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Weber N, Buchholz M, Rädke A, Faber J, Schmitz-Hübsch T, Jacobi H, Klockgether T, Hoffmann W, Michalowsky B. Factors Influencing Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients with Spinocerebellar Ataxia. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 23:1466-1477. [PMID: 38279001 PMCID: PMC11269494 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-024-01657-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the progression of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and predicting factors in spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA). Such knowledge is crucial to identify modifiable factors promoting everyday life with SCA and attenuating HRQoL decline. OBJECTIVES This study is to assess HRQoL progression and identify factors affecting SCA patients' HRQoL. METHODS Longitudinal data (three-year follow-up) of 310 SCA patients of the European SCA3/Machado-Joseph-Disease Initiative (ESMI) (2016-2022) and 525 SCA patients (SCA1, SCA2, SCA3 or SCA6) of the EUROSCA natural history study cohort (2006-2015) were assessed. Both large cohort studies share standardized assessments of clinical measures, SARA, INAS, PHQ-9, and HRQoL (EQ-5D-3L). The association between HRQoL and clinical measures was assessed by Spearman Correlation (rs). Multivariable panel regression models were performed to evaluate the impact of patients' socio-demographics, age of onset, SCA type and body mass index (BMI), and clinical measures on HRQoL progression. RESULTS HRQoL significantly decreased over one (- 0.014, p = 0.095), two (- 0.028, p = 0.003), and three years (- 0.032, p = 0.002). Ataxia severity and mental health strongly correlated with HRQoL (rsSARA = - 0.589; rsPHQ-9 = - 0.507). HRQoL more intensively declined in male (ß = - 0.024, p = 0.038) patients with an earlier age of onset (ß = 0.002, p = 0.058). Higher progression of ataxia severity (ß = - 0.010, p ≤ 0.001), mental health problems (ß = - 0.012, p < 0.001), and higher BMI (ß = - 0.003, p = 0.029) caused more severe decline of patients' HRQoL over time. DISCUSSION In absence of curative treatments, stronger focus on mental health and weight influence could help clinical evaluation and accompany treatment improving SCA patients' HRQoL, especially in male patients with early disease onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Weber
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Patient-Reported Outcomes and Health Economics Research, Site Rostock/Greifswald, Ellernholzstraße 1-2, 17487, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Maresa Buchholz
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Patient-Reported Outcomes and Health Economics Research, Site Rostock/Greifswald, Ellernholzstraße 1-2, 17487, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Anika Rädke
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Patient-Reported Outcomes and Health Economics Research, Site Rostock/Greifswald, Ellernholzstraße 1-2, 17487, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Jennifer Faber
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tanja Schmitz-Hübsch
- Neuroscience Clinical Research Center (NCRC), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heike Jacobi
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Klockgether
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Hoffmann
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Patient-Reported Outcomes and Health Economics Research, Site Rostock/Greifswald, Ellernholzstraße 1-2, 17487, Greifswald, Germany
- Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Bernhard Michalowsky
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Patient-Reported Outcomes and Health Economics Research, Site Rostock/Greifswald, Ellernholzstraße 1-2, 17487, Greifswald, Germany
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2
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Risby-Jones G, Lee JD, Woodruff TM, Fung JN. Sex differences in Huntington's disease from a neuroinflammation perspective. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1384480. [PMID: 38915800 PMCID: PMC11194371 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1384480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative condition characterized by motor, cognitive and psychiatric abnormalities. Immune dysregulation, prominently featuring increased immune activity, plays a significant role in HD pathogenesis. In addition to the central nervous system (CNS), systemic innate immune activation and inflammation are observed in HD patients, exacerbating the effects of the Huntingtin (HTT) gene mutation. Recent attention to sex differences in HD symptom severity underscores the need to consider gender as a biological variable in neurodegenerative disease research. Understanding sex-specific immune responses holds promise for elucidating HD pathophysiology and informing targeted treatment strategies to mitigate cognitive and functional decline. This perspective will highlight the importance of investigating gender influence in HD, particularly focusing on sex-specific immune responses predisposing individuals to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Risby-Jones
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - John D. Lee
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Trent M. Woodruff
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Jenny N. Fung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
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3
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Proskorovski-Ohayon R, Eskin-Schwartz M, Shorer Z, Kadir R, Halperin D, Drabkin M, Yogev Y, Aharoni S, Hadar N, Cohen H, Eremenko E, Perez Y, Birk OS. ZNF142 mutation causes sex-dependent neurologic disorder. J Med Genet 2024; 61:566-577. [PMID: 38296634 DOI: 10.1136/jmg-2023-109447] [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: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex-specific predilection in neurological diseases caused by mutations in autosomal genes is a phenomenon whose molecular basis is poorly understood. We studied females of consanguineous Bedouin kindred presenting with severe global developmental delay and epilepsy. METHODS Linkage analysis, whole exome sequencing, generation of CRISPR/cas9 knock-in mice, mouse behaviour and molecular studies RESULTS: Linkage analysis and whole exome sequencing studies of the affected kindred delineated a ~5 Mbp disease-associated chromosome 2q35 locus, containing a novel homozygous frameshift truncating mutation in ZNF142, in line with recent studies depicting similar ZNF142 putative loss-of-function human phenotypes with female preponderance. We generated knock-in mice with a truncating mutation adjacent to the human mutation in the mouse ortholog. Behaviour studies of homozygous Zfp142R1508* mice showed significant phenotype only in mutant females, with learning and memory deficits, hyperactivity and aberrant loss of fear of open spaces. Bone marrow and spleen of homozygous Zfp142R1508* mice showed depletion of lymphoid and haematopoietic cells, mostly in females. RT-PCR showed lower expression of Zpf142 in brain compartments of female versus male wild-type mice. RNA-seq studies of hippocampus, hypothalamus, cortex and cerebellum of female wild-type versus homozygous Zfp142R1508* mice demonstrated differentially expressed genes. Notably, expression of Taok1 in the cortex and of Mllt6 in the hippocampus was downregulated in homozygous Zfp142R1508* mice. Taok1 mutations have been associated with aberrant neurodevelopment and behaviour. Mllt6 expression is regulated by sex hormones and Mllt6 null-mutant mice present with haematopoietic, immune system and female-specific behaviour phenotypes. CONCLUSION ZNF142 mutation downregulates Mllt6 and Taok1, causing a neurodevelopmental phenotype in humans and mice with female preponderance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Proskorovski-Ohayon
