of tetanus toxoid on the transport profile of TTC. RESULTS This technique defines a quantitative profile of net retrograde axonal transport of TTC in living mice. The profile is distinctly abnormal in transgenic SOD1G93A mice as young as 65 days (presymptomatic) and worsens with disease progression. Moreover, this method detects a distinct therapeutic benefit of gene editing in transgenic SOD1G93A mice well before other clinical parameters (eg, grip strength) show improvement. Symptomatic transgenic PFN1C71G/C71G ALS mice display gross reductions in net retrograde axonal transport, which is also disturbed in asymptomatic mice harboring a human C9ORF72 transgene with an expanded GGGGCC repeat motif. In wild-type mice, net retrograde axonal transport declines with aging. Lastly, prior immunization with tetanus toxoid does not preclude use of this assay. INTERPRETATION This assay of net retrograde axonal transport has broad potential clinical applications and should be particularly valuable as a physiological biomarker that permits early detection of benefit from potential therapies for motor neuron diseases. ANN NEUROL 2022;91:716-729.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin‐Tsun Justin Lee
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Zachary Kennedy
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA,RNA Therapeutics InstituteUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Yuzhen Wang
- Department of RadiologyUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | | | - Carolina Cefaliello
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Özgün Uyan
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Chun‐Qing Song
- RNA Therapeutics InstituteUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA,Program in Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, and Li Weibo Institute for Rare Disease ResearchUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Bruno Miguel da Cruz Godinho
- RNA Therapeutics InstituteUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA,Program in Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, and Li Weibo Institute for Rare Disease ResearchUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Zuoshang Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular PharmacologyUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Mary Rusckowski
- Department of RadiologyUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Wen Xue
- RNA Therapeutics InstituteUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA,Program in Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, and Li Weibo Institute for Rare Disease ResearchUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Robert H. Brown
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
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18
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Genç B, Jara JH, Sanchez SS, Lagrimas AKB, Gözütok Ö, Koçak N, Zhu Y, Hande Özdinler P. Upper motor neurons are a target for gene therapy and UCHL1 is necessary and sufficient to improve cellular integrity of diseased upper motor neurons. Gene Ther 2022; 29:178-192. [PMID: 34853443 PMCID: PMC9018479 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-021-00303-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
There are no effective cures for upper motor neuron (UMN) diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), primary lateral sclerosis, and hereditary spastic paraplegia. Here, we show UMN loss occurs independent of spinal motor neuron degeneration and that UMNs are indeed effective cellular targets for gene therapy, which offers a potential solution especially for UMN disease patients. UCHL1 (ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1) is a deubiquitinating enzyme crucial for maintaining free ubiquitin levels. Corticospinal motor neurons (CSMN, a.k.a UMNs in mice) show early, selective, and profound degeneration in Uchl1nm3419 (UCHL1-/-) mice, which lack all UCHL1 function. When UCHL1 activity is ablated only from spinal motor neurons, CSMN remained intact. However, restoring UCHL1 specifically in CSMN of UCHL1-/- mice via directed gene delivery was sufficient to improve CSMN integrity to the healthy control levels. In addition, when UCHL1 gene was delivered selectively to CSMN that are diseased due to misfolded SOD1 toxicity and TDP-43 pathology via AAV-mediated retrograde transduction, the disease causing misfolded SOD1 and mutant human TDP-43 were reduced in hSOD1G93A and prpTDP-43A315T models, respectively. Diseased CSMN retained their neuronal integrity and cytoarchitectural stability in two different mouse models that represent two distinct causes of neurodegeneration in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barış Genç
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Javier H Jara
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Santana S Sanchez
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Amiko K B Lagrimas
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Öge Gözütok
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Nuran Koçak
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Yongling Zhu
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - P Hande Özdinler
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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19
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Roy D, Puvvada M, Kapanaiah SKT, Patel AB. Enhanced Cortical Metabolic Activity in Females and Males of a Slow Progressing Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Neurochem Res 2022; 47:1765-1777. [PMID: 35347633 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03568-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder with selective degeneration of motor neurons in the central nervous system. The pathophysiology of ALS is not well understood. We have used 1H-[13C]-NMR spectroscopy together with an administration of [1,6-13C2]glucose and [2-13C]acetate in female and male SOD1G37R mice to assess neuronal and astroglial metabolic activity, respectively, in the central nervous system in ALS condition. The female (p = 0.0008) and male (p < 0.0001) SOD1G37R mice exhibited decreased forelimb strength when compared with wild-type mice. There was a reduction in N-acetylaspartylglutamate level, and elevation in myo-inositol in the spinal cord of female and male SOD1G37R mice. The transgenic male mice exhibited increased acetate oxidation in the spinal cord (p = 0.05) and cerebral cortex (p = 0.03), while females showed an increase in the spinal cord (p = 0.02) only. As acetate is transported and preferentially metabolized in the astrocytes, the finding of increased rate of acetate oxidation in the transgenic mice is suggestive of astrocytic involvement in the pathogenesis of ALS. The rates of glucose oxidation in glutamatergic (p = 0.0004) and GABAergic neurons (p = 0.0052) were increased in the cerebral cortex of male SOD1G37R mice when compared with the controls. The female mice showed an increase in glutamatergic (p = 0.039) neurometabolic activity only. The neurometabolic activity was unperturbed in the spinal cord of either sex. These data suggest differential changes in neurometabolic activity across the central nervous system in SOD1G37R mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipak Roy
- NMR Microimaging and Spectroscopy, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Habsiguda, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500007, India
| | - Madhuri Puvvada
- NMR Microimaging and Spectroscopy, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Habsiguda, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500007, India
| | - Sampath K T Kapanaiah
- NMR Microimaging and Spectroscopy, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Habsiguda, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500007, India
| | - Anant Bahadur Patel
- NMR Microimaging and Spectroscopy, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Habsiguda, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500007, India. .,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
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20
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Moya MV, Kim RD, Rao MN, Cotto BA, Pickett SB, Sferrazza CE, Heintz N, Schmidt EF. Unique molecular features and cellular responses differentiate two populations of motor cortical layer 5b neurons in a preclinical model of ALS. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110556. [PMID: 35320722 PMCID: PMC9059890 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Many neurodegenerative diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), lead to the selective degeneration of discrete cell types in the CNS despite the ubiquitous expression of many genes linked to disease. Therapeutic advancement depends on understanding the unique cellular adaptations that underlie pathology of vulnerable cells in the context of disease-causing mutations. Here, we employ bacTRAP molecular profiling to elucidate cell type-specific molecular responses of cortical upper motor neurons in a preclinical ALS model. Using two bacTRAP mouse lines that label distinct vulnerable or resilient projection neuron populations in motor cortex, we show that the regulation of oxidative phosphorylation (Oxphos) pathways is a common response in both cell types. However, differences in the baseline expression of genes involved in Oxphos and the handling of reactive oxygen species likely lead to the selective degeneration of the vulnerable cells. These results provide a framework to identify cell-type-specific processes in neurodegenerative disease. Moya et al. use bacTRAP mouse lines to characterize two highly related subpopulations of layer 5b projection neurons in motor cortex that are differentially susceptible to neurodegeneration in the SOD1-G93A mouse model of ALS. They identify the regulation of genes involved in bioenergetics as a key factor regulating susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria V Moya
