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Miyairi Y, Ohkawara B, Sato A, Sawada R, Ishii H, Tomita H, Inoue T, Nakashima H, Ito M, Masuda A, Hosono Y, Imagama S, Ohno K. A class of chemical compounds enhances clustering of muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in cultured myogenic cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 731:150400. [PMID: 39024975 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150400] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Neuromuscular signal transmission is affected in various diseases including myasthenia gravis, congenital myasthenic syndromes, and sarcopenia. We used an ATF2-luciferase system to monitor the phosphorylation of MuSK in HEK293 cells introduced with MUSK and LRP4 cDNAs to find novel chemical compounds that enhanced agrin-mediated acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clustering. Four compounds with similar chemical structures carrying benzene rings and heterocyclic rings increased the luciferase activities 8- to 30-folds, and two of them showed continuously graded dose dependence. The effects were higher than that of disulfiram, a clinically available aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor, which we identified to be the most competent preapproved drug to enhance ATF2-luciferase activity in the same assay system. In C2C12 myotubes, all the compounds increased the area, intensity, length, and number of AChR clusters. Three of the four compounds increased the phosphorylation of MuSK, but not of Dok7, JNK. ERK, or p38. Monitoring cell toxicity using the neurite elongation of NSC34 neuronal cells as a surrogate marker showed that all the compounds had no effects on the neurite elongation up to 1 μM. Extensive docking simulation and binding structure prediction of the four compounds with all available human proteins using AutoDock Vina and DiffDock showed that the four compounds were unlikely to directly bind to MuSK or Dok7, and the exact target remained unknown. The identified compounds are expected to serve as a seed to develop a novel therapeutic agent to treat defective NMJ signal transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Miyairi
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan.
| | - Bisei Ohkawara
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan.
| | - Ayato Sato
- Institute for Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan; Center for One Medicine Innovative Translational Research (COMIT), Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan.
| | - Ryusuke Sawada
- Department of Pharmacology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan.
| | - Hisao Ishii
- Department of Hand Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan.
| | - Hiroyuki Tomita
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan.
| | - Taro Inoue
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan.
| | - Hiroaki Nakashima
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan.
| | - Mikako Ito
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan.
| | - Akio Masuda
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan.
| | - Yasuyuki Hosono
- Department of Pharmacology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan.
| | - Shiro Imagama
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan.
| | - Kinji Ohno
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan; Graduate School of Nutritoinal Sciencess, Nagoya University of Arts and Sciences, 57 Takenoyama, Iwasaki, Nisshin, 470-0196, Japan.
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Ren M, Yao S, Chen T, Luo H, Tao X, Jiang H, Yang X, Zhang H, Yu S, Wang Y, Lu A, Zhang G. Connective Tissue Growth Factor: Regulation, Diseases, and Drug Discovery. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4692. [PMID: 38731911 PMCID: PMC11083620 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094692] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In drug discovery, selecting targeted molecules is crucial as the target could directly affect drug efficacy and the treatment outcomes. As a member of the CCN family, CTGF (also known as CCN2) is an essential regulator in the progression of various diseases, including fibrosis, cancer, neurological disorders, and eye diseases. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms of CTGF in different diseases may contribute to the discovery of novel drug candidates. Summarizing the CTGF-targeting and -inhibitory drugs is also beneficial for the analysis of the efficacy, applications, and limitations of these drugs in different disease models. Therefore, we reviewed the CTGF structure, the regulatory mechanisms in various diseases, and drug development in order to provide more references for future drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meishen Ren
- Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases (TMBJ), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shanshan Yao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tienan Chen
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases (TMBJ), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hang Luo
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiaohui Tao
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases (TMBJ), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hewen Jiang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases (TMBJ), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Huarui Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sifan Yu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Aiping Lu