- The Morris Kahn Laboratory of Human Genetics and Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Marina Eskin-Schwartz
- The Morris Kahn Laboratory of Human Genetics and Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Soroka Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | | | - Rotem Kadir
- The Morris Kahn Laboratory of Human Genetics and Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Daniel Halperin
- The Morris Kahn Laboratory of Human Genetics and Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Max Drabkin
- The Morris Kahn Laboratory of Human Genetics and Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Yuval Yogev
- The Morris Kahn Laboratory of Human Genetics and Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Sarit Aharoni
- The Morris Kahn Laboratory of Human Genetics and Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Noam Hadar
- The Morris Kahn Laboratory of Human Genetics and Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Hagit Cohen
- Department of Psychology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ekaterina Eremenko
- The Morris Kahn Laboratory of Human Genetics and Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Yonatan Perez
- The Morris Kahn Laboratory of Human Genetics and Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ohad S Birk
- The Morris Kahn Laboratory of Human Genetics and Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Soroka Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel
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4
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Hasnain N, Arif TB, Shafaut R, Zakaria F, Fatima SZ, Haque IU. Association between sex and Huntington's disease: an updated review on symptomatology and prognosis of neurodegenerative disorders. Wien Med Wochenschr 2024; 174:87-94. [PMID: 35723821 DOI: 10.1007/s10354-022-00941-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease is a rare autosomal dominant disorder presenting with chorea, rigidity, hypo-/akinesia, cognitive decline, and psychiatric disturbances. Numerous risk factors have been defined in the onset of this disease. However, the number of CAG repeats in the genes are the most crucial factor rendering patients susceptible to the disease. Studies have shown significant differences in onset and disease presentation among the sexes, which prompts analysis of the impact of different sexes on disease etiology and progression. This article therefore discusses the evidence-based role of sex in aspects of symptomatology, pathogenesis, biomarkers, progression, and prognosis of Huntington's disease, with a secondary review of sex-linked differences in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nimra Hasnain
- Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
- Department of Medicine, Dr. Ruth K. M. Pfao Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Taha Bin Arif
- Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan.
- Department of Medicine, Dr. Ruth K. M. Pfao Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Roha Shafaut
- Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Faiza Zakaria
- Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Ibtehaj Ul Haque
- Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
- Department of Medicine, Dr. Ruth K. M. Pfao Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
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5
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Gentenaar M, Meulmeester FL, van der Burg XR, Hoekstra AT, Hunt H, Kroon J, van Roon-Mom WMC, Meijer OC. Glucocorticoid receptor antagonist CORT113176 attenuates motor and neuropathological symptoms of Huntington's disease in R6/2 mice. Exp Neurol 2024; 374:114675. [PMID: 38216109 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114675] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Huntington's Disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by a mutation in the huntingtin gene. The mutation leads to a toxic gain of function of the mutant huntingtin (mHtt) protein resulting in cellular malfunction, aberrant huntingtin aggregation and eventually neuronal cell death. Patients with HD show impaired motor functions and cognitive decline. Elevated levels of glucocorticoids have been found in HD patients and in HD mouse models, and there is a positive correlation between increased glucocorticoid levels and the progression of HD. Therefore, antagonism of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) may be an interesting strategy for the treatment of HD. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of the selective GR antagonist CORT113176 in the commonly used R6/2 mouse model. In male mice, CORT113176 treatment significantly delayed the loss of grip strength, the development of hindlimb clasping, gait abnormalities, and the occurrence of epileptic seizures. CORT113176 treatment delayed loss of DARPP-32 immunoreactivity in the dorsolateral striatum. It also restored HD-related parameters including astrocyte markers in both the dorsolateral striatum and the hippocampus, and microglia markers in the hippocampus. This suggests that CORT113176 has both cell-type and brain region-specific effects. CORT113176 delayed the formation of mHtt aggregates in the striatum and the hippocampus. In female mice, we did not observe major effects of CORT113176 treatment on HD-related symptoms, with the exception of the anti-epileptic effects. We conclude that CORT113176 effectively delays several key symptoms related to the HD phenotype in male R6/2 mice and believe that GR antagonism may be a possible treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Gentenaar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Fleur L Meulmeester
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ximaine R van der Burg
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Anna T Hoekstra
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Hazel Hunt
- Corcept Therapeutics, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - Jan Kroon