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, Box 260, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Rachel D Kim
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, Box 260, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Meghana N Rao
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, Box 260, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Bianca A Cotto
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, Box 260, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Sarah B Pickett
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, Box 260, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Caroline E Sferrazza
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, Box 260, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Nathaniel Heintz
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, Box 260, New York, NY 10065, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Eric F Schmidt
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, Box 260, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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21
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Lin TJ, Cheng KC, Wu LY, Lai WY, Ling TY, Kuo YC, Huang YH. Potential of Cellular Therapy for ALS: Current Strategies and Future Prospects. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:851613. [PMID: 35372346 PMCID: PMC8966507 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.851613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive upper and lower motor neuron (MN) degeneration with unclear pathology. The worldwide prevalence of ALS is approximately 4.42 per 100,000 populations, and death occurs within 3-5 years after diagnosis. However, no effective therapeutic modality for ALS is currently available. In recent years, cellular therapy has shown considerable therapeutic potential because it exerts immunomodulatory effects and protects the MN circuit. However, the safety and efficacy of cellular therapy in ALS are still under debate. In this review, we summarize the current progress in cellular therapy for ALS. The underlying mechanism, current clinical trials, and the pros and cons of cellular therapy using different types of cell are discussed. In addition, clinical studies of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in ALS are highlighted. The summarized findings of this review can facilitate the future clinical application of precision medicine using cellular therapy in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Jung Lin
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Chao Cheng
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Luo-Yun Wu
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Yu Lai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Thai-Yen Ling
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Research Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Che Kuo
- TMU Research Center for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- International Ph.D. Program for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Comprehensive Cancer Center of Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- PhD Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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22
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Svendsen CN. Getting the upper hand in ALS. Gene Ther 2022; 29:113-114. [PMID: 35046530 PMCID: PMC9013663 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00314-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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23
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Parambi DGT, Alharbi KS, Kumar R, Harilal S, Batiha GES, Cruz-Martins N, Magdy O, Musa A, Panda DS, Mathew B. Gene Therapy Approach with an Emphasis on Growth Factors: Theoretical and Clinical Outcomes in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:191-233. [PMID: 34655056 PMCID: PMC8518903 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02555-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The etiology of many neurological diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS) is unknown and still needs more effective and specific therapeutic approaches. Gene therapy has a promising future in treating neurodegenerative disorders by correcting the genetic defects or by therapeutic protein delivery and is now an attraction for neurologists to treat brain disorders, like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, spinocerebellar ataxia, epilepsy, Huntington's disease, stroke, and spinal cord injury. Gene therapy allows the transgene induction, with a unique expression in cells' substrate. This article mainly focuses on the delivering modes of genetic materials in the CNS, which includes viral and non-viral vectors and their application in gene therapy. Despite the many clinical trials conducted so far, data have shown disappointing outcomes. The efforts done to improve outcomes, efficacy, and safety in the identification of targets in various neurological disorders are also discussed here. Adapting gene therapy as a new therapeutic approach for treating neurological disorders seems to be promising, with early detection and delivery of therapy before the neuron is lost, helping a lot the development of new therapeutic options to translate to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Della Grace Thomas Parambi
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Jouf University, Al Jouf-2014, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Saad Alharbi
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Jouf University, Al Jouf-2014, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rajesh Kumar
- Kerala University of Health Sciences, Thrissur, Kerala 680596 India
| | - Seetha Harilal
- Kerala University of Health Sciences, Thrissur, Kerala 680596 India
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22511 Al Beheira Egypt
| | - Natália Cruz-Martins
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies (CESPU), Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra PRD, Portugal
| | - Omnia Magdy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Al Jouf-2014 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Pharmacognosy Department, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Aljouf 72341 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Arafa Musa
- Pharmacognosy Department, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Aljouf 72341 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11371 Egypt
| | - Dibya Sundar Panda
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Al Jouf, Sakaka, 72341 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Bijo Mathew
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Sciences Campus, Kochi, 682 041 India
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24
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Cui J, Zhao S, Li Y, Zhang D, Wang B, Xie J, Wang J. Regulated cell death: discovery, features and implications for neurodegenerative diseases. Cell Commun Signal 2021; 19:120. [PMID: 34922574 PMCID: PMC8684172 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-021-00799-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulated cell death (RCD) is a ubiquitous process in living organisms that is essential for tissue homeostasis or to restore biological balance under stress. Over the decades, various forms of RCD have been reported and are increasingly being found to involve in human pathologies and clinical outcomes. We focus on five high-profile forms of RCD, including apoptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy-dependent cell death, necroptosis and ferroptosis. Cumulative evidence supports that not only they have different features and various pathways, but also there are extensive cross-talks between modes of cell death. As the understanding of RCD pathway in evolution, development, physiology and disease continues to improve. Here we review an updated classification of RCD on the discovery and features of processes. The prominent focus will be placed on key mechanisms of RCD and its critical role in neurodegenerative disease. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juntao Cui
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
| | - Suhan Zhao
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
| | - Yinghui Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
| | - Danyang Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
| | - Bingjing Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
| | - Junxia Xie
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
| | - Jun Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
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25
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Choi HW. Fasciculations in Children. Pediatr Neurol 2021; 125:40-47. [PMID: 34628142 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2021.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Fasciculations are the most common form of spontaneous muscle contraction. They frequently occur in healthy individuals. However, there are a minority of situations that fasciculations are observed in association with specific neurologic disorders. Publications concerning the evaluation of pediatric patients experiencing fasciculations are limited. These children may undergo invasive or expensive diagnostic investigations that are unnecessary. Moreover, without careful consideration of differential diagnoses, rare neuromuscular disorders that present with fasciculations in the pediatric age group can be under-recognized by pediatric neurologists. This review examines the most important pediatric disorders presenting with fasciculations and other spontaneous muscle contractions to guide pediatric neurologists in evaluating these children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyoung Won Choi
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Lemoyne, Pennsylvania.
