1
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Novikova ES. [Experience with the use of risdiplam in a familial case of spinal muscular atrophy 5q in patients with a homozygous deletion of the SMN1 gene and the same copy number of the SMN2 gene]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2024; 124:138-141. [PMID: 38884441 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro2024124051138] [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] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Advances in the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) have revolutionized the field. SMA is a rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative motor neuron disease in which wide phenotypic variability has been described. The rate of increase in neurological deficit and the severity of the disease is mainly determined by the amount of functional SMN (Survival of Motor Neuron) protein. However, the clinical picture may differ significantly in patients carrying homozygous deletions of the SMN1 gene (Survival of Motor Neuron 1) and an identical number of copies of the SMN2 gene (Survival of Motor Neuron 2). A family clinical case of adult patients with spinal muscular atrophy 5q with a homozygous deletion of the SMN1 gene and the same number of copies of the SMN2 gene, having a different clinical picture of the disease, is presented, and the dynamics of the condition against the background of oral pathogenetic therapy is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- E S Novikova
- Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute, Moscow, Russia
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2
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Kordala AJ, Stoodley J, Ahlskog N, Hanifi M, Garcia Guerra A, Bhomra A, Lim WF, Murray LM, Talbot K, Hammond SM, Wood MJA, Rinaldi C. PRMT inhibitor promotes SMN2 exon 7 inclusion and synergizes with nusinersen to rescue SMA mice. EMBO Mol Med 2023; 15:e17683. [PMID: 37724723 PMCID: PMC10630883 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202317683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a leading genetic cause of infant mortality. The advent of approved treatments for this devastating condition has significantly changed SMA patients' life expectancy and quality of life. Nevertheless, these are not without limitations, and research efforts are underway to develop new approaches for improved and long-lasting benefits for patients. Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) are emerging as druggable epigenetic targets, with several small-molecule PRMT inhibitors already in clinical trials. From a screen of epigenetic molecules, we have identified MS023, a potent and selective type I PRMT inhibitor able to promote SMN2 exon 7 inclusion in preclinical SMA models. Treatment of SMA mice with MS023 results in amelioration of the disease phenotype, with strong synergistic amplification of the positive effect when delivered in combination with the antisense oligonucleotide nusinersen. Moreover, transcriptomic analysis revealed that MS023 treatment has minimal off-target effects, and the added benefit is mainly due to targeting neuroinflammation. Our study warrants further clinical investigation of PRMT inhibition both as a stand-alone and add-on therapy for SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna J Kordala
- Department of Physiology Anatomy and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM)OxfordUK
| | - Jessica Stoodley
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM)OxfordUK
| | - Nina Ahlskog
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM)OxfordUK
| | | | - Antonio Garcia Guerra
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM)OxfordUK
| | - Amarjit Bhomra
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM)OxfordUK
| | - Wooi Fang Lim
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM)OxfordUK
| | - Lyndsay M Murray
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- Euan McDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease ResearchUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Kevin Talbot
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe HospitalUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience DiscoveryUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | | | - Matthew JA Wood
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM)OxfordUK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular CentreOxfordUK
| | - Carlo Rinaldi
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM)OxfordUK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular CentreOxfordUK
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3
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Thimm A, Brakemeier S, Dag M, Munoz Rosales J, Stolte B, Kleinschnitz C, Stettner M, Hagenacker T. Corneal confocal microscopy reveals small nerve fibre loss correlating with motor function in adult spinal muscular atrophy. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:2821-2827. [PMID: 37159488 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 5q Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive, inherited, and severely disabling - yet treatable - motor neuron disease. Although treatment options have evolved in recent years, biomarkers for treatment monitoring and prognosis prediction remain elusive. Here, we investigated the utility of corneal confocal microscopy (CCM), a non-invasive imaging technique to quantify small corneal nerve fibres in vivo, as a diagnostic tool in adult SMA. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 19 patients with SMA type 3 and 19 healthy controls underwent CCM to measure corneal nerve fibre density (CNFD), corneal nerve fibre length (CNFL), and corneal nerve branch density (CNBD), as well as corneal immune cell infiltration. Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE) and Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM) scores and a 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) were conducted to explore any correlation between CCM findings and motor function. RESULTS Corneal nerve fibre parameters were decreased in SMA patients versus healthy controls (CNFD: p = 0.030; CNFL: p = 0.013; CNBD: p = 0.020) in the absence of relevant immune cell infiltration. CNFD and CNFL correlated with HFMSE scores (CNFD: r = 0.492, p = 0.038; CNFL: r = 0.484, p = 0.042) and distance covered in the 6MWT (CNFD: r = 0.502, p = 0.042; CNFL: r = 0.553, p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS Corneal confocal microscopy CCM reveals sensory neurodegeneration in SMA, thereby supporting a multisystem view of the disorder. Subclinical small nerve fibre damage correlated with motor function. Thus, CCM may be ideally suited for treatment monitoring and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Thimm
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Svenja Brakemeier
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Merve Dag
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Juan Munoz Rosales
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Stolte
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Christoph Kleinschnitz
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Mark Stettner
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Tim Hagenacker
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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4