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Corcept Therapeutics, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | | | - Onno C Meijer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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6
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Geleta U, Prajapati P, Bachstetter A, Nelson PT, Wang WX. Sex-Biased Expression and Response of microRNAs in Neurological Diseases and Neurotrauma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2648. [PMID: 38473893 PMCID: PMC10931569 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052648] [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: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurological diseases and neurotrauma manifest significant sex differences in prevalence, progression, outcome, and therapeutic responses. Genetic predisposition, sex hormones, inflammation, and environmental exposures are among many physiological and pathological factors that impact the sex disparity in neurological diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a powerful class of gene expression regulator that are extensively involved in mediating biological pathways. Emerging evidence demonstrates that miRNAs play a crucial role in the sex dimorphism observed in various human diseases, including neurological diseases. Understanding the sex differences in miRNA expression and response is believed to have important implications for assessing the risk of neurological disease, defining therapeutic intervention strategies, and advancing both basic research and clinical investigations. However, there is limited research exploring the extent to which miRNAs contribute to the sex disparities observed in various neurological diseases. Here, we review the current state of knowledge related to the sexual dimorphism in miRNAs in neurological diseases and neurotrauma research. We also discuss how sex chromosomes may contribute to the miRNA sexual dimorphism phenomenon. We attempt to emphasize the significance of sexual dimorphism in miRNA biology in human diseases and to advocate a gender/sex-balanced science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urim Geleta
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (U.G.); (P.P.); (A.B.); (P.T.N.)
| | - Paresh Prajapati
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (U.G.); (P.P.); (A.B.); (P.T.N.)
| | - Adam Bachstetter
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (U.G.); (P.P.); (A.B.); (P.T.N.)
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Peter T. Nelson
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (U.G.); (P.P.); (A.B.); (P.T.N.)
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Wang-Xia Wang
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (U.G.); (P.P.); (A.B.); (P.T.N.)
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
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7
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Chiem E, Zhao K, Stark G, Ghiani CA, Colwell CS, Paul KN. Sex differences in sleep architecture in a mouse model of Huntington's disease. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25290. [PMID: 38284849 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25290] [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: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances are common features of Huntington's disease (HD). HD is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder that affects men and women in equal numbers, but some epidemiological studies as well as preclinical work indicate there may be sex differences in disease presentation and progression. Since sex differences in HD could provide important insights to understand cellular and molecular mechanism(s), we used the bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic mouse model of HD (BACHD) to examine whether sex differences in sleep/wake cycles are detectable in an animal model of the disease. Electroencephalography/electromyography (EEG/EMG) was used to measure sleep/wake states and polysomnographic patterns in young adult (12-week-old) male and female wild-type and BACHD mice. Our findings show that male, but not female, BACHD mice exhibited increased variation in phases of the rhythms as compared to age- and sex-matched wild-types. For both rapid-eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, genotypic and sex differences were detected. In particular, the BACHD males spent less time in NREM sleep and exhibited a more fragmented sleep than the other groups. Finally, in response to 6 h of sleep deprivation, both genotypes and sexes displayed the predicted homeostatic responses to sleep loss. These findings suggest that females are relatively protected early in disease progression in this HD model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Chiem
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Molecular, Cellular, Integrative Physiology Program, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kevin Zhao
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Gemma Stark
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Cristina A Ghiani
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Christopher S Colwell
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ketema N Paul
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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8
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Merino M, González S, Tronch MC, Sánchez-Sánchez AV, Clares MP, García-España A, García-España E, Mullor JL. Small Molecule Pytren-4QMn Metal Complex Slows down Huntington's Disease Progression in Male zQ175 Transgenic Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15153. [PMID: 37894844 PMCID: PMC10607077 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015153] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder considered a rare disease with a prevalence of 5.7 per 100,000 people. It is caused by an autosomal dominant mutation consisting of expansions of trinucleotide repeats that translate into poly-glutamine enlarged mutant huntingtin proteins (mHTT), which are particularly deleterious in brain tissues. Since there is no cure for this progressive fatal disease, searches for new therapeutic approaches are much needed. The small molecule pytren-4QMn (4QMn), a highly water-soluble mimic of the enzyme superoxide dismutase, has shown in vivo beneficial anti-inflammatory activity in mice and was able to remove mHTT deposits in a C. elegans model of HD. In this study, we assessed 4QMn therapeutic potential in zQ175 neo-deleted knock-in mice, a model of HD that closely mimics the heterozygosity, genetic injury, and progressive nature of the human disease. We provide evidence that 4QMn has good acute and chronic tolerability, and can cross the blood-brain barrier, and in male, but not female, zQ175 mice moderately ameliorate HD-altered gene expression, mHtt aggregation, and HD disease phenotype. Our data highlight the importance of considering sex-specific differences when testing new therapies using animal models and postulate 4QMn as a potential novel type of small water-soluble metal complex that could be worth further investigating for its therapeutic potential in HD, as well as in other polyglutamine diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marián Merino
