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Chen HH, Yeo HT, Huang YH, Tsai LK, Lai HJ, Tsao YP, Chen SL. AAV-NRIP gene therapy ameliorates motor neuron degeneration and muscle atrophy in ALS model mice. Skelet Muscle 2024; 14:17. [PMID: 39044305 PMCID: PMC11267858 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-024-00349-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by progressive motor neuron (MN) degeneration, leading to neuromuscular junction (NMJ) dismantling and severe muscle atrophy. The nuclear receptor interaction protein (NRIP) functions as a multifunctional protein. It directly interacts with calmodulin or α-actinin 2, serving as a calcium sensor for muscle contraction and maintaining sarcomere integrity. Additionally, NRIP binds with the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) for NMJ stabilization. Loss of NRIP in muscles results in progressive motor neuron degeneration with abnormal NMJ architecture, resembling ALS phenotypes. Therefore, we hypothesize that NRIP could be a therapeutic factor for ALS. METHODS We used SOD1 G93A mice, expressing human SOD1 with the ALS-linked G93A mutation, as an ALS model. An adeno-associated virus vector encoding the human NRIP gene (AAV-NRIP) was generated and injected into the muscles of SOD1 G93A mice at 60 days of age, before disease onset. Pathological and behavioral changes were measured to evaluate the therapeutic effects of AAV-NRIP on the disease progression of SOD1 G93A mice. RESULTS SOD1 G93A mice exhibited lower NRIP expression than wild-type mice in both the spinal cord and skeletal muscle tissues. Forced NRIP expression through AAV-NRIP intramuscular injection was observed in skeletal muscles and retrogradely transduced into the spinal cord. AAV-NRIP gene therapy enhanced movement distance and rearing frequencies in SOD1 G93A mice. Moreover, AAV-NRIP increased myofiber size and slow myosin expression, ameliorated NMJ degeneration and axon terminal denervation at NMJ, and increased the number of α-motor neurons (α-MNs) and compound muscle action potential (CMAP) in SOD1 G93A mice. CONCLUSIONS AAV-NRIP gene therapy ameliorates muscle atrophy, motor neuron degeneration, and axon terminal denervation at NMJ, leading to increased NMJ transmission and improved motor functions in SOD1 G93A mice. Collectively, AAV-NRIP could be a potential therapeutic drug for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Hsiung Chen
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Tung Yeo
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Hsin Huang
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100, Taiwan
| | - Li-Kai Tsai
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 100, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Jung Lai
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 100, Taiwan
| | - Yeou-Ping Tsao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 104, Taiwan
| | - Show-Li Chen
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100, Taiwan.
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2
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Sun S, Shen Y, Zhang X, Ding N, Xu Z, Zhang Q, Li L. The MuSK agonist antibody protects the neuromuscular junction and extends the lifespan in C9orf72-ALS mice. Mol Ther 2024; 32:2176-2189. [PMID: 38734896 PMCID: PMC11286808 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The disassembly of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is an early event in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), ultimately leading to motor dysfunction and lethal respiratory paralysis. The hexanucleotide GGGGCC repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene is the most common genetic mutation, and the dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins have been shown to cause neurodegeneration. While no drugs can treat ALS patients efficiently, new treatment strategies are urgently needed. Here, we report that a MuSK agonist antibody alleviates poly-PR-induced NMJ deficits in C9orf72-ALS mice. The HB9-PRF/F mice, which express poly-PR proteins in motor neurons, exhibited impaired motor behavior and NMJ deficits. Mechanistically, poly-PR proteins interacted with Agrin to disrupt the interaction between Agrin and Lrp4, leading to attenuated activation of MuSK. Treatment with a MuSK agonist antibody rescued NMJ deficits, and extended the lifespan of C9orf72-ALS mice. Moreover, impaired NMJ transmission was observed in C9orf72-ALS patients. These findings identify the mechanism by which poly-PR proteins attenuate MuSK activation and NMJ transmission, highlighting the potential of promoting MuSK activation with an agonist antibody as a therapeutic strategy to protect NMJ function and prolong the lifespan of ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangshuang Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yihui Shen
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Ning Ding
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Zhe Xu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Qijie Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Institute of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China.
| | - Lei Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
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3
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Herbst R, Huijbers MG, Oury J, Burden SJ. Building, Breaking, and Repairing Neuromuscular Synapses. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2024; 16:a041490. [PMID: 38697654 PMCID: PMC11065174 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
A coordinated and complex interplay of signals between motor neurons, skeletal muscle cells, and Schwann cells controls the formation and maintenance of neuromuscular synapses. Deficits in the signaling pathway for building synapses, caused by mutations in critical genes or autoantibodies against key proteins, are responsible for several neuromuscular diseases, which cause muscle weakness and fatigue. Here, we describe the role that four key genes, Agrin, Lrp4, MuSK, and Dok7, play in this signaling pathway, how an understanding of their mechanisms of action has led to an understanding of several neuromuscular diseases, and how this knowledge has contributed to emerging therapies for treating neuromuscular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Herbst
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Maartje G Huijbers
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre LUMC, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre LUMC, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Julien Oury
- Helen L. and Martin S. Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine at the Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Steven J Burden
- Neurology Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA
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4
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Cossins J, Kozma I, Canzonetta C, Hawkins A, Beeson D, Sepulveda P, Dong Y. Dose escalation pre-clinical trial of novel DOK7-AAV in mouse model of DOK7 congenital myasthenia. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.09.579626. [PMID: 38405691 PMCID: PMC10888934 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.09.579626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are a group of inherited disorders characterised by defective neuromuscular transmission and fatigable muscle weakness. Mutations in DOK7 , a gene encoding a post-synaptic protein crucial in the formation and stabilisation of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), rank among the leading three prevalent causes of CMS in diverse populations globally. The majority of DOK7 CMS patients experience varying degrees of disability despite receiving optimised treatment, necessitating the development of improved therapeutic approaches. Here we executed a dose escalation pre-clinical trial using a DOK7-CMS mouse model to assess the efficacy of Amp-101, an innovative AAV gene replacement therapy. Amp-101 is based on AAVrh74 and contains human DOK7 cDNA under the control of a muscle-restricted promoter. We show that at doses 6x10 13 vg/kg and 1x10 14 vg/kg, Amp-101 generated enlarged NMJs and rescued the very severe phenotype of the model. Treated mice became at least as strong as WT littermates and the diaphragm and tibialis anterior muscles displayed robust expression of DOK7. This data suggests that Amp-101 is a promising candidate to move forward to clinic trials.
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5
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Sugimoto T, Sakamaki C, Kimura T, Eguchi T, Miura S, Kamei Y. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α regulates downstream of tyrosine kinase-7 (Dok-7) expression important for neuromuscular junction formation. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1780. [PMID: 38245592 PMCID: PMC10799880 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52198-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ)-formed between a motor nerve terminal and skeletal muscle fiber-plays an important role in muscle contraction and other muscle functions. Aging and neurodegeneration worsen NMJ formation and impair muscle function. Downstream of tyrosine kinase-7 (Dok-7), expressed in skeletal muscle fibers, is essential for the formation of NMJ. Exercise increases the expression of the transcriptional coactivator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC1α) in skeletal muscles and restores NMJ formation. In this study, we used skeletal muscle-specific PGC1α knockout or overexpression mice to examine the role of PGC1α in regulating Dok-7 expression and NMJ formation. Our findings revealed that Dok-7 expression is regulated by PGC1α, and luciferase activity of the Dok-7 promoter is greatly increased by coexpressing PGC1α and estrogen receptor-related receptor α. Thus, we suggest PGC1α is involved in exercise-mediated restoration of NMJ formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Sugimoto
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Kyoto Prefectural University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Chihiro Sakamaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Kyoto Prefectural University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tokushi Kimura
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Kyoto Prefectural University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takahiro Eguchi
- Brain-Skeletal Muscle Connection in Aging Project Team, Geroscience Research Center, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shinji Miura
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, Graduate School of Nutritional and Environmental Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yasutomi Kamei
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Kyoto Prefectural University, Kyoto, Japan.
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6
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Qaisar R. Targeting neuromuscular junction to treat neuromuscular disorders. Life Sci 2023; 333:122186. [PMID: 37858716 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
The integrity and preservation of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), the interface between the motor neuron and skeletal muscle, is critical for maintaining a healthy skeletal muscle. The structural and/or functional defects in the three cellular components of NMJ, namely the pre-synaptic terminal, synaptic cleft, and post-synaptic region, negatively affect skeletal muscle mass and/or strength. Therefore, NMJ repair appears to be an appropriate therapy for muscle disorders. Mouse models provide a detailed molecular characterization of various cellular components of NMJ with relevance to human diseases. This review discusses different molecular targets on the three cellular components of NMJ for treating muscle diseases. The potential effects of these therapies on NMJ morphology and motor performance, their therapeutic efficacy, and clinical relevance are discussed. Collectively, the available data supports targeting NMJ alone or as an adjunct therapy in treating muscle disorders. However, the potential impact of such interventions on human patients with muscle disorders requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rizwan Qaisar
- Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Space Medicine Research Group, Sharjah Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Cardiovascular Research Group, Sharjah Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates.
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7
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Lee SY, Cho HY, Oh JP, Park J, Bae SH, Park H, Kim EJ, Lee JH. Therapeutic Effects of Combination of Nebivolol and Donepezil: Targeting Multifactorial Mechanisms in ALS. Neurotherapeutics 2023; 20:1779-1795. [PMID: 37782409 PMCID: PMC10684847 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-023-01444-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord. Although the disease's pathophysiological mechanism remains poorly understood, multifactorial mechanisms affecting motor neuron loss converge to worsen the disease. Although two FDA-approved drugs, riluzole and edaravone, targeting excitotoxicity and oxidative stress, respectively, are available, their efficacies are limited to extending survival by only a few months. Here, we developed combinatorial drugs targeting multifactorial mechanisms underlying key components in ALS disease progression. Using data analysis based on the genetic information of patients with ALS-derived cells and pharmacogenomic data of the drugs, a combination of nebivolol and donepezil (nebivolol-donepezil) was identified for ALS therapy. Here, nebivolol-donepezil markedly reduced the levels of cytokines in the microglial cell line, inhibited nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) nucleus translocation in the HeLa cell and substantially protected against excitotoxicity-induced neuronal loss by regulating the PI3K-Akt pathway. Nebivolol-donepezil significantly promoted the differentiation of neural progenitor cells (NPC) into motor neurons. Furthermore, we verified the low dose efficacy of nebivolol-donepezil on multiple indices corresponding to the quality of life of patients with ALS in vivo using SOD1G93A mice. Nebivolol-donepezil delayed motor function deterioration and halted motor neuronal loss in the spinal cord. Drug administration effectively suppressed muscle atrophy by mitigating the proportion of smaller myofibers and substantially reducing phospho-neurofilament heavy chain (pNF-H) levels in the serum, a promising ALS biomarker. High-dose nebivolol-donepezil significantly prolonged survival and delayed disease onset compared with vehicle-treated mice. These results indicate that the combination of nebivolol-donepezil efficiently prevents ALS disease progression, benefiting the patients' quality of life and life expectancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Yeon Lee
- DR. NOAH BIOTECH Inc., 91, Changnyong-daero 256beon-gil, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16229, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Yeon Cho
- DR. NOAH BIOTECH Inc., 91, Changnyong-daero 256beon-gil, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16229, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Pyo Oh
- DR. NOAH BIOTECH Inc., 91, Changnyong-daero 256beon-gil, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16229, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiae Park
- DR. NOAH BIOTECH Inc., 91, Changnyong-daero 256beon-gil, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16229, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hun Bae
- DR. NOAH BIOTECH Inc., 91, Changnyong-daero 256beon-gil, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16229, Republic of Korea
| | - Haesun Park
- DR. NOAH BIOTECH Inc., 91, Changnyong-daero 256beon-gil, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16229, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Jung Kim
- DR. NOAH BIOTECH Inc., 91, Changnyong-daero 256beon-gil, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16229, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ji-Hyun Lee
- DR. NOAH BIOTECH Inc., 91, Changnyong-daero 256beon-gil, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16229, Republic of Korea.