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Welby E, Ebert AD. Diminished motor neuron activity driven by abnormal astrocytic EAAT1 glutamate transporter activity in spinal muscular atrophy is not fully restored after lentiviral SMN delivery. Glia 2023; 71:1311-1332. [PMID: 36655314 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is characterized by the loss of the lower spinal motor neurons due to survival motor neuron (SMN) deficiency. The motor neuron cell autonomous and non-cell autonomous disease mechanisms driving early glutamatergic dysfunction, a therapeutically targetable phenotype prior to motor neuron cell loss, remain unclear. Using microelectrode array analysis, we demonstrate that the secretome and cell surface proteins needed for proper synaptic modulation are likely disrupted in human SMA astrocytes and lead to diminished motor neuron activity. While healthy astrocyte conditioned media did not improve SMA motor neuron activity, SMA motor neurons robustly responded to healthy astrocyte neuromodulation in direct contact cultures. This suggests an important role of astrocyte synaptic-associated plasma membrane proteins and contact-mediated cellular interactions for proper motor neuron function in SMA. Specifically, we identified a significant reduction of the glutamate Na+ dependent excitatory amino acid transporter EAAT1 within human SMA astrocytes and SMA lumbar spinal cord tissue. The selective inhibition of EAAT1 in healthy co-cultures phenocopied the diminished neural activity observed in SMA astrocyte co-cultures. Caveolin-1, an SMN-interacting protein previously associated with local translation at the plasma membrane, was abnormally elevated in human SMA astrocytes. Although lentiviral SMN delivery to SMA astrocytes partially rescued EAAT1 expression, limited activity of healthy motor neurons was still observed in SMN-transduced SMA astrocyte co-cultures. Together, these data highlight the detrimental impact of astrocyte-mediated disease mechanisms on motor neuron function in SMA and that SMN delivery may be insufficient to fully restore astrocyte function at the synapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Welby
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Allison D Ebert
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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5
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Astrocytes regulate neuronal network activity by mediating synapse remodeling. Neurosci Res 2023; 187:3-13. [PMID: 36170922 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2022.09.007] [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: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Based on experience during our life, neuronal connectivity continuously changes through structural remodeling of synapses. Recent studies have shown that the complex interaction between astrocytes and synapses regulates structural synapse remodeling by inducing the formation and elimination of synapses, as well as their functional maturation. Defects in this astrocyte-mediated synapse remodeling cause problems in not only neuronal network activities but also animal behaviors. Moreover, in various neurological disorders, astrocytes have been shown to play central roles in the initiation and progression of synaptic pathophysiology through impaired interactions with synapses. In this review, we will discuss recent studies identifying the novel roles of astrocytes in neuronal circuit remodeling, focusing on synapse formation and elimination. We will also discuss the potential implication of defective astrocytic function in evoking various brain disorders.
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6
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Hammond SM, Abendroth F, Goli L, Stoodley J, Burrell M, Thom G, Gurrell I, Ahlskog N, Gait MJ, Wood MJ, Webster CI. Antibody-oligonucleotide conjugate achieves CNS delivery in animal models for spinal muscular atrophy. JCI Insight 2022; 7:154142. [PMID: 36346674 PMCID: PMC7614086 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.154142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) have emerged as one of the most innovative new genetic drug modalities. However, their high molecular weight limits their bioavailability for otherwise-treatable neurological disorders. We investigated conjugation of ASOs to an antibody against the murine transferrin receptor, 8D3130, and evaluated it via systemic administration in mouse models of the neurodegenerative disease spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). SMA, like several other neurological and neuromuscular diseases, is treatable with single-stranded ASOs that modulate splicing of the survival motor neuron 2 (SMN2) gene. Administration of 8D3130-ASO conjugate resulted in elevated levels of bioavailability to the brain. Additionally, 8D3130-ASO yielded therapeutic levels of SMN2 splicing in the central nervous system of adult human SMN2-transgenic (hSMN2-transgenic) mice, which resulted in extended survival of a severely affected SMA mouse model. Systemic delivery of nucleic acid therapies with brain-targeting antibodies offers powerful translational potential for future treatments of neuromuscular and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan M Hammond
- Department of Paediatrics, John Radcliffe Hospital, and.,MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Frank Abendroth
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Chemistry, Philipps Universität-Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Larissa Goli
- Department of Paediatrics, John Radcliffe Hospital, and.,Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica Stoodley
- Department of Paediatrics, John Radcliffe Hospital, and.,MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Ian Gurrell
- Neuroscience, Biopharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Nina Ahlskog
- Department of Paediatrics, John Radcliffe Hospital, and.,MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J Gait
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Ja Wood
- Department of Paediatrics, John Radcliffe Hospital, and.,MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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7
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Butchbach MER, Scott RC. Biological networks and complexity in early-onset motor neuron diseases. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1035406. [PMID: 36341099 PMCID: PMC9634177 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1035406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are neuromuscular disorders where the spinal motor neurons-either the cell bodies themselves or their axons-are the primary cells affected. To date, there are 120 different genes that are lost or mutated in pediatric-onset MNDs. Most of these childhood-onset disorders, aside from spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), lack viable therapeutic options. Previous research on MNDs has focused on understanding the pathobiology of a single, specific gene mutation and targeting therapies to that pathobiology. This reductionist approach has yielded therapeutic options for a specific disorder, in this case SMA. Unfortunately, therapies specific for SMA have not been effective against other pediatric-onset MNDs. Pursuing the same approach for the other defined MNDs would require development of at least 120 independent treatments raising feasibility issues. We propose an alternative to this this type of reductionist approach by conceptualizing MNDs in a complex adaptive systems framework that will allow identification of common molecular and cellular pathways which form biological networks that are adversely affected in early-onset MNDs and thus MNDs with similar phenotypes despite diverse genotypes. This systems biology approach highlights the complexity and self-organization of the motor system as well as the ways in which it can be affected by these genetic disorders. Using this integrated approach to understand early-onset MNDs, we would be better poised to expand the therapeutic repertoire for multiple MNDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E. R. Butchbach
- Division of Neurology, Nemours Children's Hospital Delaware, Wilmington, DE, United States,Department of Pediatrics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States,*Correspondence: Matthew E. R. Butchbach
| | - Rod C. Scott
- Division of Neurology, Nemours Children's Hospital Delaware, Wilmington, DE, United States,Department of Pediatrics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States,Neurosciences Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom,Rod C. Scott
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8