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26
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Differential Epigenetic Signature of Corticospinal Motor Neurons in ALS. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11060754. [PMID: 34200232 PMCID: PMC8230084 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11060754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Corticospinal motor neurons (CSMN) are an indispensable neuron population for the motor neuron circuitry. They are excitatory projection neurons, which collect information from different regions of the brain and transmit it to spinal cord targets, initiating and controlling motor function. CSMN degeneration is pronounced cellular event in motor neurons diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Genetic mutations contribute to only about ten percent of ALS. Thus understanding the involvement of other factors, such as epigenetic controls, is immensely valuable. Here, we investigated epigenomic signature of CSMN that become diseased due to misfolded SOD1 toxicity and TDP-43 pathology, by performing quantitative analysis of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethycytosine (5hmC) expression profiles during end-stage of the disease in hSOD1G93A, and prpTDP-43A315T mice. Our analysis revealed that expression of 5mC was specifically reduced in CSMN of both hSOD1G93A and prpTDP-43A315T mice. However, 5hmC expression was increased in the CSMN that becomes diseased due to misfolded SOD1 and decreased in CSMN that degenerates due to TDP-43 pathology. These results suggest the presence of a distinct difference between different underlying causes. These differential epigenetic events might modulate the expression profiles of select genes, and ultimately contribute to the different paths that lead to CSMN vulnerability in ALS.
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27
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Van Harten ACM, Phatnani H, Przedborski S. Non-cell-autonomous pathogenic mechanisms in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Trends Neurosci 2021; 44:658-668. [PMID: 34006386 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common adult-onset paralytic disorder, characterized mainly by a loss of motor neurons (MNs) in the CNS. Over the past decades, thanks to intense investigations performed in both in vivo and in vitro models of ALS, major progress has been made toward gaining insights into the pathobiology of this incurable, fatal disorder. Among these advances is the growing recognition that non-neuronal cells participate in the degeneration of MNs in ALS, which could transform our understanding of the neurobiology of disease and the ability to devise effective disease-modifying therapies. In this review, we examine the contribution of non-cell-autonomous processes to the pathogenesis of ALS, with a focus on glial cells and in particular on astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra C M Van Harten
- Graduate School of Life and Earth Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hemali Phatnani
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Center for Genomics of Neurodegenerative Disease, New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Serge Przedborski
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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28
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Neurophysiological Mechanisms Underlying Cortical Hyper-Excitability in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Review. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11050549. [PMID: 33925493 PMCID: PMC8145013 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11050549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neuromotor disease characterized by the loss of upper and lower motor neurons (MNs), resulting in muscle paralysis and death. Early cortical hyper-excitability is a common pathological process observed clinically and in animal disease models. Although the mechanisms that underlie cortical hyper-excitability are not completely understood, the molecular and cellular mechanisms that cause enhanced neuronal intrinsic excitability and changes in excitatory and inhibitory synaptic activity are starting to emerge. Here, we review the evidence for an anterograde glutamatergic excitotoxic process, leading to cortical hyper-excitability via intrinsic cellular and synaptic mechanisms and for the role of interneurons in establishing disinhibition in clinical and experimental settings. Understanding the mechanisms that lead to these complex pathological processes will likely produce key insights towards developing novel therapeutic strategies to rescue upper MNs, thus alleviating the impact of this fatal disease.
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29
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Amado DA, Davidson BL. Gene therapy for ALS: A review. Mol Ther 2021; 29:3345-3358. [PMID: 33839324 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has historically posed unique challenges for gene-therapy-based approaches, due to a paucity of therapeutic targets as well as the difficulty of accessing both the brain and spinal cord. Recent advances in our understanding of disease mechanism and ALS genetics, however, have combined with tremendous strides in CNS targeting, gene delivery, and gene editing and knockdown techniques to open new horizons of therapeutic possibility. Gene therapy clinical trials are currently underway for ALS patients with SOD1 mutations, C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansions, ATXN2 trinucleotide expansions, and FUS mutations, as well as sporadic disease without known genetic cause. In this review, we provide an in-depth exploration of the state of ALS-directed gene therapy, including antisense oligonucleotides, RNA interference, CRISPR, adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated trophic support, and antibody-based methods. We discuss how each of these approaches has been implemented across known genetic causes as well as sporadic ALS, reviewing preclinical studies as well as completed and ongoing human clinical trials. We highlight the transformative potential of these evolving technologies as the gene therapy field advances toward a true disease-modifying treatment for this devastating illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Defne A Amado
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Beverly L Davidson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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30
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Keon M, Musrie B, Dinger M, Brennan SE, Santos J, Saksena NK. Destination Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Neurol 2021; 12:596006. [PMID: 33854469 PMCID: PMC8039771 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.596006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a prototypical neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons both in the brain and spinal cord. The constantly evolving nature of ALS represents a fundamental dimension of individual differences that underlie this disorder, yet it involves multiple levels of functional entities that alternate in different directions and finally converge functionally to define ALS disease progression. ALS may start from a single entity and gradually becomes multifactorial. However, the functional convergence of these diverse entities in eventually defining ALS progression is poorly understood. Various hypotheses have been proposed without any consensus between the for-and-against schools of thought. The present review aims to capture explanatory hierarchy both in terms of hypotheses and mechanisms to provide better insights on how they functionally connect. We can then integrate them within a common functional frame of reference for a better understanding of ALS and defining future treatments and possible therapeutic strategies. Here, we provide a philosophical understanding of how early leads are crucial to understanding the endpoints in ALS, because invariably, all early symptomatic leads are underpinned by neurodegeneration at the cellular, molecular and genomic levels. Consolidation of these ideas could be applied to other neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) and guide further critical thinking to unveil their roadmap of destination ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt Keon
- GenieUs Genomics Pty Ltd., Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Marcel Dinger
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Jerran Santos
- Advanced Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Biology Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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31
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Genç B, Gautam M, Gözütok Ö, Dervishi I, Sanchez S, Goshu GM, Koçak N, Xie E, Silverman RB, Özdinler PH. Improving mitochondria and ER stability helps eliminate upper motor neuron degeneration that occurs due to mSOD1 toxicity and TDP-43 pathology. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e336. [PMID: 33634973 PMCID: PMC7898037 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Upper motor neurons (UMNs) are a key component of motor neuron circuitry. Their degeneration is a hallmark for diseases, such as hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Currently there are no preclinical assays investigating cellular responses of UMNs to compound treatment, even for diseases of the UMNs. The basis of UMN vulnerability is not fully understood, and no compound has yet been identified to improve the health of diseased UMNs: two major roadblocks for building effective treatment strategies. METHODS Novel UMN reporter models, in which UMNs that are diseased because of misfolded superoxide dismutase protein (mSOD1) toxicity and TDP-43 pathology are labeled with eGFP expression, allow direct assessment of UMN response to compound treatment. Electron microscopy reveals very precise aspects of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondrial damage. Administration of NU-9, a compound initially identified based on its ability to reduce mSOD1 toxicity, has profound impact on improving the health and stability of UMNs, as identified by detailed cellular and ultrastructural analyses. RESULTS Problems with mitochondria and ER are conserved in diseased UMNs among different species. NU-9 has drug-like pharmacokinetic properties. It lacks toxicity and crosses the blood brain barrier. NU-9 improves the structural integrity of mitochondria and ER, reduces levels of mSOD1, stabilizes degenerating UMN apical dendrites, improves motor behavior measured by the hanging wire test, and eliminates ongoing degeneration of UMNs that become diseased both because of mSOD1 toxicity and TDP-43 pathology, two distinct and important overarching causes of motor neuron degeneration. CONCLUSIONS Mechanism-focused and cell-based drug discovery approaches not only addressed key cellular defects responsible for UMN loss, but also identified NU-9, the first compound to improve the health of diseased UMNs, neurons that degenerate in ALS, HSP, PLS, and ALS/FTLD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barış Genç