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases (TMBJ), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases (TMBJ), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Ohkawara B, Kurokawa M, Kanai A, Imamura K, Chen G, Zhang R, Masuda A, Higashi K, Mori H, Suzuki Y, Kurokawa K, Ohno K. Transcriptome profile of subsynaptic myonuclei at the neuromuscular junction in embryogenesis. J Neurochem 2024; 168:342-354. [PMID: 37994470 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16013] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle fiber is a large syncytium with multiple and evenly distributed nuclei. Adult subsynaptic myonuclei beneath the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) express specific genes, the products of which coordinately function in the maintenance of the pre- and post-synaptic regions. However, the gene expression profiles that promote the NMJ formation during embryogenesis remain largely unexplored. We performed single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) analysis of embryonic and neonatal mouse diaphragms, and found that each myonucleus had a distinct transcriptome pattern during the NMJ formation. Among the previously reported NMJ-constituting genes, Dok7, Chrna1, and Chrnd are specifically expressed in subsynaptic myonuclei at E18.5. In the E18.5 diaphragm, ca. 10.7% of the myonuclei express genes for the NMJ formation (Dok7, Chrna1, and Chrnd) together with four representative β-catenin regulators (Amotl2, Ptprk, Fam53b, and Tcf7l2). Additionally, the temporal gene expression patterns of these seven genes are synchronized in differentiating C2C12 myoblasts. Amotl2 and Ptprk are expressed in the sarcoplasm, where β-catenin serves as a structural protein to organize the membrane-anchored NMJ structure. In contrast, Fam53b and Tcf7l2 are expressed in the myonucleus, where β-catenin serves as a transcriptional coactivator in Wnt/β-catenin signaling at the NMJ. In C2C12 myotubes, knockdown of Amotl2 or Ptprk markedly, and that of Fam53b and Tcf7l2 less efficiently, impair the clustering of acetylcholine receptors. In contrast, knockdown of Fam53b and Tcf7l2, but not of Amotl2 or Ptprk, impairs the gene expression of Slit2 encoding an axonal attractant for motor neurons, which is required for the maturation of motor nerve terminal. Thus, Amotl2 and Ptprk exert different roles at the NM compared to Fam53b and Tcf7l2. Additionally, Wnt ligands originating from the spinal motor neurons and the perichondrium/chondrocyte are likely to work remotely on the subsynaptic nuclei and the myotendinous junctional nuclei, respectively. We conclude that snRNA-seq analysis of embryonic/neonatal diaphragms reveal a novel coordinated expression profile especially in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling that regulate the formation of the embryonic NMJ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bisei Ohkawara
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masaomi Kurokawa
- Department of Informatics, National Institute of Genetics, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Akinori Kanai
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kiyomi Imamura
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Guiying Chen
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ruchen Zhang
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akio Masuda
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Koichi Higashi
- Department of Informatics, National Institute of Genetics, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Mori
- Department of Informatics, National Institute of Genetics, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yutaka Suzuki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ken Kurokawa
- Department of Informatics, National Institute of Genetics, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kinji Ohno
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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Ohkawara B, Tomita H, Inoue T, Zhang S, Kanbara S, Koshimizu H, Miyasaka Y, Takeda JI, Nishiwaki H, Nakashima H, Ito M, Masuda A, Ishiguro N, Ogi T, Ohno T, Imagama S, Ohno K. Calcitriol ameliorates motor deficits and prolongs survival of Chrne-deficient mouse, a model for congenital myasthenic syndrome, by inducing Rspo2. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00318. [PMID: 38233267 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00318] [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: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Signal transduction at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is compromised in a diverse array of diseases including congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS). Germline mutations in CHRNE encoding the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) ε subunit are the most common cause of CMS. An active form of vitamin D, calcitriol, binds to vitamin D receptor (VDR) and regulates gene expressions. We found that calcitriol enhanced MuSK phosphorylation, AChR clustering, and myotube twitching in co-cultured C2C12 myotubes and NSC34 motor neurons. RNA-seq analysis of co-cultured cells showed that calcitriol increased the expressions of Rspo2, Rapsn, and Dusp6. ChIP-seq of VDR revealed that VDR binds to a region approximately 15 kbp upstream to Rspo2. Biallelic deletion of the VDR-binding site of Rspo2 by CRISPR/Cas9 in C2C12 myoblasts/myotubes nullified the calcitriol-mediated induction of Rspo2 expression and MuSK phosphorylation. We generated Chrne knockout (Chrne KO) mouse by CRISPR/Cas9. Intraperitoneal administration of calcitriol markedly increased the number of AChR clusters, as well as the area, the intensity, and the number of synaptophysin-positive synaptic vesicles, in Chrne KO mice. In addition, calcitriol ameliorated motor deficits and prolonged survival of Chrne KO mice. In the skeletal muscle, calcitriol increased the gene expressions of Rspo2, Rapsn, and Dusp6. We propose that calcitriol is a potential therapeutic agent for CMS and other diseases with defective neuromuscular signal transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bisei Ohkawara
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
| | - Hiroyuki Tomita
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Taro Inoue
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shaochuan Zhang
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Kanbara
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Koshimizu
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yuki Miyasaka
- Department of Genetics, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (RIeM), Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichi Takeda
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nishiwaki
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Nakashima
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Mikako Ito
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akio Masuda