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Sun J, Qiu J, Yang Q, Ju Q, Qu R, Wang X, Wu L, Xing L. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals dysregulation of spinal cord cell types in a severe spinal muscular atrophy mouse model. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010392. [PMID: 36074806 PMCID: PMC9488758 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a motor neuron disease caused by the loss of survival of motor neuron (SMN) proteins, there is growing evidence that non-neuronal cells play important roles in SMA pathogenesis. However, transcriptome alterations occurring at the single-cell level in SMA spinal cord remain unknown, preventing us from fully comprehending the role of specific cells. Here, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing of the spinal cord of a severe SMA mouse model, and identified ten cell types as well as their differentially expressed genes. Using CellChat, we found that cellular communication between different cell types in the spinal cord of SMA mice was significantly reduced. A dimensionality reduction analysis revealed 29 cell subtypes and their differentially expressed gene. A subpopulation of vascular fibroblasts showed the most significant change in the SMA spinal cord at the single-cell level. This subpopulation was drastically reduced, possibly causing vascular defects and resulting in widespread protein synthesis and energy metabolism reductions in SMA mice. This study reveals for the first time a single-cell atlas of the spinal cord of mice with severe SMA, and sheds new light on the pathogenesis of SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Sun
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- * E-mail: (JS); (LW); (LX)
| | - Jiaying Qiu
- Department of Prenatal Screening and Diagnosis Center, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Qiongxia Yang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Qianqian Ju
- Laboratory Animal Center, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Ruobing Qu
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Liucheng Wu
- Laboratory Animal Center, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- * E-mail: (JS); (LW); (LX)
| | - Lingyan Xing
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- * E-mail: (JS); (LW); (LX)
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9
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Freigang M, Steinacker P, Wurster CD, Schreiber-Katz O, Osmanovic A, Petri S, Koch JC, Rostásy K, Huss A, Tumani H, Winter B, Falkenburger B, Ludolph AC, Otto M, Hermann A, Günther R. Glial fibrillary acidic protein in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with spinal muscular atrophy. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2022; 9:1437-1448. [PMID: 35951535 PMCID: PMC9463944 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Activated astroglia is involved in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases and has also been described in animal models of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Given the urgent need of biomarkers for treatment monitoring of new RNA‐modifying and gene replacement therapies in SMA, we examined glial fibrillary acidic protein concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (cGFAP) as a marker of astrogliosis in SMA. Methods 58 adult patients and 21 children with genetically confirmed 5q‐associated SMA from four German motor neuron disease specialist care centers and 30 age‐ and sex‐matched controls were prospectively included in this study. cGFAP was measured and correlated to motor performance and disease severity. Additionally, we compared cGFAP with neurofilament light chain concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (cNfL). Results cGFAP concentrations did not differ from controls but showed higher levels in more severely affected patients after adjustment for patients' age. Normalized cNfL values were associated with disease severity. Within 14 months of nusinersen treatment, cGFAP concentrations did not change, while cNfL decreased significantly. Interpretation cGFAP is not an outstanding biomarker in SMA, but might support the hypothesis that glial activation is involved in SMA pathology. Unlike previously suggested, cNfL may be a promising biomarker also in adult patients with SMA, which should be subject to further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maren Freigang
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Petra Steinacker
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Halle (Saale), Halle (Saale), Germany.,Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | | | - Alma Osmanovic
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Essener Zentrum für Seltene Erkrankungen (EZSE), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jan C Koch
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Kevin Rostásy
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Hospital Datteln, University Witten/Herdecke, Datteln, Germany
| | - André Huss
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Benedikt Winter
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Hospital Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Björn Falkenburger
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Albert C Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Markus Otto
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Halle (Saale), Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht-Kossel", Department of Neurology, and Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock (CTNR), University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) Rostock/Greifswald, Rostock, Germany
| | - René Günther
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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10
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Januel C, Menduti G, Mamchaoui K, Martinat C, Artero R, Konieczny P, Boido M. Moxifloxacin rescues SMA phenotypes in patient-derived cells and animal model. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:441. [PMID: 35864358 PMCID: PMC9304069 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04450-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disease resulting in the loss of α-motoneurons followed by muscle atrophy. It is caused by knock-out mutations in the survival of motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, which has an unaffected, but due to preferential exon 7 skipping, only partially functional human-specific SMN2 copy. We previously described a Drosophila-based screening of FDA-approved drugs that led us to discover moxifloxacin. We showed its positive effect on the SMN2 exon 7 splicing in SMA patient-derived skin cells and its ability to increase the SMN protein level. Here, we focus on moxifloxacin's therapeutic potential in additional SMA cellular and animal models. We demonstrate that moxifloxacin rescues the SMA-related molecular and phenotypical defects in muscle cells and motoneurons by improving the SMN2 splicing. The consequent increase of SMN levels was higher than in case of risdiplam, a potent exon 7 splicing modifier, and exceeded the threshold necessary for a survival improvement. We also demonstrate that daily subcutaneous injections of moxifloxacin in a severe SMA murine model reduces its characteristic neuroinflammation and increases the SMN levels in various tissues, leading to improved motor skills and extended lifespan. We show that moxifloxacin, originally used as an antibiotic, can be potentially repositioned for the SMA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Januel
- INSERM/UEVE, UMR 861, Université Paris Saclay, I-STEM, AFM-Telethon, Rue Henri Desbruères, 91100, Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Giovanna Menduti
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, Orbassano, 10043, Turin, TO, Italy
| | - Kamel Mamchaoui
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Cecile Martinat
- INSERM/UEVE, UMR 861, Université Paris Saclay, I-STEM, AFM-Telethon, Rue Henri Desbruères, 91100, Corbeil-Essonnes, France.
| | - Ruben Artero
- University Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universitat de València, Street Dr. Moliner, 50, 46100, Burjasot, Valencia, Spain.