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Mukesh Gautam
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Öge Gözütok
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Ina Dervishi
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Santana Sanchez
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Gashaw M. Goshu
- Department of ChemistryNorthwestern UniversityEvanstonIllinoisUSA
| | - Nuran Koçak
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Edward Xie
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Richard B. Silverman
- Department of ChemistryNorthwestern UniversityEvanstonIllinoisUSA
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery, Center for Developmental TherapeuticsNorthwestern UniversityEvanstonIllinoisUSA
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
- Chemistry of Life Processes InstituteNorthwestern UniversityEvanstonIL60208
| | - P. Hande Özdinler
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery, Center for Developmental TherapeuticsNorthwestern UniversityEvanstonIllinoisUSA
- Chemistry of Life Processes InstituteNorthwestern UniversityEvanstonIL60208
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's DiseaseNorthwestern University, Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIL60611
- Les Turner ALS CenterNorthwestern University, Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIL60611
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Alkaslasi MR, Cho NE, Dhillon NK, Shelest O, Haro-Lopez PS, Linaval NT, Ghoulian J, Yang AR, Vit JP, Avalos P, Ley EJ, Thomsen GM. Poor Corticospinal Motor Neuron Health Is Associated with Increased Symptom Severity in the Acute Phase Following Repetitive Mild TBI and Predicts Early ALS Onset in Genetically Predisposed Rodents. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11020160. [PMID: 33530492 PMCID: PMC7911729 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11020160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a well-established risk factor for several neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, however, a link between TBI and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has not been clearly elucidated. Using the SOD1G93A rat model known to recapitulate the human ALS condition, we found that exposure to mild, repetitive TBI lead ALS rats to experience earlier disease onset and shortened survival relative to their sham counterparts. Importantly, increased severity of early injury symptoms prior to the onset of ALS disease symptoms was linked to poor health of corticospinal motor neurons and predicted worsened outcome later in life. Whereas ALS rats with only mild behavioral injury deficits exhibited no observable changes in corticospinal motor neuron health and did not present with early onset or shortened survival, those with more severe injury-related deficits exhibited alterations in corticospinal motor neuron health and presented with significantly earlier onset and shortened lifespan. While these studies do not imply that TBI causes ALS, we provide experimental evidence that head injury is a risk factor for earlier disease onset in a genetically predisposed ALS population and is associated with poor health of corticospinal motor neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mor R. Alkaslasi
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (M.R.A.); (N.E.C.); (O.S.); (P.S.H.-L.); (P.A.)
| | - Noell E. Cho
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (M.R.A.); (N.E.C.); (O.S.); (P.S.H.-L.); (P.A.)
| | - Navpreet K. Dhillon
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Critical Care, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (N.K.D.); (N.T.L.); (J.G.); (A.R.Y.); (E.J.L.)
| | - Oksana Shelest
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (M.R.A.); (N.E.C.); (O.S.); (P.S.H.-L.); (P.A.)
| | - Patricia S. Haro-Lopez
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (M.R.A.); (N.E.C.); (O.S.); (P.S.H.-L.); (P.A.)
| | - Nikhil T. Linaval
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Critical Care, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (N.K.D.); (N.T.L.); (J.G.); (A.R.Y.); (E.J.L.)
| | - Josh Ghoulian
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Critical Care, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (N.K.D.); (N.T.L.); (J.G.); (A.R.Y.); (E.J.L.)
| | - Audrey R. Yang
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Critical Care, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (N.K.D.); (N.T.L.); (J.G.); (A.R.Y.); (E.J.L.)
| | - Jean-Philippe Vit
- Biobehavioral Research Core, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA;
| | - Pablo Avalos
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (M.R.A.); (N.E.C.); (O.S.); (P.S.H.-L.); (P.A.)
| | - Eric J. Ley
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Critical Care, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (N.K.D.); (N.T.L.); (J.G.); (A.R.Y.); (E.J.L.)
| | - Gretchen M. Thomsen
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (M.R.A.); (N.E.C.); (O.S.); (P.S.H.-L.); (P.A.)
- Correspondence:
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33
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Ibarburu S, Kovacs M, Varela V, Rodríguez-Duarte J, Ingold M, Invernizzi P, Porcal W, Arévalo AP, Perelmuter K, Bollati-Fogolín M, Escande C, López GV, King P, Si Y, Kwon Y, Batthyány C, Barbeito L, Trias E. A Nitroalkene Benzoic Acid Derivative Targets Reactive Microglia and Prolongs Survival in an Inherited Model of ALS via NF-κB Inhibition. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:309-325. [PMID: 33118131 PMCID: PMC8116482 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-00953-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor neuron degeneration and neuroinflammation are the most striking pathological features of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS currently has no cure and approved drugs have only a modest clinically therapeutic effect in patients. Drugs targeting different deleterious inflammatory pathways in ALS appear as promising therapeutic alternatives. Here, we have assessed the potential therapeutic effect of an electrophilic nitroalkene benzoic acid derivative, (E)-4-(2-nitrovinyl) benzoic acid (BANA), to slow down paralysis progression when administered after overt disease onset in SOD1G93A rats. BANA exerted a significant inhibition of NF-κB activation in NF-κB reporter transgenic mice and microglial cell cultures. Systemic daily oral administration of BANA to SOD1G93A rats after paralysis onset significantly decreased microgliosis and astrocytosis, and significantly reduced the number of NF-κB-p65-positive microglial nuclei surrounding spinal motor neurons. Numerous microglia bearing nuclear NF-κB-p65 were observed in the surrounding of motor neurons in autopsy spinal cords from ALS patients but not in controls, suggesting ALS-associated microglia could be targeted by BANA. In addition, BANA-treated SOD1G93A rats after paralysis onset showed significantly ameliorated spinal motor neuron pathology as well as conserved neuromuscular junction innervation in the skeletal muscle, as compared to controls. Notably, BANA prolonged post-paralysis survival by ~30%, compared to vehicle-treated littermates. These data provide a rationale to therapeutically slow paralysis progression in ALS using small electrophilic compounds such as BANA, through a mechanism involving microglial NF-κB inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofía Ibarburu
- Neurodegeneration Laboratory, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Mataojo, 2020, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Mariángeles Kovacs
- Neurodegeneration Laboratory, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Mataojo, 2020, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Valentina Varela
- Neurodegeneration Laboratory, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Mataojo, 2020, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Jorge Rodríguez-Duarte
- Laboratory of Vascular Biology and Drug Development, INDICYO Program, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Mariana Ingold
- Laboratory of Vascular Biology and Drug Development, INDICYO Program, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departmento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Paulina Invernizzi
- Laboratory of Vascular Biology and Drug Development, INDICYO Program, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Williams Porcal
- Laboratory of Vascular Biology and Drug Development, INDICYO Program, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departmento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ana Paula Arévalo
- Transgenic and Experimental Animal Unit, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Karen Perelmuter
- Cell Biology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Carlos Escande
- Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases and Aging, INDICyO Program, Institut Pasteur Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gloria V López
- Laboratory of Vascular Biology and Drug Development, INDICYO Program, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departmento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Peter King
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Ying Si
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Yuri Kwon
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Carlos Batthyány
- Laboratory of Vascular Biology and Drug Development, INDICYO Program, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Luis Barbeito
- Neurodegeneration Laboratory, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Mataojo, 2020, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Emiliano Trias
- Neurodegeneration Laboratory, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Mataojo, 2020, Montevideo, Uruguay.
