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Mimic S, Aru B, Pehlivanoğlu C, Sleiman H, Andjus PR, Yanıkkaya Demirel G. Immunology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - role of the innate and adaptive immunity. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1277399. [PMID: 38105925 PMCID: PMC10723830 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1277399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
This review aims to summarize the latest evidence about the role of innate and adaptive immunity in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a devastating neurodegenerative disease affecting upper and lower motor neurons, which involves essential cells of the immune system that play a basic role in innate or adaptive immunity, that can be neurotoxic or neuroprotective for neurons. However, distinguishing between the sole neurotoxic or neuroprotective function of certain cells such as astrocytes can be challenging due to intricate nature of these cells, the complexity of the microenvironment and the contextual factors. In this review, in regard to innate immunity we focus on the involvement of monocytes/macrophages, microglia, the complement, NK cells, neutrophils, mast cells, and astrocytes, while regarding adaptive immunity, in addition to humoral immunity the most important features and roles of T and B cells are highlighted, specifically different subsets of CD4+ as well as CD8+ T cells. The role of autoantibodies and cytokines is also discussed in distinct sections of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Mimic
- Centre for Laser Microscopy, Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry “Jean Giaja”, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Başak Aru
- Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Cemil Pehlivanoğlu
- Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Hadi Sleiman
- Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Pavle R. Andjus
- Centre for Laser Microscopy, Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry “Jean Giaja”, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Arruebarrena MA, Hawe CT, Lee YM, Branco RC. Mechanisms of Cadmium Neurotoxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16558. [PMID: 38068881 PMCID: PMC10706630 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cadmium is a heavy metal that increasingly contaminates food and drink products. Once ingested, cadmium exerts toxic effects that pose a significant threat to human health. The nervous system is particularly vulnerable to prolonged, low-dose cadmium exposure. This review article provides an overview of cadmium's primary mechanisms of neurotoxicity. Cadmium gains entry into the nervous system via zinc and calcium transporters, altering the homeostasis for these metal ions. Once within the nervous system, cadmium disrupts mitochondrial respiration by decreasing ATP synthesis and increasing the production of reactive oxygen species. Cadmium also impairs normal neurotransmission by increasing neurotransmitter release asynchronicity and disrupting neurotransmitter signaling proteins. Cadmium furthermore impairs the blood-brain barrier and alters the regulation of glycogen metabolism. Together, these mechanisms represent multiple sites of biochemical perturbation that result in cumulative nervous system damage which can increase the risk for neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. Understanding the way by which cadmium exerts its effects is critical for developing effective treatment and prevention strategies against cadmium-induced neurotoxic insult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelyn A. Arruebarrena
- Neuroscience and Behavior Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; (M.A.A.); (Y.M.L.)
| | - Calvin T. Hawe
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA;
| | - Young Min Lee
- Neuroscience and Behavior Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; (M.A.A.); (Y.M.L.)
| | - Rachel C. Branco
- Neuroscience and Behavior Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; (M.A.A.); (Y.M.L.)
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA;
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Helekar SA, Thonhoff J, John BS, Nguyen L, Rosenfield DB, Appel SH. Modulation of spontaneous motor unit potentials by a new motor cortical magnetic stimulation method in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol 2022; 269:5487-5496. [PMID: 35704101 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11214-8] [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: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) show altered cortical excitability. In this study, we measure modulation of spontaneous motor unit potentials (sMUPs) in hand muscles by multifocal cortical stimulation with a newly developed wearable transcranial rotating permanent magnet stimulator (TRPMS). METHODS We conducted cross-sectional and longitudinal electromyographic assessments in 40 and 20 ALS patients, respectively, of the stimulation-induced peak increase in the count of sMUPs in two hand muscles modulated by unilateral TRPMS stimulation of the primary motor cortex. We measured peak sMUP counts during several short sessions consisting of 10 stimuli over 60 s and 30 s post-stimulation periods. The longitudinal component involved an initial assessment at an early stage of the disease and up to five follow-up assessments at least 3 months apart. RESULTS TRPMS stimulation produced no device-related adverse effects. It showed an inverted V-shaped modulation of the peak sMUP counts as a function of ALS functional rating scale revised scores. The ratios of ALS subjects showing peak sMUP count increases between early and intermediate stages (χ2 = 4.086, df = 1, p = 0.043) and intermediate and late stages (χ2 = 4.29, df = 1, p = 0.038) in cross-sectional data were significantly different. Longitudinal assessment also produced a significant (z = 2.31, p = 0.021) result, with all subjects showing a post-initial visit increase in peak sMUP counts. CONCLUSIONS These results are consistent with delayed onset of upper motor neuronal dysfunction with respect to onset of clinical features. However, the above results need to be confirmed in a larger sample of patients and with multiple lines of evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh A Helekar
- Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| | - Jason Thonhoff
- Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Blessy S John
- Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Lisa Nguyen
- Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - David B Rosenfield
- Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Stanley H Appel
- Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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L-type Ca 2+ Channels at Low External Calcium Differentially Regulate Neurotransmitter Release in Proximal-Distal Compartments of the Frog Neuromuscular Junction. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 42:2833-2847. [PMID: 34606017 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-021-01152-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
L-type Ca2+ channels (LTCCs) are key elements in electromechanical coupling in striated muscles and formation of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). However, the significance of LTCCs in regulation of neurotransmitter release is still far from understanding. Here, we found that LTCCs can increase evoked neurotransmitter release (especially asynchronous component) and spontaneous exocytosis in two functionally different compartment of the frog NMJ, namely distal and proximal parts. The effects of LTCC blockage on evoked and spontaneous release as well as timing of exocytotic events were prevented by inhibition of either protein kinase C (PKC) or P2Y receptors (P2Y-Rs). Hence, endogenous signaling via P2Y-R/PKC axis can sustain LTCC activity. Application of ATP, a co-neurotransmitter able to activate P2Y-Rs, suppressed both evoked and spontaneous exocytosis in distal and proximal parts. Surprisingly, inhibition of LTCCs (but not PKC) decreased the negative action of exogenous ATP on evoked (only in distal part) and spontaneous exocytosis. Lipid raft disruption suppressed (1) action of LTCC antagonist on neurotransmitter release selectively in distal region and (2) contribution of LTCCs in depressant effect of ATP on evoked and spontaneous release. Thus, LTCCs can enhance and desynchronize neurotransmitter release at basal conditions (without ATP addition), but contribute to ATP-mediated decrease in the exocytosis. The former action of LTCCs relies on P2Y-R/PKC axis, whereas the latter is triggered by exogenous ATP and PKC-independent. Furthermore, relevance of lipid rafts for LTCC function as well as LTCCs for ATP effects is different in distal and proximal part of the NMJ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei N Tsentsevitsky
- Laboratory of Biophysics of Synaptic Processes, Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Federal Research Center "Kazan Scientific Center of RAS", 2/31 Lobachevsky Street, Box 30, Kazan, 420111, Russia
| | - Alexey M Petrov
- Laboratory of Biophysics of Synaptic Processes, Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Federal Research Center "Kazan Scientific Center of RAS", 2/31 Lobachevsky Street, Box 30, Kazan, 420111; Institute of Neuroscience, Kazan State Medial University, 49 Butlerova Street, Kazan, 420012, Russia