- Translational Genomics Group, Incliva Biomedical Research Institute, Avenue Menéndez Pelayo 4 acc, 46010, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Piotr Konieczny
- University Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universitat de València, Street Dr. Moliner, 50, 46100, Burjasot, Valencia, Spain
- Translational Genomics Group, Incliva Biomedical Research Institute, Avenue Menéndez Pelayo 4 acc, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marina Boido
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, Orbassano, 10043, Turin, TO, Italy
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11
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Farrugia M, Vassallo N, Cauchi RJ. Disruption of Smn in glia impacts survival but has no effect on neuromuscular function in Drosophila. Neuroscience 2022; 491:32-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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12
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Induction of Survival of Motor Neuron (SMN) Protein Deficiency in Spinal Astrocytes by Small Interfering RNA as an In Vitro Model of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030558. [PMID: 35159369 PMCID: PMC8834238 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a motor neuron disorder leading to progressive loss of ventral horn neurons resulting in muscle wasting. Here we investigate the contribution of spinal astrocytes to the pathogenesis of late-onset SMA forms using a mouse model. Furthermore, we generated SMA-like astrocytes using survival of motor neuron (SMN) siRNA transfection techniques. In the SMA mouse model, the activation of spinal astrocytes and the reduction of the inward rectifier potassium channel Kir4.1 and excitatory amino acid transporter 1 (EAAT1) were observed at postnatal day (P) 28, preceding the loss of spinal motor neurons appearing earliest at P42. Using SMA-like astrocytes, we could mimic the modulation of spinal astrocytes of the mouse model in a dish and perform electrophysiological assessments and functional assays. In SMA-like astrocytes, glutamate uptake was diminished due to a reduction in EAAT1. Furthermore, patch-clamp measurements revealed reduced potassium uptake into astrocytes with membrane depolarization. Additionally, exposure of healthy spinal motor neurons to a conditioned medium of SMA-like astrocytes resulted in increased firing frequency. These data demonstrate spinal astrocytes’ crucial role in the late-onset SMA forms’ pathogenesis.
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Huang Q, Lian C, Dong Y, Zeng H, Liu B, Xu N, He Z, Guo H. SNAP25 Inhibits Glioma Progression by Regulating Synapse Plasticity via GLS-Mediated Glutaminolysis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:698835. [PMID: 34490096 PMCID: PMC8416623 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.698835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neuronal activity regulated by synaptic communication exerts an important role in tumorigenesis and progression in brain tumors. Genes for soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) annotated with the function ‘vesicle’ about synaptic connectivity were identified, and synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP25), one of those proteins, was found to have discrepant expression levels in neuropathies. However, the specific mechanism and prognostic value of SNAP25 during glioma progression remain unclear. Methods Using RNA sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, the differential synaptosis-related genes between low grade glioma (LGG) and glioblastoma (GBM) were identified as highly correlated. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and survival analysis were used to differentiate the outcome of low- and high-risk patients, and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) cohort was used for validation of the data set. RT-qPCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry assays were performed to examine the expression level of SNAP25 in glioma cells and samples. Functional assays were performed to identify the effects of SNAP25 knockdown and overexpression on cell viability, migration, and invasion. Liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics approach was presented for identifying crucial metabolic disturbances in glioma cells. In situ mouse xenograft model was used to investigate the role of SNAP25 in vivo. Then, an immunofluorescence assay of the xenograft tissue was applied to evaluate the expression of the neuronal dendron formation marker-Microtubule Associated Protein 2 (MAP2). Results SNAP25 was decreased in level of expression in glioma tissues and cell lines, and low-level SNAP25 indicated an unfavorable prognosis of glioma patients. SNAP25 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion and fostered glutamine metabolism of glioma cells, exerting a tumor suppressor role. Overexpressed SNAP25 exerted a lower expression level of MAP2, indicating poor neuronal plasticity and connectivity. SNAP25 could regulate glutaminase (GLS)-mediated glutaminolysis, and GLS knockdown could rescue the anti-tumor effect of SNAP25 in glioma cells. Moreover, upregulated SNAP25 also decreased tumor volume and prolonged the overall survival (OS) of the xenograft mouse. Conclusion SNAP25, a tumor suppressor inhibited carcinogenesis of glioma via limiting glutamate metabolism by regulating GLS expression, as well as inhibiting dendritic formation, which could be considered as a novel molecular therapeutic target for glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiongzhen Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Zhujiang Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Guangzhou, China
| | - Changlin Lian
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Zhujiang Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaoyuan Dong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Zhujiang Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huijun Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Zhujiang Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Guangzhou, China
| | - Boyang Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Zhujiang Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ningbo Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Zhujiang Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenyan He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Zhujiang Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongbo Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Zhujiang Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Guangzhou, China
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Pereira JD, DuBreuil DM, Devlin AC, Held A, Sapir Y, Berezovski E, Hawrot J, Dorfman K, Chander V, Wainger BJ. Human sensorimotor organoids derived from healthy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis stem cells form neuromuscular junctions. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4744. [PMID: 34362895 PMCID: PMC8346474 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24776-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) hold promise for modeling diseases in individual human genetic backgrounds and thus for developing precision medicine. Here, we generate sensorimotor organoids containing physiologically functional neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) and apply the model to different subgroups of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Using a range of molecular, genomic, and physiological techniques, we identify and characterize motor neurons and skeletal muscle, along with sensory neurons, astrocytes, microglia, and vasculature. Organoid cultures derived from multiple human iPSC lines generated from individuals with ALS and isogenic lines edited to harbor familial ALS mutations show impairment at the level of the NMJ, as detected by both contraction and immunocytochemical measurements. The physiological resolution of the human NMJ synapse, combined with the generation of major cellular cohorts exerting autonomous and non-cell autonomous effects in motor and sensory diseases, may prove valuable to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- João D Pereira