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Evidence that corticofugal propagation of ALS pathology is not mediated by prion-like mechanism. Prog Neurobiol 2020; 200:101972. [PMID: 33309802 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2020.101972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) arises from the combined degeneration of motor neurons (MN) and corticospinal neurons (CSN). Recent clinical and pathological studies suggest that ALS might start in the motor cortex and spread along the corticofugal axonal projections (including the CSN), either via altered cortical excitability and activity or via prion-like propagation of misfolded proteins. Using mouse genetics, we recently provided the first experimental arguments in favour of the corticofugal hypothesis, but the mechanism of propagation remained an open question. To gain insight into this matter, we tested here the possibility that the toxicity of the corticofugal projection neurons (CFuPN) to their targets could be mediated by their cell autonomous-expression of an ALS causing transgene and possible diffusion of toxic misfolded proteins to their spinal targets. We generated a Crym-CreERT2 mouse line to ablate the SOD1G37R transgene selectively in CFuPN. This was sufficient to fully rescue the CSN and to limit spasticity, but had no effect on the burden of misfolded SOD1 protein in the spinal cord, MN survival, disease onset and progression. The data thus indicate that in ALS corticofugal propagation is likely not mediated by prion-like mechanisms, but could possibly rather rely on cortical hyperexcitability.
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Gittings LM, Sattler R. Recent advances in understanding amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and emerging therapies. Fac Rev 2020; 9:12. [PMID: 33659944 PMCID: PMC7886072 DOI: 10.12703/b/9-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons and subsequent progressive loss of muscle function. Within the last decade, significant progress has been made in the understanding of the etiology and pathobiology of the disease; however, treatment options remain limited and only two drugs, which exert a modest effect on survival, are approved for ALS treatment in the US. Therefore, the search for effective ALS therapies continues, and over 60 clinical trials are in progress for patients with ALS and other therapeutics are at the pre-clinical stage of development. Recent advances in understanding the genetics, pathology, and molecular mechanisms of ALS have led to the identification of novel targets and strategies that are being used in emerging ALS therapeutic interventions. Here, we review the current status and mechanisms of action of a selection of emerging ALS therapies in pre-clinical or early clinical development, including gene therapy, immunotherapy, and strategies that target neuroinflammation, phase separation, and protein clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Gittings
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Rita Sattler
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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36
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Meng Y, Hynynen K, Lipsman N. Applications of focused ultrasound in the brain: from thermoablation to drug delivery. Nat Rev Neurol 2020; 17:7-22. [PMID: 33106619 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-020-00418-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Focused ultrasound (FUS) is a disruptive medical technology, and its implementation in the clinic represents the culmination of decades of research. Lying at the convergence of physics, engineering, imaging, biology and neuroscience, FUS offers the ability to non-invasively and precisely intervene in key circuits that drive common and challenging brain conditions. The actions of FUS in the brain take many forms, ranging from transient blood-brain barrier opening and neuromodulation to permanent thermoablation. Over the past 5 years, we have seen a dramatic expansion of indications for and experience with FUS in humans, with a resultant exponential increase in academic and public interest in the technology. Applications now span the clinical spectrum in neurological and psychiatric diseases, with insights still emerging from preclinical models and human trials. In this Review, we provide a comprehensive overview of therapeutic ultrasound and its current and emerging indications in the brain. We examine the potential impact of FUS on the landscape of brain therapies as well as the challenges facing further advancement and broader adoption of this promising minimally invasive therapeutic alternative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Meng
- Division of Neurosurgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Sunnybrook Research Institute, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kullervo Hynynen
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics and Institute of Biomaterials & Biomedical Engineering (IBBME), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nir Lipsman
- Division of Neurosurgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Sunnybrook Research Institute, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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37
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Wang J, Hu W, Feng Z, Feng M. BDNF-overexpressing human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived motor neurons improve motor function and prolong survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mice. Neurol Res 2020; 43:199-209. [PMID: 33076784 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2020.1834775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the beneficial effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) -overexpressing human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (hUC-MSC)-derived motor neurons in the human Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase1 (hSOD1)G93A amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mice. METHODS The BDNF gene was transfected into hUC-MSC-derived motor neurons by the lentivirus-mediated method. hSOD1G93A mice were assigned to the ALS, ALS/MN, and ALS/MN-BDNF groups, and intrathecally administrated phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), motor neurons, or motor neurons overexpressing BDNF, respectively. The control group included non-transgenic wild-type littermates administrated PBS. One month after transplantation, the motor function of the mice was assessed by the rotarod test, and the lumbar enlargements were then isolated to detect the expression of hSOD1 and BDNF by western blotting, and the expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), homeobox protein 9 (HB9), major histocompatibility complex I (MHCI) and microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP-2) by immunofluorescence assay. RESULTS After transplantation, mice in the ALS/MN-BDNF and ALS/MN groups both exhibited longer latency to fall and longer survival than those in the ALS group (P < 0.01 vs. P < 0.05), and the improvement was more significant in the former than in the latter. However, cell transplantation did not delay disease onset. In the lumbar enlargements of the ALS/MN-BDNF and ALS/MN groups, the expression of hSOD1 was slightly reduced without statistical significance (P > 0.05), but the expression of BDNF, ChAT and HB9, and the co-expression of MHCI and MAP-2 were significantly greater than in the ALS group (P < 0.01), with the differences also being more prominent in the former group than in the latter. CONCLUSIONS Transplantation of BDNF-overexpressing hUC-MSC-derived motor neurons can improve motor performance and prolong the survival of hSOD1G93A mice. Combining stem cell-derived motor neurons with BDNF might provide a new therapeutic strategy for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing, China.,Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing, China
| | - Weiwei Hu
- Department of Geriatrics, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University , Nanjing, China
| | - Zehua Feng
- School of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing, China
| | - Meijiang Feng
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory for Aging & Disease, Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing, China
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Burg T, Bichara C, Scekic‐Zahirovic J, Fischer M, Stuart‐Lopez G, Brunet A, Lefebvre F, Cordero‐Erausquin M, Rouaux C. Absence of Subcerebral Projection Neurons Is Beneficial in a Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Ann Neurol 2020; 88:688-702. [PMID: 32588450 PMCID: PMC7540428 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent studies carried out on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients suggest that the disease might initiate in the motor cortex and spread to its targets along the corticofugal tracts. In this study, we aimed to test the corticofugal hypothesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis experimentally. METHODS Sod1G86R and Fezf2 knockout mouse lines were crossed to generate a model that expresses a mutant of the murine Sod1 gene ubiquitously, a condition sufficient to induce progressive motor symptoms and premature death, but genetically lacks corticospinal neurons and other subcerebral projection neurons, one of the main populations of corticofugal neurons. Disease onset and survival were recorded, and weight and motor behavior were followed longitudinally. Hyper-reflexia and spasticity were monitored using electromyographic recordings. Neurodegeneration and gliosis were assessed by histological techniques. RESULTS Absence of subcerebral projection neurons delayed disease onset, reduced weight loss and motor impairment, and increased survival without modifying disease duration. Absence of corticospinal neurons also limited presymptomatic hyper-reflexia, a typical component of the upper motoneuron syndrome. INTERPRETATION Major corticofugal tracts are crucial to the onset and progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In the context of the disease, subcerebral projection neurons might carry detrimental signals to their downstream targets. In its entirety, this study provides the first experimental arguments in favor of the corticofugal hypothesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ANN NEUROL 2020;88:688-702.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibaut Burg