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8
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Huang YT, Crick HR, Chaytow H, van der Hoorn D, Alhindi A, Jones RA, Hector RD, Cobb SR, Gillingwater TH. Long-term muscle-specific overexpression of DOK7 in mice using AAV9-tMCK-DOK7. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:617-628. [PMID: 37637210 PMCID: PMC10457688 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Neuromuscular junction (NMJ) dysfunction underlies several diseases, including congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMSs) and motor neuron disease (MND). Molecular pathways governing NMJ stability are therefore of interest from both biological and therapeutic perspectives. Muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) is necessary for the formation and maintenance of post-synaptic elements of the NMJ, and downstream of tyrosine kinases 7 (DOK7) is crucial for activation of the MuSK pathway. Overexpression of DOK7 using AAV9 has been shown to ameliorate neuromuscular pathology in pre-clinical disease models of CMS and MND. However, long-term consequences of DOK7 expression have been sparsely investigated and targeted overexpression of DOK7 in skeletal muscle yet to be established. Here, we developed and characterized a novel AAV9-DOK7 facilitating forced expression of DOK7 under a skeletal muscle-specific promoter. AAV9-tMCK-DOK7 was systemically delivered to newborn mice that were monitored over 6 months. DOK7 overexpression was restricted to skeletal muscles. Body weight, blood biochemistry, and histopathological assessments were unaffected by AAV9-tMCK-DOK7 treatment. In contrast, forced expression of DOK7 resulted in enlargement of both the pre- and post-synaptic components of the NMJ, without causing denervation. We conclude that muscle-specific DOK7 overexpression can be achieved in a safe manner, with the capacity to target NMJs in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Huang
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Hannah R. Crick
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Helena Chaytow
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Dinja van der Hoorn
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Abrar Alhindi
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ross A. Jones
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | | | | | - Thomas H. Gillingwater
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
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9
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Li D, Johmura Y, Morimoto S, Doi M, Nakanishi K, Ozawa M, Tsunekawa Y, Inoue-Yamauchi A, Naruse H, Matsukawa T, Takeshita Y, Suzuki N, Aoki M, Nishiyama A, Zeng X, Konishi C, Suzuki N, Nishiyama A, Harris AS, Morita M, Yamaguchi K, Furukawa Y, Nakai K, Tsuji S, Yamazaki S, Yamanashi Y, Shimada S, Okada T, Okano H, Toda T, Nakanishi M. LONRF2 is a protein quality control ubiquitin ligase whose deficiency causes late-onset neurological deficits. NATURE AGING 2023; 3:1001-1019. [PMID: 37474791 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-023-00464-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Protein misfolding is a major factor of neurodegenerative diseases. Post-mitotic neurons are highly susceptible to protein aggregates that are not diluted by mitosis. Therefore, post-mitotic cells may have a specific protein quality control system. Here, we show that LONRF2 is a bona fide protein quality control ubiquitin ligase induced in post-mitotic senescent cells. Under unperturbed conditions, LONRF2 is predominantly expressed in neurons. LONRF2 binds and ubiquitylates abnormally structured TDP-43 and hnRNP M1 and artificially misfolded proteins. Lonrf2-/- mice exhibit age-dependent TDP-43-mediated motor neuron (MN) degeneration and cerebellar ataxia. Mouse induced pluripotent stem cell-derived MNs lacking LONRF2 showed reduced survival, shortening of neurites and accumulation of pTDP-43 and G3BP1 after long-term culture. The shortening of neurites in MNs from patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is rescued by ectopic expression of LONRF2. Our findings reveal that LONRF2 is a protein quality control ligase whose loss may contribute to MN degeneration and motor deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- Division of Cancer Cell Biology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Johmura
- Division of Cancer Cell Biology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
- Division of Cancer and Senescence Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Institute for Frontier Science Initiative, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.
| | - Satoru Morimoto
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miyuki Doi
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Keiko Nakanishi
- Department of Pediatrics, Central Hospital, and Department of Disease Model, Institute for Developmental Research, Aichi Developmental Disability Center, Kasugai, Japan
| | - Manabu Ozawa
- Laboratory of Reproductive Systems Biology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuji Tsunekawa
- Division of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Hiroya Naruse
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Matsukawa
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukio Takeshita
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Naoki Suzuki
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masashi Aoki
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ayumi Nishiyama
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Xin Zeng
- Laboratory of Functional Analysis in silico, Human Genome Center, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chieko Konishi
- Division of Cancer Cell Biology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Narumi Suzuki
- Division of Cancer Cell Biology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsuya Nishiyama
- Division of Cancer Cell Biology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Mariko Morita
- Division of Clinical Genome Research, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Yamaguchi
- Division of Clinical Genome Research, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoichi Furukawa
- Division of Clinical Genome Research, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenta Nakai
- Laboratory of Functional Analysis in silico, Human Genome Center, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shoji Tsuji
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yamazaki
- Division of Stem Cell Biology, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yuji Yamanashi
- Division of Genetics, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shoichi Shimada
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takashi Okada
- Division of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsushi Toda
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Nakanishi
- Division of Cancer Cell Biology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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10
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Vakrakou AG, Karachaliou E, Chroni E, Zouvelou V, Tzanetakos D, Salakou S, Papadopoulou M, Tzartos S, Voumvourakis K, Kilidireas C, Giannopoulos S, Tsivgoulis G, Tzartos J. Immunotherapies in MuSK-positive Myasthenia Gravis; an IgG4 antibody-mediated disease. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1212757. [PMID: 37564637 PMCID: PMC10410455 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1212757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) Myasthenia Gravis (MG) represents a prototypical antibody-mediated disease characterized by predominantly focal muscle weakness (neck, facial, and bulbar muscles) and fatigability. The pathogenic antibodies mostly belong to the immunoglobulin subclass (Ig)G4, a feature which attributes them their specific properties and pathogenic profile. On the other hand, acetylcholine receptor (AChR) MG, the most prevalent form of MG, is characterized by immunoglobulin (Ig)G1 and IgG3 antibodies to the AChR. IgG4 class autoantibodies are impotent to fix complement and only weakly bind Fc-receptors expressed on immune cells and exert their pathogenicity via interfering with the interaction between their targets and binding partners (e.g. between MuSK and LRP4). Cardinal differences between AChR and MuSK-MG are the thymus involvement (not prominent in MuSK-MG), the distinct HLA alleles, and core immunopathological patterns of pathology in neuromuscular junction, structure, and function. In MuSK-MG, classical treatment options are usually less effective (e.g. IVIG) with the need for prolonged and high doses of steroids difficult to be tapered to control symptoms. Exceptional clinical response to plasmapheresis and rituximab has been particularly observed in these patients. Reduction of antibody titers follows the clinical efficacy of anti-CD20 therapies, a feature implying the role of short-lived plasma cells (SLPB) in autoantibody production. Novel therapeutic monoclonal against B cells at different stages of their maturation (like plasmablasts), or against molecules involved in B cell activation, represent promising therapeutic targets. A revolution in autoantibody-mediated diseases is pharmacological interference with the neonatal Fc receptor, leading to a rapid reduction of circulating IgGs (including autoantibodies), an approach already suitable for AChR-MG and promising for MuSK-MG. New precision medicine approaches involve Chimeric autoantibody receptor T (CAAR-T) cells that are engineered to target antigen-specific B cells in MuSK-MG and represent a milestone in the development of targeted immunotherapies. This review aims to provide a detailed update on the pathomechanisms involved in MuSK-MG (cellular and humoral aberrations), fostering the understanding of the latest indications regarding the efficacy of different treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aigli G. Vakrakou
- First Department of Neurology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Karachaliou
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Elisabeth Chroni
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Zouvelou
- First Department of Neurology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Tzanetakos
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Stavroula Salakou
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Marianna Papadopoulou
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Socrates Tzartos
- Tzartos NeuroDiagnostics, Athens, Greece
- Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Voumvourakis
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Constantinos Kilidireas
- First Department of Neurology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Department of Neurology, Henry Dunant Hospital Center, Athens, Greece
| | - Sotirios Giannopoulos
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Tsivgoulis
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Department of Neurology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - John Tzartos
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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11
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Lim JL, Augustinus R, Plomp JJ, Roya-Kouchaki K, Vergoossen DLE, Fillié-Grijpma Y, Struijk J, Thomas R, Salvatori D, Steyaert C, Blanchetot C, Vanhauwaert R, Silence K, van der Maarel SM, Verschuuren JJ, Huijbers MG. Development and characterization of agonistic antibodies targeting the Ig-like 1 domain of MuSK. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7478. [PMID: 37156800 PMCID: PMC10167245 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32641-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) is crucial for acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clustering and thereby neuromuscular junction (NMJ) function. NMJ dysfunction is a hallmark of several neuromuscular diseases, including MuSK myasthenia gravis. Aiming to restore NMJ function, we generated several agonist monoclonal antibodies targeting the MuSK Ig-like 1 domain. These activated MuSK and induced AChR clustering in cultured myotubes. The most potent agonists partially rescued myasthenic effects of MuSK myasthenia gravis patient IgG autoantibodies in vitro. In an IgG4 passive transfer MuSK myasthenia model in NOD/SCID mice, MuSK agonists caused accelerated weight loss and no rescue of myasthenic features. The MuSK Ig-like 1 domain agonists unexpectedly caused sudden death in a large proportion of male C57BL/6 mice (but not female or NOD/SCID mice), likely caused by a urologic syndrome. In conclusion, these agonists rescued pathogenic effects in myasthenia models in vitro, but not in vivo. The sudden death in male mice of one of the tested mouse strains revealed an unexpected and unexplained role for MuSK outside skeletal muscle, thereby hampering further (pre-) clinical development of these clones. Future research should investigate whether other Ig-like 1 domain MuSK antibodies, binding different epitopes, do hold a safe therapeutic promise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie L Lim
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Roy Augustinus
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap J Plomp
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Kasra Roya-Kouchaki
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Dana L E Vergoossen
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Yvonne Fillié-Grijpma
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Josephine Struijk
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rachel Thomas
- Department PDC-Pathologie, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Daniela Salvatori
- Veterinary Faculty, Department Clinical Sciences, Universiteit Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | - Silvère M van der Maarel
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jan J Verschuuren
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maartje G Huijbers
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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12