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Naoki Ishiguro
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tomoo Ogi
- Department of Genetics, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (RIeM), Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tamio Ohno
- Division of Experimental Animals, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shiro Imagama
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kinji Ohno
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
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Miao Y, Xie L, Song J, Cai X, Yang J, Ma X, Chen S, Xie P. Unraveling the causes of sarcopenia: Roles of neuromuscular junction impairment and mitochondrial dysfunction. Physiol Rep 2024; 12:e15917. [PMID: 38225199 PMCID: PMC10789655 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15917] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Sarcopenia is a systemic skeletal muscle disease characterized by a decline in skeletal muscle mass and function. Originally defined as an age-associated condition, sarcopenia presently also encompasses muscular atrophy due to various pathological factors, such as intensive care unit-acquired weakness, inactivity, and malnutrition. The exact pathogenesis of sarcopenia is still unknown; herein, we review the pathological roles of the neuromuscular junction and mitochondria in this condition. Sarcopenia is caused by complex and interdependent pathophysiological mechanisms, including aging, neuromuscular junction impairment, mitochondrial dysfunction, insulin resistance, lipotoxicity, endocrine factors, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Among these, neuromuscular junction instability and mitochondrial dysfunction are particularly significant. Dysfunction in neuromuscular junction can lead to muscle weakness or paralysis. Mitochondria, which are plentiful in neurons and muscle fibers, play an important role in neuromuscular junction transmission. Therefore, impairments in both mitochondria and neuromuscular junction may be one of the key pathophysiological mechanisms leading to sarcopenia. Moreover, this article explores the structural and functional alterations in the neuromuscular junction and mitochondria in sarcopenia, suggesting that a deeper understanding of these changes could provide valuable insights for the prevention or treatment of sarcopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Miao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine of the Third Affiliated Hospital (The First People's Hospital of Zunyi)Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyiChina
| | - Leiyu Xie
- Department of Critical Care Medicine of the Third Affiliated Hospital (The First People's Hospital of Zunyi)Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyiChina
| | - Jiamei Song
- Department of Nursing of Affiliated HospitalZunyi Medical UniversityZunyiChina
| | - Xing Cai
- Department of Critical Care Medicine of the Third Affiliated Hospital (The First People's Hospital of Zunyi)Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyiChina
| | - Jinghe Yang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine of the Third Affiliated Hospital (The First People's Hospital of Zunyi)Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyiChina
- Department of The First Clinical CollegeZunyi Medical UniversityZunyiChina
| | - Xinglong Ma
- Department of Critical Care Medicine of the Third Affiliated Hospital (The First People's Hospital of Zunyi)Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyiChina
| | - Shaolin Chen
- Department of Nursing of Affiliated HospitalZunyi Medical UniversityZunyiChina
| | - Peng Xie
- Department of Critical Care Medicine of the Third Affiliated Hospital (The First People's Hospital of Zunyi)Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyiChina
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Hayashi M. Pathophysiology of Childhood-Onset Myasthenia: Abnormalities of Neuromuscular Junction and Autoimmunity and Its Background. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2023; 30:599-617. [PMID: 38133144 PMCID: PMC10747330 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology30040043] [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: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of myasthenia gravis (MG) has been largely elucidated over the past half century, and treatment methods have advanced. However, the number of cases of childhood-onset MG is smaller than that of adult MG, and the treatment of childhood-onset MG has continued to be based on research in the adult field. Research on pathophysiology and treatment methods that account for the unique growth and development of children is now desired. According to an epidemiological survey conducted by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan, the number of patients with MG by age of onset in Japan is high in early childhood. In recent years, MG has been reported from many countries around the world, but the pattern of the number of patients by age of onset differs between East Asia and Western Europe, confirming that the Japanese pattern is common in East Asia. Furthermore, there are racial differences in autoimmune MG and congenital myasthenic syndromes according to immunogenetic background, and their pathophysiology and relationships are gradually becoming clear. In addition, treatment options are also recognized in different regions of the world. In this review article, I will present recent findings focusing on the differences in pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Hayashi
- Department of Pediatrics, Uwajima City Hospital, Uwajima 798-8510, Japan
