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Zhang Y, Liu X, Li Z, Li H, Miao Z, Wan B, Xu X. Advances on the Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies in Non-coding CGG Repeat Expansion Diseases. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04239-9. [PMID: 38780719 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04239-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Non-coding CGG repeat expansions within the 5' untranslated region are implicated in a range of neurological disorders, including fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, oculopharyngeal myopathy with leukodystrophy, and oculopharyngodistal myopathy. This review outlined the general characteristics of diseases associated with non-coding CGG repeat expansions, detailing their clinical manifestations and neuroimaging patterns, which often overlap and indicate shared pathophysiological traits. We summarized the underlying molecular mechanisms of these disorders, providing new insights into the roles that DNA, RNA, and toxic proteins play. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. These strategies include a range of approaches, such as antisense oligonucleotides, RNA interference, genomic DNA editing, small molecule interventions, and other treatments aimed at correcting the dysregulated processes inherent in these disorders. A deeper understanding of the shared mechanisms among non-coding CGG repeat expansion disorders may hold the potential to catalyze the development of innovative therapies, ultimately offering relief to individuals grappling with these debilitating neurological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Zhang
- Departments of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- Departments of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, China
| | - Zeheng Li
- Departments of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, China
| | - Hao Li
- Departments of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, China
- Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215124, China
| | - Zhigang Miao
- The Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou City, China
| | - Bo Wan
- The Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou City, China
| | - Xingshun Xu
- Departments of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, China.
- The Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou City, China.
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China.
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Zhan X, Asmara H, Pfaffinger P, Turner RW. Calcium-Dependent Regulation of Neuronal Excitability Is Rescued in Fragile X Syndrome by a Tat-Conjugated N-Terminal Fragment of FMRP. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e0136242024. [PMID: 38664011 PMCID: PMC11112635 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0136-24.2024] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) arises from the loss of fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein (FMRP) needed for normal neuronal excitability and circuit functions. Recent work revealed that FMRP contributes to mossy fiber long-term potentiation by adjusting the Kv4 A-type current availability through interactions with a Cav3-Kv4 ion channel complex, yet the mechanism has not yet been defined. In this study using wild-type and Fmr1 knock-out (KO) tsA-201 cells and cerebellar sections from male Fmr1 KO mice, we show that FMRP associates with all subunits of the Cav3.1-Kv4.3-KChIP3 complex and is critical to enabling calcium-dependent shifts in Kv4.3 inactivation to modulate the A-type current. Specifically, upon depolarization Cav3 calcium influx activates dual-specific phosphatase 1/6 (DUSP1/6) to deactivate ERK1/2 (ERK) and lower phosphorylation of Kv4.3, a signaling pathway that does not function in Fmr1 KO cells. In Fmr1 KO mouse tissue slices, cerebellar granule cells exhibit a hyperexcitable response to membrane depolarizations. Either incubating Fmr1 KO cells or in vivo administration of a tat-conjugated FMRP N-terminus fragment (FMRP-N-tat) rescued Cav3-Kv4 function and granule cell excitability, with a decrease in the level of DUSP6. Together these data reveal a Cav3-activated DUSP signaling pathway critical to the function of a FMRP-Cav3-Kv4 complex that is misregulated in Fmr1 KO conditions. Moreover, FMRP-N-tat restores function of this complex to rescue calcium-dependent control of neuronal excitability as a potential therapeutic approach to alleviating the symptoms of FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Zhan
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Hadhimulya Asmara
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Paul Pfaffinger
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Ray W Turner
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Department Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
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Yadav D, Malviya R. Vector-Mediated Delivery of Transgenes and RNA Interference-Based Gene Silencing Sequences to Astrocytes for Disease Management: Advances and Prospectives. Curr Gene Ther 2024; 24:110-121. [PMID: 37921145 DOI: 10.2174/0115665232264527231013072728] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are a type of important glial cell in the brain that serve crucial functions in regulating neuronal activity, facilitating communication between neurons, and keeping everything in balance. In this abstract, we explore current methods and future approaches for using vectors to precisely target astrocytes in the fight against various illnesses. In order to deliver therapeutic cargo selectively to astrocytes, researchers have made tremendous progress by using viral vectors such as adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) and lentiviruses. It has been established that engineered viral vectors are capable of either crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) or being delivered intranasally, which facilitates their entrance into the brain parenchyma. These vectors are able to contain transgenes that code for neuroprotective factors, synaptic modulators, or anti-inflammatory medicines, which pave the way for multiple approaches to disease intervention. Strategies based on RNA interference (RNAi) make vector-mediated astrocyte targeting much more likely to work. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) are two types of RNA that can be made to silence disease-related genes in astrocytes. Vector-mediated delivery in conjunction with RNAi techniques provides a powerful toolkit for investigating the complex biological pathways that contribute to disease development. However, there are still a number of obstacles to overcome in order to perfect the specificity, safety, and duration of vector-mediated astrocyte targeting. In order to successfully translate research findings into clinical practise, it is essential to minimise off-target effects and the risk of immunogenicity. To demonstrate the therapeutic effectiveness of these strategies, rigorous preclinical investigation and validation are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Yadav
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rishabha Malviya
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
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CRISPR/Cas9 application in cancer therapy: a pioneering genome editing tool. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2022; 27:35. [PMID: 35508982 PMCID: PMC9066929 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-022-00336-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The progress of genetic engineering in the 1970s brought about a paradigm shift in genome editing technology. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system is a flexible means to target and modify particular DNA sequences in the genome. Several applications of CRISPR/Cas9 are presently being studied in cancer biology and oncology to provide vigorous site-specific gene editing to enhance its biological and clinical uses. CRISPR's flexibility and ease of use have enabled the prompt achievement of almost any preferred alteration with greater efficiency and lower cost than preceding modalities. Also, CRISPR/Cas9 technology has recently been applied to improve the safety and efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies and defeat tumor cell resistance to conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The current review summarizes the application of CRISPR/Cas9 in cancer therapy. We also discuss the present obstacles and contemplate future possibilities in this context.