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Prömer J, Barresi C, Herbst R. From phosphorylation to phenotype - Recent key findings on kinase regulation, downstream signaling and disease surrounding the receptor tyrosine kinase MuSK. Cell Signal 2023; 104:110584. [PMID: 36608736 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110584] [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: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) is the key regulator of neuromuscular junction development. MuSK acts via several distinct pathways and is responsible for pre- and postsynaptic differentiation. MuSK is unique among receptor tyrosine kinases as activation and signaling are particularly tightly regulated. Initiation of kinase activity requires Agrin, a heparan sulphate proteoglycan derived from motor neurons, the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-4 (Lrp4) and the intracellular adaptor protein Dok-7. There is a great knowledge gap between MuSK activation and downstream signaling. Recent studies using omics techniques have addressed this knowledge gap, thereby greatly contributing to a better understanding of MuSK signaling. Impaired MuSK signaling causes severe muscle weakness as described in congenital myasthenic syndromes or myasthenia gravis but the underlying pathophysiology is often unclear. This review focuses on recent advances in deciphering MuSK activation and downstream signaling. We further highlight latest break-throughs in understanding and treatment of MuSK-related disorders and discuss the role of MuSK in non-muscle tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Prömer
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Cinzia Barresi
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ruth Herbst
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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13
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Tu WY, Xu W, Zhang J, Qi S, Bai L, Shen C, Zhang K. C9orf72 poly-GA proteins impair neuromuscular transmission. Zool Res 2023; 44:331-340. [PMID: 36799225 PMCID: PMC10083233 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2022.356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating motoneuron disease, in which lower motoneurons lose control of skeletal muscles. Degeneration of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) occurs at the initial stage of ALS. Dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs) from G4C2 repeat-associated non-ATG (RAN) translation are known to cause C9orf72-associated ALS (C9-ALS). However, DPR inclusion burdens are weakly correlated with neurodegenerative areas in C9-ALS patients, indicating that DPRs may exert cell non-autonomous effects, in addition to the known intracellular pathological mechanisms. Here, we report that poly-GA, the most abundant form of DPR in C9-ALS, is released from cells. Local administration of poly-GA proteins in peripheral synaptic regions causes muscle weakness and impaired neuromuscular transmission in vivo. The NMJ structure cannot be maintained, as evidenced by the fragmentation of postsynaptic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clusters and distortion of presynaptic nerve terminals. Mechanistic study demonstrated that extracellular poly-GA sequesters soluble Agrin ligands and inhibits Agrin-MuSK signaling. Our findings provide a novel cell non-autonomous mechanism by which poly-GA impairs NMJs in C9-ALS. Thus, targeting NMJs could be an early therapeutic intervention for C9-ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yo Tu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Department of Neurobiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020, China
| | - Wentao Xu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Department of Neurobiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020, China
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Department of Neurobiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020, China
| | - Shuyuan Qi
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Department of Neurobiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020, China
| | - Lei Bai
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Department of Neurobiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020, China
| | - Chengyong Shen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Department of Neurobiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020, China
- MOE Frontier Science, Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China. E-mail:
| | - Kejing Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Department of Neurobiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020, China. E-mail:
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14
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Margotta C, Fabbrizio P, Ceccanti M, Cambieri C, Ruffolo G, D'Agostino J, Trolese MC, Cifelli P, Alfano V, Laurini C, Scaricamazza S, Ferri A, Sorarù G, Palma E, Inghilleri M, Bendotti C, Nardo G. Immune-mediated myogenesis and acetylcholine receptor clustering promote a slow disease progression in ALS mouse models. Inflamm Regen 2023; 43:19. [PMID: 36895050 PMCID: PMC9996869 DOI: 10.1186/s41232-023-00270-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a heterogeneous disease in terms of onset and progression rate. This may account for therapeutic clinical trial failure. Transgenic SOD1G93A mice on C57 or 129Sv background have a slow and fast disease progression rate, mimicking the variability observed in patients. Based on evidence inferring the active influence of skeletal muscle on ALS pathogenesis, we explored whether dysregulation in hindlimb skeletal muscle reflects the phenotypic difference between the two mouse models. METHODS Ex vivo immunohistochemical, biochemical, and biomolecular methodologies, together with in vivo electrophysiology and in vitro approaches on primary cells, were used to afford a comparative and longitudinal analysis of gastrocnemius medialis between fast- and slow-progressing ALS mice. RESULTS We reported that slow-progressing mice counteracted muscle denervation atrophy by increasing acetylcholine receptor clustering, enhancing evoked currents, and preserving compound muscle action potential. This matched with prompt and sustained myogenesis, likely triggered by an early inflammatory response switching the infiltrated macrophages towards a M2 pro-regenerative phenotype. Conversely, upon denervation, fast-progressing mice failed to promptly activate a compensatory muscle response, exhibiting a rapidly progressive deterioration of muscle force. CONCLUSIONS Our findings further pinpoint the pivotal role of skeletal muscle in ALS, providing new insights into underestimated disease mechanisms occurring at the periphery and providing useful (diagnostic, prognostic, and mechanistic) information to facilitate the translation of cost-effective therapeutic strategies from the laboratory to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra Margotta
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Fabbrizio
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Ceccanti
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Cambieri
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Ruffolo
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, 00163, Rome, Italy
| | - Jessica D'Agostino
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Trolese
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Pierangelo Cifelli
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Christian Laurini
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Ferri
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Gianni Sorarù
- Department of Neuroscience, Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Eleonora Palma
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, 00163, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Inghilleri
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Bendotti
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156, Milan, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Nardo
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156, Milan, Italy
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15
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McMacken G, Whittaker RG, Wake R, Lochmuller H, Horvath R. Neuromuscular junction involvement in inherited motor neuropathies: genetic heterogeneity and effect of oral salbutamol treatment. J Neurol 2023; 270:3112-3119. [PMID: 36869887 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11643-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Inherited defects of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) comprise an increasingly diverse range of diseases. Several recently identified genes highlight the overlap between peripheral neuropathies and congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS). The beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist salbutamol has been shown to provide symptomatic benefit in CMS, while improving structural defects at the NMJ. Based on these findings, we identified cases of motor neuropathy with NMJ dysfunction and assessed the effect of salbutamol on motor function. METHODS Cases of motor neuropathy with significant NMJ dysfunction, were identified using repetitive nerve stimulation and single fibre electromyography. Oral salbutamol was administered for 12 months. Repeat neurophysiological and clinical assessments were undertaken at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. RESULTS Significant defects of neuromuscular transmission were identified in 15 patients harbouring a range of genetic defects, including mutations in GARS1, DNM2, SYT2 and DYNC1H. No clear benefit on motor function was seen following the administration of 12 months of oral salbutamol; however, there was a significant improvement in patient reported fatigue. In addition, no clear effect on neurophysiological parameters was seen in patients treated with salbutamol. Side-effects due to off-target beta-adrenergic effects were significant in the patient cohort. CONCLUSION These results highlight the involvement of the NMJ in several subtypes of motor neuropathies, including subtypes of neuropathy due to deficits in mitochondrial fusion-fission, synaptic vesicle transport, calcium channels and tRNA synthetases. Whether the NMJ dysfunction is simply due to muscle reinnervation or a pathology unrelated to denervation is unknown. The involvement of the NMJ may represent a novel therapeutic target in these conditions. However, treatment regimens will need to be more targeted for patients with primary inherited defects of neuromuscular transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace McMacken
- Department of Neurology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
| | - Roger G Whittaker
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ruth Wake
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Hanns Lochmuller
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital and Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Rita Horvath
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Level 3 A Block, Box 165, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.
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16
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Mori S, Suzuki S, Konishi T, Kawaguchi N, Kishi M, Kuwabara S, Ishizuchi K, Zhou H, Shibasaki F, Tsumoto H, Omura T, Miura Y, Mori S, Higashihara M, Murayama S, Shigemoto K. Proteolytic ectodomain shedding of muscle-specific tyrosine kinase in myasthenia gravis. Exp Neurol 2023; 361:114300. [PMID: 36525997 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114300] [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: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Autoantibodies to muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) proteins at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) cause refractory generalized myasthenia gravis (MG) with dyspnea more frequently than other MG subtypes. However, the mechanisms via which MuSK, a membrane protein locally expressed on the NMJ of skeletal muscle, is supplied to the immune system as an autoantigen remains unknown. Here, we identified MuSK in both mouse and human serum, with the amount of MuSK dramatically increasing in mice with motor nerve denervation and in MG model mice. Peptide analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) confirmed the presence of MuSK in both human and mouse serum. Furthermore, some patients with MG have significantly higher amounts of MuSK in serum than healthy controls. Our results indicated that the secretion of MuSK proteins from muscles into the bloodstream was induced by ectodomain shedding triggered by neuromuscular junction failure. The results may explain why MuSK-MG is refractory to treatments and causes rapid muscle atrophy in some patients due to the denervation associated with Ab-induced disruption of neuromuscular transmission at the NMJ. Such discoveries pave the way for new MG treatments, and MuSK may be used as a biomarker for other neuromuscular diseases in preclinical studies, clinical diagnostics, therapeutics, and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuuichi Mori
- Research Team for Geriatric Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology (TMIG), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeaki Suzuki
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Naoki Kawaguchi
- Dowa Institute of Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology Clinic Chiba, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masahiko Kishi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Toho University Sakura Medical Center, Chiba, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kuwabara
- Department of Neurology, Chiba University School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kei Ishizuchi
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Heying Zhou
- Research Team for Geriatric Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology (TMIG), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Futoshi Shibasaki
- Department of Genome Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Tsumoto
- Research Team for Mechanism of Aging, TMIG, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuya Omura
- Research Team for Geriatric Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology (TMIG), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuri Miura
- Research Team for Mechanism of Aging, TMIG, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seijiro Mori
- Research Team for Geriatric Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology (TMIG), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mana Higashihara
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital, Tokyo (TMGHIG), Japan
| | | | - Kazuhiro Shigemoto
- Research Team for Geriatric Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology (TMIG), Tokyo, Japan.