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Leng Y, Li X, Zheng F, Liu H, Wang C, Wang X, Liao Y, Liu J, Meng K, Yu J, Zhang J, Wang B, Tan Y, Liu M, Jia X, Li D, Li Y, Gu Z, Fan Y. Advances in In Vitro Models of Neuromuscular Junction: Focusing on Organ-on-a-Chip, Organoids, and Biohybrid Robotics. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2211059. [PMID: 36934404 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202211059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a peripheral synaptic connection between presynaptic motor neurons and postsynaptic skeletal muscle fibers that enables muscle contraction and voluntary motor movement. Many traumatic, neurodegenerative, and neuroimmunological diseases are classically believed to mainly affect either the neuronal or the muscle side of the NMJ, and treatment options are lacking. Recent advances in novel techniques have helped develop in vitro physiological and pathophysiological models of the NMJ as well as enable precise control and evaluation of its functions. This paper reviews the recent developments in in vitro NMJ models with 2D or 3D cultures, from organ-on-a-chip and organoids to biohybrid robotics. Related derivative techniques are introduced for functional analysis of the NMJ, such as the patch-clamp technique, microelectrode arrays, calcium imaging, and stimulus methods, particularly optogenetic-mediated light stimulation, microelectrode-mediated electrical stimulation, and biochemical stimulation. Finally, the applications of the in vitro NMJ models as disease models or for drug screening related to suitable neuromuscular diseases are summarized and their future development trends and challenges are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubing Leng
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiaorui Li
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Fuyin Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Xudong Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yulong Liao
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jiangyue Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Kaiqi Meng
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jiaheng Yu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jingyi Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Binyu Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yingjun Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Meili Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiaoling Jia
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Deyu Li
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yinghui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Zhongze Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Yubo Fan
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
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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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Li S, Liu H, Ruan Z, Guo R, Sun C, Tang Y, Huang X, Gao T, Hao S, Li H, Song N, Su Y, Ning F, Li Z, Chang T. Landscape analysis of m6A modification regulators related biological functions and immune characteristics in myasthenia gravis. J Transl Med 2023; 21:166. [PMID: 36864526 PMCID: PMC9983271 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-03947-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification has been recognized to play fundamental roles in the development of autoimmune diseases. However, the implication of m6A modification in myasthenia gravis (MG) remains largely unknown. Thus, we aimed to systematically explore the potential functions and related immune characteristics of m6A regulators in MG. METHODS The GSE85452 dataset with MG and healthy samples was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. m6A modification regulators were manually curated. The targets of m6A regulators were obtained from m6A2Target database. The differential expressed m6A regulators in GSE85452 dataset were identified by "limma" package and were validated by RT-PCR. Function enrichment analysis of dysregulated m6A regulators was performed using "clusterProfiler" package. Correlation analysis was applied for analyzing the relationships between m6A regulators and immune characteristics. Unsupervised clustering analysis was used to identify distinct m6A modification subtypes. The differences between subtypes were analyzed, including the expression level of all genes and the enrichment degree of immune characteristics. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was conducted to obtain modules associated with m6A modification subtypes. RESULTS We found that CBLL1, RBM15 and YTHDF1 were upregulated in MG samples of GSE85452 dataset, and the results were verified by RT-PCR in blood samples from19 MG patients and 19 controls. The targeted genes common modified by CBLL1, RBM15, and YTHDF1 were mainly enriched in histone modification and Wnt signaling pathway. Correlation analysis showed that three dysregulated m6A regulators were closely associated with immune characteristics. Among them, RBM15 possessed the strongest correlation with immune characteristics, including CD56dim natural killer cell (r = 0.77, P = 0.0023), T follicular helper cell (r = - 0.86, P = 0.0002), Interferon Receptor (r = 0.78, P = 0.0017), and HLA-DOA (r = 0.64, P = 0.0200). Further two distinct m6A modification patterns mediated by three dysregulated m6A regulators was identified. Bioinformatics analysis found that there were 3029 differentially expressed genes and different immune characteristics between two m6A modification patterns. Finally, WGCNA analysis obtained a total of 12 modules and yellow module was the most positively correlated to subtype-2. CONCLUSION Our findings suggested that m6A RNA modification had an important effect on immunity molecular mechanism of MG and provided a new perspective into understanding the pathogenesis of MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Li
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China.,Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhe Ruan
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rongjing Guo
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chao Sun
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yonglan Tang
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoxi Huang
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ting Gao
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Sijia Hao
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Huanhuan Li
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Na Song
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yue Su
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fan Ning
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhuyi Li
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ting Chang
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China.