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Piergiorge RM, de Vasconcelos ATR, Gonçalves Pimentel MM, Santos-Rebouças CB. Strict network analysis of evolutionary conserved and brain-expressed genes reveals new putative candidates implicated in Intellectual Disability and in Global Development Delay. World J Biol Psychiatry 2021; 22:435-445. [PMID: 32914658 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2020.1821916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Intellectual Disability (ID) and Global Development Delay (GDD) are frequent reasons for referral to genetic services and although they present overlapping phenotypes concerning cognitive, motor, language, or social skills, they are not exactly synonymous. Aiming to better understand independent or shared mechanisms related to these conditions and to identify new candidate genes, we performed a highly stringent protein-protein interaction network based on genes previously related to ID/GDD in the Human Phenotype Ontology portal. METHODS ID/GDD genes were searched for reliable interactions through STRING and clustering analysis was applied to detect biological complexes through the MCL algorithm. Six coding hub genes (TP53, CDC42, RAC1, GNB1, APP, and EP300) were recognised by the Cytoscape NetworkAnalyzer plugin, interacting with 1625 proteins not yet associated with ID or GDD. Genes encoding these proteins were explored by gene ontology, associated diseases, evolutionary conservation, and brain expression. RESULTS One hundred and seventy-two new putative genes playing a role in enriched processes/pathways previously related to ID and GDD were revealed, some of which were already postulated to be linked to ID/GDD in additional databases. CONCLUSIONS Our findings expanded the aetiological genetic landscape of ID/GDD and showed evidence that both conditions are closely related at the molecular and functional levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Mina Piergiorge
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology Roberto Alcantara Gomes, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Márcia Mattos Gonçalves Pimentel
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology Roberto Alcantara Gomes, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cíntia Barros Santos-Rebouças
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology Roberto Alcantara Gomes, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Telias M. Pharmacological Treatments for Fragile X Syndrome Based on Synaptic Dysfunction. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:4394-4404. [PMID: 31682210 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666191102165206] [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: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of monogenic hereditary cognitive impairment, including intellectual disability, autism, hyperactivity, and epilepsy. METHODS This article reviews the literature pertaining to the role of synaptic dysfunction in FXS. RESULTS In FXS, synaptic dysfunction alters the excitation-inhibition ratio, dysregulating molecular and cellular processes underlying cognition, learning, memory, and social behavior. Decades of research have yielded important hypotheses that could explain, at least in part, the development of these neurological disorders in FXS patients. However, the main goal of translating lab research in animal models to pharmacological treatments in the clinic has been so far largely unsuccessful, leaving FXS a still incurable disease. CONCLUSION In this concise review, we summarize and analyze the main hypotheses proposed to explain synaptic dysregulation in FXS, by reviewing the scientific evidence that led to pharmaceutical clinical trials and their outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Telias
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
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Zhan X, Asmara H, Cheng N, Sahu G, Sanchez E, Zhang FX, Zamponi GW, Rho JM, Turner RW. FMRP(1-297)-tat restores ion channel and synaptic function in a model of Fragile X syndrome. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2755. [PMID: 32488011 PMCID: PMC7265297 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16250-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome results from a loss of Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP). We now show that FMRP is a member of a Cav3-Kv4 ion channel complex that is known to regulate A-type potassium current in cerebellar granule cells to produce mossy fiber LTP. Mossy fiber LTP is absent in Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice but is restored by FMRP(1-297)-tat peptide. This peptide further rapidly permeates the blood-brain barrier to enter cells across the cerebellar-cortical axis that restores the balance of protein translation for at least 24 h and transiently reduces elevated levels of activity of adult Fmr1 KO mice in the Open Field Test. These data reveal that FMRP(1-297)-tat can improve function from the levels of protein translation to synaptic efficacy and behaviour in a model of Fragile X syndrome, identifying a potential therapeutic strategy for this genetic disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Zhan
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Hadhimulya Asmara
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Ning Cheng
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Giriraj Sahu
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Eduardo Sanchez
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Fang-Xiong Zhang
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Gerald W Zamponi
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Jong M Rho
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Ray W Turner
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.