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Cui C, Longinetti E, Larsson H, Andersson J, Pawitan Y, Piehl F, Fang F. Associations between autoimmune diseases and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a register-based study. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2020; 22:211-219. [PMID: 33331190 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2020.1861022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To assess the associations of 43 autoimmune diseases with the subsequent risk of ALS and further evaluate the contribution of familial confounding to these associations.Methods: We conducted a nationwide register-based nested case-control study including 3561 ALS patients diagnosed during 1990-2013 in Sweden and 35,610 controls that were randomly selected from the general population and individually matched to the cases on age, sex, and county of birth. To evaluate the contribution of familial factors on the studied association, we additionally studied the first-degree relatives (siblings and children) of ALS patients and their controls.Results: Patients with ALS had a 47% higher risk of being previously diagnosed with autoimmune disease (OR 1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.31-1.64), compared with controls. A positive association was noted for several autoimmune diseases, including myasthenia gravis, polymyositis or dermatomyositis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, type 1 diabetes diagnosed younger than 30 years, multiple sclerosis, and hypothyreosis. The increased risk of any autoimmune disease was greatest during the year before ALS diagnosis, likely due to misdiagnosis. A statistically significantly increased risk was also noted during 2-5 years, but not earlier, before ALS diagnosis. First-degree relatives of ALS patients had however no increased risk of autoimmune diseases compared with first-degree relatives of controls.Conclusions: Although it is difficult to completely remove the potential effects of misdiagnosis, there is likely a positive association between autoimmune disease (such as type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis) and ALS, which is not fully explained by shared familial confounding factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Cui
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elisa Longinetti
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Henrik Larsson
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, and.,School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - John Andersson
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yudi Pawitan
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, and
| | - Fredrik Piehl
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fang Fang
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Gaydukov AE, Dzhalagoniya IZ, Tarasova EO, Balezina OP. The Participation of Endocannabinoid Receptors in the Regulation of Spontaneous Synaptic Activity at Neuromuscular Junctions of Mice. BIOCHEMISTRY MOSCOW SUPPLEMENT SERIES A-MEMBRANE AND CELL BIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1990747819060059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Subramaniam S. Selective Neuronal Death in Neurodegenerative Diseases: The Ongoing Mystery. THE YALE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2019; 92:695-705. [PMID: 31866784 PMCID: PMC6913821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
A major unresolved problem in neurodegenerative disease is why and how a specific set of neurons in the brain are highly vulnerable to neuronal death. Multiple pathways and mechanisms have been proposed to play a role in Alzheimer disease (AD), Parkinson disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington disease (HD), yet how they contribute to neuronal vulnerability remains far from clear. In this review, various mechanisms ascribed in AD, PD, ALS, and HD will be briefly summarized. Particular focus will be placed on Rhes-mediated intercellular transport of the HD protein and its role in mitophagy, in which I will discuss some intriguing observations that I apply to model striatal vulnerability in HD. I may have unintentionally missed referring some studies in this review, and I extend my apologies to the authors in those circumstances.
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9
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Pathophysiology and Diagnosis of ALS: Insights from Advances in Neurophysiological Techniques. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20112818. [PMID: 31185581 PMCID: PMC6600525 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20112818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder of the motor neurons, characterized by focal onset of muscle weakness and incessant disease progression. While the presence of concomitant upper and lower motor neuron signs has been recognized as a pathognomonic feature of ALS, the pathogenic importance of upper motor neuron dysfunction has only been recently described. Specifically, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) techniques have established cortical hyperexcitability as an important pathogenic mechanism in ALS, correlating with neurodegeneration and disease spread. Separately, ALS exhibits a heterogeneous clinical phenotype that may lead to misdiagnosis, particularly in the early stages of the disease process. Cortical hyperexcitability was shown to be a robust diagnostic biomarker if ALS, reliably differentiating ALS from neuromuscular mimicking disorders. The present review will provide an overview of key advances in the understanding of ALS pathophysiology and diagnosis, focusing on the importance of cortical hyperexcitability and its relationship to advances in genetic and molecular processes implicated in ALS pathogenesis.
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10
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Zhang Y, Burberry A, Wang JY, Sandoe J, Ghosh S, Udeshi ND, Svinkina T, Mordes DA, Mok J, Charlton M, Li QZ, Carr SA, Eggan K. The C9orf72-interacting protein Smcr8 is a negative regulator of autoimmunity and lysosomal exocytosis. Genes Dev 2018; 32:929-943. [PMID: 29950492 PMCID: PMC6075033 DOI: 10.1101/gad.313932.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A mutation in C9ORF72 is the most common genetic contributor to ALS. Zhang et al. found that C9ORF72's long isoform complexes with and stabilizes SMCR8. Smcr8 loss-of-function mutant mice exhibit a loss of tolerance for many nervous system autoantigens and increased lysosomal exocytosis in mutant macrophages. While a mutation in C9ORF72 is the most common genetic contributor to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), much remains to be learned concerning the function of the protein normally encoded at this locus. To elaborate further on functions for C9ORF72, we used quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics to identify interacting proteins in motor neurons and found that its long isoform complexes with and stabilizes SMCR8, which further enables interaction with WDR41. To study the organismal and cellular functions for this tripartite complex, we generated Smcr8 loss-of-function mutant mice and found that they developed phenotypes also observed in C9orf72 loss-of-function animals, including autoimmunity. Along with a loss of tolerance for many nervous system autoantigens, we found increased lysosomal exocytosis in Smcr8 mutant macrophages. In addition to elevated surface Lamp1 (lysosome-associated membrane protein 1) expression, we also observed enhanced secretion of lysosomal components—phenotypes that we subsequently observed in C9orf72 loss-of-function macrophages. Overall, our findings demonstrate that C9ORF72 and SMCR8 have interdependent functions in suppressing autoimmunity as well as negatively regulating lysosomal exocytosis—processes of potential importance to ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Zhang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.,Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Aaron Burberry
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.,Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Jin-Yuan Wang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.,Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Jackson Sandoe
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.,Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Sulagna Ghosh
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.,Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Namrata D Udeshi
- Proteomics Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Tanya Svinkina
- Proteomics Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Daniel A Mordes
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.,Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA.,Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
| | - Joanie Mok
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.,Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Maura Charlton
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.,Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Quan-Zhen Li
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Steven A Carr