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10
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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: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [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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11
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Ohno K, Ohkawara B, Shen XM, Selcen D, Engel AG. Clinical and Pathologic Features of Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes Caused by 35 Genes-A Comprehensive Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043730. [PMID: 36835142 PMCID: PMC9961056 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by impaired neuromuscular signal transmission due to germline pathogenic variants in genes expressed at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). A total of 35 genes have been reported in CMS (AGRN, ALG14, ALG2, CHAT, CHD8, CHRNA1, CHRNB1, CHRND, CHRNE, CHRNG, COL13A1, COLQ, DOK7, DPAGT1, GFPT1, GMPPB, LAMA5, LAMB2, LRP4, MUSK, MYO9A, PLEC, PREPL, PURA, RAPSN, RPH3A, SCN4A, SLC18A3, SLC25A1, SLC5A7, SNAP25, SYT2, TOR1AIP1, UNC13A, VAMP1). The 35 genes can be classified into 14 groups according to the pathomechanical, clinical, and therapeutic features of CMS patients. Measurement of compound muscle action potentials elicited by repetitive nerve stimulation is required to diagnose CMS. Clinical and electrophysiological features are not sufficient to identify a defective molecule, and genetic studies are always required for accurate diagnosis. From a pharmacological point of view, cholinesterase inhibitors are effective in most groups of CMS, but are contraindicated in some groups of CMS. Similarly, ephedrine, salbutamol (albuterol), amifampridine are effective in most but not all groups of CMS. This review extensively covers pathomechanical and clinical features of CMS by citing 442 relevant articles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinji Ohno
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
- Correspondence: (K.O.); (A.G.E.)
| | - Bisei Ohkawara
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Xin-Ming Shen
- Department of Neurology and Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Duygu Selcen
- Department of Neurology and Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Andrew G. Engel
- Department of Neurology and Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Correspondence: (K.O.); (A.G.E.)
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12
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Electrodiagnostic Studies in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy. Clin Spine Surg 2022; 35:403-409. [PMID: 36447344 DOI: 10.1097/bsd.0000000000001413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The diagnosis of degenerative cervical myelopathy can generally be made with a thorough history, physical examination, and spinal imaging. Electrodiagnostic studies, consisting of nerve conduction studies and electromyography, are a useful adjunct when the clinical picture is inconsistent or there is concern for overlapping pathology. Electrodiagnostic studies may be particularly helpful in identifying cases of myeloradiculopathy, when there is combined nerve root and spinal cord injury, both with regards to prognosis and guiding surgical treatment. Electrodiagnostic studies are a useful adjunct for the spine surgeon and should be used when there are features atypical for degenerative cervical myelopathy or when there is suspicion for a concomitant disease process.
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He X, Zhou S, Ji Y, Zhang Y, Lv J, Quan S, Zhang J, Zhao X, Cui W, Li W, Liu P, Zhang L, Shen T, Fang H, Yang J, Zhang Y, Cui X, Zhang Q, Gao F. Sorting nexin 17 increases low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 membrane expression: A novel mechanism of acetylcholine receptor aggregation in myasthenia gravis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:916098. [PMID: 36311763 PMCID: PMC9601310 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.916098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is characterized by autoimmune damage to the postsynaptic membrane of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) with impaired postsynaptic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) aggregation. Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (LRP4) plays an important role in AChR aggregation at endplate membranes via the Agrin–LRP4–muscle-specific receptor tyrosine kinase (MuSK) cascade. Sorting nexin 17 (SNX17) regulates the degradation and recycling of various internalized membrane proteins. However, whether SNX17 regulates LRP4 remains unclear. Therefore, we examined the regulatory effects of SNX17 on LRP4 and its influence on AChR aggregation in MG. We selected C2C12 myotubes and induced LRP4 internalization via stimulation with anti-LRP4 antibody and confirmed intracellular interaction between SNX17 and LRP4. SNX17 knockdown and overexpression confirmed that SNX17 promoted MuSK phosphorylation and AChR aggregation by increasing cell surface LRP4 expression. By establishing experimental autoimmune MG (EAMG) mouse models, we identified that SNX17 upregulation improved fragmentation of the AChR structure at the NMJ and alleviated leg weakness in EAMG mice. Thus, these results reveal that SNX17 may be a novel target for future MG therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao He
- BGI College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shuxian Zhou
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ying Ji
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yingna Zhang
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jie Lv
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shangkun Quan
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xue Zhao