- Bionos Biotech SL, Biopolo Hospital La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Sonia González
- Bionos Biotech SL, Biopolo Hospital La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Mª Carmen Tronch
- Bionos Biotech SL, Biopolo Hospital La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Mª Paz Clares
- Departamento de Química Orgánica e Inorgánica, Instituto de Ciencia Molecular, Universidad de Valencia, 46980 Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Enrique García-España
- Departamento de Química Orgánica e Inorgánica, Instituto de Ciencia Molecular, Universidad de Valencia, 46980 Valencia, Spain
| | - José L Mullor
- Bionos Biotech SL, Biopolo Hospital La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
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9
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Ekkel MR, Veenhuizen RB, van Loon AM, Depla MFIA, Verschuur EML, Onwuteaka-Philipsen BD, Hertogh CMPM. Nursing home residents with Huntington's disease: Heterogeneity in characteristics and functioning. Brain Cogn 2023; 169:106002. [PMID: 37269816 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2023.106002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Huntington's disease (HD), admission to a nursing home (NH) is required in advanced disease stages. To gain insight in care needs, more knowledge is needed on the functioning of this group. OBJECTIVE Describing patient and disease characteristics, their functioning, and gender differences. METHODS A cross-sectional descriptive design was used to collect data of 173 patients living in eight Dutch HD-specialized NHs. Data were collected on characteristics and functioning. We tested for gender differences. RESULTS Mean age was 58.3 years and 49.7% were men. Activities of daily living and cognition varied from 46 to 49% mildly impaired to 22-23% severely impaired. Communication was severely impaired in 24%. Social functioning was low in 31% and high in 34%. A majority of patients used psychotropic medications (80.3%) and showed neuropsychiatric signs (74%). Women were on average more dependent in ADL (severely impaired 33.3% vs 12.8%), more often depressed (26.4% vs 11.6%), and prescribed antidepressant medications more often (64.4% vs 48.8%) than men. CONCLUSIONS The population of HD patients in NHs is heterogeneous in terms of patient and disease characteristics, and functioning. As a consequence, care needs are complex leading to implications for the required expertise of staff to provide adequate care and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina R Ekkel
- Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Medicine for Older People, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health, Aging & Later Life, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Huntington Expert Centre Atlant, Apeldoorn, the Netherlands.
| | - Ruth B Veenhuizen
- Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Medicine for Older People, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health, Aging & Later Life, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Huntington Expert Centre Atlant, Apeldoorn, the Netherlands
| | - Anouk M van Loon
- Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Medicine for Older People, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health, Aging & Later Life, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marja F I A Depla
- Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Medicine for Older People, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health, Aging & Later Life, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Bregje D Onwuteaka-Philipsen
- Amsterdam Public Health, Aging & Later Life, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Cees M P M Hertogh
- Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Medicine for Older People, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health, Aging & Later Life, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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10
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Chiem E, Zhao K, Stark G, Ghiani CA, Colwell CS, Paul KN. Sex Differences in Sleep Phenotypes in the BACHD Mouse Model of Huntington's Disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.28.538324. [PMID: 37162913 PMCID: PMC10168394 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.28.538324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances are common features of Huntington's disease (HD). HD is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder that affects men and women in equal numbers, but some epidemiological studies as well as preclinical work indicate there may be sex differences in disease progression. Since sex differences in HD could provide important insights to understand cellular and molecular mechanism(s), we used the bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic mouse model of HD (BACHD) to examine whether sex differences in sleep/wake cycles are detectable in an animal model of the disease. Electroencephalography/electromyography (EEG/EMG) was used to measure sleep/wake states and polysomnographic patterns in young adult (12 week-old) male and female wild-type and BACHD mice. Our findings show that male, but not female, BACHD mice exhibited increased variation in phases of the rhythms as compared to age and sex matched wild-types. For both Rapid-eye movement (REM) and Non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, genotypic and sex differences were detected. In particular, the BACHD males spent less time in NREM and exhibited a more fragmented sleep than the other groups. Both male and female BACHD mice exhibited significant changes in delta but not in gamma power compared to wild-type mice. Finally, in response to a 6-hrs sleep deprivation, both genotypes and sexes displayed predicted homeostatic responses to sleep loss. These findings suggest that females are relatively protected early in disease progression in this HD model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Chiem
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California Los Angeles
- Molecular, Cellular, Integrative Physiology program, University of California Los Angeles
| | - Kevin Zhao
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California Los Angeles
| | - Gemma Stark
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles
| | - Cristina A. Ghiani
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles
| | | | - Ketema N. Paul
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California Los Angeles
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles
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Taghian T, Gallagher J, Batcho E, Pullan C, Kuchel T, Denney T, Perumal R, Moore S, Muirhead R, Herde P, Johns D, Christou C, Taylor A, Passler T, Pulaparthi S, Hall E, Chandra S, O’Neill CA, Gray-Edwards H. Brain Alterations in Aged OVT73 Sheep Model of Huntington's Disease: An MRI Based Approach. J Huntingtons Dis 2022; 11:391-406. [PMID: 36189602 PMCID: PMC9837686 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-220526] [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] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal neurodegenerative autosomal dominant disorder with prevalence of 1 : 20000 that has no effective treatment to date. Translatability of candidate therapeutics could be enhanced by additional testing in large animal models because of similarities in brain anatomy, size, and immunophysiology. These features enable realistic pre-clinical studies of biodistribution, efficacy, and toxicity. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS Here we non-invasively characterized alterations in brain white matter microstructure, neurochemistry, neurological status, and mutant Huntingtin protein (mHTT) levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of aged OVT73 HD sheep. RESULTS Similar to HD patients, CSF mHTT differentiates HD from normal sheep. Our results are indicative of a decline in neurological status, and alterations in brain white matter diffusion and spectroscopy metric that are more severe in aged female HD sheep. Longitudinal analysis of aged female HD sheep suggests that the decline is detectable over the course of a year. In line with reports of HD human studies, white matter alterations in corpus callosum correlates with a decline in gait of HD sheep. Moreover, alterations in the occipital cortex white matter correlates with a decline in clinical rating score. In addition, the marker of energy metabolism in striatum of aged HD sheep, shows a correlation with decline of clinical rating score and eye coordination. CONCLUSION This data suggests that OVT73 HD sheep can serve as a pre-manifest large animal model of HD providing a platform for pre-clinical testing of HD therapeutics and non-invasive tracking of the efficacy of the therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toloo Taghian
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA,
Department of Radiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jillian Gallagher
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Erin Batcho
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Caitlin Pullan
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Gillies Plains, SA, Australia
| | - Tim Kuchel
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Gillies Plains, SA, Australia
| | - Thomas Denney
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Raj Perumal
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Gillies Plains, SA, Australia
| | - Shamika Moore
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Gillies Plains, SA, Australia
| | - Robb Muirhead
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Gillies Plains, SA, Australia
| | - Paul Herde
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Gillies Plains, SA, Australia
| | - Daniel Johns
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Gillies Plains, SA, Australia
| | - Chris Christou
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Gillies Plains, SA, Australia
| | - Amanda Taylor
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Thomas Passler
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Sanjana Pulaparthi
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Erin Hall
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Sundeep Chandra
- Sana Biotechnology, South San Francisco, CA, USA,Bio Marin Pharmaceutical Inc., San Rafael, CA, USA
| | | | - Heather Gray-Edwards
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA,
Department of Radiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA,Correspondence to: Heather L. Gray-Edwards, DVM, PhD, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Department of Radiology and Horae Gene Therapy Center, 368 Plantation Street, ASC6-2055, Worcester, MA 01605, USA. Tel.: +1 508 856 4051; Fax: +1 508 856 1552; E-mail:
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12
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Sun E, Kang M, Wibawa P, Tsoukra V, Chen Z, Farrand S, Eratne D, Kelso W, Evans A, Walterfang M, Velakoulis D, Loi SM. Huntington's disease: Mortality and risk factors in an Australian cohort. J Neurol Sci 2022; 442:120437. [PMID: 36179426 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2022.120437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There has not been any examination of the risk factors associated with mortality in Huntington's Disease (HD) in an Australian cohort. METHOD This retrospective study included inpatients admitted to a specialist neuropsychiatry service in Melbourne, Australia. HD status was based on genetic testing. Risk factors included age of onset, CAG repeat length and neuroimaging. Mortality data was acquired through the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare National Death Index. RESULTS The cohort included 83 participants, with 44 (53%) deceased. The median age of death was 59 years and median survival was 18.8 years from onset age (median 41.0 years). CAG repeat length (median 44.0, IQR 42.5, 47.0) was inversely correlated with age of onset (r = -0.73) and age at death (r = -0.80) but was not correlated with mortality status. There was no difference in functional and cognitive assessments, nor brain volumes, in the alive group compared to the deceased group. There were more people who were alive who had a positive family history of a psychiatric condition (p = 0.006) or dementia (p = 0.009). Standardised mortality ratios demonstrated a 5.9× increased risk of death for those with HD compared to the general population. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to examine risk factors of mortality in HD in an Australian cohort. Median survival in our cohort is consistent with previous studies in HD, and markedly reduced compared to the general Australian population. CAG repeat length was not associated with mortality suggesting that non-genetic factors contribute to mortality status and warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Sun
- Neuropsychiatry, NorthWestern Mental Health, Melbourne Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia.
| | - Matthew Kang
- Neuropsychiatry, NorthWestern Mental Health, Melbourne Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia.
| | - Pierre Wibawa
- Neuropsychiatry, NorthWestern Mental Health, Melbourne Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia.
| | - Vivian Tsoukra
- Department of Neurology, Evaggelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Zhibin Chen
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton 3168, Australia.