- Inserm UMR_S 1118, Mécanismes centraux et périphériques de la neurodégénérescence, Faculté de MédecineUniversité de StrasbourgStrasbourgFrance
| | - Charlotte Bichara
- UPR 3212, Institut des neurosciences cellulaires et intégratives, UPR 3212 CNRSUniversité de StrasbourgStrasbourgFrance
| | - Jelena Scekic‐Zahirovic
- Inserm UMR_S 1118, Mécanismes centraux et périphériques de la neurodégénérescence, Faculté de MédecineUniversité de StrasbourgStrasbourgFrance
| | - Mathieu Fischer
- Inserm UMR_S 1118, Mécanismes centraux et périphériques de la neurodégénérescence, Faculté de MédecineUniversité de StrasbourgStrasbourgFrance
| | - Geoffrey Stuart‐Lopez
- Inserm UMR_S 1118, Mécanismes centraux et périphériques de la neurodégénérescence, Faculté de MédecineUniversité de StrasbourgStrasbourgFrance
| | - Aurore Brunet
- Inserm UMR_S 1118, Mécanismes centraux et périphériques de la neurodégénérescence, Faculté de MédecineUniversité de StrasbourgStrasbourgFrance
| | - François Lefebvre
- GMRC, service de santé publiqueHôpitaux Universitaires de StrasbourgStrasbourgFrance
| | - Matilde Cordero‐Erausquin
- UPR 3212, Institut des neurosciences cellulaires et intégratives, UPR 3212 CNRSUniversité de StrasbourgStrasbourgFrance
| | - Caroline Rouaux
- Inserm UMR_S 1118, Mécanismes centraux et périphériques de la neurodégénérescence, Faculté de MédecineUniversité de StrasbourgStrasbourgFrance
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39
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Wainger BJ, Brown RH. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Fuel for the Corticofugal Feud. Ann Neurol 2020; 88:682-684. [DOI: 10.1002/ana.25861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brian J. Wainger
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital Boston MA USA
| | - Robert H. Brown
- Department of Neurology University of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester MA USA
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40
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Studying ALS: Current Approaches, Effect on Potential Treatment Strategy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1241:195-217. [PMID: 32383122 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-41283-8_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by inevitable progressive paralysis. To date, only two disease modifying therapeutic options are available for the patients with ALS, although they show very modest effect on disease course. The main reason of failure in the field of pharmacological correction of ALS is inability to untangle complex relationships taking place during ALS initiation and progression. Traditional methods of research, based on morphology or transgenic animal models studying provided lots of information about ALS throughout the years. However, translation of these results to humans was unsuccessful due to incomplete recapitulation of molecular pathology and overall inadequacy of the models used in the research.In this review we summarize current knowledge regarding ALS molecular pathology with depiction of novel methods applied recently for the studies. Furthermore we describe present and potential treatment strategies that are based on the recent findings in ALS disease mechanisms.
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41
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Brunet A, Stuart-Lopez G, Burg T, Scekic-Zahirovic J, Rouaux C. Cortical Circuit Dysfunction as a Potential Driver of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:363. [PMID: 32410944 PMCID: PMC7201269 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that affects selected cortical and spinal neuronal populations, leading to progressive paralysis and death. A growing body of evidences suggests that the disease may originate in the cerebral cortex and propagate in a corticofugal manner. In particular, transcranial magnetic stimulation studies revealed that ALS patients present with early cortical hyperexcitability arising from a combination of increased excitability and decreased inhibition. Here, we discuss the possibility that initial cortical circuit dysfunction might act as the main driver of ALS onset and progression, and review recent functional, imaging and transcriptomic studies conducted on ALS patients, along with electrophysiological, pathological and transcriptomic studies on animal and cellular models of the disease, in order to evaluate the potential cellular and molecular origins of cortical hyperexcitability in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Caroline Rouaux
- INSERM UMR_S 1118, Mécanismes Centraux et Périphériques de la Neurodégénérescence, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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42
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Abati E, Bresolin N, Comi G, Corti S. Silence superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1): a promising therapeutic target for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:295-310. [PMID: 32125907 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1738390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and incurable neurodegenerative disorder that targets upper and lower motor neurons and leads to fatal muscle paralysis. Mutations in the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene are responsible for 15% of familial ALS cases, but several studies have indicated that SOD1 dysfunction may also play a pathogenic role in sporadic ALS. SOD1 induces numerous toxic effects through the pathological misfolding and aggregation of mutant SOD1 species, hence a reduction of the levels of toxic variants appears to be a promising therapeutic strategy for SOD1-related ALS. Several methods are used to modulate gene expression in vivo; these include RNA interference, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and CRISPR/Cas9 technology.Areas covered: This paper examines the current approaches for gene silencing and the progress made in silencing SOD1 in vivo. It progresses to shed light on the key results and pitfalls of these studies and highlights the future challenges and new perspectives for this exciting research field.Expert opinion: Gene silencing strategies targeting SOD1 may represent effective approaches for familial and sporadic ALS-related neurodegeneration; however, the risk of off-target effects must be minimized, and effective and minimally invasive delivery strategies should be fine-tuned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Abati
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Nereo Bresolin
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Comi
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
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Lim CKW, Gapinske M, Brooks AK, Woods WS, Powell JE, Zeballos C MA, Winter J, Perez-Pinera P, Gaj T. Treatment of a Mouse Model of ALS by In Vivo Base Editing. Mol Ther 2020; 28:1177-1189. [PMID: 31991108 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a debilitating and fatal disorder that can be caused by mutations in the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene. Although ALS is currently incurable, CRISPR base editors hold the potential to treat the disease through their ability to create nonsense mutations that can permanently disable the expression of the mutant SOD1 gene. However, the restrictive carrying capacity of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors has limited their therapeutic application. In this study, we establish an intein-mediated trans-splicing system that enables in vivo delivery of cytidine base editors (CBEs) consisting of the widely used Cas9 protein from Streptococcus pyogenes. We show that intrathecal injection of dual AAV particles encoding a split-intein CBE engineered to trans-splice and introduce a nonsense-coding substitution into a mutant SOD1 gene prolonged survival and markedly slowed the progression of disease in the G93A-SOD1 mouse model of ALS. Adult animals treated by this split-intein CRISPR base editor had a reduced rate of muscle atrophy, decreased muscle denervation, improved neuromuscular function, and up to 40% fewer SOD1 immunoreactive inclusions at end-stage mice compared to control mice. This work expands the capabilities of single-base editors and demonstrates their potential for gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin K W Lim
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Michael Gapinske
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Alexandra K Brooks
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Wendy S Woods
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Jackson E Powell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | | | - Jackson Winter
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Pablo Perez-Pinera
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences, Carle-Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
| | - Thomas Gaj
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