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Weike Cui
- BGI College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenbo Li
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Peipei Liu
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Linyuan Zhang
- BGI College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tong Shen
- Department of Encephalopathy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hua Fang
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Junhong Yang
- Department of Encephalopathy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yunke Zhang
- Department of Encephalopathy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xinzheng Cui
- Myasthenia Gravis Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qingyong Zhang
- Myasthenia Gravis Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Feng Gao,
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14
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Le Ray D, Bertrand SS, Dubuc R. Cholinergic Modulation of Locomotor Circuits in Vertebrates. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810738. [PMID: 36142651 PMCID: PMC9501616 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Locomotion is a basic motor act essential for survival. Amongst other things, it allows animals to move in their environment to seek food, escape predators, or seek mates for reproduction. The neural mechanisms involved in the control of locomotion have been examined in many vertebrate species and a clearer picture is progressively emerging. The basic muscle synergies responsible for propulsion are generated by neural networks located in the spinal cord. In turn, descending supraspinal inputs are responsible for starting, maintaining, and stopping locomotion as well as for steering and controlling speed. Several neurotransmitter systems play a crucial role in modulating the neural activity during locomotion. For instance, cholinergic inputs act both at the spinal and supraspinal levels and the underlying mechanisms are the focus of the present review. Much information gained on supraspinal cholinergic modulation of locomotion was obtained from the lamprey model. Nicotinic cholinergic inputs increase the level of excitation of brainstem descending command neurons, the reticulospinal neurons (RSNs), whereas muscarinic inputs activate a select group of hindbrain neurons that project to the RSNs to boost their level of excitation. Muscarinic inputs also reduce the transmission of sensory inputs in the brainstem, a phenomenon that could help in sustaining goal directed locomotion. In the spinal cord, intrinsic cholinergic inputs strongly modulate the activity of interneurons and motoneurons to control the locomotor output. Altogether, the present review underlines the importance of the cholinergic inputs in the modulation of locomotor activity in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didier Le Ray
- Institut des Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d’Aquitaine (INCIA), UMR 5287, Université de Bordeaux-CNRS, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
- Correspondence: (D.L.R.); (R.D.)
| | - Sandrine S. Bertrand
- Institut des Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d’Aquitaine (INCIA), UMR 5287, Université de Bordeaux-CNRS, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Réjean Dubuc
- Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
- Department of Physical Activity Sciences and Research Group in Adapted Physical Activity, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada
- Correspondence: (D.L.R.); (R.D.)
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Heidarpour N, Singh A, Caputo JM, Barbieri R, Pampana VS, Kamath VG, Kaur G. Unfolding of Novel Independent Missense Mutations in VAMP2 and AGRN and Their Collective Role in Global Developmental Delay: A Case Report. Cureus 2022; 14:e28464. [PMID: 36176870 PMCID: PMC9511814 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.28464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP2) and Agrin (AGRN) are crucial proteins in neurotransmission. VAMP2 is a vesicular protein that facilitates the exocytosis of neurotransmitters. At the same time, AGRN plays a critical role in the maintenance and function of neuromuscular junctions. Mutations in the signaling pathway of VAMP2 and AGRN impair proper signaling between the presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons, and can result in neurodevelopmental conditions known as global developmental delay (GDD). This study highlights a presentation of GDD in a patient with concurrent mutations in VAMP2 and AGRN. A three-year-old female child presented with GDD characterized by hypotonia, intellectual disability, and dysphagia. Physical exam exhibited signs of developmental delay and severe muscle weakness. EEG findings were suggestive of a hypsarrhythmia pattern. The ophthalmological evaluation showed partial optic atrophy bilaterally. Therapeutic interventions included Keppra and Topamax, which proved ineffective. The patient’s outcome was inconclusive as care was transferred to another facility. This case study reports the novel appearance of two concurrent mutations: p.Gln76Pro associated with VAMP2 and p.Gln970Glu associated with AGRN. Mutations in VAMP2 lead to a dysfunctional SNARE complex and inhibit exocytosis of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. Mutations in AGRN impair the ability to form and activate postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Improper signaling between presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons is an important determinant of GDD. We hope that accounting for this mutational pattern will contribute to understanding synapse assembly and help unravel the complex interplay of factors involved in the pathology of neuromuscular disorders and GDD.