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel M DuBreuil
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anna-Claire Devlin
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aaron Held
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yechiam Sapir
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eugene Berezovski
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James Hawrot
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katherine Dorfman
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vignesh Chander
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brian J Wainger
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of Harvard University and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Tan CX, Eroglu C. Cell adhesion molecules regulating astrocyte-neuron interactions. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2021; 69:170-177. [PMID: 33957433 PMCID: PMC8387342 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2021.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A tripartite synapse comprises a neuronal presynaptic axon and a postsynaptic dendrite, which are closely ensheathed by a perisynaptic astrocyte process. Through their structural and functional association with thousands of neuronal synapses, astrocytes regulate synapse formation and function. Recent work revealed a diverse range of cell adhesion-based mechanisms that mediate astrocyte-synapse interactions at tripartite synapses. Here, we will review some of these findings unveiling a highly dynamic bidirectional signaling between astrocytes and synapses, which orchestrates astrocyte morphological maturation and synapse development. Moreover, we will discuss the roles of these newly discovered molecular pathways in brain physiology and function both in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christabel X Tan
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Cagla Eroglu
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA; Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Durham, NC, 27710, USA; Regeneration Next Initiative, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
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Metabolic Dysfunction in Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115913. [PMID: 34072857 PMCID: PMC8198411 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder leading to paralysis, muscle atrophy, and death. Significant advances in antisense oligonucleotide treatment and gene therapy have made it possible for SMA patients to benefit from improvements in many aspects of the once devastating natural history of the disease. How the depletion of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein, the product of the gene implicated in the disease, leads to the consequent pathogenic changes remains unresolved. Over the past few years, evidence toward a potential contribution of gastrointestinal, metabolic, and endocrine defects to disease phenotype has surfaced. These findings ranged from disrupted body composition, gastrointestinal tract, fatty acid, glucose, amino acid, and hormonal regulation. Together, these changes could have a meaningful clinical impact on disease traits. However, it is currently unclear whether these findings are secondary to widespread denervation or unique to the SMA phenotype. This review provides an in-depth account of metabolism-related research available to date, with a discussion of unique features compared to other motor neuron and related disorders.
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Menduti G, Rasà DM, Stanga S, Boido M. Drug Screening and Drug Repositioning as Promising Therapeutic Approaches for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Treatment. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:592234. [PMID: 33281605 PMCID: PMC7689316 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.592234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is the most common genetic disease affecting infants and young adults. Due to mutation/deletion of the survival motor neuron (SMN) gene, SMA is characterized by the SMN protein lack, resulting in motor neuron impairment, skeletal muscle atrophy and premature death. Even if the genetic causes of SMA are well known, many aspects of its pathogenesis remain unclear and only three drugs have been recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (Nusinersen-Spinraza; Onasemnogene abeparvovec or AVXS-101-Zolgensma; Risdiplam-Evrysdi): although assuring remarkable results, the therapies show some important limits including high costs, still unknown long-term effects, side effects and disregarding of SMN-independent targets. Therefore, the research of new therapeutic strategies is still a hot topic in the SMA field and many efforts are spent in drug discovery. In this review, we describe two promising strategies to select effective molecules: drug screening (DS) and drug repositioning (DR). By using compounds libraries of chemical/natural compounds and/or Food and Drug Administration-approved substances, DS aims at identifying new potentially effective compounds, whereas DR at testing drugs originally designed for the treatment of other pathologies. The drastic reduction in risks, costs and time expenditure assured by these strategies make them particularly interesting, especially for those diseases for which the canonical drug discovery process would be long and expensive. Interestingly, among the identified molecules by DS/DR in the context of SMA, besides the modulators of SMN2 transcription, we highlighted a convergence of some targeted molecular cascades contributing to SMA pathology, including cell death related-pathways, mitochondria and cytoskeleton dynamics, neurotransmitter and hormone modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Marina Boido
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Glial cells involvement in spinal muscular atrophy: Could SMA be a neuroinflammatory disease? Neurobiol Dis 2020; 140:104870. [PMID: 32294521 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.104870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a severe, inherited disease characterized by the progressive degeneration and death of motor neurons of the anterior horns of the spinal cord, which results in muscular atrophy and weakness of variable severity. Its early-onset form is invariably fatal in early childhood, while milder forms lead to permanent disability, physical deformities and respiratory complications. Recently, two novel revolutionary therapies, antisense oligonucleotides and gene therapy, have been approved, and might prove successful in making long-term survival of these patients likely. In this perspective, a deep understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms and of their impact on the interactions between motor neurons and other cell types within the central nervous system (CNS) is crucial. Studies using SMA animal and cellular models have taught us that the survival and functionality of motor neurons is highly dependent on a whole range of other cell types, namely glial cells, which are responsible for a variety of different functions, such as neuronal trophic support, synaptic remodeling, and immune surveillance. Thus, it emerges that SMA is likely a non-cell autonomous, multifactorial disease in which the interaction of different cell types and disease mechanisms leads to motor neurons failure and loss. This review will introduce the different glial cell types in the CNS and provide an overview of the role of glial cells in motor neuron degeneration in SMA. Furthermore, we will discuss the relevance of these findings so far and the potential impact on the success of available therapies and on the development of novel ones.