- Proteomics Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Kevin Eggan
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.,Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
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Huang M, Verbeek DS. Why do so many genetic insults lead to Purkinje Cell degeneration and spinocerebellar ataxia? Neurosci Lett 2018; 688:49-57. [PMID: 29421540 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The genetically heterozygous spinocerebellar ataxias are all characterized by cerebellar atrophy and pervasive Purkinje Cell degeneration. Up to date, more than 35 functionally diverse spinocerebellar ataxia genes have been identified. The main question that remains yet unsolved is why do some many genetic insults lead to Purkinje Cell degeneration and spinocerebellar ataxia? To address this question it is important to identify intrinsic pathways important for Purkinje Cell function and survival. In this review, we discuss the current consensus on shared mechanisms underlying the pervasive Purkinje Cell loss in spinocerebellar ataxia. Additionally, using recently published cell type specific expression data, we identified several Purkinje Cell-specific genes and discuss how the corresponding pathways might underlie the vulnerability of Purkinje Cells in response to the diverse genetic insults causing spinocerebellar ataxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaozhen Huang
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Genetics, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Dineke S Verbeek
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Genetics, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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12
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Milošević M, Milićević K, Božić I, Lavrnja I, Stevanović I, Bijelić D, Dubaić M, Živković I, Stević Z, Giniatullin R, Andjus P. Immunoglobulins G from Sera of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients Induce Oxidative Stress and Upregulation of Antioxidative System in BV-2 Microglial Cell Line. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1619. [PMID: 29218049 PMCID: PMC5703705 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder with a very fast progression, no diagnostic tool for the presymptomatic phase, and still no effective treatment of the disease. Although ALS affects motor neurons, the overall pathophysiological condition points out to the non-cell autonomous mechanisms, where astrocytes and microglia play crucial roles in the disease progression. We have already shown that IgG from sera of ALS patients (ALS IgG) induce calcium transients and an increase in the mobility of acidic vesicles in cultured rat astrocytes. Having in mind the role of microglia in neurodegeneration, and a well-documented fact that oxidative stress is one of the many components contributing to the disease, we decided to examine the effect of ALS IgG on activation, oxidative stress and antioxidative system of BV-2 microglia, and to evaluate their acute effect on cytosolic peroxide, pH, and on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. All tested ALS IgGs (compared to control IgG) induced oxidative stress (rise in nitric oxide and the index of lipid peroxidation) followed by release of TNF-α and higher antioxidative defense (elevation of Mn- and CuZn-superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione reductase with a decrease of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione) after 24 h treatment. Both ALS IgG and control IgG showed same localization on the membrane of BV-2 cells following 24 h treatment. Cytosolic peroxide and pH alteration were evaluated with fluorescent probes HyPer and SypHer, respectively, having in mind that HyPer also reacts to pH changes. Out of 11 tested IgGs from ALS patients, 4 induced slow exponential rise of HyPer signal, with maximal normalized fluorescence in the range 0.2–0.5, also inducing similar increase of SypHer intensity, but of a lower amplitude. None of the control IgGs induced changes with neither of the indicators. Acute ROS generation was detected in one out of three tested ALS samples with carboxy-H2DCFDA. The observed phenomena demonstrate the potential role of inflammatory humoral factors, IgGs, as potential triggers of the activation in microglia, known to occur in later stages of ALS. Therefore, revealing the ALS IgG signaling cascade in microglial cells could offer a valuable molecular biomarker and/or a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Milošević
- Center for Laser Microscopy, Department for Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Katarina Milićević
- Center for Laser Microscopy, Department for Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Iva Božić
- Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Irena Lavrnja
- Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivana Stevanović
- Institute for Medical Research, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dunja Bijelić
- Center for Laser Microscopy, Department for Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Dubaić
- Center for Laser Microscopy, Department for Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Irena Živković
- Immunology Research Centre "Branislav Janković", Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera "Torlak", Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zorica Stević
- Clinic of Neurology, Clinical Center of Serbia, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Rashid Giniatullin
- Department of Neurobiology, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Laboratory in Neurobiology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Pavle Andjus
- Center for Laser Microscopy, Department for Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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13
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Berridge MJ. The Inositol Trisphosphate/Calcium Signaling Pathway in Health and Disease. Physiol Rev 2016; 96:1261-96. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00006.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 377] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Many cellular functions are regulated by calcium (Ca2+) signals that are generated by different signaling pathways. One of these is the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate/calcium (InsP3/Ca2+) signaling pathway that operates through either primary or modulatory mechanisms. In its primary role, it generates the Ca2+ that acts directly to control processes such as metabolism, secretion, fertilization, proliferation, and smooth muscle contraction. Its modulatory role occurs in excitable cells where it modulates the primary Ca2+ signal generated by the entry of Ca2+ through voltage-operated channels that releases Ca2+ from ryanodine receptors (RYRs) on the internal stores. In carrying out this modulatory role, the InsP3/Ca2+ signaling pathway induces subtle changes in the generation and function of the voltage-dependent primary Ca2+ signal. Changes in the nature of both the primary and modulatory roles of InsP3/Ca2+ signaling are a contributory factor responsible for the onset of a large number human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Berridge
- Laboratory of Molecular Signalling, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, United Kingdom
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14
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Patai R, Nógrádi B, Engelhardt JI, Siklós L. Calcium in the pathomechanism of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - Taking center stage? Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 483:1031-1039. [PMID: 27545602 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.08.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Revised: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is an incurable, relentlessly progressive disease primarily affecting motor neurons. The cause of the disease, except for the mutations identified in a small fraction of patients, is unknown. The major mechanisms contributing to the degeneration of motor neurons have already been disclosed and characterized, including excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and immune/inflammatory processes. During the progression of the disease these toxic processes are not discrete, but each facilitates the deleterious effect of the other. However, due to their common reciprocal calcium dependence, calcium ions may act as a common denominator and through a positive feedback loop may combine the individual pathological processes into a unified escalating mechanism of neuronal destruction. This mini-review provides an overview of the mutual calcium dependence of the major toxic mechanisms associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Patai
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Center, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Bernát Nógrádi
- Foundation for the Future of Biomedical Sciences in Szeged, Pálfy u. 52/d, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - József I Engelhardt
- Department of Neurology, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Siklós
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Center, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary.