| | - Sarah Farrand
- Neuropsychiatry, NorthWestern Mental Health, Melbourne Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia.
| | - Dhamidhu Eratne
- Neuropsychiatry, NorthWestern Mental Health, Melbourne Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Grattan Street, Parkville 3052, Australia; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville 3052, Australia.
| | - Wendy Kelso
- Neuropsychiatry, NorthWestern Mental Health, Melbourne Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia.
| | - Andrew Evans
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia.
| | - Mark Walterfang
- Neuropsychiatry, NorthWestern Mental Health, Melbourne Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Grattan Street, Parkville 3052, Australia; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville 3052, Australia.
| | - Dennis Velakoulis
- Neuropsychiatry, NorthWestern Mental Health, Melbourne Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Grattan Street, Parkville 3052, Australia.
| | - Samantha M Loi
- Neuropsychiatry, NorthWestern Mental Health, Melbourne Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Grattan Street, Parkville 3052, Australia.
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Costa MD, Maciel P. Modifier pathways in polyglutamine (PolyQ) diseases: from genetic screens to drug targets. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:274. [PMID: 35503478 PMCID: PMC11071829 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04280-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Polyglutamine (PolyQ) diseases include a group of inherited neurodegenerative disorders caused by unstable expansions of CAG trinucleotide repeats in the coding region of specific genes. Such genetic alterations produce abnormal proteins containing an unusually long PolyQ tract that renders them more prone to aggregate and cause toxicity. Although research in the field in the last years has contributed significantly to the knowledge of the biological mechanisms implicated in these diseases, effective treatments are still lacking. In this review, we revisit work performed in models of PolyQ diseases, namely the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans and the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, and provide a critical overview of the high-throughput unbiased genetic screens that have been performed using these systems to identify novel genetic modifiers of PolyQ diseases. These approaches have revealed a wide variety of cellular processes that modulate the toxicity and aggregation of mutant PolyQ proteins, reflecting the complexity of these disorders and demonstrating how challenging the development of therapeutic strategies can be. In addition to the unbiased large-scale genetic screenings in non-vertebrate models, complementary studies in mammalian systems, closer to humans, have contributed with novel genetic modifiers of PolyQ diseases, revealing neuronal function and inflammation as key disease modulators. A pathway enrichment analysis, using the human orthologues of genetic modifiers of PolyQ diseases clustered modifier genes into major themes translatable to the human disease context, such as protein folding and transport as well as transcription regulation. Innovative genetic strategies of genetic manipulation, together with significant advances in genomics and bioinformatics, are taking modifier genetic studies to more realistic disease contexts. The characterization of PolyQ disease modifier pathways is of extreme relevance to reveal novel therapeutic possibilities to delay disease onset and progression in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Daniela Costa
- School of Medicine, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3Bs-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Maciel
- School of Medicine, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
- ICVS/3Bs-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
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Soylu-Kucharz R, Khoshnan A, Petersén Å. IKKβ signaling mediates metabolic changes in the hypothalamus of a Huntington disease mouse model. iScience 2022; 25:103771. [PMID: 35146388 PMCID: PMC8819015 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.103771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. Metabolic changes are associated with HD progression, but underlying mechanisms are not fully known. As the IKKβ/NF-κB pathway is an essential regulator of metabolism, we investigated the involvement of IKKβ, the upstream activator of NF-κB in hypothalamus-specific HD metabolic changes. We expressed amyloidogenic N-terminal fragments of mutant HTT (mHTT) in the hypothalamus of mice with brain-specific ablation of IKKβ (Nestin/IKKβlox/lox) and control mice (IKKβlox/lox). We assessed effects on body weight, metabolic hormones, and hypothalamic neuropathology. Hypothalamic expression of mHTT led to an obese phenotype only in female mice. CNS-specific inactivation of IKKβ prohibited weight gain in females, which was independent of neuroprotection and microglial activation. Our study suggests that mHTT in the hypothalamus causes metabolic imbalance in a sex-specific fashion, and central inhibition of the IKKβ pathway attenuates the obese phenotype. Mutant huntingtin in the hypothalamus causes sex-specific metabolic imbalance CNS-specific inactivation of the IKKβ pathway prevents the obese phenotype IKKβ inactivation leads to an increased number of mutant huntingtin inclusions IKKβ inactivation does not prevent orexin or A13 TH neuron loss
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Soylu-Kucharz
- Translational Neuroendocrine Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, BMC D11, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Ali Khoshnan
- California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Åsa Petersén
- Translational Neuroendocrine Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, BMC D11, 22184 Lund, Sweden
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15