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17
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DOK7 Promotes NMJ Regeneration After Nerve Injury. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:1453-1464. [PMID: 36464749 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03143-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Motor function recovery from injury requires the regeneration of not only muscle fibers, but also the neuromuscular junction-the synapse between motor nerve terminals and muscle fibers. However, unlike muscle regeneration which has been extensively studied, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of NMJ regeneration. Recognizing the critical role of agrin-LRP4-MuSK signaling in NMJ formation and maintenance, we investigated whether increasing MuSK activity promotes NMJ regeneration. To this end, we evaluated the effect of DOK7, a protein that stimulates MuSK, on NMJ regeneration. Reinnervation, AChR cluster density, and endplate area were improved, and fragmentation was reduced in the AAV9-DOK7-GFP-injected muscles compared with muscles injected with AAV9-GFP. These results demonstrated expedited NMJ regeneration associated with increased DOK7 expression and support the hypothesis that increasing agrin signaling benefits motor function recovery after injury. Our findings propose a potentially new therapeutic strategy for functional recovery after muscle and nerve injury, i.e., promoting NMJ regeneration by increasing agrin signaling.
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18
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Suzuki N, Nishiyama A, Warita H, Aoki M. Genetics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: seeking therapeutic targets in the era of gene therapy. J Hum Genet 2023; 68:131-152. [PMID: 35691950 PMCID: PMC9968660 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-022-01055-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an intractable disease that causes respiratory failure leading to mortality. The main locus of ALS is motor neurons. The success of antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapy in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a motor neuron disease, has triggered a paradigm shift in developing ALS therapies. The causative genes of ALS and disease-modifying genes, including those of sporadic ALS, have been identified one after another. Thus, the freedom of target choice for gene therapy has expanded by ASO strategy, leading to new avenues for therapeutic development. Tofersen for superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) was a pioneer in developing ASO for ALS. Improving protocols and devising early interventions for the disease are vital. In this review, we updated the knowledge of causative genes in ALS. We summarized the genetic mutations identified in familial ALS and their clinical features, focusing on SOD1, fused in sarcoma (FUS), and transacting response DNA-binding protein. The frequency of the C9ORF72 mutation is low in Japan, unlike in Europe and the United States, while SOD1 and FUS are more common, indicating that the target mutations for gene therapy vary by ethnicity. A genome-wide association study has revealed disease-modifying genes, which could be the novel target of gene therapy. The current status and prospects of gene therapy development were discussed, including ethical issues. Furthermore, we discussed the potential of axonal pathology as new therapeutic targets of ALS from the perspective of early intervention, including intra-axonal transcription factors, neuromuscular junction disconnection, dysregulated local translation, abnormal protein degradation, mitochondrial pathology, impaired axonal transport, aberrant cytoskeleton, and axon branching. We simultaneously discuss important pathological states of cell bodies: persistent stress granules, disrupted nucleocytoplasmic transport, and cryptic splicing. The development of gene therapy based on the elucidation of disease-modifying genes and early intervention in molecular pathology is expected to become an important therapeutic strategy in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Suzuki
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Ayumi Nishiyama
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Warita
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masashi Aoki
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan.
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19
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Lejman J, Panuciak K, Nowicka E, Mastalerczyk A, Wojciechowska K, Lejman M. Gene Therapy in ALS and SMA: Advances, Challenges and Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021130. [PMID: 36674643 PMCID: PMC9860634 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021130] [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: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is defined as the administration of genetic material to modify, manipulate gene expression or alter the properties of living cells for therapeutic purposes. Recent advances and improvements in this field have led to many breakthroughs in the treatment of various diseases. As a result, there has been an increasing interest in the use of these therapies to treat motor neuron diseases (MNDs), for which many potential molecular targets have been discovered. MNDs are neurodegenerative disorders that, in their most severe forms, can lead to respiratory failure and death, for instance, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Despite the fact that SMA has been known for many years, it is still one of the most common genetic diseases causing infant mortality. The introduction of drugs based on ASOs-nusinersen; small molecules-risdiplam; and replacement therapy (GRT)-Zolgensma has shown a significant improvement in both event-free survival and the quality of life of patients after using these therapies in the available trial results. Although there is still no drug that would effectively alleviate the course of the disease in ALS, the experience gained from SMA gene therapy gives hope for a positive outcome of the efforts to produce an effective and safe drug. The aim of this review is to present current progress and prospects for the use of gene therapy in the treatment of both SMA and ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Lejman
- Student Scientific Society, Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Kinga Panuciak
- Student Scientific Society, Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Emilia Nowicka
- Student Scientific Society, Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Angelika Mastalerczyk
- Student Scientific Society, Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Wojciechowska
- Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Monika Lejman
- Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
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20
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Davis LA, Fogarty MJ, Brown A, Sieck GC. Structure and Function of the Mammalian Neuromuscular Junction. Compr Physiol 2022; 12:3731-3766. [PMID: 35950651 PMCID: PMC10461538 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c210022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian neuromuscular junction (NMJ) comprises a presynaptic terminal, a postsynaptic receptor region on the muscle fiber (endplate), and the perisynaptic (terminal) Schwann cell. As with any synapse, the purpose of the NMJ is to transmit signals from the nervous system to muscle fibers. This neural control of muscle fibers is organized as motor units, which display distinct structural and functional phenotypes including differences in pre- and postsynaptic elements of NMJs. Motor units vary considerably in the frequency of their activation (both motor neuron discharge rate and duration/duty cycle), force generation, and susceptibility to fatigue. For earlier and more frequently recruited motor units, the structure and function of the activated NMJs must have high fidelity to ensure consistent activation and continued contractile response to sustain vital motor behaviors (e.g., breathing and postural balance). Similarly, for higher force less frequent behaviors (e.g., coughing and jumping), the structure and function of recruited NMJs must ensure short-term reliable activation but not activation sustained for a prolonged period in which fatigue may occur. The NMJ is highly plastic, changing structurally and functionally throughout the life span from embryonic development to old age. The NMJ also changes under pathological conditions including acute and chronic disease. Such neuroplasticity often varies across motor unit types. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:1-36, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah A. Davis
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Matthew J. Fogarty
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Alyssa Brown
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Gary C. Sieck
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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21
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Shapiro D, Massopust R, Taetzsch T, Valdez G. Argonaute 2 is lost from neuromuscular junctions affected with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in SOD1 G93A mice. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4630. [PMID: 35301367 PMCID: PMC8931107 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08455-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
miRNAs are necessary for neuromuscular junction (NMJ) health; however, little is known about the proteins required for their activity in this regard. We examined expression of Argonaute 2 (Ago2) and miRNA biogenesis genes in skeletal muscles during development, following nerve injury and in the SOD1G93A ALS mouse model. We found that these genes are enriched in neonate muscles and in adult muscles following nerve injury. Despite widespread NMJ deterioration, these genes were not increased in muscles of SOD1G93A mice. We also found that Ago2 distribution is linked to maturation, innervation, and health of NMJs. Ago2 increasingly concentrates in synaptic regions during NMJ maturation, disperses following experimental denervation and reconcentrates at the NMJ upon reinnervation. Similar to experimentally denervated muscles, a homogenous distribution of Ago2 was observed in SOD1G93A muscle fibers. To determine if Ago2 is necessary for the health of adult muscles, we excised Ago2 from Ago2fl/fl mice using adeno-associated virus mediated Cre recombinase expression. We observed modest changes in muscle histology after 3 months of Ago2 knockdown. Together, these data provide critical insights into the role of Ago2 and miRNA biogenesis genes in healthy and ALS-afflicted skeletal muscles and NMJs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dillon Shapiro
- Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, & Biochemistry Graduate Program, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Ryan Massopust
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, 70 Ship St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Thomas Taetzsch
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, 70 Ship St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Gregorio Valdez
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, 70 Ship St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
- Center for Translational Neuroscience, Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science and Brown Institute for Translational Science, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, USA.
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22
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Verma S, Khurana S, Vats A, Sahu B, Ganguly NK, Chakraborti P, Gourie-Devi M, Taneja V. Neuromuscular Junction Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:1502-1527. [PMID: 34997540 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02658-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurological disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons leading to skeletal muscle denervation. Earlier studies have shown that motor neuron degeneration begins in motor cortex and descends to the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) in a dying forward fashion. However, accumulating evidences support that ALS is a distal axonopathy where early pathological changes occur at the NMJ, prior to onset of clinical symptoms and propagates towards the motor neuron cell body supporting "dying back" hypothesis. Despite several evidences, series of events triggering NMJ disassembly in ALS are still obscure. Neuromuscular junction is a specialized tripartite chemical synapse which involves a well-coordinated communication among the presynaptic motor neuron, postsynaptic skeletal muscle, and terminal Schwann cells. This review provides comprehensive insight into the role of NMJ in ALS pathogenesis. We have emphasized the molecular alterations in cellular components of NMJ leading to loss of effective neuromuscular transmission in ALS. Further, we provide a preview into research involved in exploring NMJ as potential target for designing effective therapies for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagar Verma
- Department of Research, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, India.,Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Hamdard, Delhi, India
| | - Shiffali Khurana
- Department of Research, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, India.,Department of Biomedical Science, Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Abhishek Vats
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Bandana Sahu
- Department of Research, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, India
| | | | | | | | - Vibha Taneja
- Department of Research, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, India.