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15
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Bahia El Idrissi N, Bosch S, Ramaglia V, Aronica E, Baas F, Troost D. Complement activation at the motor end-plates in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neuroinflammation 2016; 13:72. [PMID: 27056040 PMCID: PMC4823861 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-016-0538-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal progressive neurodegenerative disease with no available therapy. Components of the innate immune system are activated in the spinal cord and central nervous system of ALS patients. Studies in the SOD1G93A mouse show deposition of C1q and C3/C3b at the motor end-plate before neurological symptoms are apparent, suggesting that complement activation precedes neurodegeneration in this model. To obtain a better understanding of the role of complement at the motor end-plates in human ALS pathology, we analyzed post-mortem tissue of ALS donors for complement activation and its regulators. Methods Post-mortem intercostal muscle biopsies were collected at autopsy from ALS (n = 11) and control (n = 6) donors. The samples were analyzed for C1q, membrane attack complex (MAC), CD55, and CD59 on the motor end-plates, using immunofluorescence or immunohistochemistry. Results Here, we show that complement activation products and regulators are deposited on the motor end-plates of ALS patients. C1q co-localized with neurofilament in the intercostal muscle of ALS donors and was absent in controls (P = 0.001). In addition, C1q was found deposited on the motor end-plates in the intercostal muscle. MAC was also found deposited on motor end-plates that were innervated by nerves in the intercostal muscle of ALS donors but not in controls (P = 0.001). High levels of the regulators CD55 and CD59 were detected at the motor end-plates of ALS donors but not in controls, suggesting an attempt to counteract complement activation and prevent MAC deposition on the end-plates before they are lost. Conclusions This study provides evidence that complement activation products are deposited on innervated motor end-plates in the intercostal muscle of ALS donors, indicating that complement activation may precede end-plate denervation in human ALS. This study adds to the understanding of ALS pathology in man and identifies complement as a potential modifier of the disease process. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12974-016-0538-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawal Bahia El Idrissi
- Department of Genome Analysis, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne Bosch
- Department of Genome Analysis, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, The Netherlands
| | - Valeria Ramaglia
- Department of Genome Analysis, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, The Netherlands
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of Neuropathology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, The Netherlands
| | - Frank Baas
- Department of Genome Analysis, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, The Netherlands.
| | - Dirk Troost
- Department of Neuropathology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, The Netherlands
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16
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Leis AA, Ross MA, Verheijde JL, Leis JF. Immunoablation and Stem Cell Transplantation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: The Ultimate Test for the Autoimmune Pathogenesis Hypothesis. Front Neurol 2016; 7:12. [PMID: 26903945 PMCID: PMC4749695 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2016.00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A Arturo Leis
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Center for Neuroscience and Neurological Recovery, Methodist Rehabilitation Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Mark A Ross
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Arizona , Scottsdale, AZ , USA
| | - Joseph L Verheijde
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic Arizona , Scottsdale, AZ , USA
| | - Jose F Leis
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Mayo Clinic Arizona , Phoenix, AZ , USA
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17
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Silveira PE, Lima RF, Guimarães JDS, Molgó J, Naves LA, Kushmerick C. Ryanodine and inositol triphosphate receptors modulate facilitation and tetanic depression at the frog neuromuscular junction. Muscle Nerve 2015; 52:623-30. [PMID: 25600698 DOI: 10.1002/mus.24571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Short-term plasticity of synaptic function is an important physiological control of transmitter release. Short-term plasticity can be regulated by intracellular calcium released by ryanodine and inositol triphosphate (IP3) receptors, but the role of these receptors at the neuromuscular junction is understood incompletely. METHODS We measured short-term plasticity of evoked endplate potential (EPP) amplitudes from frog neuromuscular junctions treated with ryanodine, 2-aminoethoxydiphenylborane (2-APB), or 1-[6-[[(17β)-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl]amino]hexyl]-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (U- 73122). RESULTS Ryanodine decreases paired-pulse facilitation for intervals <20 ms and markedly decreases tetanic depression. Treatment with 2-APB reduces EPP amplitude, increases paired-pulse facilitation for intervals of <20 ms, and significantly reduces tetanic depression. U-73122 decreases EPP amplitude and decreases paired-pulse depression for intervals <20 ms. CONCLUSIONS Ryanodine, IP3 receptors, and phospholipase C modulate short-term plasticity of transmitter release at the neuromuscular junction. These results suggest possible targets for improving the safety factor of neuromuscular transmission during repetitive activity of the neuromuscular junction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila E Silveira
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antonio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Ricardo F Lima
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antonio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil.,Departamento Fisiologia e Farmacologia, UFC, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Jennifer D S Guimarães
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antonio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Jordi Molgó
- Institut Fédératif de Neurobiologie Alfred Fessard Laboratoire de Neurobiologie et Dévelopement, CNRS, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Ligia A Naves
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antonio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Christopher Kushmerick
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antonio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
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18
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Modulating Ca2+ release by the IP3R/Ca2+ channel as a potential therapeutic treatment for neurological diseases. Pharm Pat Anal 2014; 2:629-36. [PMID: 24237170 DOI: 10.4155/ppa.13.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Recent research into neurodegenerative disorders found that their pathogeneses have a link to the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3R). This is encouraging, because despite extensive efforts, researchers have not fully understood the pathophysiologies of those disorders, and have yet to find the cure. The IP3R provides a possible point of convergence that new therapeutic drugs can target. This review highlights patents that manipulate activities of the IP3R. They generally involve the use of peptides designed from the amino acid sequences of IP3R-binding proteins, and of buffers that limit the availability of its ligand, IP3. Additionally, one of them details the use of a chromophore-conjugated small synthetic molecule to directly inhibit the IP3R in a highly spatiotemporally specific manner. Although many of them have only been tested in vitro or are in the early stages of in vivo application, more research-effective therapies for neurodegenerative diseases can hopefully be developed.
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Novel molecular biomarkers at the blood-brain barrier in ALS. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:907545. [PMID: 24949481 PMCID: PMC4037612 DOI: 10.1155/2014/907545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Revised: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recently neuroinflammation has gained a particular focus as a key mechanism of ALS. Several studies in vivo as well as in vitro have nominated immunoglobulin G (IgG) isolated from ALS patients as an active contributor to disease onset and progression. We have shown that ALS IgG affects astroglial Ca2+ excitability and induces downstream activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. These studies were hampered by a lack of knowledge of the pathway of entry of immune factors in the CNS. Our MRI data revealed the blood-brain barrier BBB leakage and T cell infiltration into brain parenchyma in ALS G93A rats. Since astrocyte ensheathes blood vessel wall contributing to BBB stability and plays an important role in ALS pathogenesis, we have studied astrocytic membrane proteins water channel aquaporin-4 and the inwardly rectifying potassium channel. In this review, we will summarize data related to BBB disruption with particular emphasis on impaired function of astrocytes in ALS. We will discuss implication of membrane proteins expressed on astrocytic endfeet, aquaporin-4, and inwardly rectifying potassium channel in the pathology of ALS. In addition to ALS-specific IgGs, these membrane proteins are proposed as novel biomarkers of the disease.