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Wang XT, Wu XD, Lu YX, Sun YH, Zhu HH, Liang JB, He WK, Li L. Egr-1 is involved in coronary microembolization-induced myocardial injury via Bim/Beclin-1 pathway-mediated autophagy inhibition and apoptosis activation. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 10:3136-3147. [PMID: 30391937 PMCID: PMC6286823 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Coronary microembolization (CME) substantially reduces the clinical benefits of myocardial reperfusion therapy. Autophagy and apoptosis participate in the pathophysiological processes of almost all cardiovascular diseases, including CME-induced myocardial injury, but the precise underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, we observed that Egr-1 expression was substantially increased after CME modeling. Inhibition of Egr-1 expression through the targeted delivery of rAAV9-Egr-1-shRNA improved cardiac function and reduced myocardial injury. The microinfarct size was also significantly smaller in the Egr-1 inhibitor group than in the CME group. These benefits were partially reversed by the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA. As shown in our previous study, autophagy in the myocardium was impaired after CME. Inhibition of Egr-1 expression in vivo restored the autophagy flux and reduced myocardial apoptosis, at least partially, by inhibiting the Egr-1/Bim/Beclin-1 pathway, as evidenced by the results of the western blot, RT-qPCR, and TUNEL staining. At the same time, TEM showed a dramatic increase in the number of typical autophagic vacuoles in the Egr-1 inhibitor group compared to the CME group. Based on these findings, the Egr-1/Bim/Beclin-1 pathway may be involved in CME-induced myocardial injury by regulating myocardial autophagy and apoptosis, and this pathway represents a potential therapeutic target in CME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Tao Wang
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xiao-Dan Wu
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yuan-Xi Lu
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yu-Han Sun
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Han-Hua Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jia-Bao Liang
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Wen-Kai He
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Lang Li
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
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45
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Jara JH, Gautam M, Kocak N, Xie EF, Mao Q, Bigio EH, Özdinler PH. MCP1-CCR2 and neuroinflammation in the ALS motor cortex with TDP-43 pathology. J Neuroinflammation 2019; 16:196. [PMID: 31666087 PMCID: PMC6822373 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-019-1589-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The involvement of non-neuronal cells and the cells of innate immunity has been attributed to the initiation and progression of ALS. TDP-43 pathology is observed in a broad spectrum of ALS cases and is one of the most commonly shared pathologies. The potential involvement of the neuroimmune axis in the motor cortex of ALS patients with TDP-43 pathology needs to be revealed. This information is vital for building effective treatment strategies. METHODS We investigated the presence of astrogliosis and microgliosis in the motor cortex of ALS patients with TDP-43 pathology. prpTDP-43A315T-UeGFP mice, corticospinal motor neuron (CSMN) reporter line with TDP-43 pathology, are utilized to reveal the timing and extent of neuroimmune interactions and the involvement of non-neuronal cells to neurodegeneration. Electron microscopy and immunolabeling techniques are used to mark and monitor cells of interest. RESULTS We detected both activated astrocytes and microglia, especially rod-like microglia, in the motor cortex of patients and TDP-43 mouse model. Besides, CCR2+ TMEM119- infiltrating monocytes were detected as they penetrate the brain parenchyma. Interestingly, Betz cells, which normally do not express MCP1, were marked with high levels of MCP1 expression when diseased. CONCLUSIONS There is an early contribution of a neuroinflammatory response for upper motor neuron (UMN) degeneration with respect to TDP-43 pathology, and MCP1-CCR2 signaling is important for the recognition of diseased upper motor neurons by infiltrating monocytes. The findings are conserved among species and are observed in both ALS and ALS-FTLD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier H Jara
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA.,Les Turner ALS Center, Chicago, USA
| | - Mukesh Gautam
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA.,Les Turner ALS Center, Chicago, USA
| | - Nuran Kocak
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA.,Les Turner ALS Center, Chicago, USA
| | - Edward F Xie
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA.,Les Turner ALS Center, Chicago, USA
| | - Qinwen Mao
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA.,Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - Eileen H Bigio
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA.,Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - P Hande Özdinler
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA. .,Les Turner ALS Center, Chicago, USA. .,Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA. .,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA. .,Department of Neurology, 303 E Chicago Ave., Ward 10-015, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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46
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Borel F, Gernoux G, Sun H, Stock R, Blackwood M, Brown RH, Mueller C. Safe and effective superoxide dismutase 1 silencing using artificial microRNA in macaques. Sci Transl Med 2019; 10:10/465/eaau6414. [PMID: 30381409 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aau6414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Revised: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurological disease caused by degeneration of motor neurons leading to rapidly progressive paralysis. About 10% of cases are caused by gain-of-function mutations that are transmitted as dominant traits. A potential therapy for these cases is to suppress the expression of the mutant gene. Here, we investigated silencing of SOD1, a gene commonly mutated in familial ALS, using an adeno-associated virus (AAV) encoding an artificial microRNA (miRNA) that targeted SOD1 In a superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1)-mediated mouse model of ALS, we have previously demonstrated that SOD1 silencing delayed disease onset, increased survival time, and reduced muscle loss and motor and respiratory impairments. Here, we describe the preclinical characterization of this approach in cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) using an AAV serotype for delivery that has been shown to be safe in clinical trials. We optimized AAV delivery to the spinal cord by preimplantation of a catheter and placement of the subject with head down at 30° during intrathecal infusion. We compared different promoters for the expression of artificial miRNAs directed against mutant SOD1 Results demonstrated efficient delivery and effective silencing of the SOD1 gene in motor neurons. These results support the notion that gene therapy with an artificial miRNA targeting SOD1 is safe and merits further development for the treatment of mutant SOD1-linked ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florie Borel
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.,Shire, 125 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Gwladys Gernoux
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Huaming Sun
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Rachel Stock
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Meghan Blackwood
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Robert H Brown
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| | - Christian Mueller
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
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47
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Abrahao A, Meng Y, Llinas M, Huang Y, Hamani C, Mainprize T, Aubert I, Heyn C, Black SE, Hynynen K, Lipsman N, Zinman L. First-in-human trial of blood-brain barrier opening in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using MR-guided focused ultrasound. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4373. [PMID: 31558719 PMCID: PMC6763482 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12426-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 294] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is an emerging technology that can accurately and transiently permeabilize the blood-brain barrier (BBB) for targeted drug delivery to the central nervous system. We conducted a single-arm, first-in-human trial to investigate the safety and feasibility of MRgFUS-induced BBB opening in eloquent primary motor cortex in four volunteers with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Here, we show successful BBB opening using MRgFUS as demonstrated by gadolinium leakage at the target site immediately after sonication in all subjects, which normalized 24 hours later. The procedure was well-tolerated with no serious clinical, radiologic or electroencephalographic adverse events. This study demonstrates that non-invasive BBB permeabilization over the motor cortex using MRgFUS is safe, feasible, and reversible in ALS subjects. In future, MRgFUS can be coupled with promising therapeutics providing a targeted delivery platform in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agessandro Abrahao
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada. .,Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada. .,Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada.