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23
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Vergoossen DLE, Keo A, Mahfouz A, Huijbers MG. Timing and localization of myasthenia gravis-related gene expression. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 54:5574-5585. [PMID: 34228850 PMCID: PMC8457065 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an acquired autoimmune disorder caused by autoantibodies binding acetylcholine receptors (AChR), muscle‐specific kinase (MuSK), agrin or low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 4 (Lrp4). These autoantibodies inhibit neuromuscular transmission by blocking the function of these proteins and thereby cause fluctuating skeletal muscle weakness. Several reports suggest that these autoantibodies might also affect the central nervous system (CNS) in MG patients. A comprehensive overview of the timing and localization of the expression of MG‐related antigens in other organs is currently lacking. To investigate the spatio‐temporal expression of MG‐related genes outside skeletal muscle, we used in silico tools to assess public expression databases. Acetylcholine esterase, nicotinic AChR α1 subunit, agrin, collagen Q, downstream of kinase‐7, Lrp4, MuSK and rapsyn were included as MG‐related genes because of their well‐known involvement in either congenital or autoimmune MG. We investigated expression of MG‐related genes in (1) all human tissues using GTEx data, (2) specific brain regions, (3) neurodevelopmental stages, and (4) cell types using datasets from the Allen Institute for Brain Sciences. MG‐related genes show heterogenous spatio‐temporal expression patterns in the human body as well as in the CNS. For each of these genes, several (new) tissues, brain areas and cortical cell types with (relatively) high expression were identified suggesting a potential role for these genes outside skeletal muscle. The possible presence of MG‐related antigens outside skeletal muscle suggests that autoimmune MG, congenital MG or treatments targeting the same proteins may affect MG‐related protein function in other organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana L E Vergoossen
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Arlin Keo
- Leiden Computational Biology Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Delft Bioinformatics Lab, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Ahmed Mahfouz
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Leiden Computational Biology Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Delft Bioinformatics Lab, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Maartje G Huijbers
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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24
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Ban J, Beqaj B, Phillips WD. Vector-mediated expression of muscle specific kinase restores specific force to muscles in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Exp Physiol 2021; 106:1794-1805. [PMID: 34114278 DOI: 10.1113/ep089439] [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: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? The (dystrophin-deficient) muscles of mdx mice generate less contractile force per cross-sectional area (specific force) than those of healthy wild-type mice: what is the influence of muscle specific kinase (MuSK) upon the properties of the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle in mdx mice? What is the main finding and its importance? Injection of adeno-associated viral vector encoding MuSK into the TA muscle of young mdx mice increased the specific force of the muscle, suggesting the MuSK signalling system has the potential to restore healthy growth to dystrophin-deficient muscles. ABSTRACT In the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, muscle fibres are fragile and prone to injury and degeneration. Compared to wild-type mice, muscles of mdx mice also develop less specific force (contractile force/cross-sectional area). We recently reported that injecting adeno-associated viral vector encoding muscle specific kinase (AAV-MuSK) into muscles of mdx mice increased utrophin expression and made the muscles more resistant to acute stretch-induced injury. Here we injected AAV-MuSK unilaterally into the tibialis anterior muscle of mdx mice at a younger age (4 weeks), and recorded contraction force from the muscles in situ at 12 weeks of age. Compared to contralateral empty-vector control muscles, muscles injected with AAV-MuSK produced 28% greater specific force (P = 0.0005). They did not undergo the compensatory hypertrophy that normally occurs in muscles of mdx mice. Injection of AAV encoding rapsyn (a downstream effector of MuSK signalling) caused no such improvement in muscle strength. Muscles injected with AAV-MuSK displayed a 10% reduction in the number of fibres with centralized nuclei (P = 0.0015). Our results in mdx mice suggest that elevating the expression of MuSK can reduce the incidence of muscle fibre regeneration and improve the strength of dystrophin-deficient muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Ban
- Physiology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Besa Beqaj
- Physiology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - William D Phillips
- Physiology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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25
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Amado DA, Davidson BL. Gene therapy for ALS: A review. Mol Ther 2021; 29:3345-3358. [PMID: 33839324 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has historically posed unique challenges for gene-therapy-based approaches, due to a paucity of therapeutic targets as well as the difficulty of accessing both the brain and spinal cord. Recent advances in our understanding of disease mechanism and ALS genetics, however, have combined with tremendous strides in CNS targeting, gene delivery, and gene editing and knockdown techniques to open new horizons of therapeutic possibility. Gene therapy clinical trials are currently underway for ALS patients with SOD1 mutations, C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansions, ATXN2 trinucleotide expansions, and FUS mutations, as well as sporadic disease without known genetic cause. In this review, we provide an in-depth exploration of the state of ALS-directed gene therapy, including antisense oligonucleotides, RNA interference, CRISPR, adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated trophic support, and antibody-based methods. We discuss how each of these approaches has been implemented across known genetic causes as well as sporadic ALS, reviewing preclinical studies as well as completed and ongoing human clinical trials. We highlight the transformative potential of these evolving technologies as the gene therapy field advances toward a true disease-modifying treatment for this devastating illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Defne A Amado
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Beverly L Davidson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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26
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Scaricamazza S, Salvatori I, Ferri A, Valle C. Skeletal Muscle in ALS: An Unappreciated Therapeutic Opportunity? Cells 2021; 10:cells10030525. [PMID: 33801336 PMCID: PMC8000428 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the selective degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons and by the progressive weakness and paralysis of voluntary muscles. Despite intense research efforts and numerous clinical trials, it is still an incurable disease. ALS had long been considered a pure motor neuron disease; however, recent studies have shown that motor neuron protection is not sufficient to prevent the course of the disease since the dismantlement of neuromuscular junctions occurs before motor neuron degeneration. Skeletal muscle alterations have been described in the early stages of the disease, and they seem to be mainly involved in the “dying back” phenomenon of motor neurons and metabolic dysfunctions. In recent years, skeletal muscles have been considered crucial not only for the etiology of ALS but also for its treatment. Here, we review clinical and preclinical studies that targeted skeletal muscles and discuss the different approaches, including pharmacological interventions, supplements or diets, genetic modifications, and training programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Scaricamazza
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, c/o CERC, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Illari Salvatori
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, c/o CERC, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "La Sapienza", 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferri
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, c/o CERC, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristiana Valle
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, c/o CERC, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, 00133 Rome, Italy
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27
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Zelada D, Bermedo-García F, Collao N, Henríquez JP. Motor function recovery: deciphering a regenerative niche at the neuromuscular synapse. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 96:752-766. [PMID: 33336525 PMCID: PMC7986695 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The coordinated movement of many organisms relies on efficient nerve–muscle communication at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), a peripheral synapse composed of a presynaptic motor axon terminal, a postsynaptic muscle specialization, and non‐myelinating terminal Schwann cells. NMJ dysfunctions are caused by traumatic spinal cord or peripheral nerve injuries as well as by severe motor pathologies. Compared to the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system displays remarkable regenerating abilities; however, this capacity is limited by the denervation time frame and depends on the establishment of permissive regenerative niches. At the injury site, detailed information is available regarding the cells, molecules, and mechanisms involved in nerve regeneration and repair. However, a regenerative niche at the final functional step of peripheral motor innervation, i.e. at the mature neuromuscular synapse, has not been deciphered. In this review, we integrate classic and recent evidence describing the cells and molecules that could orchestrate a dynamic ecosystem to accomplish successful NMJ regeneration. We propose that such a regenerative niche must ensure at least two fundamental steps for successful NMJ regeneration: the proper arrival of incoming regenerating axons to denervated postsynaptic muscle domains, and the resilience of those postsynaptic domains, in morphological and functional terms. We here describe and combine the main cellular and molecular responses involved in each of these steps as potential targets to help successful NMJ regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Zelada
- Neuromuscular Studies Laboratory (NeSt Lab), Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Center for Advanced Microscopy (CMA Bio-Bio), Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Francisca Bermedo-García
- Neuromuscular Studies Laboratory (NeSt Lab), Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Center for Advanced Microscopy (CMA Bio-Bio), Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Nicolás Collao
- Neuromuscular Studies Laboratory (NeSt Lab), Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Center for Advanced Microscopy (CMA Bio-Bio), Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Juan P Henríquez
- Neuromuscular Studies Laboratory (NeSt Lab), Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Center for Advanced Microscopy (CMA Bio-Bio), Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
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28
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Bao Z, Cui C, Chow SKH, Qin L, Wong RMY, Cheung WH. AChRs Degeneration at NMJ in Aging-Associated Sarcopenia-A Systematic Review. Front Aging Neurosci 2020; 12:597811. [PMID: 33362532 PMCID: PMC7759742 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.597811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcopenia is an aging process with a decline of skeletal muscle mass and function, which is a challenging public health problem with reduced quality of life in patients. The endplate, the post-synaptic part of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), occupies 0.1% of the myofiber surface area only, but is composed of millions of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) that are efficient in binding to acetylcholine (ACh) and triggering skeletal muscle contraction. This systematic review aims to examine aging-associated alterations of post-synaptic AChRs, including morphology, function and related gene expression. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science with relevant keywords by two independent reviewers. Original pre-clinical and clinical studies regarding AChRs changes during aging with available full text and written in English were included. Information was extracted from the included studies for further review. In total, 30 articles were included. Various parameters assessing AChRs alterations by radioassay, immunofluorescence, electrophysiology and mechanical test were reported. Endplate fragmentation and denervation were common in old skeletal muscles during aging. To ensure efficient NMJ transmission and force generation, type I or IIb muscle fibers tended to have increased ACh quanta releasing after electrical stimulations, while type IIa muscle fibers tended to have stronger binding between ACh and AChRs, but the overall function of AChRs was reduced during aging. Alterations of AChRs area depended on muscle type, species and the progress of muscle atrophy and type I muscles fibers tended to demonstrate enlarging AChRs areas. Myogenic regulator factors (MRFs) can regulate the expression of AChRs subunits, while decreased MRF4 may lead to expression changes of AChRs subunits during aging. Sarcoglycan-α can delay low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (LRP4) degradation. This protein was increased in old muscles but still cannot suppress the degradation of LRP4. Investigating the role of these AChRs-related genes in the process of aging may provide a potential target to treat sarcopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyuan Bao
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Can Cui
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Simon Kwoon-Ho Chow
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,The CUHK-ACC Space Medicine Centre on Health Maintenance of Musculoskeletal System, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ling Qin
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ronald Man Yeung Wong
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wing-Hoi Cheung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,The CUHK-ACC Space Medicine Centre on Health Maintenance of Musculoskeletal System, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
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29
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Rodríguez Cruz PM, Cossins J, Beeson D, Vincent A. The Neuromuscular Junction in Health and Disease: Molecular Mechanisms Governing Synaptic Formation and Homeostasis. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:610964. [PMID: 33343299 PMCID: PMC7744297 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.610964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a highly specialized synapse between a motor neuron nerve terminal and its muscle fiber that are responsible for converting electrical impulses generated by the motor neuron into electrical activity in the muscle fibers. On arrival of the motor nerve action potential, calcium enters the presynaptic terminal, which leads to the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh). ACh crosses the synaptic gap and binds to ACh receptors (AChRs) tightly clustered on the surface of the muscle fiber; this leads to the endplate potential which initiates the muscle action potential that results in muscle contraction. This is a simplified version of the events in neuromuscular transmission that take place within milliseconds, and are dependent on a tiny but highly structured NMJ. Much of this review is devoted to describing in more detail the development, maturation, maintenance and regeneration of the NMJ, but first we describe briefly the most important molecules involved and the conditions that affect their numbers and function. Most important clinically worldwide, are myasthenia gravis (MG), the Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) and congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS), each of which causes specific molecular defects. In addition, we mention the neurotoxins from bacteria, snakes and many other species that interfere with neuromuscular transmission and cause potentially fatal diseases, but have also provided useful probes for investigating neuromuscular transmission. There are also changes in NMJ structure and function in motor neuron disease, spinal muscle atrophy and sarcopenia that are likely to be secondary but might provide treatment targets. The NMJ is one of the best studied and most disease-prone synapses in the nervous system and it is amenable to in vivo and ex vivo investigation and to systemic therapies that can help restore normal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro M. Rodríguez Cruz
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Neurosciences Group, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, The John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Judith Cossins
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Neurosciences Group, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, The John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - David Beeson
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Neurosciences Group, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, The John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Angela Vincent
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Neurosciences Group, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, The John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
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30
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Ng SY, Ljubicic V. Recent insights into neuromuscular junction biology in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Impacts, challenges, and opportunities. EBioMedicine 2020; 61:103032. [PMID: 33039707 PMCID: PMC7648118 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.103032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common and relentless form of muscular dystrophy. The pleiotropic effects of dystrophin deficiency include remarkable impacts on neuromuscular junction (NMJ) structure and function. Some of these alterations contribute to the severe muscle wasting and weakness that distinguish DMD, while others attempt to compensate for them. Experimental approaches that correct NMJ biology in pre-clinical models of DMD attenuate disease progression and improve functional outcomes, which suggests that targeting the NMJ may be an effective therapeutic strategy for DMD patients. The objectives of this review are to 1) survey the distinctions in NMJ structure, function, and gene expression in the dystrophic context as compared to the healthy condition, and 2) summarize the efforts, opportunities and challenges to correct NMJ biology in DMD. This information will expand our basic understanding of neuromuscular biology and may be useful for designing novel NMJ-targeted drug or behavioural strategies to mitigate the dystrophic pathology and other disorders of the neuromuscular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Y Ng
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4L8, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vladimir Ljubicic
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4L8, Ontario, Canada.