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20
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Bowerman M, Vincent T, Scamps F, Perrin FE, Camu W, Raoul C. Neuroimmunity dynamics and the development of therapeutic strategies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:214. [PMID: 24312006 PMCID: PMC3833095 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal paralytic disorder characterized by the progressive and selective loss of both upper and lower motoneurons. The neurodegenerative process is accompanied by a sustained inflammation in the brain and spinal cord. The neuron-immune interaction, implicating resident microglia of the central nervous system and blood-derived immune cells, is highly dynamic over the course of the disease. Here, we discuss the timely controlled neuroprotective and neurotoxic cues that are provided by the immune environment of motoneurons and their potential therapeutic applications for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Bowerman
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, INM, INSERM UMR1051, Saint Eloi Hospital Montpellier, France
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21
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Vucic S, Ziemann U, Eisen A, Hallett M, Kiernan MC. Transcranial magnetic stimulation and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: pathophysiological insights. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2013; 84:1161-70. [PMID: 23264687 PMCID: PMC3786661 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2012-304019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the motor neurons in the motor cortex, brainstem and spinal cord. A combination of upper and lower motor neuron dysfunction comprises the clinical ALS phenotype. Although the ALS phenotype was first observed by Charcot over 100 years ago, the site of ALS onset and the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the development of motor neuron degeneration remain to be elucidated. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) enables non-invasive assessment of the functional integrity of the motor cortex and its corticomotoneuronal projections. To date, TMS studies have established motor cortical and corticospinal dysfunction in ALS, with cortical hyperexcitability being an early feature in sporadic forms of ALS and preceding the clinical onset of familial ALS. Taken together, a central origin of ALS is supported by TMS studies, with an anterograde transsynaptic mechanism implicated in ALS pathogenesis. Of further relevance, TMS techniques reliably distinguish ALS from mimic disorders, despite a compatible peripheral disease burden, thereby suggesting a potential diagnostic utility of TMS in ALS. This review will focus on the mechanisms underlying the generation of TMS measures used in assessment of cortical excitability, the contribution of TMS in enhancing the understanding of ALS pathophysiology and the potential diagnostic utility of TMS techniques in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Vucic
- Sydney Medical School Westmead, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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22
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Rocha MC, Pousinha PA, Correia AM, Sebastião AM, Ribeiro JA. Early changes of neuromuscular transmission in the SOD1(G93A) mice model of ALS start long before motor symptoms onset. PLoS One 2013; 8:e73846. [PMID: 24040091 PMCID: PMC3764017 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0073846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2013] [Accepted: 07/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is characterized by a progressive degeneration of the corticospinal tract motor neurons. Growing evidence suggests that degeneration may begin at the distal axon proceeding in a dying-back pattern. It seemed therefore of interest to investigate synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) in pre- and symptomatic phases of the disease. Endplate potentials (EPPs), miniatures endplate potentials (MEPPs) and giant MEPPs (GMEPPs) were recorded from innervated diaphragm muscle fibers from 4-6 and 12-15 weeks-old SOD1(G93A) mice and non-transgenic aged-matched littermates (WT). In the pre-symptomatic phase, SOD1(G93A) mice exhibited a significant increase in the mean amplitude of EPPs together with an increase in the mean quantal content of EPPs, suggesting that more acetylcholine is being released into the synaptic cleft. SOD1(G93A) mice presented a higher frequency of GMEPPs, suggestive of intracellular Ca(2+) deregulation in nerve terminals. The increase in the mean amplitude of MEPPs and the decreased mean rise-time of MEPPs in SOD1(G93A) mice point to post-synaptic related changes. In the symptomatic phase, electrophysiological data showed evidence for two NMJ groups in SOD1(G93A) mice: SOD1a and SOD1b. SOD1a group presented reduced mean amplitude of both EPPs and MEPPs. The mean rise-time of MEPPs was increased, when compared to WT and to SOD1b group, indicating impairments in the neuromuscular transmission. In contrast, the neuromuscular transmission of SOD1b group was not different from age-matched WT nor pre-symptomatic SOD1(G93A) mice, being somehow in between both groups. Altogether these results show that the neuromuscular transmission of SOD1(G93A) mice is enhanced in the pre-symptomatic phase. In the symptomatic phase our results are consistent with the hypothesis that the diaphragm of SOD1(G93A) mice is undergoing cycles of denervation/re-innervation supported by mixed neuromuscular junction populations. These early changes in the neuromuscular transmission of SOD1(G93A) mice suggest that the ALS associated events start long before symptoms onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana C. Rocha
- Institute of Pharmacology and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Unit of Neurosciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Paula A. Pousinha
- Institute of Pharmacology and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Unit of Neurosciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Alexandra M. Correia
- Institute of Pharmacology and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Unit of Neurosciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Museu Nacional de História Natural e da Ciência, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana M. Sebastião
- Institute of Pharmacology and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Unit of Neurosciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joaquim A. Ribeiro
- Institute of Pharmacology and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Unit of Neurosciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- * E-mail:
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Milošević M, Stenovec M, Kreft M, Petrušić V, Stević Z, Trkov S, Andjus PR, Zorec R. Immunoglobulins G from patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis affects cytosolic Ca2+ homeostasis in cultured rat astrocytes. Cell Calcium 2013; 54:17-25. [PMID: 23623373 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2013.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Revised: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are considered essential in the etiopathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We have demonstrated previously that immunoglobulins G (IgG) isolated from patients with ALS enhance the mobility of acidic vesicles in cultured astrocytes in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. Here we directly examined the impact of purified sporadic ALS IgG on cytosolic [Ca(2+)] ([Ca(2+)]i) in astrocytes. Confocal time-lapse images were acquired and fluorescence of a non-ratiometric Ca(2+) indicator was recorded before and after the application of IgG. ALS IgG (0.1 mg/ml) from 7 patients evoked transient increases in [Ca(2+)]i in ~50% of tested astrocytes. The probability of observing a response was independent of extracellular Ca(2+). The peak increase in [Ca(2+)]i developed ~3 times faster and the time integral of evoked transients was ~2-fold larger; the peak amplitude itself was not affected by extracellular Ca(2+). Application of pharmacological inhibitors revealed that activation of inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate receptors is necessary and sufficient to initiate transients in [Ca(2+)]i; the Ca(2+) influx through store-operated calcium entry prolongs the transient increase in [Ca(2+)]i. Thus, ALS IgG acutely affect [Ca(2+)]i by mobilizing both, intra- and extracellular Ca(2+) into the cytosol of cultured astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Milošević