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Abstract
Motor neuron disorders are highly debilitating and mostly fatal conditions for which only limited therapeutic options are available. To overcome this limitation and develop more effective therapeutic strategies, it is critical to discover the pathogenic mechanisms that trigger and sustain motor neuron degeneration with the greatest accuracy and detail. In the case of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), several genes have been associated with familial forms of the disease, whilst the vast majority of cases develop sporadically and no defined cause can be held responsible. On the contrary, the huge majority of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) occurrences are caused by loss-of-function mutations in a single gene, SMN1. Although the typical hallmark of both diseases is the loss of motor neurons, there is increasing awareness that pathological lesions are also present in the neighbouring glia, whose dysfunction clearly contributes to generating a toxic environment in the central nervous system. Here, ALS and SMA are sequentially presented, each disease section having a brief introduction, followed by a focussed discussion on the role of the astrocytes in the disease pathogenesis. Such a dissertation is substantiated by the findings that built awareness on the glial involvement and how the glial-neuronal interplay is perturbed, along with the appraisal of this new cellular site for possible therapeutic intervention.
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Notch Signaling Mediates Astrocyte Abnormality in Spinal Muscular Atrophy Model Systems. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3701. [PMID: 30842449 PMCID: PMC6403369 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39788-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder characterized by the degeneration of spinal motor neurons and muscle atrophy. The disease is mainly caused by low level of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein, which is coded by two genes, namely SMN1 and SMN2, but leads to selective spinal motor neuron degeneration when SMN1 gene is deleted or mutated. Previous reports have shown that SMN-protein-deficient astrocytes are abnormally abundant in the spinal cords of SMA model mice. However, the mechanism of the SMN- deficient astrocyte abnormality remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to identify the cellular signaling pathways associated with the SMN-deficient astrocyte abnormality and propose a candidate therapy tool that modulates signaling. In the present study, we found that the astrocyte density was increased around the central canal of the spinal cord in a mouse SMA model and we identified the dysregulation of Notch signaling which is a known mechanism that regulates astrocyte differentiation and proliferation, in the spinal cord in both early and late stages of SMA pathogenesis. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of Notch signaling improved the motor functional deficits in SMA model mice. These findings indicate that dysregulated Notch signaling may be an underlying cause of SMA pathology.
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Wu CY, Gagnon DA, Sardin JS, Barot U, Telenson A, Arratia PE, Kalb RG. Enhancing GABAergic Transmission Improves Locomotion in a Caenorhabditis elegans Model of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. eNeuro 2018; 5:ENEURO.0289-18.2018. [PMID: 30627660 PMCID: PMC6325564 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0289-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disease characterized by degeneration of spinal motor neurons resulting in variable degrees of muscular wasting and weakness. It is caused by a loss-of-function mutation in the survival motor neuron (SMN1) gene. Caenorhabditis elegans mutants lacking SMN recapitulate several aspects of the disease including impaired movement and shorted life span. We examined whether genes previously implicated in life span extension conferred benefits to C. elegans lacking SMN. We find that reducing daf-2/insulin receptor signaling activity promotes survival and improves locomotor behavior in this C. elegans model of SMA. The locomotor dysfunction in C. elegans lacking SMN correlated with structural and functional abnormalities in GABAergic neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). Moreover, we demonstrated that reduction in daf-2 signaling reversed these abnormalities. Remarkably, enhancing GABAergic neurotransmission alone was able to correct the locomotor dysfunction. Our work indicated that an imbalance of excitatory/inhibitory activity within motor circuits and underlies motor system dysfunction in this SMA model. Interventions aimed at restoring the balance of excitatory/inhibitory activity in motor circuits could be of benefit to individuals with SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Yen Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - David A Gagnon
- Department of Physics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057
- Institute for Soft Matter Synthesis and Metrology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Juliette S Sardin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Urva Barot
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Alex Telenson
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Paulo E Arratia
- Department of Physics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057
| | - Robert G Kalb
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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22
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Hillen AEJ, Burbach JPH, Hol EM. Cell adhesion and matricellular support by astrocytes of the tripartite synapse. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 165-167:66-86. [PMID: 29444459 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes contribute to the formation, function, and plasticity of synapses. Their processes enwrap the neuronal components of the tripartite synapse, and due to this close interaction they are perfectly positioned to modulate neuronal communication. The interaction between astrocytes and synapses is facilitated by cell adhesion molecules and matricellular proteins, which have been implicated in the formation and functioning of tripartite synapses. The importance of such neuron-astrocyte integration at the synapse is underscored by the emerging role of astrocyte dysfunction in synaptic pathologies such as autism and schizophrenia. Here we review astrocyte-expressed cell adhesion molecules and matricellular molecules that play a role in integration of neurons and astrocytes within the tripartite synapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne E J Hillen