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31
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A Role of Lamin A/C in Preventing Neuromuscular Junction Decline in Mice. J Neurosci 2020; 40:7203-7215. [PMID: 32817327 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0443-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During aging, skeletal muscles become atrophic and lose contractile force. Aging can also impact the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), a synapse that transmits signals from motoneurons to muscle fibers to control muscle contraction. However, in contrast to muscle aging that has been studied extensively, less is known about the molecular mechanisms of NMJ aging although its structure and function are impaired in aged animals. To this end, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis to identify genes whose expression in synapse-rich region is altered. Gene ontology (GO) analysis highlighted genes relating to nuclear structure or function. In particular, lamin A/C, an intermediate filament protein critical for the interphase nuclear architecture, was reduced. Remarkably, mutation of lamin A/C in muscles or motoneurons had no effect on NMJ formation in either sex of mice, but the muscle mutation caused progressive denervation, acetylcholine receptor (AChR) cluster fragmentation, and neuromuscular dysfunction. Interestingly, rapsyn, a protein critical to AChR clustering, was reduced in mutant muscle cells; and expressing rapsyn in muscles attenuated NMJ deficits of HSA-Lmna-/- mice. These results reveal a role of lamin A/C in NMJ maintenance and suggest that nuclear dysfunction or deficiency may contribute to NMJ deficits in aged muscles.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This study provides evidence that lamin A/C, a scaffolding component of the nuclear envelope, is critical to maintaining the NMJ in mice. Its muscle-specific mutation led to progressive NMJ degeneration in vivo We showed that the mutation reduced the level of rapsyn, a protein necessary for acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clustering; and expression of rapsyn in muscles attenuated NMJ deficits of HSA-Lmna-/- mice. These results reveal a role of lamin A/C in NMJ maintenance and suggest that nuclear dysfunction or deficiency may contribute to NMJ deficits in aged muscles.
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DOK7 Gene Therapy Enhances Neuromuscular Junction Innervation and Motor Function in Aged Mice. iScience 2020; 23:101385. [PMID: 32758427 PMCID: PMC7452162 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscle denervation at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), the essential synapse between motor neuron and skeletal muscle, is associated with age-related motor impairment. Therefore, improving muscle innervation at aged NMJs may be an effective therapeutic strategy for treating the impairment. We previously demonstrated that the muscle protein Dok-7 plays an essential role in NMJ formation, and, indeed, its forced expression in muscle enlarges NMJs. Moreover, therapeutic administration of an adeno-associated virus vector encoding human Dok-7 (DOK7 gene therapy) suppressed muscle denervation and enhanced motor activity in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Here, we show that DOK7 gene therapy significantly enhances motor function and muscle strength together with NMJ innervation in aged mice. Furthermore, the treated mice showed greatly increased compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitudes compared with the controls, suggesting enhanced neuromuscular transmission. Thus, therapies aimed at enhancing NMJ innervation have potential for treating age-related motor impairment. DOK7 gene therapy enhances motor function and muscle strength in aged (≥2 years) mice DOK7 gene therapy enhances neuromuscular junction (NMJ) innervation in aged mice DOK7 gene therapy increases compound muscle action potential amplitudes in aged mice Enhancing NMJ innervation in the elderly may strengthen muscles and motor activities
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AAV9-DOK7 gene therapy reduces disease severity in Smn 2B/- SMA model mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 530:107-114. [PMID: 32828271 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease caused by deletions or mutations in the survival motor neuron (SMN1) gene. An important hallmark of disease progression is the pathology of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). Affected NMJs in the SMA context exhibit delayed maturation, impaired synaptic transmission, and loss of contact between motor neurons and skeletal muscle. Protection and maintenance of NMJs remains a focal point of therapeutic strategies to treat SMA, and the recent implication of the NMJ-organizer Agrin in SMA pathology suggests additional NMJ organizing molecules may contribute. DOK7 is an NMJ organizer that functions downstream of Agrin. The potential of DOK7 as a putative therapeutic target was demonstrated by adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy delivery of DOK7 in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Emery Dreyefuss Muscular Dystrophy (EDMD). To assess the potential of DOK7 as a disease modifier of SMA, we administered AAV-DOK7 to an intermediate mouse model of SMA. AAV9-DOK7 treatment conferred improvements in NMJ architecture and reduced muscle fiber atrophy. Additionally, these improvements resulted in a subtle reduction in phenotypic severity, evidenced by improved grip strength and an extension in survival. These findings reveal DOK7 is a novel modifier of SMA.
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Chen A, Bai L, Zhong K, Shu X, Wang A, Xiao Y, Zhang K, Shen C. APC2
CDH1
negatively regulates agrin signaling by promoting the ubiquitination and proteolytic degradation of DOK7. FASEB J 2020; 34:12009-12023. [PMID: 32687671 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000485r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aizhong Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital Institute of Translational Medicine School of Medicine Zhejiang University Zhejiang China
| | - Lei Bai
- The First Affiliated Hospital Institute of Translational Medicine School of Medicine Zhejiang University Zhejiang China
| | - Keke Zhong
- The First Affiliated Hospital Institute of Translational Medicine School of Medicine Zhejiang University Zhejiang China
| | - Xiaoqiu Shu
- The First Affiliated Hospital Institute of Translational Medicine School of Medicine Zhejiang University Zhejiang China
| | - Ailian Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital Institute of Translational Medicine School of Medicine Zhejiang University Zhejiang China
| | - Yatao Xiao
- The First Affiliated Hospital Institute of Translational Medicine School of Medicine Zhejiang University Zhejiang China
| | - Kejing Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital Institute of Translational Medicine School of Medicine Zhejiang University Zhejiang China
| | - Chengyong Shen
- The First Affiliated Hospital Institute of Translational Medicine School of Medicine Zhejiang University Zhejiang China
- Department of Neurobiology Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province School of Medicine Zhejiang University Zhejiang China
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Multiple MuSK signaling pathways and the aging neuromuscular junction. Neurosci Lett 2020; 731:135014. [PMID: 32353380 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.135014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is the vehicle for fast, reliable and robust communication between motor neuron and muscle. The unparalleled accessibility of this synapse to morphological, electrophysiological and genetic analysis has yielded an in depth understanding of many molecular components mediating its formation, maturation and stability. However, key questions surrounding the signaling pathways mediating these events and how they play out across the lifetime of the synapse remain unanswered. Such information is critical since the NMJ is necessary for normal movement and is compromised in several settings including myasthenia gravis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), muscular dystrophy, sarcopenia and aging. Muscle specific kinase (MuSK) is a central player in most if not all contexts of NMJ formation and stability. However, elucidating the function of this receptor in this range of settings is challenging since MuSK participates in at least three signaling pathways: as a tyrosine kinase-dependent receptor for agrin-LRP4 and Wnts; and, as a kinase-independent BMP co-receptor. Here we focus on NMJ stability during aging and discuss open questions regarding the molecular mechanisms that govern active maintenance of the NMJ, with emphasis on MuSK and the potential role of its multiple signaling contexts.
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Arakawa M, Wagatsuma A. 1α, 25(OH) 2D 3 regulates agrin-induced acetylcholine receptor clustering through upregulation of rapsyn expression in C2C12 myotubes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 525:S0006-291X(20)30293-X. [PMID: 32081417 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The active form of vitamin D (1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1α, 25(OH)2D3], referred to as 1,25D) has been suggested to play a pivotal role in skeletal muscle function and metabolism. However, the mechanisms through which 1,25D functions in this tissue remain to be elucidated. Recent studies have shown that vitamin D signaling regulates neuromuscular maintenance and improves locomotion in mice. In the present study, we examined the effects of 1,25D on neuromuscular synaptogenesis by measuring clustering of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) in C2C12 myotubes. 1,25D treatment enhanced the agrin-induced AChR clustering in myotubes compared to treatment with agrin alone. Furthermore, siRNA-mediated knockdown of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) decreased the agrin-induced AChR clustering. 1,25D increased the expression of rapsyn, which is necessary for AChR clustering, while demonstrating no effect on other neuromuscular junction-related genes. In addition, rapsyn expression was dependent on 1,25D-VDR signaling. These results suggest that 1,25D-VDR signaling may regulate rapsin expression, resulting in the up-regulation of agrin-induced AChR clustering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Arakawa
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Microbial Chemistry, 5-14-23 Kamiosaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 141-0021, Japan
| | - Akira Wagatsuma
- Laboratory of Muscle Biology, Tokyo Woman's Christian University, 2-6-1 Zempukuji, Suginami-ku, Tokyo, 167-8585, Japan.