- University of Ljubljana, Medical Faculty, Institute of Pathophysiology, Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Zaloška cesta 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Rentzos M, Evangelopoulos ME, Sereti E, Zouvelou V, Marmara S, Alexakis T, Evdokimidis I. Humoral immune activation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. Neurol Int 2013; 5:e3. [PMID: 23717782 PMCID: PMC3661984 DOI: 10.4081/ni.2013.e3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2012] [Accepted: 10/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
There is evidence that immunological factors may involved in the pathogenetic mechanisms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Few studies to date have explored the status of the humoral immune response in patients with ALS. We examined the presence of humoral immune activation in ALS patients, serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA and IgM) levels were measured in 36 patients with ALS and 35 normal controls. Serum IgG, IgM and IgA levels were not significantly different in our ALS patients compared with the control group (P=ns). No correlations of serum IgG, IgM and IgA concentrations with duration, severity of the disease or the clinical form of onset (bulbar or spinal) were found in our ALS patients. Our results do not suggest a humoral immune activation in ALS patients. This does not exclude that immunological mechanisms may be involved in ALS pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Rentzos
- Department of Neurology, Aeginition Hospital, Athens National University, School of Medicine
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Vucic S, Kiernan MC. Utility of transcranial magnetic stimulation in delineating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pathophysiology. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2013; 116:561-575. [PMID: 24112924 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-53497-2.00045-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the motor neurons in the motor cortex, brainstem, and spinal cord. The clinical phenotype of ALS is underscored by a combination of upper and lower motor neuron dysfunction. Although this phenotype was observed over 100 years ago, the site of ALS onset and the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the development of motor neuron degeneration remain to be elucidated. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) enables noninvasive assessment of the functional integrity of the motor cortex and its corticomotoneuronal projections. To date, TMS studies have established cortical dysfunction in ALS, with cortical hyperexcitability being an early feature in sporadic forms of ALS and preceding the clinical onset of familial ALS. Taken together, a central origin of ALS is supported by TMS studies, with an anterograde dying-forward mechanism implicated in ALS pathogenesis. Of further relevance, TMS techniques reliably distinguish ALS from mimic disorders, despite a compatible peripheral disease burden, thereby suggesting a potential diagnostic utility of TMS in ALS. This chapter reviews the mechanisms underlying the generation of TMS parameters utilized in assessment of cortical excitability, the contribution of TMS in enhancing the understanding of ALS pathophysiology, and the potential diagnostic utility of TMS techniques in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Vucic
- Sydney Medical School Westmead, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia
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26
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Stenovec M, Milošević M, Petrušić V, Potokar M, Stević Z, Prebil M, Kreft M, Trkov S, Andjus PR, Zorec R. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis immunoglobulins G enhance the mobility of Lysotracker-labelled vesicles in cultured rat astrocytes. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2011; 203:457-71. [PMID: 21726417 DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-1716.2011.02337.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
AIM We examined the effect of purified immunoglobulins G (IgG) from patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) on the mobility and exocytotic release from Lysotracker-stained vesicles in cultured rat astrocytes. METHODS Time-lapse confocal images were acquired, and vesicle mobility was analysed before and after the application of ALS IgG. The vesicle counts were obtained to assess cargo exocytosis from stained organelles. RESULTS At rest, when mobility was monitored for 2 min in bath with Ca(2+), two vesicle populations were discovered: (1) non-mobile vesicles (6.1%) with total track length (TL) < 1 μm, averaging at 0.33 ± 0.01 μm (n = 1305) and (2) mobile vesicles (93.9%) with TL > 1 μm, averaging at 3.03 ± 0.01 μm (n = 20,200). ALS IgG (0.1 mg mL(-1)) from 12 of 13 patients increased the TL of mobile vesicles by approx. 24% and maximal displacement (MD) by approx. 26% within 4 min, while the IgG from control group did not alter the vesicle mobility. The mobility enhancement by ALS IgG was reduced in extracellular solution devoid of Ca(2+), indicating that ALS IgG vesicle mobility enhancement involves changes in Ca(2+) homeostasis. To examine whether enhanced mobility relates to elevated Ca(2+) activity, cells were stimulated by 1 mm ATP, a cytosolic Ca(2+) increasing agent, in the presence (2 mm) and in the absence of extracellular Ca(2+). ATP stimulation triggered an increase in TL by approx. 7% and 12% and a decrease in MD by approx. 11% and 1%, within 4 min respectively. Interestingly, none of the stimuli triggered the release of vesicle cargo. CONCLUSION Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-IgG-enhanced vesicle mobility in astrocytes engages changes in calcium homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Stenovec
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Medical Faculty, Institute of Pathophysiology, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Gonzalez LE, Kotler ML, Vattino LG, Conti E, Reisin RC, Mulatz KJ, Snutch TP, Uchitel OD. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-immunoglobulins selectively interact with neuromuscular junctions expressing P/Q-type calcium channels. J Neurochem 2011; 119:826-38. [PMID: 21883225 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2011.07462.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by a gradual loss of motoneurons. The majority of ALS cases are associated with a sporadic form whose etiology is unknown. Several pieces of evidence favor autoimmunity as a potential contributor to sporadic ALS pathology. To gain understanding concerning possible antigens interacting with IgGs from sporadic ALS patients (ALS-IgGs), we studied immunoreactivity against neuromuscular junction (NMJ), spinal cord and cerebellum of mice with and without the Ca(V) 2.1 pore-forming subunit of the P/Q-type voltage-gated calcium (Ca(2+)) channel. ALS-IgGs showed a strong reactivity against NMJs of wild-type diaphragms. ALS-IgGs also increased muscle miniature end-plate potential frequency, suggesting a functional role for ALS-IgGs on synaptic signaling. In support, in mice lacking the Ca(V) 2.1 subunit ALS-IgGs showed significantly reduced NMJ immunoreactivity and did not alter spontaneous acetylcholine release. This difference in reactivity was absent when comparing N-type Ca(2+) channel wild-type or null mice. These results are particularly relevant because motoneurons are known to be early pathogenic targets in ALS. Our findings add further evidence supporting autoimmunity as one of the possible mechanisms contributing to ALS pathology. They also suggest that serum autoantibodies in a subset of ALS patients would interact with NMJ proteins down-regulated when P/Q-type channels are absent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Gonzalez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, IFIBYNE-CONICET, UBA, Argentina
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28
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Autoimmunity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: past and present. Neurol Res Int 2011; 2011:497080. [PMID: 21826267 PMCID: PMC3150148 DOI: 10.1155/2011/497080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2010] [Accepted: 05/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting particularly motor neurons for which no cure or effective treatment is available. Although the cause of ALS remains unknown, accumulative evidence suggests an autoimmune mechanism of pathogenesis. In this paper, we will summarize the current research related to autoimmunity in the sporadic form of ALS and discuss the potential underlying pathogenic mechanisms and perspectives. Presented data supports the view that humoral immune responses against motor nerve terminals can initiate a series of physiological changes leading to alteration of calcium homeostasis. In turn, loss of calcium homeostasis may induce neuronal death through apoptotic signaling pathways. Additional approaches identifying specific molecular features of this hypothesis are required, which will hopefully allow us to develop techniques of early diagnosis and effective therapies.