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Hypothalamic expression of huntingtin causes distinct metabolic changes in Huntington's disease mice. Mol Metab 2022; 57:101439. [PMID: 35007790 PMCID: PMC8814380 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2022.101439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective In Huntington's disease (HD), the disease-causing huntingtin (HTT) protein is ubiquitously expressed and causes both central and peripheral pathology. In clinical HD, a higher body mass index has been associated with slower disease progression, indicating the role of metabolic changes in disease pathogenesis. Underlying mechanisms of metabolic changes in HD remain poorly understood, but recent studies suggest the involvement of hypothalamic dysfunction. The present study aimed to investigate whether modulation of hypothalamic HTT levels would affect metabolic phenotype and disease features in HD using mouse models. Methods We used the R6/2 and BACHD mouse models that express different lengths of mutant HTT to develop lean- and obese phenotypes, respectively. We utilized adeno-associated viral vectors to overexpress either mutant or wild-type HTT in the hypothalamus of R6/2, BACHD, and their wild-type littermates. The metabolic phenotype was assessed by body weight measurements over time and body composition analysis using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at the endpoint. R6/2 mice were further characterized using behavioral analyses, including rotarod, nesting-, and hindlimb clasping tests during early- and late-time points of disease progression. Finally, gene expression analysis was performed in R6/2 mice and wild-type littermates in order to assess transcriptional changes in the hypothalamus and adipose tissue. Results Hypothalamic overexpression of mutant HTT induced significant gender-affected body weight gain in all models, including wild-type mice. In R6/2 females, early weight gain shifted to weight loss during the corresponding late stage of disease despite increased fat accumulation. Body weight changes were accompanied by behavioral alterations. During the period of early weight gain, R6/2 mice displayed a comparable locomotor capacity to wild-type mice. When assessing behavior just prior to weight loss onset in R6/2 mice, decreased locomotor performance was observed in R6/2 females with hypothalamic overexpression of mutant HTT. Transcriptional downregulation of beta-3 adrenergic receptor (B3AR), adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) in gonadal white adipose tissue was accompanied by distinct alterations in hypothalamic gene expression profiles in R6/2 females after mutant HTT overexpression. No significant effect on metabolic phenotype in R6/2 was seen in response to wild-type HTT overexpression. Conclusions Taken together, our findings provide further support for the role of HTT in metabolic control via hypothalamic neurocircuits. Understanding the specific central neurocircuits and their peripheral link underlying metabolic imbalance in HD may open up avenues for novel therapeutic interventions. Overexpression of hypothalamic huntingtin affects weight in Huntington's disease mice. Hypothalamic huntingtin expression results in gene expression changes in white fat and the hypothalamus. Hypothalamic huntingtin cannot prevent late-stage weight loss in R6/2 mice.
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Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Models for Studying Sex-Specific Differences in Neurodegenerative Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1387:57-88. [PMID: 34921676 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2021_683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases is steadily increasing worldwide, and epidemiological studies strongly suggest that many of the diseases are sex-biased. It has long been suggested that biological sex differences are crucial for neurodegenerative diseases; however, how biological sex affects disease initiation, progression, and severity is not well-understood. Sex is a critical biological variable that should be taken into account in basic research, and this review aims to highlight the utility of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-derived models for studying sex-specific differences in neurodegenerative diseases, with advantages and limitations. In vitro systems utilizing species-specific, renewable, and physiologically relevant cell sources can provide powerful platforms for mechanistic studies, toxicity testings, and drug discovery. Matched healthy, patient-derived, and gene-corrected human iPSCs, from both sexes, can be utilized to generate neuronal and glial cell types affected by specific neurodegenerative diseases to study sex-specific differences in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) human culture systems. Such relatively simple and well-controlled systems can significantly contribute to the elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying sex-specific differences, which can yield effective, and potentially sex-based strategies, against neurodegenerative diseases.
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17
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Cao JK, Viray K, Shin M, Hsu KL, Mackie K, Westenbroek R, Stella N. ABHD6 Inhibition Rescues a Sex-Dependent Deficit in Motor Coordination in The HdhQ200/200 Mouse Model of Huntington's Disease. JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY AND NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS 2021; 7:106. [PMID: 37720694 PMCID: PMC10503675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's Disease is associated with motor behavior deficits that are lessened by few therapeutic options. This preliminary study tested if pharmacological inhibition of α/β-hydrolase domain containing 6 (ABHD6), a multifunctional enzyme expressed in the striatum, rescues behavioral deficits in HdhQ200/200 mice. Previous work has shown that this model exhibits a reduction in spontaneous locomotion and motor coordination at 8 and 10 months of age, with a more severe phenotype in female mice. Semi-quantitative immunohistochemistry analysis indicated no change in striatal ABHD6 expression at 8 months of age, but a 40% reduction by 10 months in female HdhQ200/200 mice compared to female wild-type (WT) littermates. At 8 months of age, acute ABHD6 inhibition rescued motor coordination deficits in female HdhQ200/200 mice without affecting WT performance. ABHD6 inhibition did not impact spontaneous locomotion, grip strength, or overall weight in either group, showing that effects were specific to motor coordination. At 10 months of age, semi-chronic ABHD6 inhibition by osmotic pump delivery also rescued motor coordination deficits in female HdhQ200/200 mice without affecting female WT littermates. Our preliminary study suggests that ABHD6 inhibition improves motor performance in female HdhQ200/200 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- JK Cao
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - K Viray
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - M Shin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - K-L Hsu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - K Mackie
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Linda and Jack Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - R Westenbroek
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - N Stella
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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18