| | - Ying Meng
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada.,Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada.,Division of Neurosurgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Maheleth Llinas
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada.,Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Yuexi Huang
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Clement Hamani
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada.,Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada.,Division of Neurosurgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Todd Mainprize
- Division of Neurosurgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Isabelle Aubert
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3H7, Canada
| | - Chinthaka Heyn
- Department of Medical Imaging, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada.,Odette Cancer Research, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Sandra E Black
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada.,Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada.,Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada.,Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3H7, Canada
| | - Kullervo Hynynen
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada.,Odette Cancer Research, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada.,Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3H7, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3H7, Canada
| | - Nir Lipsman
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada.,Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada.,Division of Neurosurgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Lorne Zinman
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada.,Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada
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48
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Dynamics of host and graft after cell sheet transplantation: Basic study for the application of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Brain Res 2019; 1724:146444. [PMID: 31518575 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells offer great hope for the therapy of neurological disorders. Using a human artificial chromosome (HAC), we generated modified mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), termed HAC-MSC that express 3 growth factors and 2 marker proteins including luciferase, and previously demonstrated that intrathecal administration of HAC-MSCs extended the lifespan in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, donor cells disappeared rapidly after transplantation. To overcome this poor survival, we transplanted the HAC-MSCs as a sheet structure which retained the extracellular matrix. We investigated, here, whether cell sheet showed a longer survival than intrathecal administration. Also, the therapeutic effects on ALS model mice were examined. In vivo imaging showed that luciferase signals increased immediately after transplantation up to 7 days, and these signals were sustained for up to 14 days. In contrast, following intrathecal administration, signals were drastically decreased by day 3. Moreover, cell sheet transplantation successfully prolonged the survival of donor HAC-MSCs. Cell sheet transplantation increased the level of p-Akt at the graft area. Pathologically, none of the donor cells differentiated into neurons, astrocytes or microglial cells. When the cell sheet was transplanted into ALS model mice, there was an encouraging trend in the delayed onset of symptoms and increased lifespan. If each group was subdivided into rapid and slow progressors based on cut-off values for respective median survival, the survival of rapid progressors differed significantly between groups (treated vs. sham-operated = 145.4 ± 1.4 vs. 139.2 ± 1.2). The effect of HAC-MSC sheet transplantation still has a temporally narrow therapeutic window. Further improvement could be achieved by optimization of the transplantation conditions, e.g. co-transplantation of HAC-MSCs with endothelial progenitor cells.
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49
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Park JH, Elpers C, Reunert J, McCormick ML, Mohr J, Biskup S, Schwartz O, Rust S, Grüneberg M, Seelhöfer A, Schara U, Boltshauser E, Spitz DR, Marquardt T. SOD1 deficiency: a novel syndrome distinct from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Brain 2019; 142:2230-2237. [PMID: 31332433 PMCID: PMC6658856 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awz182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) is the principal cytoplasmic superoxide dismutase in humans and plays a major role in redox potential regulation. It catalyses the transformation of the superoxide anion (O2•-) into hydrogen peroxide. Heterozygous variants in SOD1 are a common cause of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In this study we describe the homozygous truncating variant c.335dupG (p.C112Wfs*11) in SOD1 that leads to total absence of enzyme activity. The resulting phenotype is severe and marked by progressive loss of motor abilities, tetraspasticity with predominance in the lower extremities, mild cerebellar atrophy, and hyperekplexia-like symptoms. Heterozygous carriers have a markedly reduced enzyme activity when compared to wild-type controls but show no overt neurologic phenotype. These results are in contrast with the previously proposed theory that a loss of function is the underlying mechanism in SOD1-related motor neuron disease and should be considered before application of previously proposed SOD1 silencing as a treatment option for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien H Park
- Department of General Paediatrics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Christiane Elpers
- Department of General Paediatrics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Janine Reunert
- Department of General Paediatrics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Michael L McCormick
- Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa, USA
| | - Julia Mohr
- CeGaT GmbH und Praxis für Humangenetik Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Saskia Biskup
- CeGaT GmbH und Praxis für Humangenetik Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Oliver Schwartz
- Department of General Paediatrics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Stephan Rust
- Department of General Paediatrics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Marianne Grüneberg
- Department of General Paediatrics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Anja Seelhöfer
- Department of General Paediatrics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Ulrike Schara
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Eugen Boltshauser
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, University Children’s Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Douglas R Spitz
- Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa, USA
| | - Thorsten Marquardt
- Department of General Paediatrics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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50
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Pena SA, Iyengar R, Eshraghi RS, Bencie N, Mittal J, Aljohani A, Mittal R, Eshraghi AA. Gene therapy for neurological disorders: challenges and recent advancements. J Drug Target 2019; 28:111-128. [DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2019.1630415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie A. Pena
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rahul Iyengar
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rebecca S. Eshraghi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Nicole Bencie
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jeenu Mittal
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Abdulrahman Aljohani
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rahul Mittal
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Adrien A. Eshraghi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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