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Texidó L, Hernández S, Martín-Satué M, Povedano M, Casanovas A, Esquerda J, Marsal J, Solsona C. Sera from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients induce the non-canonical activation of NMDA receptors "in vitro". Neurochem Int 2011; 59:954-64. [PMID: 21782871 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2011.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2011] [Revised: 07/05/2011] [Accepted: 07/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neuromuscular disease characterized by the selective loss of both upper and lower motoneurons (MNs). The familial form of the illness is associated with mutations in the gene encoding Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD-1) enzyme, but it accounts for fewer than 10% of cases; the rest, more than 90%, correspond to the sporadic form of ALS. Although many proposals have been suggested over the years, the mechanisms underlying the characteristic selective killing of MN in ALS remain unknown. In this study we tested the effect of sera from sporadic ALS patients on NMDA receptors (NMDAR). We hypothesize that an endogenous seric factor is implicated in neuronal death in ALS, mediated by the modulation of NMDAR. Sera from ALS patients and from healthy subjects were pretreated to inactivate complement pathways and dialyzed to remove glutamate and glycine. IgGs from ALS patients and healthy subjects were obtained by affinity chromatography and dialyzed against phosphate-buffered saline. Human NMDAR were expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, and ionic currents were recorded using the two-electrode voltage clamp technique. Sera from sporadic ALS patients induced transient oscillatory currents in oocytes expressing NMDAR with a significantly higher total electrical charge than that induced by sera from healthy subjects. Sera from patients with other neuromuscular diseases did not exert this effect. The currents were inhibited by MK-801, a noncompetitive blocker of NMDAR. The PLC inhibitor, U-73122, and the IP(3) receptor antagonist, 2-APB, also inhibited the sera-induced currents. The oscillatory signal recorded was due to internal calcium mobilization. Isolated IgGs from ALS patients significantly affected the activity of oocytes injected with NMDAR, causing a 2-fold increase over the response recorded for IgGs from healthy subjects. Our data support the notion that ALS sera contain soluble factors that mobilize intracellular calcium, not opening directly the ionic conductance, but through the non-canonical activation of NMDAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Texidó
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical School-Bellvitge Campus, University of Barcelona, C/Feixa Llarga s/n, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, E-08907 Barcelona, Spain
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Control of intracellular calcium signaling as a neuroprotective strategy. Molecules 2010; 15:1168-95. [PMID: 20335972 PMCID: PMC2847496 DOI: 10.3390/molecules15031168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2009] [Revised: 02/05/2010] [Accepted: 03/02/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Both acute and chronic degenerative diseases of the nervous system reduce the viability and function of neurons through changes in intracellular calcium signaling. In particular, pathological increases in the intracellular calcium concentration promote such pathogenesis. Disease involvement of numerous regulators of intracellular calcium signaling located on the plasma membrane and intracellular organelles has been documented. Diverse groups of chemical compounds targeting ion channels, G-protein coupled receptors, pumps and enzymes have been identified as potential neuroprotectants. The present review summarizes the discovery, mechanisms and biological activity of neuroprotective molecules targeting proteins that control intracellular calcium signaling to preserve or restore structure and function of the nervous system. Disease relevance, clinical applications and new technologies for the identification of such molecules are being discussed.
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Li YN, Li YC, Kuramoto H, Sakamoto H, Kawate T, Yang ZC, Huang YG. Heterogeneous expression of the voltage-gated calcium channel alpha2 subunit and the voltage-gated sodium channel alpha subunit in chicken spinal motoneurons. Biomed Res 2009; 30:183-8. [PMID: 19574720 DOI: 10.2220/biomedres.30.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The localization of the voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) alpha2 and the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) alpha subunits was immunohistochemically investigated in chicken spinal motoneurons. Approximately 83% and 46% of spinal motoneurons were positive for VGCCalpha2 and VGSCalpha subunits, respectively. Almost all VGSCalpha subunit-positive motoneurons exhibited the VGCCalpha2 subunit immunoreactivity. There were different patterns in occurrence, intensity or nuclear/cytoplasmic stainability of the VGCCalpha2 and VGSCalpha subunits among the motoneurons. This study presents the first cellular morphological evidence for the VGCCalpha2 and VGSCalpha subunits in spinal motoneurons, postulating that the heterogeneous expression of VGCCalpha2 and VGSCalpha subunits in the motoneurons may reflect various motor activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Nan Li
- Department of Neurology, Xi-Jing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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Rao VS, Titushkin IA, Moros EG, Pickard WF, Thatte HS, Cho MR. Nonthermal Effects of Radiofrequency-Field Exposure on Calcium Dynamics in Stem Cell-Derived Neuronal Cells: Elucidation of Calcium Pathways. Radiat Res 2008; 169:319-29. [DOI: 10.1667/rr1118.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2007] [Accepted: 11/08/2007] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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El-Fawal HAN, O'Callaghan JP. Autoantibodies to neurotypic and gliotypic proteins as biomarkers of neurotoxicity: assessment of trimethyltin (TMT). Neurotoxicology 2007; 29:109-15. [PMID: 18001836 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2007.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2007] [Revised: 08/30/2007] [Accepted: 09/23/2007] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Developing accessible biomarkers of neurotoxic effects which are readily applicable to human populations poses a challenge for neurotoxicology. In the past, the neurotoxic organometal trimethyltin (TMT) has been used as a denervation tool to validate the enhanced expression of GFAP as a biomarker of astrogliosis and neurotoxicity resulting from chemical exposures. In the present study, TMT was used to assess the detection of serum autoantibodies as biomarkers of neurotoxicity. Previous studies in both human and animals have demonstrated the presence of serum autoantibodies to neurotypic [e.g., neurofilament triplet (NF)] and gliotypic proteins [myelin basic protein (MBP) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)] as a peripheral marker of neurodegeneration that may be applicable to humans and experimental studies. Male Long-Evans rats (45 days of age) were administered either TMT (8 mg/kg; s) or an equal volume of sterile 0.9% saline. At 1, 2, and 3 weeks post-administration, serum was collected, and rats were sacrificed for the collection of brains. Serum autoantibodies (both IgM and IgG isotypes) to NF68, NF160, NF200, MBP, and GFAP were assayed using an ELISA. Saline only rats did not have detectable levels of autoantibodies. Only sera from TMT-exposed rats had detectable titers of autoantibodies to NFs with IgG predominating starting week 2. Anti-NF68 titers were highest compared to NF160, or NF200. Autoantibodies to MBP and GFAP also were detected; however, there was no significant increase in their titers until week 3. Hippocampal GFAP, detected at these time points, was significantly (p<0.05) higher than in control brains, indicating the induction of astrogliosis as confirmed by immunostaining of brain sections. The detection of anti-NFs, as indicative of neuronal insult, was consistent with loss of hippocampal neurons in CA3 and CA1. Our results suggest that the detection of autoantibodies to neurotypic and gliotypic proteins may be used as peripheral biomarkers to reveal evidence of nervous system neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan A N El-Fawal
- Neurotoxicology Laboratory, Division of Health Professions and Natural Sciences, Mercy College, 555 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522, USA.