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Li SH, Colson TLL, Abd-Elrahman KS, Ferguson SS. mGluR2/3 Activation Improves Motor Performance and Reduces Pathology in heterozygous zQ175 Huntington's Disease Mice. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2021; 379:74-84. [PMID: 34330748 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.121.000735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's Disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease that leads to progressive motor impairment with no available disease-modifying treatments. Current evidence indicates that exacerbated postsynaptic glutamate signaling in the striatum plays a key role in the pathophysiology of HD. However, it remains unclear whether reducing glutamate release can be an effective approach to slow the progression of HD. Here, we show that the activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors 2 and 3 (mGluR2/3), which inhibit presynaptic glutamate release, improves HD symptoms and pathology in heterozygous zQ175 knock-in mice. Treatment of both male and female zQ175 mice with the potent and selective mGluR2/3 agonist LY379268 for either 4 or 8 weeks improves both limb coordination and locomotor function in all mice. LY379268 also reduces mutant huntingtin aggregate formation, neuronal cell death, and microglia activation in the striatum of both male and female zQ175 mice. The reduction in mutant huntingtin protein correlates with the activation of a GSK3β-dependent autophagy pathway in male, but not female, zQ175 mice. Furthermore, LY379268 reduces both Akt and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in male zQ175 mice but increases both Akt and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in female zQ175 mice. Taken together, our results indicate that mGluR2/3 activation mitigates HD neuropathology in both male and female mice but is associated with the differential activation and inactivation of cell signaling pathways in heterozygous male and female zQ175 mice. This further highlights the need to take sex into consideration when developing future HD therapeutics. Significance Statement The mGluR2/3 agonist LY379268 improves motor impairments and reduces pathology in male and female zQ175 Huntington's mice. The beneficial outcomes of LY379268 treatment in Huntington's mice were mediated by divergent cell signalling pathways in both sexes. We provide evidence that mGluR2/3 agonists can be repurposed for the treatment of Huntington's disease and we emphasize the importance of investigating sex as a biological variable in preclinical disease modifying studies.
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Alcalá-Vida R, Seguin J, Lotz C, Molitor AM, Irastorza-Azcarate I, Awada A, Karasu N, Bombardier A, Cosquer B, Skarmeta JLG, Cassel JC, Boutillier AL, Sexton T, Merienne K. Age-related and disease locus-specific mechanisms contribute to early remodelling of chromatin structure in Huntington's disease mice. Nat Commun 2021; 12:364. [PMID: 33441541 PMCID: PMC7807045 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20605-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporal dynamics and mechanisms underlying epigenetic changes in Huntington's disease (HD), a neurodegenerative disease primarily affecting the striatum, remain unclear. Using a slowly progressing knockin mouse model, we profile the HD striatal chromatin landscape at two early disease stages. Data integration with cell type-specific striatal enhancer and transcriptomic databases demonstrates acceleration of age-related epigenetic remodelling and transcriptional changes at neuronal- and glial-specific genes from prodromal stage, before the onset of motor deficits. We also find that 3D chromatin architecture, while generally preserved at neuronal enhancers, is altered at the disease locus. Specifically, we find that the HD mutation, a CAG expansion in the Htt gene, locally impairs the spatial chromatin organization and proximal gene regulation. Thus, our data provide evidence for two early and distinct mechanisms underlying chromatin structure changes in the HD striatum, correlating with transcriptional changes: the HD mutation globally accelerates age-dependent epigenetic and transcriptional reprogramming of brain cell identities, and locally affects 3D chromatin organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Alcalá-Vida
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), University of Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
- CNRS UMR 7364, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jonathan Seguin
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), University of Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
- CNRS UMR 7364, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Caroline Lotz
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), University of Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
- CNRS UMR 7364, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Anne M Molitor
- Institut de Genetique et de Biologie Moleculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), 67404, Illkirch, France
- CNRS UMR7104, 67404, Illkirch, France
- INSERM U1258, 67404, Illkirch, France
- University of Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Ibai Irastorza-Azcarate
- Berlin Institute of Medical Systems Biology (BIMSB), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ali Awada
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), University of Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
- CNRS UMR 7364, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Nezih Karasu
- Institut de Genetique et de Biologie Moleculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), 67404, Illkirch, France
- CNRS UMR7104, 67404, Illkirch, France
- INSERM U1258, 67404, Illkirch, France
- University of Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Aurélie Bombardier
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), University of Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
- CNRS UMR 7364, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Brigitte Cosquer
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), University of Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
- CNRS UMR 7364, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jose Luis Gomez Skarmeta
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CABD), CSIC-Universidad Pablo de Olavide-Junta de Andalucía, Seville, Spain
| | - Jean-Christophe Cassel
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), University of Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
- CNRS UMR 7364, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Anne-Laurence Boutillier
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), University of Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
- CNRS UMR 7364, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas Sexton
- Institut de Genetique et de Biologie Moleculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), 67404, Illkirch, France
- CNRS UMR7104, 67404, Illkirch, France
- INSERM U1258, 67404, Illkirch, France
- University of Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Karine Merienne
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), University of Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
- CNRS UMR 7364, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
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