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An explanation of the mechanisms underlying fragile X-associated premature ovarian insufficiency. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:1313-1322. [PMID: 32377997 PMCID: PMC7311620 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01774-x] [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: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X and fragile X-associated tremor-ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) are caused by mutations of the FMR1 gene. The mutations causing FXTAS can expand in a generation to a "full mutation" causing fragile X syndrome. The mutations causing FXTAS and the phenotype, fragile X-associated premature ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI), are referred to as the FMR1 premutation (PM). The objective of this paper was to formulate a theory to explain the Mechanism for FXPOI.Recent research on fragile X syndrome and FXTAS has led to sophisticated theories about the mechanisms underlying these diseases. It has been proposed that similar mechanisms underlie FXPOI. Utilizing recent research on FXTAS, but a more detailed application of ovarian physiology, we present a more ovarian specific theory as to the primary mechanism explaining the development of FXPOI.The FXPOI phenotype may best be viewed as derivative of the observation that fragile X PM carriers experience menopause an average of 5 years earlier than non-carriers. Women carrying the PM experience an earlier menopause because of an accelerated activation of their primordial follicle pool. This acceleration of primordial follicle activation occurs, in part, because of diminished AMH production. AMH production is diminished because of accelerated atresia of early antral follicles. This accelerated atresia likely occurs because the fragile X PM leads to a slowing of the rate of granulosa cell mitosis in some follicles.
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Gonzalez-Alegre P. Recent advances in molecular therapies for neurological disease: triplet repeat disorders. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 28:R80-R87. [PMID: 31227833 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Triplet repeat diseases (TRDs) are caused by pathogenic expansions of trinucleotide sequence repeats within coding and non-coding regions of different genes. They are typically progressive, very disabling and frequently involve the nervous system. Currently available symptomatic therapies provide modest benefit at best. The development of interventions that interfere with the natural history of these diseases is a priority. A common pathogenic process shared by most TRDs is the presence of toxicity from the messenger RNA or protein encoded by the gene harboring the abnormal expansion. Strategies to interfere with the expression of these genes using different molecular approaches are being pursued and have reached the clinical stage. This review will summarize the significant progress made in this field in the last few years, focusing on three main areas: the discovery of biomarkers of disease progression and target engagement, advances in preclinical studies for the polyglutamine ataxias and the initial clinical application in myotonic dystrophy type 1 and Huntington's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Gonzalez-Alegre
- Department of Neurology, the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapy, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Human genome editing and the identity politics of genetic disability. J Community Genet 2019; 11:125-127. [PMID: 31489571 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-019-00437-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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Towards Mechanism-Based Treatments for Fragile X Syndrome. Brain Sci 2019; 9:brainsci9080202. [PMID: 31426300 PMCID: PMC6721292 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9080202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common heritable form of intellectual disability, as well as the most common known monogenic cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), affecting 1 in 4000-8000 people worldwide [...].
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Our understanding of X-Linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism (XDP) has advanced considerably in recent years because of a wealth of new data describing its genetic basis, cellular phenotypes, neuroimaging features, and response to deep brain stimulation (DBS). This review provides a concise summary of these studies. RECENT FINDINGS XDP is associated with a SINE-VNTR-Alu (SVA)-type retrotransposon insertion within the TAF1 gene. This element includes a hexameric DNA repeat expansion, (CCCTCT)n, the length of which varies among patients and is inversely correlated to age of disease onset. In cell models, the SVA alters TAF1 splicing and reduces levels of full-length transcript. Neuroimaging data have confirmed previous neuropathology studies that XDP involves a progressive striatal atrophy, while further detecting functional alterations in additional brain regions. In patients exhibiting features of both dystonia and parkinsonism, pallidal DBS has resulted in rapid improvement of hyperkinetic movements, but effects on hypokinetic features have been inconsistent. SUMMARY The discovery that XDP is linked to a polymorphic hexameric sequence suggests that it could share mechanisms with other DNA repeat disorders, whereas the transcriptional defect in cell models raises the possibility that strategies to correct TAF1 splicing could provide therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Cristopher Bragg
- The Collaborative Center for X-linked Dystonia Parkinsonism, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129 USA
| | - Nutan Sharma
- The Collaborative Center for X-linked Dystonia Parkinsonism, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129 USA
| | - Laurie J. Ozelius
- The Collaborative Center for X-linked Dystonia Parkinsonism, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129 USA
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