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Pediatrics/Child Neurology, VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J Peter H Burbach
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elly M Hol
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Neuroimmunology, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Groen EJN, Talbot K, Gillingwater TH. Advances in therapy for spinal muscular atrophy: promises and challenges. Nat Rev Neurol 2018; 14:214-224. [PMID: 29422644 DOI: 10.1038/nrneurol.2018.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a devastating motor neuron disease that predominantly affects children and represents the most common cause of hereditary infant mortality. The condition results from deleterious variants in SMN1, which lead to depletion of the survival motor neuron protein (SMN). Now, 20 years after the discovery of this genetic defect, a major milestone in SMA and motor neuron disease research has been reached with the approval of the first disease-modifying therapy for SMA by US and European authorities - the antisense oligonucleotide nusinersen. At the same time, promising data from early-stage clinical trials of SMN1 gene therapy have indicated that additional therapeutic options are likely to emerge for patients with SMA in the near future. However, the approval of nusinersen has generated a number of immediate and substantial medical, ethical and financial implications that have the potential to resonate beyond the specific treatment of SMA. Here, we provide an overview of the rapidly evolving therapeutic landscape for SMA, highlighting current achievements and future opportunities. We also discuss how these developments are providing important lessons for the emerging second generation of combinatorial ('SMN-plus') therapies that are likely to be required to generate robust treatments that are effective across a patient's lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewout J N Groen
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kevin Talbot
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Thomas H Gillingwater
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a motor neuron disease caused by mutations/deletions within the survival of motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene that lead to a pathological reduction of SMN protein levels. SMN is part of a multiprotein complex, functioning as a molecular chaperone that facilitates the assembly of spliceosomal small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNP). In addition to its role in spliceosome formation, SMN has also been found to interact with mRNA-binding proteins (mRBPs), and facilitate their assembly into mRNP transport granules. The association of protein and RNA in RNP complexes plays an important role in an extensive and diverse set of cellular processes that regulate neuronal growth, differentiation, and the maturation and plasticity of synapses. This review discusses the role of SMN in RNP assembly and localization, focusing on molecular defects that affect mRNA processing and may contribute to SMA pathology.
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Bowerman M, Murray LM, Scamps F, Schneider BL, Kothary R, Raoul C. Pathogenic commonalities between spinal muscular atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Converging roads to therapeutic development. Eur J Med Genet 2017; 61:685-698. [PMID: 29313812 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are the two most common motoneuron disorders, which share typical pathological hallmarks while remaining genetically distinct. Indeed, SMA is caused by deletions or mutations in the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene whilst ALS, albeit being mostly sporadic, can also be caused by mutations within genes, including superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), Fused in Sarcoma (FUS), TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) and chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9ORF72). However, it has come to light that these two diseases may be more interlinked than previously thought. Indeed, it has recently been found that FUS directly interacts with an Smn-containing complex, mutant SOD1 perturbs Smn localization, Smn depletion aggravates disease progression of ALS mice, overexpression of SMN in ALS mice significantly improves their phenotype and lifespan, and duplications of SMN1 have been linked to sporadic ALS. Beyond genetic interactions, accumulating evidence further suggests that both diseases share common pathological identities such as intrinsic muscle defects, neuroinflammation, immune organ dysfunction, metabolic perturbations, defects in neuron excitability and selective motoneuron vulnerability. Identifying common molecular effectors that mediate shared pathologies in SMA and ALS would allow for the development of therapeutic strategies and targeted gene therapies that could potentially alleviate symptoms and be equally beneficial in both disorders. In the present review, we will examine our current knowledge of pathogenic commonalities between SMA and ALS, and discuss how furthering this understanding can lead to the establishment of novel therapeutic approaches with wide-reaching impact on multiple motoneuron diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Bowerman
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire, United Kingdom; Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom; Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, United Kingdom
| | - Lyndsay M Murray
- Euan McDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research and Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Frédérique Scamps
- The Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, Inserm UMR1051, Univ Montpellier, Saint Eloi Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Bernard L Schneider
- Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rashmi Kothary
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada; Departments of Medicine and Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Cédric Raoul
- The Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, Inserm UMR1051, Univ Montpellier, Saint Eloi Hospital, Montpellier, France.