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Yang L, Wang B, Long C, Wu G, Zheng H. Increased asynchronous release and aberrant calcium channel activation in amyloid precursor protein deficient neuromuscular synapses. Neuroscience 2007; 149:768-78. [PMID: 17919826 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2007.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2007] [Revised: 08/13/2007] [Accepted: 08/24/2007] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite the critical roles of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis, its physiological function remains poorly established. Our previous studies implicated a structural and functional activity of the APP family of proteins in the developing neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Here we performed comprehensive analyses of neurotransmission in mature neuromuscular synapse of APP deficient mice. We found that APP deletion led to reduced paired-pulse facilitation and increased depression of synaptic transmission with repetitive stimulation. Readily releasable pool size and total releasable vesicles were not affected, but probability of release was significantly increased. Strikingly, the amount of asynchronous release, a measure sensitive to presynaptic calcium concentration, was dramatically increased, and pharmacological studies revealed that it was attributed to aberrant activation of N- and L-type Ca(2+) channels. We propose that APP modulates synaptic transmission at the NMJ by ensuring proper Ca(2+) channel function.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Yang
- Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, MS230, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Pathways and genes differentially expressed in the motor cortex of patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. BMC Genomics 2007; 8:26. [PMID: 17244347 PMCID: PMC1796866 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-8-26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2006] [Accepted: 01/23/2007] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disorder caused by the progressive degeneration of motoneurons in brain and spinal cord. Despite identification of disease-linked mutations, the diversity of processes involved and the ambiguity of their relative importance in ALS pathogenesis still represent a major impediment to disease models as a basis for effective therapies. Moreover, the human motor cortex, although critical to ALS pathology and physiologically altered in most forms of the disease, has not been screened systematically for therapeutic targets. RESULTS By whole-genome expression profiling and stringent significance tests we identify genes and gene groups de-regulated in the motor cortex of patients with sporadic ALS, and interpret the role of individual candidate genes in a framework of differentially expressed pathways. Our findings emphasize the importance of defense responses and cytoskeletal, mitochondrial and proteasomal dysfunction, reflect reduced neuronal maintenance and vesicle trafficking, and implicate impaired ion homeostasis and glycolysis in ALS pathogenesis. Additionally, we compared our dataset with publicly available data for the SALS spinal cord, and show a high correlation of changes linked to the diseased state in the SALS motor cortex. In an analogous comparison with data for the Alzheimer's disease hippocampus we demonstrate a low correlation of global changes and a moderate correlation for changes specifically linked to the SALS diseased state. CONCLUSION Gene and sample numbers investigated allow pathway- and gene-based analyses by established error-correction methods, drawing a molecular portrait of the ALS motor cortex that faithfully represents many known disease features and uncovers several novel aspects of ALS pathology. Contrary to expectations for a tissue under oxidative stress, nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes are uniformly down-regulated. Moreover, the down-regulation of mitochondrial and glycolytic genes implies a combined reduction of mitochondrial and cytoplasmic energy supply, with a possible role in the death of ALS motoneurons. Identifying candidate genes exclusively expressed in non-neuronal cells, we also highlight the importance of these cells in disease development in the motor cortex. Notably, some pathways and candidate genes identified by this study are direct or indirect targets of medication already applied to unrelated illnesses and point the way towards the rapid development of effective symptomatic ALS therapies.
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Immunoglobulins from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients enhance the frequency of glycine-mediated spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents in rat hypoglossal motoneurons. ARCH BIOL SCI 2007. [DOI: 10.2298/abs0704251a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating, still incurable neurological disorder affecting upper and lower motoneurons. Passive transfer of the disease occurs when immunoglobulins from ALS patients are injected into experimental animals. It is suggested that ALS IgGs cause excitotoxicity by acting on voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. We reported previously that ALS IgGs increase spontaneous release of glutamate in hippocampal neurons. Since these cells are not normally affected in ALS, we here studied the effect of ALS IgGs on hypoglossal motoneurons in rat brain-stem slices. The frequency of spontaneous glycine-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) was augmented, but not that of miniature ones (mIPSCs), thus pointing to an indirect effect on release.
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Neusch C, Bähr M, Schneider-Gold C. Glia cells in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: New clues to understanding an old disease? Muscle Nerve 2007; 35:712-24. [PMID: 17373702 DOI: 10.1002/mus.20768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In classic neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the pathogenic concept of a cell-autonomous disease of motor neurons has been challenged increasingly in recent years. Macro- and microglial cells have come to the forefront for their role in multistep degenerative processes in ALS and respective disease models. The activation of astroglial and microglial cells occurs early in the pathogenesis of the disease and seems to greatly influence disease onset and promotion. The role of oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells remains elusive. In this review we highlight the impact of nonneuronal cells in ALS pathology. We discuss diverse glial membrane proteins that are necessary to control neuronal activity and neuronal cell survival, and summarize the contribution of these proteins to motor neuron death in ALS. We also describe recently discovered glial mechanisms that promote motor neuron degeneration using state-of-the-art genetic mouse technology. Finally, we provide an outlook on the extent to which these new pathomechanistic insights may offer novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Neusch
- Department of Neurology, University of Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.
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Gould TW, Buss RR, Vinsant S, Prevette D, Sun W, Knudson CM, Milligan CE, Oppenheim RW. Complete dissociation of motor neuron death from motor dysfunction by Bax deletion in a mouse model of ALS. J Neurosci 2006; 26:8774-86. [PMID: 16928866 PMCID: PMC6674380 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2315-06.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 275] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The death of cranial and spinal motoneurons (MNs) is believed to be an essential component of the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We tested this hypothesis by crossing Bax-deficient mice with mice expressing mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), a transgenic model of familial ALS. Although Bax deletion failed to prevent neuromuscular denervation and mitochondrial vacuolization, MNs were completely rescued from mutant SOD1-mediated death. However, Bax deficiency extended lifespan and delayed the onset of motor dysfunction of SOD1 mutants, suggesting that Bax acts via a mechanism distinct from cell death activation. Consistent with this idea, Bax elimination delayed the onset of neuromuscular denervation, which began long before the activation of cell death proteins in SOD1 mutants. Additionally, we show that denervation preceded accumulation of mutant SOD1 within MNs and astrogliosis in the spinal cord, which are also both delayed in Bax-deficient SOD1 mutants. Interestingly, MNs exhibited mitochondrial abnormalities at the innervated neuromuscular junction at the onset of neuromuscular denervation. Additionally, both MN presynaptic terminals and terminal Schwann cells expressed high levels of mutant SOD1 before MNs withdrew their axons. Together, these data support the idea that clinical symptoms in the SOD1 G93A model of ALS result specifically from damage to the distal motor axon and not from activation of the death pathway, and cast doubt on the utility of anti-apoptotic therapies to combat ALS. Furthermore, they suggest a novel, cell death-independent role for Bax in facilitating mutant SOD1-mediated motor denervation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W. Gould
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy and Program in Neuroscience, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157-1010
| | - Robert R. Buss
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy and Program in Neuroscience, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157-1010
| | - Sharon Vinsant
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy and Program in Neuroscience, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157-1010
| | - David Prevette
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy and Program in Neuroscience, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157-1010
| | - Woong Sun
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Brain Korea 21, Korea University, Sungbuk-Gu, Seoul 136-705, Korea, and
| | - C. Michael Knudson
- Department of Pathology, The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille P. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
| | - Carol E. Milligan
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy and Program in Neuroscience, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157-1010
| | - Ronald W. Oppenheim
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy and Program in Neuroscience, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157-1010
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