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16
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Yang J, Jiang F, Yang M, Chen Z. Sarcopenia and nervous system disorders. J Neurol 2022; 269:5787-5797. [PMID: 35829759 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11268-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Sarcopenia has an insidious start that can induce physical malfunction, raise the risk of falls, disability, and mortality in the old, severely impair the aged persons' quality of life and health. More and more studies have demonstrated that sarcopenia is linked to neurological diseases in recent years. This review examines the advancement of sarcopenia and neurological illnesses research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, No.100 of Minjiang Street, Quzhou, 32400, Zhejiang, China
| | - Feifei Jiang
- Department of Neurology, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, No.100 of Minjiang Street, Quzhou, 32400, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Neurology, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, No.100 of Minjiang Street, Quzhou, 32400, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhizhi Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, No.100 of Minjiang Street, Quzhou, 32400, Zhejiang, China.
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17
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Shi Y, Qin L, Wu M, Zheng J, Xie T, Shao Z. Gut neuroendocrine signaling regulates synaptic assembly in C. elegans. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e53267. [PMID: 35748387 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202153267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic connections are essential to build a functional brain. How synapses are formed during development is a fundamental question in neuroscience. Recent studies provided evidence that the gut plays an important role in neuronal development through processing signals derived from gut microbes or nutrients. Defects in gut-brain communication can lead to various neurological disorders. Although the roles of the gut in communicating signals from its internal environment to the brain are well known, it remains unclear whether the gut plays a genetically encoded role in neuronal development. Using C. elegans as a model, we uncover that a Wnt-endocrine signaling pathway in the gut regulates synaptic development in the brain. A canonical Wnt signaling pathway promotes synapse formation through regulating the expression of the neuropeptides encoding gene nlp-40 in the gut, which functions through the neuronally expressed GPCR/AEX-2 receptor during development. Wnt-NLP-40-AEX-2 signaling likely acts to modulate neuronal activity. Our study reveals a genetic role of the gut in synaptic development and identifies a novel contribution of the gut-brain axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjun Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengting Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junyu Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyong Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Huang K, Duan HQ, Li QX, Luo YB, Bi FF, Yang H. Clinicopathological-genetic features of congenital myasthenic syndrome from a Chinese neuromuscular centre. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:3828-3836. [PMID: 35670010 PMCID: PMC9279597 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17417] [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: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) encompasses a heterogeneous group of inherited disorders affecting nerve transmission across the neuromuscular junction. The aim of this study was to characterize the clinical, physiological, pathohistological and genetic features of nine unrelated Chinese patients with CMS from a single neuromuscular centre. A total of nine patients aged from neonates to 34 years were enrolled who exhibited initial symptoms. Physical examinations revealed that all patients exhibited muscle weakness. Muscle biopsies demonstrated multiple myopathological changes, including increased fibre size variation, myofibrillar network disarray, necrosis, myofiber grouping, regeneration, fibre atrophy and angular fibres. Genetic testing revealed six different mutated genes, including AGRN (2/9), CHRNE (1/9), GFPT1 (1/9), GMPPB (1/9), PLEC (3/9) and SCN4A (1/9). In addition, patients exhibited differential responses to pharmacological treatment. Prompt utilization of genetic testing will identify novel variants and expand our understanding of the phenotype of this rare syndrome. Our findings contribute to the clinical, pathohistological and genetic spectrum of congenital myasthenic syndrome in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Huang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Institute of Molecular Precision Medicine and Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hui-Qian Duan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qiu-Xiang Li
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yue-Bei Luo
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fang-Fang Bi
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Peripheral Nerve Impairment in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11091245. [PMID: 34573265 PMCID: PMC8465822 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11091245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcopenia, a geriatric syndrome involving loss of muscle mass and strength, is often associated with the early phases of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Pathological hallmarks of AD including amyloid β (Aβ) aggregates which can be found in peripheral tissues such as skeletal muscle. However, not much is currently known about their possible involvement in sarcopenia. We investigated neuronal innervation in skeletal muscle of Tg2576 mice, a genetic model for Aβ accumulation. We examined cholinergic innervation of skeletal muscle in adult Tg2576 and wild type mice by immunofluorescence labeling of tibialis anterior (TA) muscle sections using antibodies raised against neurofilament light chain (NFL) and acetylcholine (ACh) synthesizing enzyme choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). Combining this histological approach with real time quantification of mRNA levels of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, we demonstrated that in the TA of Tg2576 mice, neuronal innervation is significantly reduced and synaptic area is smaller and displays less ChAT content when compared to wild type mice. Our study provides the first evidence of reduced cholinergic innervation of skeletal muscle in a mouse model of Aβ accumulation. This evidence sustains the possibility that sarcopenia in AD originates from Aβ-mediated cholinergic loss.