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Effects of Astroglia on Motor Neurons in Spinal Muscular Atrophy. J Neurosci 2017; 37:8578-8580. [PMID: 28878096 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1578-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Arumugam S, Garcera A, Soler RM, Tabares L. Smn-Deficiency Increases the Intrinsic Excitability of Motoneurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:269. [PMID: 28928636 PMCID: PMC5591959 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During development, motoneurons experience significant changes in their size and in the number and strength of connections that they receive, which requires adaptive changes in their passive and active electrical properties. Even after reaching maturity, motoneurons continue to adjust their intrinsic excitability and synaptic activity for proper functioning of the sensorimotor circuit in accordance with physiological demands. Likewise, if some elements of the circuit become dysfunctional, the system tries to compensate for the alterations to maintain appropriate function. In Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a severe motor disease, spinal motoneurons receive less excitation from glutamatergic sensory fibers and interneurons and are electrically hyperexcitable. Currently, the origin and relationship among these alterations are not completely established. In this study, we investigated whether Survival of Motor Neuron (SMN), the ubiquitous protein defective in SMA, regulates the excitability of motoneurons before and after the establishment of the synaptic contacts. To this end, we performed patch-clamp recordings in embryonic spinal motoneurons forming complex synaptic networks in primary cultures, and in differentiated NSC-34 motoneuron-like cells in the absence of synaptic contacts. Our results show that in both conditions, Smn-deficient cells displayed lower action potential threshold, greater action potential amplitudes, and larger density of voltage-dependent sodium currents than cells with normal Smn-levels. These results indicate that Smn participates in the regulation of the cell-autonomous excitability of motoneurons at an early stage of development. This finding may contribute to a better understanding of motoneuron excitability in SMA during the development of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saravanan Arumugam
- Department of Medical Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine University of SevilleSeville, Spain
| | - Ana Garcera
- Unitat de Senyalització Neuronal, Departament de Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLLEIDALleida, Spain
| | - Rosa M Soler
- Unitat de Senyalització Neuronal, Departament de Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLLEIDALleida, Spain
| | - Lucía Tabares
- Department of Medical Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine University of SevilleSeville, Spain
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Deguise M, Kothary R. New insights into SMA pathogenesis: immune dysfunction and neuroinflammation. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2017; 4:522-530. [PMID: 28695153 PMCID: PMC5497530 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disorder characterized by motor neuron degeneration, although defects in multiple cell types and tissues have also been implicated. Three independent laboratories recently identified immune organ defects in SMA. We therefore propose a novel pathogenic mechanism contributory to SMA, resulting in higher susceptibility to infection and exacerbated disease progression caused by neuroinflammation. Overall, compromised immune function could significantly affect survival and quality of life of SMA patients. We highlight the recent findings in immune organ defects, their potential consequences on patients, our understanding of neuroinflammation in SMA, and new research hypotheses in SMA pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc‐Olivier Deguise
- Regenerative Medicine ProgramOttawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaOntarioK1H 8L6Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioK1H 8M5Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular DiseaseUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioK1H 8M5Canada
| | - Rashmi Kothary
- Regenerative Medicine ProgramOttawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaOntarioK1H 8L6Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioK1H 8M5Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular DiseaseUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioK1H 8M5Canada
- Department of MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioK1H 8M5Canada
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29
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Decreased Motor Neuron Support by SMA Astrocytes due to Diminished MCP1 Secretion. J Neurosci 2017; 37:5309-5318. [PMID: 28450545 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3472-16.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal-recessive disorder characterized by severe, often fatal muscle weakness due to loss of motor neurons. SMA patients have deletions and other mutations of the survival of motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, resulting in decreased SMN protein. Astrocytes are the primary support cells of the CNS and are responsible for glutamate clearance, metabolic support, response to injury, and regulation of signal transmission. Astrocytes have been implicated in SMA as in in other neurodegenerative disorders. Astrocyte-specific rescue of SMN protein levels has been shown to mitigate disease manifestations in mice. However, the mechanism by which SMN deficiency in astrocytes may contribute to SMA is unclear and what aspect of astrocyte activity is lacking is unknown. Therefore, it is worthwhile to identify defects in SMN-deficient astrocytes that compromise normal function. We show here that SMA astrocyte cultures derived from mouse spinal cord of both sexes are deficient in supporting both WT and SMN-deficient motor neurons derived from male, female, and mixed-sex sources and that this deficiency may be mitigated with secreted factors. In particular, SMN-deficient astrocytes have decreased levels of monocyte chemoactive protein 1 (MCP1) secretion compared with controls and MCP1 restoration stimulates outgrowth of neurites from cultured motor neurons. Correction of MCP1 deficiency may thus be a new therapeutic approach to SMA.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by the loss of motor neurons, but astrocyte dysfunction also contributes to the disease in mouse models. Monocyte chemoactive protein 1 (MCP1) has been shown to be neuroprotective and is released by astrocytes. Here, we report that MCP1 levels are decreased in SMA mice and that replacement of deficient MCP1 increases differentiation and neurite length of WT and SMN-deficient motor-neuron-like cells in cell culture. This study reveals a novel aspect of astrocyte dysfunction in SMA and indicates a possible approach for improving motor neuron growth and survival in this disease.
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Tu WY, Simpson JE, Highley JR, Heath PR. Spinal muscular atrophy: Factors that modulate motor neurone vulnerability. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 102:11-20. [PMID: 28161391 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a leading genetic cause of infant death, is a neurodegenerative disease characterised by the selective loss of particular groups of motor neurones in the anterior horn of the spinal cord with concomitant muscle weakness. To date, no effective treatment is available, however, there are ongoing clinical trials are in place which promise much for the future. However, there remains an ongoing problem in trying to link a single gene loss to motor neurone degeneration. Fortunately, given successful disease models that have been established and intensive studies on SMN functions in the past ten years, we are fast approaching the stage of identifying the underlying mechanisms of SMA pathogenesis Here we discuss potential disease modifying factors on motor neurone vulnerability, in the belief that these factors give insight into the pathological mechanisms of SMA and therefore possible therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yo Tu
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Julie E Simpson
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - J Robin Highley
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Paul R Heath
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
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31
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Stogsdill JA, Eroglu C. The interplay between neurons and glia in synapse development and plasticity. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2016; 42:1-8. [PMID: 27788368 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2016.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In the brain, the formation of complex neuronal networks amenable to experience-dependent remodeling is complicated by the diversity of neurons and synapse types. The establishment of a functional brain depends not only on neurons, but also non-neuronal glial cells. Glia are in continuous bi-directional communication with neurons to direct the formation and refinement of synaptic connectivity. This article reviews important findings, which uncovered cellular and molecular aspects of the neuron-glia cross-talk that govern the formation and remodeling of synapses and circuits. In vivo evidence demonstrating the critical interplay between neurons and glia will be the major focus. Additional attention will be given to how aberrant communication between neurons and glia may contribute to neural pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff A Stogsdill
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Cagla Eroglu
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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