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Overexpression of Dok-7 in skeletal muscle enhances neuromuscular transmission with structural alterations of neuromuscular junctions: Implications in robustness of neuromuscular transmission. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 523:214-219. [PMID: 31848047 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are cholinergic synapses characterized by ultrastructural specializations, including the presynaptic active zones, the acetylcholine (ACh) release sites of the motor nerve terminal, and the postsynaptic junctional folds of muscle membrane, where ACh receptors (AChRs) cluster for efficient neuromuscular transmission. The formation and maintenance of NMJs are governed by the muscle-specific receptor tyrosine kinase MuSK. We had previously demonstrated that the muscle cytoplasmic protein Dok-7 is an essential activator of MuSK, and its activation and NMJ formation are enhanced in the Dok-7 transgenic (Tg) mice, in which Dok-7 is specifically overexpressed in skeletal muscle. Although Dok-7 Tg mice develop abnormally large NMJs but show normal motor function, the forced expression of Dok-7 in the muscle improves impaired motor activity in mouse models of neuromuscular disorders with NMJ defects. However, the effect of Dok-7 overexpression in skeletal muscle on ultrastructure and neuromuscular transmission of NMJs is yet to be studied. Here, we investigated the structural and electrophysiological properties of NMJs in the diaphragm muscle of 8-week-old Dok-7 Tg mice. The areas of the presynaptic motor nerve terminals and postsynaptic muscle membrane of NMJs were 2.7 and 4.3 times greater in Dok-7 Tg mice than in WT mice, respectively. Electrophysiological analyses revealed that neuromuscular transmission via NMJs in Dok-7 Tg mice was significantly enhanced but not proportionally with the increased size of the synaptic contact. Consistent with this, the densities of active zones and synaptic vesicles (ACh carriers) in the presynaptic motor nerve terminals were reduced. In addition, the density and size of postsynaptic junctional folds in the muscle membrane were also reduced. Moreover, terminal Schwann cells exhibited significantly greater penetration of their processes into the synaptic clefts, which connect the pre- and post-synaptic specializations. Together, our findings demonstrate that transgenic overexpression of Dok-7 in the skeletal muscle enhances neuromuscular transmission with significant enlargement and ultrastructural alterations of NMJs, the latter of which might prevent toxic overactivation of AChRs at the abnormally enlarged NMJs.
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The Impact of Kinases in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis at the Neuromuscular Synapse: Insights into BDNF/TrkB and PKC Signaling. Cells 2019; 8:cells8121578. [PMID: 31817487 PMCID: PMC6953086 DOI: 10.3390/cells8121578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promotes neuron survival in adulthood in the central nervous system. In the peripheral nervous system, BDNF is a contraction-inducible protein that, through its binding to tropomyosin-related kinase B receptor (TrkB), contributes to the retrograde neuroprotective control done by muscles, which is necessary for motor neuron function. BDNF/TrkB triggers downstream presynaptic pathways, involving protein kinase C, essential for synaptic function and maintenance. Undeniably, this reciprocally regulated system exemplifies the tight communication between nerve terminals and myocytes to promote synaptic function and reveals a new view about the complementary and essential role of pre and postsynaptic interplay in keeping the synapse healthy and strong. This signaling at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) could establish new intervention targets across neuromuscular diseases characterized by deficits in presynaptic activity and muscle contractility and by the interruption of the connection between nervous and muscular tissues, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Indeed, exercise and other therapies that modulate kinases are effective at delaying ALS progression, preserving NMJs and maintaining motor function to increase the life quality of patients. Altogether, we review synaptic activity modulation of the BDNF/TrkB/PKC signaling to sustain NMJ function, its and other kinases’ disturbances in ALS and physical and molecular mechanisms to delay disease progression.
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Herbst R. MuSk function during health and disease. Neurosci Lett 2019; 716:134676. [PMID: 31811897 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.134676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase MuSK (muscle-specific kinase) is the key signaling molecule during the formation of a mature and functional neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Signal transduction events downstream of MuSK activation induce both pre- and postsynaptic differentiation, which, most prominently, includes the clustering of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) at synaptic sites. MuSK activation requires a complex interplay between its co-receptor Lrp4 (low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-4), the motor neuron-derived heparan-sulfate proteoglycan Agrin and the intracellular adaptor protein Dok-7. A tight regulation of MuSK kinase activity is crucial for proper NMJ development. Defects in MuSK signaling are the cause of muscle weakness as reported in congenital myasthenic syndromes and myasthenia gravis. This review focuses on recent structure-based analyses of MuSK, Agrin, Lrp4 and Dok-7 interactions and their function during MuSK activation. Conclusions about the regulation of the MuSK kinase that were derived from molecular structures will be highlighted. In addition, the role of MuSK during development and disease will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Herbst
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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40
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LanCL1 promotes motor neuron survival and extends the lifespan of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mice. Cell Death Differ 2019; 27:1369-1382. [PMID: 31570855 PMCID: PMC7206132 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-019-0422-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive loss of motor neurons. Improving neuronal survival in ALS remains a significant challenge. Previously, we identified Lanthionine synthetase C-like protein 1 (LanCL1) as a neuronal antioxidant defense gene, the genetic deletion of which causes apoptotic neurodegeneration in the brain. Here, we report in vivo data using the transgenic SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS indicating that CNS-specific expression of LanCL1 transgene extends lifespan, delays disease onset, decelerates symptomatic progression, and improves motor performance of SOD1G93A mice. Conversely, CNS-specific deletion of LanCL1 leads to neurodegenerative phenotypes, including motor neuron loss, neuroinflammation, and oxidative damage. Analysis reveals that LanCL1 is a positive regulator of AKT activity, and LanCL1 overexpression restores the impaired AKT activity in ALS model mice. These findings indicate that LanCL1 regulates neuronal survival through an alternative mechanism, and suggest a new therapeutic target in ALS.
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41
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Trajanovska S, Ban J, Huang J, Gregorevic P, Morsch M, Allen DG, Phillips WD. Muscle specific kinase protects dystrophic mdx mouse muscles from eccentric contraction-induced loss of force-producing capacity. J Physiol 2019; 597:4831-4850. [PMID: 31340406 DOI: 10.1113/jp277839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Adeno-associated viral vector was used to elevate the expression of muscle specific kinase (MuSK) and rapsyn (a cytoplasmic MuSK effector protein) in the tibialis anterior muscle of wild-type and dystrophic (mdx) mice. In mdx mice, enhanced expression of either MuSK or rapsyn ameliorated the acute loss of muscle force associated with strain injury. Increases in sarcolemmal immunolabelling for utrophin and β-dystroglycan suggest a mechanism for the protective effect of MuSK in mdx muscles. MuSK also caused subtle changes to the structure and function of the neuromuscular junction, suggesting novel roles for MuSK in muscle physiology and pathophysiology. ABSTRACT Muscle specific kinase (MuSK) has a well-defined role in stabilizing the developing mammalian neuromuscular junction, but MuSK might also be protective in some neuromuscular diseases. In the dystrophin-deficient mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, limb muscles are especially fragile. We injected the tibialis anterior muscle of 8-week-old mdx and wild-type (C57BL10) mice with adeno-associated viral vectors encoding either MuSK or rapsyn (a cytoplasmic MuSK effector protein) fused to green fluorescent protein (MuSK-GFP and rapsyn-GFP, respectively). Contralateral muscles injected with empty vector served as controls. One month later mice were anaesthetized with isoflurane and isometric force-producing capacity was recorded from the distal tendon. MuSK-GFP caused an unexpected decay in nerve-evoked tetanic force, both in wild-type and mdx muscles, without affecting contraction elicited by direct electrical stimulation of the muscle. Muscle fragility was probed by challenging muscles with a strain injury protocol consisting of a series of four strain-producing eccentric contractions in vivo. When applied to muscles of mdx mice, eccentric contraction produced an acute 27% reduction in directly evoked muscle force output, affirming the susceptibility of mdx muscles to strain injury. mdx muscles overexpressing MuSK-GFP or rapsyn-GFP exhibited significantly milder force deficits after the eccentric contraction challenge (15% and 14%, respectively). The protective effect of MuSK-GFP in muscles of mdx mice was associated with increased immunolabelling for utrophin and β-dystroglycan in the sarcolemma. Elevating the expression of MuSK or rapsyn revealed several distinct synaptic and extrasynaptic effects, suggesting novel roles for MuSK signalling in muscle physiology and pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Trajanovska
- Physiology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J Ban
- Physiology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J Huang
- Physiology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - P Gregorevic
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - M Morsch
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - D G Allen
- Physiology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - W D Phillips
- Physiology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Tomono T, Hirai Y, Chono H, Mineno J, Ishii A, Onodera M, Tamaoka A, Okada T. Infectivity Assessment of Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus and Wild-Type Adeno-Associated Virus Exposed to Various Diluents and Environmental Conditions. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2019; 30:137-143. [DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2019.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Taro Tomono
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, Majors in Medical Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yukihiko Hirai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Akiko Ishii
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Masafumi Onodera
- Department of Human Genetics, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Tamaoka
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takashi Okada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
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43
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Emerging antisense oligonucleotide and viral therapies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Curr Opin Neurol 2019; 31:648-654. [PMID: 30028737 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000000594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly fatal disease for which there is currently no effective therapy. The present review describes the current progress of existing molecular therapies in the clinical trial pipeline and highlights promising future antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) and viral therapeutic strategies for treating ALS. RECENT FINDINGS The immense progress in the design of clinical trials and generation of ASO therapies directed towards superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) and chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) repeat expansion related disease have been propelled by fundamental work to identify the genetic underpinnings of familial ALS and develop relevant disease models. Preclinical studies have also identified promising targets for sporadic ALS (sALS). Moreover, encouraging results in adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based therapies for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) provide a roadmap for continued improvement in delivery and design of molecular therapies for ALS. SUMMARY Advances in preclinical and clinical studies of ASO and viral directed approaches to neuromuscular disease, particularly ALS, indicate that these approaches have high specificity and are relatively well tolerated.
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Cipriani S, Phan V, Médard JJ, Horvath R, Lochmüller H, Chrast R, Roos A, Spendiff S. Neuromuscular Junction Changes in a Mouse Model of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 4C. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19124072. [PMID: 30562927 PMCID: PMC6320960 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19124072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) appears to be a site of pathology in a number of peripheral nerve diseases. Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) 4C is an autosomal recessive, early onset, demyelinating neuropathy. Numerous mutations in the SH3TC2 gene have been shown to underlie the condition often associated with scoliosis, foot deformities, and reduced nerve conduction velocities. Mice with exon 1 of the Sh3tc2 gene knocked out demonstrate many of the features seen in patients. To determine if NMJ pathology is contributory to the pathomechanisms of CMT4C we examined NMJs in the gastrocnemius muscle of SH3TC2-deficient mice. In addition, we performed proteomic assessment of the sciatic nerve to identify protein factors contributing to the NMJ alterations and the survival of demyelinated axons. Morphological and gene expression analysis of NMJs revealed a lack of continuity between the pre- and post-synaptic apparatus, increases in post-synaptic fragmentation and dispersal, and an increase in expression of the gamma subunit of the acetylcholine receptor. There were no changes in axonal width or the number of axonal inputs to the NMJ. Proteome investigations of the sciatic nerve revealed altered expression of extracellular matrix proteins important for NMJ integrity. Together these observations suggest that CMT4C pathology includes a compromised NMJ even in the absence of changes to the innervating axon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Cipriani
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK.
- INSPE-Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
| | - Vietxuan Phan
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften -ISAS- e.V.; Otto-Hahn-Strasse 6b, 44227 Dortmund, Germany.
| | - Jean-Jacques Médard
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 65 Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 65 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Rita Horvath
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, John Van Geest Cambridge Centre for Brain Repair, Forvie, Robinson way, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK.
| | - Hanns Lochmüller
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Mathildenstrasse 1, 79106 Freiburg, Germany.
- Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico, Center for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldri I reixac 4, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada.
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Riverside Drive, Ottawa, ON K1H 7X5, Canada.
| | - Roman Chrast
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 65 Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 65 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Andreas Roos
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften -ISAS- e.V.; Otto-Hahn-Strasse 6b, 44227 Dortmund, Germany.
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Developmental Neurology and Social Pediatrics, Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders in Children, University Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany.
| | - Sally Spendiff
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK.
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada.
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Sengupta-Ghosh A, Dominguez SL, Xie L, Barck KH, Jiang Z, Earr T, Imperio J, Phu L, Budayeva HG, Kirkpatrick DS, Cai H, Eastham-Anderson J, Ngu H, Foreman O, Hedehus M, Reichelt M, Hotzel I, Shang Y, Carano RAD, Ayalon G, Easton A. Muscle specific kinase (MuSK) activation preserves neuromuscular junctions in the diaphragm but is not sufficient to provide a functional benefit in the SOD1 G93A mouse model of ALS. Neurobiol Dis 2018; 124:340-352. [PMID: 30528255 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons, is characterized by rapid decline of motor function and ultimately respiratory failure. As motor neuron death occurs late in the disease, therapeutics that prevent the initial disassembly of the neuromuscular junction may offer optimal functional benefit and delay disease progression. To test this hypothesis, we treated the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS with an agonist antibody to muscle specific kinase (MuSK), a receptor tyrosine kinase required for the formation and maintenance of the neuromuscular junction. Chronic MuSK antibody treatment fully preserved innervation of the neuromuscular junction when compared with control-treated mice; however, no preservation of diaphragm function, motor neurons, or survival benefit was detected. These data show that anatomical preservation of neuromuscular junctions in the diaphragm via MuSK activation does not correlate with functional benefit in SOD1G93A mice, suggesting caution in employing MuSK activation as a therapeutic strategy for ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara L Dominguez
- Departments of Neuroscience, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Luke Xie
- Departments of Biomedical Imaging, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kai H Barck
- Departments of Biomedical Imaging, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Zhiyu Jiang
- Departments of Neuroscience, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Timothy Earr
- Departments of Neuroscience, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jose Imperio
- Departments of Neuroscience, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lilian Phu
- Departments of Microchemistry, Proteomics, and Lipidomics, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hanna G Budayeva
- Departments of Microchemistry, Proteomics, and Lipidomics, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Donald S Kirkpatrick
- Departments of Microchemistry, Proteomics, and Lipidomics, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hao Cai
- Departments of Preclinical and Translational Pharmacokinetics, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Hai Ngu
- Departments of Pathology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Oded Foreman
- Departments of Pathology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Maj Hedehus
- Departments of Biomedical Imaging, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael Reichelt
- Departments of Pathology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Isidro Hotzel
- Departments of Antibody Discovery, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yonglei Shang
- Departments of Antibody Discovery, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Richard A D Carano
- Departments of Biomedical Imaging, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gai Ayalon
- Departments of Neuroscience, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Amy Easton
- Departments of Neuroscience, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA.
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46
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Tomono T, Hirai Y, Okada H, Miyagawa Y, Adachi K, Sakamoto S, Kawano Y, Chono H, Mineno J, Ishii A, Shimada T, Onodera M, Tamaoka A, Okada T. Highly Efficient Ultracentrifugation-free Chromatographic Purification of Recombinant AAV Serotype 9. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2018; 11:180-190. [PMID: 30533449 PMCID: PMC6276309 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2018.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (rAAV9) can specifically transduce muscle and neuronal tissues; thus, rAAV9 can potentially be used in gene therapy. However, rAAV9 is the most challenging rAAV serotype to purify. Traditionally, rAAV9 has been purified by ultracentrifugation, which is not scalable. We recently described a chromatographic purification protocol for rAAV1; this protocol can achieve scalable purifications. In this study, we attempted to optimize this protocol for purifying rAAV9 preparations, and we developed a novel, effective method for high-yield purification of rAAV9 using quaternary ammonium anion exchangers and size-exclusion chromatography. The final purified rAAV9 contained mainly three capsid proteins, as observed by SDS-PAGE. Furthermore, negative-stain electron microscopy demonstrated that 96.1% ± 1.1% of rAAV9 particles carried the viral genome containing the EGFP transgene, indicating that impurities and empty capsids can be eliminated with our purification protocol. The final rAAV9 titer obtained by our protocol totaled 2.5 ± 0.4 × 1015 viral genomes produced from ∼3.2 × 109 HEK293EB cells. We confirmed that our protocol can also be applied to purify other varied AAV genome constructs. Our protocol can scale up production of pure rAAV9, in compliance with current good manufacturing practice, for clinical applications in human gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taro Tomono
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Human Genetics, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan.,Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, Majors in Medical Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yukihiko Hirai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hironori Okada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Miyagawa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kumi Adachi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | - Akiko Ishii
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takashi Shimada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masafumi Onodera
- Department of Human Genetics, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Tamaoka
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takashi Okada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
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47
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Martineau É, Di Polo A, Vande Velde C, Robitaille R. Dynamic neuromuscular remodeling precedes motor-unit loss in a mouse model of ALS. eLife 2018; 7:41973. [PMID: 30320556 PMCID: PMC6234026 DOI: 10.7554/elife.41973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite being an early event in ALS, it remains unclear whether the denervation of neuromuscular junctions (NMJ) is simply the first manifestation of a globally degenerating motor neuron. Using in vivo imaging of single axons and their NMJs over a three-month period, we identify that single motor-units are dismantled asynchronously in SOD1G37R mice. We reveal that weeks prior to complete axonal degeneration, the dismantling of axonal branches is accompanied by contemporaneous new axonal sprouting resulting in synapse formation onto nearby NMJs. Denervation events tend to propagate from the first lost NMJ, consistent with a contribution of neuromuscular factors extrinsic to motor neurons, with distal branches being more susceptible. These results show that NMJ denervation in ALS is a complex and dynamic process of continuous denervation and new innervation rather than a manifestation of sudden global motor neuron degeneration. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder. It occurs when the neurons that control muscles – the motoneurons – disconnect from their target muscles and die. This causes the muscles to weaken and waste away. More and more muscles become affected over time until eventually the muscles that control breathing also become paralyzed. Most patients die within two to five years of diagnosis. Motoneurons consist of a cell body plus a cable-like structure called the axon. The cell body of each motoneuron sits within the spinal cord, and the axon extends out of the spinal cord to the motoneuron’s target muscle. Within the muscle the axon divides into branches, each of which connects with multiple muscle fibers. The breakdown of these connections, known as neuromuscular junctions, is one of the first signs of ALS. Does a motoneuron lose all of its connections with muscle fibers at once, or do the connections break down a few at a time? This distinction is important as it will help to identify the events that lead to muscle paralysis in ALS. To find out, Martineau et al. studied mice that had two genetic mutations: one that causes ALS and another that produces fluorescent molecules in some motoneurons. This allowed the branches of the motoneurons to be tracked over time with a fluorescence microscope. Martineau et al. found that individual neurons lose their connections to muscle fibers gradually. Moreover, motoneurons grow new branches and form new connections even while losing their old ones. This dual process of pruning and budding lasts for several weeks, until eventually the motoneuron dies. Developing drugs to stabilize neuromuscular junctions during the period when motoneurons gradually disconnect from muscles could be a promising avenue to explore to improve the quality of life of ALS patients. One advantage of this treatment strategy is that neuromuscular junctions in muscles are easier to access than motoneurons inside the spinal cord. To identify potential drugs, future studies will need to focus on the proteins and signals that cause the neuromuscular junctions to break down.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éric Martineau
- Département de neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Groupe de recherche sur le système nerveux central, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Adriana Di Polo
- Département de neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Christine Vande Velde
- Département de neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Richard Robitaille
- Département de neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Groupe de recherche sur le système nerveux central, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
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48
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Yamashita T, Kwak S. Cell death cascade and molecular therapy in ADAR2-deficient motor neurons of ALS. Neurosci Res 2018; 144:4-13. [PMID: 29944911 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2018] [Revised: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP-43) pathology in the motor neurons is the most reliable pathological hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and motor neurons bearing TDP-43 pathology invariably exhibit failure in RNA editing at the GluA2 glutamine/arginine (Q/R) site due to down-regulation of adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 2 (ADAR2). Conditional ADAR2 knockout (AR2) mice display ALS-like phenotype, including progressive motor dysfunction due to loss of motor neurons. Motor neurons devoid of ADAR2 express Q/R site-unedited GluA2, and AMPA receptors with unedited GluA2 in their subunit assembly are abnormally permeable to Ca2+, which results in progressive neuronal death. Moreover, analysis of AR2 mice has demonstrated that exaggerated Ca2+ influx through the abnormal AMPA receptors overactivates calpain, a Ca2+-dependent protease, that cleaves TDP-43 into aggregation-prone fragments, which serve as seeds for TDP-43 pathology. Activated calpain also disrupts nucleo-cytoplasmic transport and gene expression by cleaving molecules involved in nucleocytoplasmic transport, including nucleoporins. These lines of evidence prompted us to develop molecular targeting therapy for ALS by normalization of disrupted intracellular environment due to ADAR2 down-regulation. In this review, we have summarized the work from our group on the cell death cascade in sporadic ALS and discussed a potential therapeutic strategy for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takenari Yamashita
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Shin Kwak
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan; Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, 6-7-1, Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan.
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49
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Abstract
As the final output of the somatic nervous system, the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is essential for all voluntary movements. The NMJ is also necessary for connected cells to function and survive. Because of this central role, much effort has been devoted to understanding the effects of aging, diseases, and injuries on the NMJ. These efforts have revealed a close relationship between aberrant changes at NMJs and its three cellular components - the presynaptic site on motor axons, the postsynaptic region on muscle fibers and perisynaptic Schwann cells. Here, we review the morphological and molecular changes associated with aging NMJs in rodents and humans. We also provide an overview of factors with potential roles in maintaining and repairing adult and aged NMJs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Taetzsch
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, Virginia, USA
| | - Gregorio Valdez
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, Virginia, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
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50
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Gonzalez D, Rebolledo DL, Correa LM, Court FA, Cerpa W, Lipson KE, van Zundert B, Brandan E. The inhibition of CTGF/CCN2 activity improves muscle and locomotor function in a murine ALS model. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 27:2913-2926. [DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David Gonzalez
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración, CARE Chile UC, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniela L Rebolledo
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración, CARE Chile UC, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Lina M Correa
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración, CARE Chile UC, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe A Court
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Waldo Cerpa
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración, CARE Chile UC, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Brigitte van Zundert
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración, CARE Chile UC, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Enrique Brandan
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración, CARE Chile UC, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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