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Zonisamide upregulates neuregulin-1 expression and enhances acetylcholine receptor clustering at the in vitro neuromuscular junction. Neuropharmacology 2021; 195:108637. [PMID: 34097946 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Decreased acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clustering compromises signal transmission at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) in myasthenia gravis, congenital myasthenic syndromes, and motor neuron diseases. Although the enhancement of AChR clustering at the NMJ is a promising therapeutic strategy for these maladies, no drug is currently available for this enhancement. We previously reported that zonisamide (ZNS), an anti-epileptic and anti-Parkinson's disease drug, enhances neurite elongation of the primary spinal motor neurons (SMNs). As nerve sprouting occurs to compensate for the loss of AChR clusters in human diseases, we examined the effects of ZNS on AChR clustering at the NMJ. To this end, we established a simple and quick co-culture system to reproducibly make in vitro NMJs using C2C12 myotubes and NSC34 motor neurons. ZNS at 1-20 μM enhanced the formation of AChR clusters dose-dependently in co-cultured C2C12 myotubes but not in agrin-treated single cultured C2C12 myotubes. We observed that molecules that conferred responsiveness to ZNS were not secreted into the co-culture medium. We found that 10 μM ZNS upregulated the expression of neuregulin-1 (Nrg1) in co-cultured cells but not in single cultured C2C12 myotubes or single cultured NSC34 motor neurons. In accordance with this observation, inhibition of the Nrg1/ErbB signaling pathways nullified the effect of 10 μM ZNS on the enhancement of AChR clustering in in vitro NMJs. Although agrin was not induced by 10 μM ZNS in co-cultured cells, anti-agrin antibody attenuated ZNS-mediated enhancement of AChR clustering. We conclude that ZNS enhances agrin-dependent AChR-clustering by upregulating the Nrg1/ErbB signaling pathways in the presence of NMJs.
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Abstract
The WNT/β-catenin signalling pathway is a rich and complex network of cellular proteins that orchestrates diverse short-range cell-to-cell communication in metazoans and is essential for both embryonic development and adult homeostasis. Due to its fundamental importance in controlling cell behaviour at multiple levels, its deregulation is associated with a wide range of diseases in humans and identification of drugs targeting the pathway has attracted strong interest in the pharmaceutical sector. Transduction of WNT signals across the plasma membrane of cells involves a staggering degree of complexity and variety with respect to ligand-receptor, receptor-receptor and receptor-co-receptor interactions (Niehrs, Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 13:767-779, 2012). Although the low-density-lipoprotein-receptor-related-protein (LRP) family is best known for its role in binding and endocytosis of lipoproteins, specific members appear to have additional roles in cellular communication. Indeed, for WNT/β-catenin signalling one apparently universal requirement is the presence of either LRP5 or LRP6 in combination with one of the ten Frizzled (FZD) WNT receptors (FZD1-10). In the 20 years since their discovery as WNT/FZD co-receptors, research on the LRP family has contributed greatly to our understanding of WNT signalling and LRPs have emerged as central players in WNT/β-catenin signalling. LRP5/6 are highly similar and represent the least redundant class of WNT receptor that transduce WNT/β-catenin signalling from a wide range of different WNT and FZD subtypes. This apparent simplicity however belies the complex arrangement of binding sites in the extracellular domain (ECD) of LRP5/6, which regulate interaction not only with WNTs but also with several inhibitors of WNT signalling. This chapter provides a historical overview, chronologically charting this remarkable progress in the field during the last 20 years of research on LRPs and their role in WNT/-catenin signalling. A more focused overview of the structural, functional and mechanistic aspects of LRP biology is also provided, together with the implications this has for pharmacological targeting of this notoriously intractable pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Davidson
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems-Functional Molecular Systems (IBSC-FMS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany.
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